“A sophisticated ballad that shined during Elvis’s 1968 comeback era”
Introduction
In 1968, a decisive year for Elvis Presley’s career, the song “Almost in Love” was released — a sophisticated and atmospheric track that showcased a more mature and romantic side of the artist. Although the ’68 Comeback Special often steals the historical spotlight, “Almost in Love” stands as a key piece to understanding the crooner style and refined musical direction Elvis was exploring in this transitional era.
Origin and Composition
“Almost in Love” was written by Luigi Creatore and Hugo Peretti, two notable composers and producers closely tied to Elvis’s music, who were also behind classics such as “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
The song blends elements of bossa nova, orchestral pop, and a cinematic tone that perfectly complements Elvis’s artistic reinvention in the late 1960s. Its smooth, elegant atmosphere reflects Presley’s desire to explore more mature and refined sounds.
Recording
- Recording date: March 6, 1968
- Location: Western Recorders, Hollywood, California
- Producer: Billy Strange
The session was part of a series of recordings primarily intended for the soundtrack of the film “Live a Little, Love a Little”, released that same year. During these sessions, Elvis worked with top-tier session musicians, including guitarists, arrangers, and horn sections typical of the late-60s California studio scene.
Elvis’s vocal performance stands out for its control, smoothness, and intimate phrasing that fits the song’s subtle, almost jazz-styled character.
Release
- Single release date: September 2, 1968
- A-side/B-side: In many markets, “Almost in Love” served as the A-side with “A Little Less Conversation” as the B-side. In other regions, the order was reversed depending on promotional strategy.
Its release coincided with preparations for the Comeback Special, which overshadowed this single due to the massive media attention surrounding Elvis’s return. Nonetheless, the song became a favorite among fans who appreciated Elvis’s romantic and refined style.
Presence in Film
“Almost in Love” was featured in the soundtrack of “Live a Little, Love a Little”, accompanying scenes with a smooth, intimate tone. The track perfectly matched the film’s modern aesthetic—one of MGM’s more serious attempts to present a more mature Elvis, far from the lighter musicals of earlier years.
Musical Style and Analysis
“Almost in Love” is distinguished by:
- A soft rhythmic base influenced by bossa nova, reminiscent of artists like Antonio Carlos Jobim
- Orchestral arrangements that give the song a sophisticated, late-night feel
- A seductive melody crafted to highlight Elvis’s warm vocal timbre
- Lyrics focused on attraction, emotional closeness, and the moment just before falling fully in love, expressed with subtlety and elegance
Taken as a whole, the song sits at the crossroads of romantic pop, light jazz, and film music.
Reception and Impact
Though not a major chart hit, “Almost in Love” gained a “cult favorite” status within Elvis Presley’s catalog. Collectors particularly value the various pressings of the 1968 single, and many later critics consider it one of Elvis’s most sophisticated recordings from the pre-comeback period.
Over the years, it has appeared in numerous compilations and is often highlighted as an example of Elvis’s vocal versatility and emotional range beyond his more explosive rock tracks.
Legacy
“Almost in Love” remains one of Elvis Presley’s most elegant and underrated performances. It demonstrates his ability to adapt to different genres while maintaining his unmistakable vocal identity. The song also helps illustrate the artistic evolution that would lead to his musical renaissance at the end of 1968 and into the early 1970s.
Access all of Elvis Presley’s songs at the following link: https://elvisradio24h.com/category/elvis-songs/
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