Album: Moody Blue

Introduction
"Moody Blue" is the twenty-fourth and final studio album by the American vocalist and musician Elvis Presley, launched by RCA Records in July 1977, just a month prior to his death. The album featured a mix of live and studio recordings, encompassing a series of musical designs, from nation and pop to ballads and gospel. It showcased Presley's adaptability and enduring appeal, while likewise showing the turbulent personal and expert circumstances of the King of Rock and Roll in the last stage of his profession.

Background and recording
During the mid-1970s, Elvis Presley's health was deteriorating, and his motivation for recording brand-new product was subsiding. His management, led by Colonel Tom Parker, was under pressure to keep his commercial success despite these challenges. As an outcome, "Moody Blue" was a somewhat patchwork effort, integrating four studio performance history in Graceland's Jungle Room in October 1976 with 4 live tracks from performances in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Rapid City, South Dakota in April 1977.

The recording sessions at Graceland were marked by stress and exhaustion, with Presley fighting with his voice and state of mind. Nevertheless, the singer had the ability to produce a handful of standout efficiencies that would form the core of the album. These included the title track "Moody Blue", written by Mark James (of "Suspicious Minds" popularity), a haunting performance of the conventional hymn "He'll Have to Go", and the ballad "Way Down", which would become his last chart hit.

Album content and reception
"Moody Blue" showcases the different musical influences and genres that informed Presley's profession, with a mix of country, pop, rock, and gospel components. The album opens with the dynamic title track, including a catchy tune and positive tempo, followed by the strange and climatic "She Thinks I Still Care", a nation ballad previously made popular by George Jones. Other highlights consist of the gospel-tinged "Pledging My Love" and the powerhouse performance of the spiritual "It's Easy for You".

Although the album got blended reviews from critics, who were divided over the quality of the product and the inclusion of live tracks, it handled to reach No. 3 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart and No. 1 on the Country Albums chart. The title track, "Moody Blue", also climbed to No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Country Singles chart. However, it was "Way Down" that would show to be Presley's last significant hit, peaking at No. 18 on the pop charts after his death.

Tradition
"Moody Blue" would be the final album released throughout Elvis Presley's life time, as he passed away on August 16, 1977, just weeks after its release. In spite of the difficult situations surrounding its production, the album remains a testament to Presley's exceptional talent and long-lasting influence, showcasing his capability to draw from diverse musical sources and adjust to altering trends in popular music. While it may not be considered a traditional album in the same league as his earlier work of arts, "Moody Blue" stands as a poignant suggestion of the tumultuous last chapter in the life and career of one of the world's most iconic artists.