Can’t Help Falling In Love With (these two versions of ‘can’t help falling in love with) You

Quick! Think of a love song! You’ve probably got a song or two in your mind right now. It might be a sad song about heartbreak, possibly a happy song about falling for someone, or maybe even a revenge song about getting the last laugh in a crumbling relationship. Whatever the song may be, it will forever rival what is universally considered as one of the purest, most romantic ballads in music history: “Can’t Help Falling in Love”.

Originally written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss for the 1961 Elvis Presley film Blue Hawaii, this song was a chart topper for weeks on end in both the United States and United Kingdom. The Elvis-produced track became certified platinum and sold over one million copies. Many consider it as “The King of Rock and Roll’s” best song! Towards the end of his career, he would often end his concerts cartooning crowds with this lovely song. Since its inclusion in Hawaii and its release as a single track, the original, Presley vocalized “Can’t Help Falling in Love” has been a household jam; featured in dozens of movies and covered by plenty of other artists. Most notably, UB40.

Although Elvis’ version stands the test of time, British reggae band UB40 recorded a cover of the track in 1993 and were met with high praise. They released it as a single for their album Promises and Lies, and it easily climbed from number 100 to 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May of ‘93. Most recognizably, the song (under the title of “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You”) is featured on the soundtrack for the film Silver. Worldwide, the upbeat, joyful cover was largely successful and unique for it’s strikingly different tempo, rhythms, and melody compared to the slow, romantic feel of Presley’s original.

Personally, I believe “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is the greatest love song in the history of love songs. The easy-to-remember chorus, slow pacing, and emotional honesty throughout the tracks runtime are not comparable to any other song. With no hidden meanings or metaphors, this song is perfect for slow dances, lonely cries, aisle walks at weddings, or even as background noise for a romantic night with your loved one. Many songs are great for all of these things, but none of them are as blatant and simplistic as this one. Let the room fill with this Elvis classic and let it be known that you are truly, passionately in love with someone…and you can’t help it.

On the contrary, UB40’s rendition oozes an energetic, fun vibe. Although it has the same lyrics as the original, this version hosts a more hopeful feeling of a possible rekindling of love. Does it rival the original Elvis song? No. Because his was and always will be the greatest. But it does hold its own as a historically fun tune.

In the end, whether it be Elvis’ or UB40’s version of “Can’t Help Falling In Love”, it is a phenomenal and memorable song. And it always will be.