“It’s Up to You,” a charming and relatable ballad released in 1957, is a quintessential example of Ricky Nelson’s early rock and roll style. Nelson, born Eric Hilliard Nelson, was more than just a singer; he was a bona fide teen idol who seamlessly blended music and television, starring in the long-running sitcom “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” alongside his family. This exposure allowed him to introduce his music to a vast audience, propelling him to stardom.
While “It’s Up to You” wasn’t a chart-topper on the scale of some of his later hits like “Poor Little Fool,” it still resonated with listeners and solidified Nelson’s position as a rising star. Nelson’s music, characterized by its clean guitar riffs, relatable lyrics, and his boyish charm, earned him numerous accolades throughout his career, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. He sold millions of records and influenced generations of musicians with his blend of rockabilly, country, and pop.
“It’s Up to You” speaks to the vulnerable and hopeful heart of young love. The song’s lyrics explore the uncertainty and anxieties of expressing romantic feelings. It captures the universal experience of wanting to know if your affection is reciprocated, placing the onus on the object of affection to decide the relationship’s fate. The simple melody and Nelson’s sincere delivery amplify this feeling of hopeful anticipation.
Fan feedback at the time, and even to this day, reflects the song’s enduring appeal. Listeners often comment on the song’s innocent charm and its ability to transport them back to the simpler times of the 1950s. “It’s Up to You” continues to be cherished as a classic example of early rock and roll, perfectly capturing the romantic anxieties and aspirations of a generation.
