“The Wonder of You,” a remarkable compilation album by the iconic American singer Elvis Presley (1935–77), continues to captivate music enthusiasts worldwide.
Released on October 21, 2016, by RCA Records and Legacy Recordings, this album seamlessly combines Elvis’s archival vocal recordings with enchanting new orchestral arrangements, courtesy of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, recorded at the renowned Abbey Road Studios. Notably, this musical masterpiece also features a duet with the celebrated German singer, Helene Fischer.
Follow-up to a Chart-Topping Triumph:
Building on the success of its predecessor, “If I Can Dream” (2015), which achieved remarkable commercial success with global sales of 1.6 million copies, “The Wonder of You” brings forth a melodic journey that transcends time and resonates with audiences. Reflecting on this artistic endeavor, Elvis’s ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, shares her insights: “Elvis always held a deep admiration for the grandeur of operatic vocalists. He aspired to explore music that allowed him to showcase his talents within that majestic realm. These performances, accompanied by the world-class Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, exemplify his dream. Elvis would have cherished these musical collaborations, and I’m delighted that we’ve brought this dream to life for Elvis and his fans.”
Commercial Triumphs:
“The Wonder of You” made a resounding entry into the UK music scene by debuting at the pinnacle of the UK Albums Chart. In its inaugural week, the album garnered widespread acclaim, securing a BPI Silver award with an impressive sales figure of 63,500 copies. Over the subsequent 22 weeks, including four non-consecutive appearances, the album consistently maintained its presence on the chart, achieving weekly sales ranging from 1,000 to 73,461 copies. This remarkable journey culminated in cumulative sales of 505,000 units. The album achieved chart positions ranging from #2 to #96, ultimately earning BPI Gold and Platinum certifications. This remarkable accomplishment marked Elvis’s 13th UK number-one album, solidifying his status as the solo artist with the most UK number-one albums, second only to The Beatles. “The Wonder of You” also stands as Elvis’s 52nd top 10 album, extending his record for the most UK top 10 albums.
Across the Atlantic in the United States, “The Wonder of You” ascended to the summit of the Billboard Classical Chart, further solidifying Elvis’s legacy. The album’s success in the United States mirrored its impact in the UK, and it has maintained a strong presence in the Top 20 on the chart for an impressive 25 weeks.
