SIGNOR ELVIS STAYS IN THE GROOVE
WITH “Surrender” and “Lonely Man,” Elvis Presley continues his single-handed task of changing the whole face of popular music – the task he started with “Now Or Never.”
Like that best-selling effort, “Surrender” is a familiar Italian melody “Come Back to Sorrento,” with a new lyric.
The Presley performance is as impassioned as ever and gains impetus from a throbbing rumba rhythm and the powerful chanting of the Jordanaires vocal group.
This back - to - the - melody Presley is far removed from the “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Blue Suede Shoes” days, and one can hear every word of the lyric. But the Presley spirit and beat flair remain unchanged, even if he pitches his last-but-one note flat.
Lonely Man is a loping, cowboy type number. Restful (RCA).
Melody Maker, May 1961
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ft3paXfX-Q