Let it be me

[drjohncarpenter]

I never stated a particular "rule." There you go again making things up. You and your fellow "I Just Can't Help Believin'" enthusiasts think the song is a "classic" simply because you like it, not because it is particularly well-known by the public, or highly regarded or respected by music historians and journalists, or covered by numerous respected artists (many with large followings). That is some criteria that would undoubtedly help define a song as being a "classic" -- and "I Just Can't Help Believin'" does not meet any of that criteria. Just because Elvis fans who champion Elvis' 1970's era of music enjoy the song, does not mean that the song has made its mark outside of the limited confines of Elvis fandom.

There needs to be a "stamp your feet" smilie for some members.

[Eggrert]

Neither Reconsider Baby nor Mystery Train are "particularly well-known by the masses." In addition, both of them have been "glaring omission on many Elvis "hits" compilations over the decades." By your standards, then, neither song is a classic.

I have already provided you with information on those tracks and how they are highly regarded and massively covered by a number of major artists who have sizable audiences.

...which has nothing to do with your original post regarding what constitutes a "classic."

Your beloved "I Just Can't Help Believin'"

I don't even particularly like the song. I don't skip it when it comes up on shuffle or if it's on a comp I'm listening to, but that's about it.

[rlj4ep]

Spot on Andy. The version we have featured on the TTWII album, is near perfection IMHO, (albeit for Charlie's mistake). The arrangement, the background singers, the musicians, the enunciation and presentation by Elvis, and his incredible voice at this point in his career is as good as it gets. Gosh, watching him perform this on the original TTWII movie, Elvis even communicates some way through his movements. This is one which I play again and again.

rlj

Just to add, the mistake is Elvis', not Charlie's. Elvis mistakenly starts to sing "smiles up soft and gentle", instead of "whispering her magic", but quickly adapts it to "smiles and whispers her magic", with a smile. We know, because we've seen it, just how worried he was about the lyrics, and he nearly goofs! He covers it really well though, and carries on - it's a lovely, lovely performance - in fact, there are no bad versions from this season at all. Each has it's charm.

Thanks for that clarification, DarrylMac!!

rlj

[Juan Luis]

For sure, Juan. Loved it since I was an itty bitty kid.

You are still an itty bitty kid! Sorry couldn't help myself! I am sure you know where that dialogue came from.

[rlj4ep]

"classic"
* as an adjective one definition is = "judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind:"

* as a noun one definition is = "work of art of recognized and established value:"

Music is a work of art..., the song "I Just Can't Help Believin'" was recorded by Elvis 47 years ago which is quite a period of time ago..., Elvis' music from TTWII is some of the best of his career let alone his work from the seventies..., Elvis' work and recordings from TTWII is of the highest quality from any point in his storied career...., I Just Can't Help Believin' is an amazing arrangement and an outstanding performance of the song itself..., I and a number of Elvis fans recognize the value of this performance as well as the fans who helped the single release reach #6 in the UK and #12 in Ireland...,

That said, for me, the song is a classic

rlj