“A detailed look at the emotional ballad recorded on October 23, 1968, and released on March 31, 1970, in Elvis Presley’s album Let’s Be Friends“
Introduction
“Almost” is one of those intimate and understated moments in Elvis Presley’s catalogue—a song far removed from his major commercial hits, yet rich in emotional nuance and gentle lyrical depth. Recorded on October 23, 1968, and released on March 31, 1970, in the budget-line album Let’s Be Friends, this track reveals a softer and more reflective side of Elvis.
Origins, Composition, and Context
The song “Almost” was written by Ben Weisman and Buddy Kaye, two composers who worked with Elvis repeatedly throughout his career. The track was recorded during a Hollywood session at United Artist Recorders on October 23, 1968. It was originally intended for the film The Trouble with Girls (And How to Get Into It), though it was not featured prominently at the time.
When Elvis’s label compiled Let’s Be Friends in early 1970—an album made up of soundtrack leftovers and unreleased material—“Almost” was finally included. The album was released under RCA’s Camden label, known for low-price compilations, but despite that, the track stands out thanks to its emotional quality and refined arrangement.
Recording Session and Personnel
The October 23, 1968 session included a notable group of highly skilled studio musicians. The instrumentation for “Almost” featured:
- Guitars: Jerry McGee, Morton Marker, Robert Gibbons
- Bass: Max Bennett
- Drums: Frank Carlson, John Guerin
- Piano: Don Randi
- Clarinets: Buddy Collette
- Trumpet: Roy Caton
- Trombone: Lew McCreary
- Backing vocals: The Mello Men, Jack Halloran, Ronald Hicklin, Marilyn Mason
The orchestral arrangement surrounding Elvis’s voice provides a soft, nostalgic tone that matches the emotional message of the song. The combination of strings, gentle rhythms, and subtle harmonies allows Elvis’s vocal performance to shine with sincerity.
Lyrics and Meaning
The lyrics of “Almost” speak about a relationship—or a dream—that nearly came true:
“We almost shared a dream,
We almost made it as a team…
We almost touched the stars,
And there stood heaven, almost ours…”
The repeated idea of almost expresses a sense of lost opportunity. Elvis sings with restrained emotion, portraying the quiet sadness of someone who came close to happiness but ultimately fell short. The theme is subtle but powerful—an exploration of what could have been.
Release and Album Placement
Although recorded in 1968, “Almost” was not released until 1970, and it never appeared as a single. Its placement in Let’s Be Friends gave it a second life among fans who appreciate the lesser-known corners of Elvis’s discography.
The album itself was not intended as one of Elvis’s major releases. Instead, it served as a compilation of unused soundtrack songs and other unreleased material. Despite this, “Almost” adds artistic value by offering a calming, introspective musical moment.
Significance in Elvis’s Career
While not a radio hit or a widely recognized classic, “Almost” holds significance for several reasons:
- It demonstrates Elvis’s ability to interpret soft, sophisticated ballads with emotional depth.
- It highlights the craftsmanship of songwriters who understood Elvis’s expressive range.
- It has become appreciated among dedicated fans as an underrated gem from the late 1960s sessions.
- It provides insight into Elvis’s transitional period around 1968–1970, when he returned to stronger artistic control of his music.
Fans often describe the song as a beautiful, understated ballad—simple, short, and emotionally resonant.
Listening Recommendations
To fully appreciate “Almost,” consider:
- Focusing on Elvis’s vocal delivery, which is tender, controlled, and introspective.
- Noticing the orchestral arrangement, which creates a soft and nostalgic atmosphere.
- Understanding the timing, as Elvis recorded it shortly before his ’68 Comeback Special—a major turning point in his career.
- Viewing it as part of his film-related repertoire, since it was originally connected to a movie project.
Conclusion
“Almost” is a delicate and heartfelt piece that enriches Elvis Presley’s musical legacy. Far from the energetic rock and roll image that made him famous, this song shows a mature and reflective artist capable of conveying quiet emotional power. For fans exploring beyond the major hits, “Almost” stands as a hidden treasure—subtle, sincere, and beautifully sung.
Access all of Elvis Presley’s songs at the following link: https://elvisradio24h.com/category/elvis-songs/
The best way to thank us is by sharing this article.
