Introduction:
By the early 1970s, Elvis Presley’s career had entered a period of transition. The king of rock and roll, who had dominated the charts in the 1950s and early 1960s, was navigating a changing musical landscape. Disco was on the rise, and the sound of rock and roll was evolving. Presley, ever the showman, continued to perform sold-out concerts but wasn’t experiencing the same level of mainstream success he once enjoyed.
In this context, “It’s Impossible” emerged as a surprising and ultimately successful entry in Presley’s later catalog. Released in 1973 on the album “Fool,” the song is a departure from his earlier, rock-driven hits. “It’s Impossible” falls under the genre of power ballad, a style characterized by its emotional lyrics, soaring vocals, and dramatic arrangements.
The song itself was not written by Presley. The songwriting team of Sid Wayne and Armando Manzanero penned the original Spanish version, titled “Somos No Nada,” which translates to “We Are Nothing.” Wayne then adapted the lyrics into English, maintaining the song’s core theme of intense love and devotion.
Production duties for “It’s Impossible” fell to Glenn D. Hardin, a keyboardist and arranger who frequently collaborated with Presley during this period. Hardin crafted a lush and dramatic soundscape, featuring sweeping strings, a driving rhythm section, and Presley’s signature, powerful vocals. Backing vocals by The Sweet Inspirations and J.D. Sumner & The Stamps add gospel-tinged harmonies, further amplifying the emotional impact of the song.
“It’s Impossible” became a sleeper hit for Presley. While it didn’t reach the top of the charts like some of his earlier releases, it climbed to a respectable number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and spent 15 weeks on the chart overall. More importantly, the song resonated with fans, showcasing Presley’s versatility as a vocalist and his ability to connect with audiences through emotional storytelling. “It’s Impossible” became a staple of his live performances, allowing him to deliver a powerful and heartfelt ballad alongside his rock and roll classics.
The legacy of “It’s Impossible” lies in its unexpected success and its demonstration of Presley’s adaptability as an artist. It stands as a testament to his ability to connect with fans during a period of musical change and to his enduring popularity as the king of rock and roll.