Just Pretend (Elvis Presley song)

"Just Pretend" is a 1970 song by Elvis Presley.

Writing
It was composed by Guy Fletcher in partnership with his writing partner Doug Flett.

Recording
Elvis Presley recorded it on June 6, 1970 as part of his July 4–8 studio sessions for RCA at RCA's Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee.

Personnel

 * Elvis Presley – lead vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar
 * James Burton – lead guitar
 * Chip Young – rhythm guitar
 * Charlie Hodge – acoustic rhythm guitar
 * Norbert Putnam – bass
 * David Briggs – piano
 * Jerry Carrigan – drums
 * Charlie McCoy – marimba

Release history
The song was first released on Presley's album That's the Way It Is that appeared on November 11, 1970.

Critical response
Robert Matthew-Walker in his 1995 book Heartbreak Hotel: The Life and Music of Elvis Presley calls the song "massive, slow and uninspired": "'Just Pretend' and 'Life' are similar: massive, slow and uninspired in both material and execution. These were recorded towards the end of the 6 June session; perhaps Presley was tired."

2016 version with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
In 2016, the song appeared on the album The Wonder of You: Elvis Presley with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which included new versions of Presley's songs, reworked and dubbed with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. There were two versions of the song: Presley's solo version and a (‘virtual’) duet with Helene Fischer.