This was Presley's first studio album—it's actually a compilation of tracks recorded by his first label (Sun) and his second (RCA). Only one of his hit singles ("Blue Suede Shoes") is included. But the album reveals the early Elvis and says something about his early audience—it sat on the top of the pop charts for ten weeks.
Presley's successful 1968 television special revived his recording career after almost a decade of concentrating on movies. One track, "In the Ghetto," was released as a single and reached #3.
Elvis shows his range in his third (and last) gospel album.
During Elvis' early years, the emphasis was more on singles than albums, so it's legitimate for even a purist to buy one of the posthumously released compilation albums. Start with this two-disc set that contains most of his biggest hits.