Introduction
One-Sided Love Affair: A Rebellious Start for The King
Elvis Presley’s “One-Sided Love Affair” isn’t his most famous track, but it holds a significant place in his meteoric rise. Released in 1956, both on his debut album, Elvis Presley, and later as a single, the song offers a glimpse into the raw energy and charisma that would define a generation.
While A&R man Steve Sholes presented Presley with six pre-selected songs for the album sessions, “One-Sided Love Affair” stands out. It’s the only one Presley connected with, recording it on January 30, 1956 at RCA Studio in New York. Interestingly, the song itself wasn’t written by Presley. Credit goes to Bill Campbell, and while some consider the composition itself unremarkable, it became a canvas for Presley’s burgeoning talent.
The lyrics express a young man’s frustration with an unreciprocated affection. Lines like “If you wanna be loved, baby you gotta love me too / ‘Cos I ain’t for no one-sided love affair” resonated with a youthful audience yearning for honesty and straightforwardness in love songs. Presley’s delivery, however, is what truly elevates the track. Described as having a “bouncy voice” with a touch of humor, he imbues the song with a toe-tapping zest that’s undeniably infectious.
“One-Sided Love Affair” may not have been a chart-topper, but it serves as a vital piece of Presley’s musical journey. It showcases his early influences – a blend of blues and country with a hint of rockabilly – and the magnetism that would soon propel him to superstardom.
This unassuming song holds the essence of the rebellious spirit that captivated audiences. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most electrifying performances come from raw talent and a desire to be heard. So, put on “One-Sided Love Affair” and prepare to be transported back to a time when a young Elvis Presley was ready to take the world by storm.