After the monumental release of Elvis Presley’s debut album, Elvis released his second album just seven months later. Elvis had already released four number one singles in I Want You, I Need You, Don’t Be Cruel, Love Me Tender (from the EP soundtrack of the movie he starred in with the same name)and the distinguished remake of Big Mama Thorton’s Hound Dog by the time he released his outstanding second release in October of 1956.

The second album which spent four weeks at the top of the Billboard Charts catapulted Elvis Aaron Presley into singer stardom. Being the first artist to have two albums go number one in the same year, Elvis came into the studio with the confidence that would make anybody “all shook up.” With confidence, Elvis arguably greatly improved his singing ability compared to his first album. The boldness of his second was historically important into making Elvis a more rounded and diverse singer.

The Album starts out with a remake of Little Richard’s Rip It Up. This remake is an upbeat, yet smoother song than the original which consists of the ever so recognizable shouts and screams of Little Richard. The following track, Love Me, is an original that is beautifully sung with Elvis’ signature trebling voice. The track was released as a single reaching number 10 in the country charts, seven in the R&B charts, and number two in the Hot 100 charts. Elvis tells a woman that he pretty much doesn’t care how she treats him, all he wants is for her to love him. A circa 1940s country song, When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again is remade almost effortlessly. A smooth and upbeat song, The King’s trembling voice turns the song into tumbling effect onto number 19 on the Hot 100 charts. A roaring Little Richard cover, Long Tall Sally, Elvis sings his guts out reminding everybody that the King can rock with-if not better-than rest of them.

First In Line shows how refined Mr. Presley’s voice was becoming. A sweet ballad to make any woman swoon. The charting single of Paralyzed is a rolling number that the artist sings so smoothly, it was destined to be on the charts peaking at number 59. Elvis goes to the blues as Arthur Crudup’s original version of I’m So Glad You’re Mine can’t possibly match up to the power of Presley. The song almost forces anybody to shake their legs and hips. The sentimental cover of the 1941 haunting song, Old Shep also charted. The Hot 100 number 47 song recollects on how Elvis’ various singing styles can always be bested by himself.

Once again, a restyle of a Little Richard song, this one Ready Teddy, has a guitar solo in the mix. The following song, Anyplace Is Paradise is a gorgeous blues song with Elvis singing high and low with a beat that makes you move slowly and singing along once gotten a hold of the lyrics. The last two songs of the album begins with the slow How’s the World Treating You shows that even rock starts can be broken after a break up. How Do You Think I Feel is an upbeat sorrow song that compliments the song preceding it in a way that is well explained in the title.

The Elvis album was reissued in 2005 with six bonus tracks from the same time adjoining the recording sessions. The bonus tracks include the singles of Hound Dog, Don’t Be Cruel, Anyway You Want Me, and Love Me Tender. Listen and enjoy the powerful voice of Elvis Presley in his second, and better in my opinion, successful attempt to take over the world via music.