Elvis Presley recorded for more than two decades, and his catalogue has been reissued, remastered and repackaged many times since. That makes it hard to know where to start. Whether you're buying your first Elvis record or filling gaps in a collection, this guide picks the best Elvis Presley albums on vinyl and CD, era by era.
Start here: the essential hits
If you only own one Elvis record, make it Elvis 30 #1 Hits (2-LP Vinyl), also available on CD. Released in 2002, it gathers his chart-toppers from "Heartbreak Hotel" to "Suspicious Minds" in one place, and it's the quickest way to understand why he's called the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
For more of the classic singles, try Elvis' Golden Records, 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong: Elvis' Gold Records, Volume 2 on vinyl, or Elvis 2nd to None.
The Sun Records years (1954 to 1955)
This is where it all began. In July 1954 a 19-year-old truck driver recorded "That's All Right" at Sun Studio in Memphis, and rock 'n' roll was never the same. These recordings are raw, fast and thrilling.
- A Boy from Tupelo: The Sun Masters (Vinyl LP): the master takes on one record.
- A Boy from Tupelo: The Complete 1953-1955 Recordings (3-CD Set): every surviving recording from the period, including outtakes and live radio.
- Elvis at Sun: a compact single-disc option.
The RCA breakthrough (1956 to 1958)
After signing with RCA, Elvis became a global phenomenon. His 1956 debut album, with its famous pink and green lettering, is one of the most iconic covers in music.
- Elvis Presley (Vinyl LP), the 1956 debut, and the expanded Legacy Edition.
- Elvis '56 (CD): a snapshot of the year everything changed.
- Elvis (CD): the second album, from late 1956.
The comeback and the Memphis sessions (1968 to 1969)
Many critics consider this Elvis's finest period. After years of film soundtracks, the 1968 NBC TV special put him back in black leather and back in front of an audience, and in 1969 he recorded some of the best work of his life at American Sound Studio in Memphis.
- Elvis: '68 Comeback Special (50th Anniversary Box Set)
- From Elvis in Memphis: soul, country and gospel with a Memphis groove. A perfect "second Elvis album" for new listeners.
- Memphis (5-CD Box Set) and Memphis (2-LP Vinyl): a collection focused on the recordings he made in his home city.
The live albums (1970s)
Elvis in the 1970s was a huge live act, and the concert records capture that energy. If you've seen Baz Luhrmann's concert film, read our guide to EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert and its soundtrack.
- Elvis: As Recorded at Madison Square Garden (2-LP Vinyl), also on CD: his June 1972 New York concerts.
- Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite (Legacy Edition): the January 1973 Honolulu concert broadcast by satellite.
- Elvis Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis (Legacy Edition)
- Elvis: Prince from Another Planet (Deluxe Edition)
Gospel: the music closest to his heart
Elvis grew up singing gospel, and it's the only genre that won him Grammy Awards: all three of his Grammys came for gospel recordings. How Great Thou Art (1967) is the place to start, followed by His Hand in Mine, He Touched Me and the collections Elvis: Ultimate Gospel and I Believe: The Gospel Masters.
Country, Hollywood and orchestral Elvis
- Country: Elvis Country (also as a Legacy Edition) and Elvis: Great Country Songs.
- The movies: the Blue Hawaii soundtrack and Can't Help Falling in Love: The Hollywood Hits.
- Orchestral: If I Can Dream: Elvis Presley with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (2-LP Vinyl) pairs his original vocals with new arrangements recorded at Abbey Road.
Vinyl or CD: which should you choose?
Vinyl suits the 1950s and 1960s albums especially well, since they were made for LP and the artwork looks best at 12 inches. CDs are better value for big box sets like Memphis or A Boy from Tupelo, and they're easier for the car. Many fans own the hits on vinyl and the deep dives on CD.
A quick note on returns: sealed music can be returned within 14 days, but once the shrink-wrap is opened we can only take it back if it's faulty. See our returns policy.
Elvis record FAQs
What is the best Elvis Presley album for beginners?
Elvis 30 #1 Hits is the easiest starting point. If you want a proper studio album, From Elvis in Memphis (1969) is widely considered one of his best.
What was Elvis Presley's first album?
His self-titled debut, Elvis Presley, released by RCA in 1956. His earlier 1954 to 1955 recordings for Sun Records were released as singles.
Did Elvis win any Grammys?
Yes, three, and all of them were for gospel recordings, including for the album How Great Thou Art.