Just HOW did Elvis LOSE OUT to Terry Stafford on THIS song?

Elvis recorded his version and had it on an album two years before Stafford's, who put his out as a single in '64. You can debate the arrangements, but Elvis' vocals are way better.

In the early 60s Elvis' voice was at its best, honey sweet on ballads and down and dirty with the blues.

Interesting that Fil comments on Elvis's terrific range and technical features, and casually demonstrates with his own voice in perfect imitation. A deeply significant talent.

Hadn't heard the Terry Stafford version before, sounded lighter hearted and had slightly comical backing singers. More feeling in the Elvis version, it's not a light hearted topic, so Elvis all the way !

I'd like to quote Iggy Pop talking about Elvis in 2012. He said : "Elvis is the Rolls Royce of the vocalists. Nobody on this earth sings better than him. In that Sinatra show with Elvis, he buries Sinatra, even Frank Sinatra. Elvis was a stylist." You can clearly hear Elvis the stylist in his version of Suspicion when compared to Stafford's one. No comparison at all. Elvis' vibrato is so subtle and expressive. The same applies to the musical accompaniment delivered by the wonderful Nashville A Team.

I personally love Elvis’ version. Problem with RCA is they really did not do a ton to promote Elvis or his music. Now in the studio Elvis controlled his arrangements, however there were times when some after the session overdubbing and remixing were applied to his recordings that he would sometimes get quite upset with because he had no idea it was being done.

Oooh, hearing Elvis singing this makes me melt...beautiful. Love Kiss Me Quick, too. Thanks for doing your take on this song, Fil.

Love when Phil is doing musical analysis involving Elvis. Besides the voice of the GOAT, you can rest assure that there is no autotune discussions. How I miss the old days when artists had to be as good in the studio as they were live on stage.

I wonder if the producers of Terry Stafford’s rendition were encouraged to make it sound similar to Elvis’ record? Except for some of the differences that Fil noted, I think Terry’s version sounds a lot like Elvis. I humbly cast my vote for Elvis! I prefer the uniqueness of the Elvis stylizing.

I enjoy when you analyze the musicality of two songs and compare the production and voice differences. We learn so much each time with your good ear and ways of explaining it all. Thanks Fil.🤘🎶

I have heard both versions and always enjoyed Evis' version but appreciate the way you point out the similarities and differences between both. 😊🎸🎵

I feel elvis has more heart. Love elvis

I love Elvis version. His smooth voice is magical ❤

I like both versions but I prefer Elvis's version more, to me it has more feeling put into it.

Great comparative analysis. In my mind your title is Professor Fil. There you have it. Thank you for this.

Always loved Elvis' version.

Can't beat the feeling in Elvis' voice

Elvis all the way, this song was recorded at the famous studio B Nashville, how effortless Elvis's voice glided over those notes, he had plenty more in the engine if he needed it, although Terry did ok on this song he cant compete with the tone and expression and the versatility of the King.

This has always been my personal favourite song from Elvis. I had never even considered that it was a B side release! For me, Elvis's descending scale on certain phrases emphasises his underlying insecurity & anxiety that the lyrics are trying to portray. It is musical expression of the highest order. Sometimes, when people have anxiety, they suffer a social condition called 'relaxed voice' where the voice loses its vibrancy, especially in the lower tones, & becomes breathy & falls away at the end of phrases. That's exactly how Elvis is conveying the character he is inhabiting. It may be a simple little song superficially, but like all truly great artists, Elvis is lifting it by treating it as seriously as an operatic piece. He is underpinning musically what the lyrics are saying. He is talking to the girl directly, & expressing in soft intimate tones how the strength of his passion for her is making him insecure that she fully reciprocates his feelings. The calypso beat is also more melodic & engaging, with more surprises to break monotony. Also, Elvis rises to the higher pitches on 'Why torture me?' - revealing more passionately, his inner angst. Terry's version is clear voiced & simply a pop song. With no particular imploring or emphasis to the meaning behind the lyrics. & the rather incongruous ghostly croon by the female backing singers doesn't make any sense to me.

Elvis's voice wins out for me, hands down❣