Elvis Presley once said, “Since I was two years old, all I knew was gospel music. It became such a part of my life, it was as natural as dancing. A way to escape my problems, and my way of release.”
It was Elvis’ explosive mix of styles–blues, bluegrass, country, swing, pop–that generated his iconic world-changing rock n’ roll, but it was the hymns, spirituals and church music of his childhood, the deep-seated gospel roots that sustained Elvis and his musical vision throughout his life. This new album entered the charts at Number 1 and stayed there for two weeks. As an Elvis fan I couldn’t resist giving it a review. Where No One Stands Alone provides new musical perspectives on 14 of the singer’s favourite pieces of gospel music, from the humble to the celebratory, with song selections including the beloved enduring gospel classics “Crying in the Chapel,” and “How Great Thou Art,” and traditional hymns “In The Garden,” and “Amazing Grace”. Where No One Stands Alone includes a reimagined duet with Elvis and his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. She said regarding the duet “It was a very powerful and moving experience to sing with my father. “The lyrics speak to me and touch my soul. I’m certain that the lyrics spoke to my father in much the same way.” A sure seller for fans of country and gospel music, it is a great mix of amazing vocals, emotion and history.
Review by Josh Banks, Together