(07) Elvis Presley - Moody Blue (1977)

"Moody Blue" is the final studio album by Elvis Presley. The album was a mixture of live and studio work, and included the four tracks from Presley's final studio recording sessions in October 1976 and two tracks leftover from the previous Graceland session in February 1976.

The title song "Moody Blue", authored by Mark James (who'd previously written "Suspicious Minds"), was a previously published hit song recorded at the earlier Graceland session and held over for this album. Also recorded at the February session was George Jones hit "She Thinks I Still Care". "Little Darlin'" was almost more of a burlesque of the '50s rock & roll standard than a real performance, but it is more than made up for by the presence of the Johnny Ace classic "Pledging My Love," done with depth and sincerity. "Way Down" became a hit after Presley's death less than one month after this album's publication.

Track listing

01.  Unchained Melody  (North, Zaret) (recorded on tour April 24, 1977)  - 2:32

02.  If You Love Me (Let Me Know)  (Rostill) (recorded on tour April 26, 1977)  - 2:57

03.  Little Darlin'  (Williams) (recorded on tour April 24, 1977)  - 1:52

04.  He'll Have to Go  (Allison) (recorded at Graceland October 31, 1976)  - 4:28

05.  Let Me Be There  (Rostill) (From the album, Elvis: As Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis March 20, 1974)  - 3:26

06.  Way Down  (Martine, Jr.) (recorded at Graceland October 29, 1976)  - 2:37

07.  Pledging My Love  (Robey, Washington) (recorded at Graceland October 29, 1976)  - 2:50

08.  Moody Blue  (James) (recorded at Graceland February 4, 1976)  - 2:49

09.  She Thinks I Still Care  (Lee, Duffy) (recorded at Graceland February 2, 1976)  - 3:49

10.  It's Easy for You  (Webber, Rice) (recorded at Graceland October 29, 1976)  - 3:26

Released:  July 19, 1977

Genre:  Pop, Rock

Length:  31:35

Label:  RCA Records

Producer:  Felton Jarvis, Chick Crumpacker

Engineer:  Dick Baxter

Personnel

Elvis Presley - vocals, piano, guitars

The Sweet Inspirations, Sherrill Nielson, Kathy Westmoreland, J.D. Sumner & The Stamps, Myrna Smith - background vocals

Bergen White - horn arrangements