Introduction:
In the ever-evolving landscape of Elvis Presley’s career, “The Next Step Is Love” stands as a beacon of optimism and soulful reflection. Released in 1970 as part of the soundtrack for the documentary film “That’s The Way It Is”, the song marked a turning point for Presley, showcasing his artistic growth and enduring ability to connect with audiences.
Elvis Presley, by then a decade removed from his meteoric rise to fame, found himself navigating a new musical terrain in the late 1960s. Rock and roll, the genre that propelled him to superstardom, was undergoing a significant transformation. “The Next Step Is Love” reflected this shift, blending elements of pop, country, and gospel into a cohesive and emotionally resonant whole.
The song’s origins lie with songwriters Paul Evans and Paul Parnes. Their composition, delivered with Presley’s characteristic charisma, explored themes of hope and new beginnings in love. The lyrics, while not overtly complex, paint a picture of a dawning romance, suggesting that “the next step is love” after a period of reflection. The optimism of the song resonated with fans who may have witnessed a shift in Presley’s persona during this era.
“The Next Step Is Love” wasn’t solely defined by Presley’s vocals. The track benefitted from the production expertise of Felton Jarvis. A longtime collaborator, Jarvis understood how to create a musical canvas that complemented Presley’s strengths. The arrangement for “The Next Step Is Love” featured a prominent piano line, a steady backbeat, and tasteful backing vocals. Guitarists James Burton and Chip Young added flourishes without overpowering the song’s core melody.
While “The Next Step Is Love” wasn’t a chart-topping smash hit on the scale of Presley’s earlier recordings, it held significance within the context of his later career. The song was featured on the “That’s The Way It Is” soundtrack, which accompanied the documentary film of the same name. The film offered a candid glimpse into Presley’s life on the road during his 1970 Las Vegas residency. “The Next Step Is Love”, included amongst live performances on the album, served as a testament to Presley’s continued stage presence and ability to connect with audiences.
“The Next Step Is Love” continues to be embraced by Elvis Presley fans for its heartfelt message and smooth melody. It serves as a reminder of Presley’s artistic adaptability and his enduring ability to evoke emotions through his music. The song stands as a testament to the “Next Step” Elvis Presley himself took in his musical journey, showcasing his enduring status as a rock and roll legend.
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Lyrics:
Yesterday, I slipped awayThe sun is welcoming the evening shadowsOn a perfect day and the next step is loveThe next step is loveWe walked barefoot through the misty meadowsLaughing at each other in the rainMade some faces at some people in the parkDidn’t bother to explainFun, fun, look at us runGoing nowhere special really fastBut we’ve yet to taste the icing on the cakeThat we’ve been baking with the pastAnd the next step is loveSo what are we waiting for?The next step is loveGirl, it’s for sureLove will be a place to run toFrom the world they’ve built to you and meWe’ll be closer than we’ve ever beenThough looking back it’s so hard to believeHang it all out or bring it all inThe best we’ve picked upon the way tonightChanges are coming but togetherWe can make it through somehowYes the next step is love