Introduction:
Not every hit song by the King of Rock and Roll rolls with a driving beat and a hip-shaking rhythm. “The Next Step Is Love”, released in 1970, showcases a different side of Elvis Presley. This tender ballad finds Elvis in a contemplative mood, reflecting on the natural progression of love in a relationship.
Composed by songwriting duo Paul Evans and Paul Parnes, “The Next Step Is Love” wasn’t initially intended for Presley. Evans had achieved some success in the 1960s, writing songs for artists like Perry Como and Andy Williams. However, “The Next Step Is Love” didn’t quite fit the repertoire of those artists. Recognizing the song’s potential as a ballad for a more soulful performer, Evans and Parnes presented it to Elvis Presley.
At the time of the song’s release in 1970, Presley’s career was undergoing a bit of a shift. His dominance of the pop charts in the 1950s had waned somewhat in the previous decade. He was focusing more on live performances in Las Vegas and returning to his roots in gospel and country music. “The Next Step Is Love” fit well with this new direction.
The song was released as a double A-side single with another ballad, “I’ve Lost You”. While “I’ve Lost You” didn’t crack the Billboard Top 40, “The Next Step Is Love” managed to reach number 32 on the Hot 100 chart. This respectable showing demonstrated that Elvis Presley could still find success with a more mature sound.
“The Next Step Is Love” was produced by Felton Jarvis, a longtime collaborator with Presley. Jarvis had been working with Elvis since the late 1950s, and would continue to produce his music throughout the 1970s. Jarvis’s production on “The Next Step Is Love” is subtle and tasteful, allowing Presley’s vocals to take center stage.
The song itself is a simple yet effective ballad. The lyrics speak of a couple who have shared a series of experiences together, and are now ready to take their relationship to the next level – love. Elvis delivers the vocals with a sincerity and maturity that resonates with listeners.
While “The Next Step Is Love” may not be one of Elvis Presley’s most famous songs, it offers a glimpse into a different side of his artistry. The song is a testament to his ability to deliver a heartfelt ballad, and its success showed that he could still connect with audiences even as his sound evolved.