It’s a testament to Presley’s enduring appeal, his ability to connect with listeners across generations through his raw talent and emotional sincerity.

“Starting Today”, released that year as part of the album Elvis for Everyone!, is a song that embodies this very transition. It’s a track that wouldn’t feel out of place nestled amongst his earlier, swaggering rockabilly hits.

There’s a driving rhythm section, a touch of that signature Presley sneer in his vocal delivery, and a simple yet catchy melody. But listen a little closer, and you hear hints of something new.

The arrangement is a touch more sophisticated, the instrumentation a little fuller, perhaps reflecting the influence of the burgeoning pop-rock scene.

Lyrically, “Starting Today” is a classic heartbreak ballad, a theme Presley revisited often throughout his career. The protagonist, presumably reeling from a romantic betrayal, declares his intention to move on. He vows to “teach his heart not to ache anymore” and to “forget” his lost love.

There’s a touch of defiance in his voice, a man determined to pick himself up and dust himself off. Yet, beneath the bravado, there’s a vulnerability too. The recurring line, “Starting today,” betrays a tinge of uncertainty, a hint that letting go might not be as easy as he proclaims.

This interplay between bravado and vulnerability is a hallmark of Presley’s best work. He could embody both the cocksure rockstar and the heartbroken everyman, often within the same song. “Starting Today” is a prime example of this.

It’s a song that looks back to his earlier rock and roll roots while also hinting at the more introspective sounds he would explore in the years to come. It’s a testament to Presley’s enduring appeal, his ability to connect with listeners across generations through his raw talent and emotional sincerity. So, let’s delve into “Starting Today” and see where the King of Rock and Roll takes us.

“Starting Today”