By 1976
Elvis was recording at home in Graceland, cutting what would be the final recordings of his career. Filled with bathos and showing little rock & roll vitality, these remain interesting nonetheless, as it implied his accepting his age somewhat and attempting to combine old-fashioned, melodramatic soul with contemporary country-pop. While the pain and decay are evident -- especially in hindsight --
Elvis could still sing: "Hurt" is excellent, one of his best and, on "Danny Boy,"
Elvis reaches with an aching falsetto that closes the song, appropriately. Still, this is hardly the album to begin your collection with. ~ Neal Umphred