Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
Released in 1968, “Almost in Love” is one of Elvis Presley’s most elegant and romantic ballads from his late 1960s film period. Written by Luiz Bonfá, a Brazilian composer best known for “Manhã de Carnaval,” with English lyrics by Randy Starr, the song blends elements of bossa nova with traditional pop. Featured in the film Live a Little, Love a Little, it captures the dreamy, intoxicating feeling of being on the edge of falling completely in love. With its lush arrangement and Presley’s smooth, restrained vocal performance, the song showcased a sophistication rarely found in his soundtrack material, elevating it beyond its cinematic context.
Origins of the Song
By 1968, Presley’s Hollywood career was in decline, but Live a Little, Love a Little offered him slightly more mature material than his earlier comedies. Unlike many of his mid-1960s films, which catered to teen audiences with lightweight plots and songs, this movie leaned into more adult romantic themes. “Almost in Love” was written to fit the film’s atmosphere of flirtation, seduction, and emotional vulnerability.
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Composer Luiz Bonfá was one of Brazil’s leading figures in the bossa nova movement, which had gained international popularity in the early 1960s thanks to hits like “The Girl from Ipanema.” Pairing Bonfá’s melody with Randy Starr’s English lyrics gave Presley a chance to explore a different style and connect with the growing appeal of Latin-influenced pop music. Presley recorded the track on March 7, 1968, at Western Recorders in Hollywood.
Why Elvis Released “Almost in Love”
RCA released “Almost in Love” as the B-side of the single “A Little Less Conversation” in September 1968. While “A Little Less Conversation” initially performed modestly—peaking at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100—its later remix by Junkie XL in 2002 became a global smash hit. As a result, “Almost in Love” has often been rediscovered by fans exploring the original single.
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Though it was not promoted heavily on its own, the song gained appreciation over time for its elegance and Presley’s nuanced performance. In an era when many of his singles were tied to formulaic films, “Almost in Love” stood out as unusually sophisticated.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
The lyrics of “Almost in Love” describe the heady, uncertain feeling of standing at the threshold of romance:
“Your touch is thrilling, and yet it’s so new,
Almost in love with you.”
The song conveys both excitement and hesitation, capturing the emotional tension of attraction that has not yet blossomed into full love. It is not a dramatic declaration but rather a gentle confession, filled with hope and vulnerability.
Presley’s delivery perfectly suits the theme. He sings with tenderness and restraint, avoiding vocal fireworks in favor of subtle phrasing. His performance mirrors the lyrics’ sense of quiet anticipation, making the emotions feel intimate and believable.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
“Almost in Love” is notable for its bossa nova influence, a style rarely explored in Presley’s catalog.
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Vocals: Presley delivers a smooth, controlled vocal, filled with warmth and intimacy. His phrasing is relaxed, almost conversational, reflecting the song’s romantic mood.
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Instrumentation: The arrangement features gentle guitar rhythms, soft percussion, piano, strings, and woodwinds, creating a lush, flowing texture.
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Mood: Dreamy, romantic, and slightly exotic, the song evokes the atmosphere of a moonlit evening or a quiet dance.
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Style: Rooted in bossa nova but blended with pop balladry, the track represents one of Presley’s most sophisticated stylistic departures of the 1960s.
The subtle Latin rhythms distinguish it from Presley’s usual soundtrack fare, aligning it more with contemporary jazz-influenced pop.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
At the time of its release, “Almost in Love” did not make a significant impact on the charts, as it was overshadowed by its A-side, “A Little Less Conversation.” However, it demonstrated Presley’s willingness to experiment with new sounds and to incorporate international influences into his repertoire.
Culturally, the song stands out as one of the rare instances where Presley ventured into bossa nova. While he had previously recorded material with Latin influences, such as “Bossa Nova Baby” in 1963, “Almost in Love” is far more authentic in its embrace of the style’s rhythmic and melodic subtleties.
For fans, the track became a hidden gem, often singled out as one of the best ballads from Presley’s late 1960s soundtracks.
Legacy of “Almost in Love”
Today, “Almost in Love” is regarded as one of Elvis Presley’s most underrated recordings from the 1960s. Its sophistication, stylistic experimentation, and heartfelt delivery distinguish it from the more formulaic songs he was often asked to perform in films.
For listeners, the song offers a glimpse of Presley’s versatility. It proves that he was capable of moving beyond rock-and-roll, pop ballads, and gospel into more international styles like bossa nova, and still deliver them with credibility and charm.
More broadly, the song underscores Presley’s enduring artistry even during a transitional period. Recorded in the same year as his ’68 Comeback Special, it reflects his ability to explore different sounds and textures, paving the way for the more ambitious studio work of his late 1960s and early 1970s sessions.
More than fifty years later, “Almost in Love” continues to enchant listeners with its dreamy atmosphere and tender sincerity. Though often overshadowed by Presley’s bigger hits, it remains a quietly powerful entry in his catalog, reminding us of his unmatched gift for interpreting love in all its stages—even the fragile moment of being almost in love.