Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis is one of the hottest movies of the summer and it has a soundtrack to match. And of course, it’s full of classics sung by The King himself. But there’s also plenty of star power on this soundtrack honoring his legacy. Artists spanning all genres offer their takes on Elvis’ classic rock and roll tracks along with new original songs from Doja Cat, Eminem, and Denzel Curry. Stevie Nicks, Jazmine Sullivan, Jack White, Eminem, and more lend their voices to the 36-track album. Take a look at some of our favorite picks below.
What Happens in “Vegas”…
Doja Cat provides an original song for the soundtrack, sampling the original version of “Hound Dog” by Big Mama Thorton. On this track, Doja makes it known that she’s a bad bitch, but the guy she’s rapping at “ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog.” Her interpolation of the original blues track and added horns mixed with modern hip hop influence makes for a lively, dynamic banger of a track. “You ain’t nothin’ but a/ Dog, player, ah, get it/ Fraud, player, ah, get it” she raps over top Big Mama Thorton’s backing vocals on one of the catchiest hooks this summer. In the music video, Doja pays tribute to Black culture which pioneered the blues and rock and roll.
Måneskin Takes on a 1968 Ballad
The Italian rock group covers Elvis’ “If I Can Dream”, which debuted as the finale in Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special. Structurally, the cover stays on track with the original. Instrumentally, the band’s cover sounds miles different. Måneskin swaps horns, strings, and woodwinds for electric guitars and in-your-face drums. And singer Damiano David has no problem channeling the passion and fervor of Presley with his vocal delivery, making this cover feel timeless.
Kacey Musgraves Covers the Classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love”
Country queen Kacey Musgraves sings one of Elvis’ most popular songs, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. Her voice is crystal clear and beautiful. But the minor chords of the piano take this loving track to a somber place. “It has long been a dream of mine to work with the great Baz Luhrmann in some way, and it was such a treat helping to bring his vision to life and recording this iconic love song – a love song that, to me, has so much sadness behind it,” Kacey said. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” was the last song that Elvis sang live prior to his death in 1977. Kacey’s emotional cover and the accompanying video capture the rise and fall of one of music’s greatest legends.
Denzel Curry Writes Rhymes Inspired By The King
Rapper Denzel Curry gives us a brand new original track “Let It All Hang Out” with PlayThatBoiZay. “Rockstar jit, shave my width (yeah)/ Flex up on ’em, make ’em sick,” he raps in the chorus. This song feels like a jolt of caffeine, with smacking drums and echoing screams to get you up and out of your seat. Similar to Doja’s original track for the film, this song seems to live in a different world than the rest of the soundtrack. It’s decidedly a modern hip-hop track, so it’s interesting to see how it fits in the film.
