Promised Land

In 1973, Elvis Presley booked sessions at Memphis' famous Stax Studios, where Booker T. & the MGs, Otis Redding, and numerous other soul stars had recorded hits. Unfortunately, initial efforts to have Presley work with the Stax stable of musicians yielded few usable tracks, and Elvis soon called in his stage band to finish the sessions. The results can be heard on the albums GOOD TIMES, RAISED ON ROCK, and PROMISED LAND.
Like most of Elvis' 70s recordings, PROMISED LAND is an eclectic mix reflecting Presley's many musical enthusiasms. The ten songs that make up this album run the gamut from country heartbreak songs ("There's a Honky Tonk Angel," "Mr. Songman") to carnal white funk ("If You Talk in Your Sleep") to heartfelt gospel ("Help Me") to schmaltzy pop ("Love Song of the Year," "It's Midnight"). While the performances on PROMISED LAND are uniformly excellent, the material is a mixed bag of strong material and throwaways. The production is extravagant, typical of Presley recordings from this era. Those interested in hearing these songs in sparer settings might want to check out RHYTHM AND COUNTRY, a collection of undubbed alternate takes from the Stax sessions.