Suspicious Minds 1969

Elvis’ final No. 1 was first recorded by its songwriter, Mark James, a year before Elvis’ take. James had been enjoying great success, having penned “Hooked on a Feeling” for B.J. Thomas and co-written “Always on My Mind,” which Presley would later cut. The song, about the scourge of jealousy, boasts one of the most innovative arrangements in Elvis’ career. It features two time-signature changes, a jangling electric guitar, spiraling strings, pumping horns and a barreling backup choir. The setting of the recording may have inspired the innovation: It marked the first time Presley had recorded in his home city of Memphis since 1955.