In June 1970, Elvis held a five-day recording marathon, during which he completed 34 songs. The impressive results of these sessions allowed RCA to create two thematically coherent Elvis albums, LOVE LETTERS FROM ELVIS and ELVIS COUNTRY (other tracks from these sessions appear on THAT'S THE WAY IT IS and ELVIS NOW). Since most Elvis songs concern romance, the "love letters" theme of this album does little to distinguish it from most Presley records. Nonetheless, LOVE LETTERS FROM ELVIS benefits from a strong collection of songs representing most of the musical strands of Elvis' later career: big dramatic ballads, Charlie Rich-style Memphis boogie, and the occasional rocker, all framed by Presley's large, excellent band and plenty of background vocals.
Fans who most enjoy the King's early recordings might find LOVE LETTERS and his other '70s releases too overblown, but those willing to accept Presley's proclivity for musical flamboyance will find plenty to enjoy here. Outtakes from Elvis' June 1970 sessions are available on ESSENTIAL ELVIS VOL. 4: A HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW.
![Elvis Presley [1956]](https://rovimusic.rovicorp.com/image.jpg?c=Kd8PAoXNP6eH16aQQYFmnZhUoDg0hsvx4F4sL4oO-nA=&f=1)
![Elvis [1956]](https://rovimusic.rovicorp.com/image.jpg?c=UnUJRrq9FEP0BFim_XHBnipQg_7iAU1wjqLgK_xGXts=&f=1)
![Elvis [The Fool Album]](https://rovimusic.rovicorp.com/image.jpg?c=-ZUw-ZzCaQF_oGwuoPg7U9_M69_UI9rrJSVvWL2-yAg=&f=1)
