Trouble/Guitar Man/Lawdy Miss Clawdy/Baby What Do You Want Me To Do/Heartbreak Hotel/Hound Dog/All Shook Up/Can’t Help Falling In Love/Jailhouse Rock/Love Me Tender/Where Could I Go But To The Lord/Up Above My Head/Saved/Blue Christmas/One Night/Memories/Nothingville/Big Boss Man/Guitar Man/Little Egypt/ Trouble/Guitar Man/If I Can Dream
After several years in the doldrums Elvis Presley reignited his career in spectacular style with his critically acclaimed comeback TV special, broadcast in December 1968. The only new song on Elvis TV Special was the finale If I Can Dream, a top ten hit in both the US and Britain which was a signpost to his new musical direction. (US:8 UK:2)
"Just when it seemed that his best work was behind him, Elvis returned to form (and then some) with this fantastic album. It didn't necessarily break any new ground, but it returned Elvis to what he did best - good old rock and roll music played with integrity, spirit and heart. There really aren't any weak moments on this album, although the 'unplugged', in-the-round segment is an obvious highlight, as is the closer If I Can Dream, one of Elvis' career defining moments."
"Rumours of his demise were greatly exaggerated. In one night the King clearly reclaims his crown. In peak voice with a maturity and sensitivity unequalled, he's back more intense and impressive than ever before."
“If I Can Dream would in many ways be his first modern day hit single. It was a song that would build throughout forcing Elvis to push himself vocally. It was straight pop, or what would be considered adult contemporary today. Elvis and his fans were growing older and this song was evidence that this process could be graceful."
"The performance given by Elvis for TV cameras in 1968 was everything that rock and roll is supposed to be: raw, stripped down, wild, sloppy, sensual, loud, exuberant, fast, dangerous, celebratory, imperfect, and just plain fun to watch and hear. OK, so the orchestra makes some of it sound dated, but the 'sit-down' portion featuring a few guitars and percussion has that timeless rock & roll jamming sound."
"In the late 60s, Elvis had become stale and a joke. But after his NBC TV special people sat up and remembered the King once again. This album could be thought of as the first 'unplugged' release. It is an impressive mixture of live full blown sets, and personal acoustic sets with just the King, a few guitars, and a bunch of screaming girls."
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