'No More' was also released as a single outside the US, also making the Top Ten. 'Can't Help Falling In Love/Rock-A-Hula Baby’ as a double-sided single reached #2/23 in US, December 1961. In interviews she has since admitted, somewhat surprisingly, to knowing Elvis from the fifties and his time at Paramount for ‘Loving You’ - and that she had also been dating Elvis on and off since before he went into the army. Joan Blackman (see photo below) was Elvis’ co-star in ‘Blue Hawaii’ and later in ‘Kid Galahad’. On the girlfriend front Elvis was still dating Anita Wood as well as Sandy Ferra, while Priscilla was still living in Germany. On March 20th Elvis reported to Paramount Studios in Hollywood before heading to the Radio Recorders studio for soundtrack rehearsals. It had been only 8 days since Elvis had wrapped up the great ‘Something For Everybody’ sessions in Nashville’s Studio B. With fourteen songs in the film the music was a key feature, although both the Hawaiian scenery and an enjoyable if lightweight plot did help make it one of Elvis' most enjoyable films.Ĭlick here to EIN's in-depth examination of the actual film. 56 tracks, 158 minutes).īlue Hawaii was Elvis’ 8th film and after the dramas of 'Flaming Star' and 'Wild In the Country' it was a return to a family fun musical.
So this FTD extended movie soundtrack release better be the definitive version to make it worth buying again. Surely every Elvis fan must own at least one copy of 'Blue Hawaii'. 'Blue Hawaii' is the seventeenth FTD extended movie soundtrack release. Here we continue EIN’s in-depth look at each one to see if they are worth buying all over again. Despite it's travelogue style 'Blue Hawaii' has always been an essential album to own. One of Elvis' biggest selling albums, most fans would have previously purchased these songs on the original vinyl and then again via BMG's extended 1997 release. Produced by Hal Wallis and directed by Norman Taurog it reached #2 of Variety's weekly list of Top Grossing films. It’s not Elvis Presley’s strongest effort but it’s not his worst album either.Blue Hawaii FTD extended Soundtrack CD - In-depth review by Piers Beagley -īlue Hawaii is one of Elvis' most successful films. Nevertheless, it served its purpose – the songs fit the movie perfectly. There are a few standouts and some fillers. Hawaiian Wedding Song is a lovely ballad that wraps up the whole record nicely.īlue Hawaii is enjoyable but that’s all there is to it.
Island of Love is a relaxing tune that makes you want to fly to Hawaii ASAP. Beach Boy Blues doesn’t do much for the album and is a bit bland.
Hawaiian Sunset is good but doesn’t stand out. Ito Eats and Slicin’ Sand are both fillers. You can almost feel the cool breeze and smell the ocean while listening to it. Moonlight Swim sticks to the theme but is rather forgettable. Rock-A-Hula Baby is an up-tempo song with a rock ‘n roll flavor. He often performed it as finale for his concerts in the ’60s and ’70s. It’s one of his greatest ballads – a timeless classic that remains well-loved today. Then comes the highlight – Can’t Help Falling in Love. No More is a wistful and nostalgic number. Aloha ‘Oe is somehow necessary because this Liliʻuokalani-composed song is a popular tune in Hawaii. Almost Always True is fun to listen to but nothing special.
The album kicks off with the title track which sets the mood and has that dreamy feel. It’s not in the same league as From Elvis in Memphis or A Date with Elvis but it does have its moments. The album’s coherent and it does make you feel as though you’re on a tropical adventure with no less than The King. There’s nothing groundbreaking or innovative about it but it’s a solid effort.