Album: Today

Overview
"Today" is the twenty-second studio album by the legendary American rock and roll vocalist Elvis Presley. Released in May 1975 by RCA Records, the album features a mix of contemporary material and nation ballads. The recording sessions took place at RCA's Studio C in Hollywood, California, in March 1975, following Presley's series of sold-out live performances in Las Vegas. "Today" peaked at number 57 on the Billboard Top LP's & Tapes chart and has actually given that been accredited gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Background and Recording
By 1975, Elvis Presley was nearing the end of his career, and his individual life had begun to impact his work. His marital relationship to Priscilla Presley had actually ended in 1973, and his dependency on prescription drugs was taking a toll on his physical and psychological health. Regardless of these difficulties, Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, kept him on a rigorous touring and recording schedule to preserve his appeal and earnings.

"Today" was taped in a more intimate, easygoing setting than his previous albums, with Presley organizing the studio to appear like a den or a living room, filled with plush chairs, rugs, and memorabilia. This relaxed atmosphere appears to have actually had favorable results on both Presley and the artists, permitting them to tape-record the entire album in simply a few days.

Music and Lyrics
"Today" is a varied collection of tunes, varying from nation ballads to upbeat pop tunes. The album begins with the spirited, sing-along track "T-R-O-U-B-L-E", a song that would become a hit for country vocalist Travis Tritt in the 1990s. Another noteworthy track is "Bringin' It Back", which was composed by Gregg Gordon, a previous member of the rock band The Spiders, who had actually opened for Presley throughout his late-'60s concerts. Other notable songs consist of the emotional ballad "And I Love You So", a cover of the Don McLean timeless, and the reflective "Susan When She Tried", a reflective song penned by Memphis songwriter Don Reid.

The album also features Presley's cover of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released", which showcases his emotional singing variety and ability to analyze varied musical genres. Additionally, "Today" consists of several reinterpretations of Elvis' earlier hits, such as "Green, Green Grass of Home", "Fairytale", and "Woman Without Love", each of which is delivered with a more mature, world-weary mindset than one might expect from the King of Rock and Roll.

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Today" got blended evaluations from critics. Some applauded Presley's continued ability to reinvent himself and deliver passionate performances while others noted his decreasing vocal prowess and the album's absence of industrial hits. Regardless of the lukewarm reviews, "Today" handled to fare well on the charts, thanks in part to the success of its songs, "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" and "Bringin' It Back", which reached numbers 35 and 65 on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively.

In the years following its release, "Today" has acquired a track record as one of the more powerful albums from Elvis Presley's later profession. While it may not have the effect or long lasting appeal of his earlier works, the album serves as a testimony to Presley's incredible talent and durability in the face of personal and professional difficulties. Today, fans and critics continue to value the album for its genuine efficiencies and special mix of categories.