Reviews (page 2 of 8)
Excellent album - and the impact is obvious.
Complete
Hit singles, hidden gems, and an all-time great finishing track that leaves you wanting more. Costellos view of the world deserves to be heard
Outstanding Album. One of my favorite albums - possibly Top 10
Some dredging post pink with some new wave thrown in. More of a Pop sound by EC with some biting lyrics .
Great album. Lovely to hear it again.
Cool songs
"Armed Forces" is a great album. Especially if you're having a sad day and need something to cheer you up. It has a very interesting vibe to its content. Overall, it's simply wonderful.
This is easily the best Elvis Costello album out of the three I've heard. It's stuffed with great melodies taken from early sixties pop and psychedelic rock, performed over a groundwork of reggae, fifties symphonic arrangements, and a thunderous bass. While the vocals are not great, the combination of interesting musical choices, fine melodies, and vitriolic anti-war lyrics makes this album outstanding. 4.5/5.0: Excellent
kreatív meg innovatív zeneileg, nagyon okosak a szövegek, meg általában provokatív az egész. szeretem az ilyet :D
Classic Elvis at the height of his powers. The lyrics are brilliant (one of my favorite Elvis lines from Party Girl: “I’m the guilty party and I want my slice, but I know you’ve got me and I’m in a grip-like vise”), the songs are catchy as hell (see: Senior Service, Oliver’s Army, What’s So Funny etc.), and it rarely feels dated despite its late 70s release date. My only gripe is the volume on the mix seems too low on the digital? Will have to check my vinyl version.
Couldn't be an easier 5-star pick. This is one of my favorite albums - and musicians, of all time. I actually saw him on the tour for this album and he was unbelievable.
Great early album from Elvis Costello. Seem like a lot of these songs were politically motivated -- Definitely Oliver's Army and Green Shirt (and maybe Goon Squad too). Melodic but still a bit angry. Plus it closes with the definitive version of Nick Lowe's greatest song!
HIs best work. Top to bottom. really good to hear all the tunes especially with favorites. Enjoy
5/5. Costello albums usually take about 3-4 listens to fully get into but I am going to pre-emptively give this one a 5 considering how much This Year's Model has been on my rotation. That one is definitely a 5 and this one has much more complex instrumentation and layered songs. Costello still delivering sarcasm and intelligent lyrics. Plus this one has more anti-fascist themes and that is only good, especially nowadays. Will be on repeat like his other early albums. Best Song: Oliver's Army, Party Girl, Goon Squad, (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding
Elvis C is one of my all time favorite artists and this album is a top 3 from his catalog
Favorite Track: Oliver’s Army
This is such a big step forrward for Costello the songs have a new rich quality that gives an unusual beauty to his anger. I have revisited this album many times over the years and it continues to amaze me. He shows he can be a border line crooner as well as a rocker and still have the same venom in his lyrics. The musicianship of the band is elaborate and complex showing that there are new directions Costello will go to explore sonic scapes and vocal styles.
Banger Might not be quite a 5+ but close enough. I’ve been through so many that were less than 1 star.
Forgotten what a banger Oliver's Army is. Couple of other classics on the album also. Not the greatest fan of his vocal delivery - but strength of the songs overcomes this and feeling generous so its a low 5.
This Elvis is my favorite Elvis.
<3
The master at his best.
This was 70s pop perfection. I have always enjoyed Elvis Costello's voice, and this album featured some of his catchiest melodies and best lyrics (with some notable exceptions. I could do without using racial slurs.)
The Other King.
Costello continues with another great early record. Accidents, Oliver’s Army, Green Shirt, What’s So Funny,… all great tracks. Not such a fan of Goon Squad though.
I love his first 3 albums. This is a great album.
It's hard to have three better albums to start off a discography than Elvis Costello did. Armed Forces has a more textured production than his first two albums, but it works really well. Costello may have too many albums on this list, but this one is one of the essential ones.
Green Shirt
Every band with "Dude's name & The Band" as their name hits the exact same. They're all goofy storytelling times with people who I'm confident aren't doing very well mentally. May their struggles be my solace.
Great
Really good album. Reminded me of weezer a bit. Def some beatles references too
I had no idea I loved Elvis Costello until I started this challenge
Love Elvis new his bassist from The Attractions
I enjoyed this on my first listen and planned on giving it 4 stars but I ended up listening to it another 4 or 5 times and enjoying it more each time. I think this Costello fellow might be on to something.
songs from this album featured heavily in mixtapes from my early dating life. I cannot fairly evaluate it on its own merits. 5 stars.
The best thing he ever recorded. Classic.
You have to listen to it!
awesome stuff
This is an absolutely solid listen from end to end. Great lyrics (including, I'd argue, the head turner in Oliver's Army, which is actually a reference to the racism experienced by the Irish in the British army); just kick-arse bass playing; ol' Declan's voice in full flight; and the vibes of Accidents Will Happen and Party Girl among others. This was released the day after I was born, so maybe a bit of birth year bias, but I'm giving the full 5.
This album is just brilliant man. I really love the punk feel throughout, and Costello's voice is so cool. Plus, an album from an Irishman taking Anglos to task is always a W. Favorite track: Moods for Moderns
Nem 5'er inden jeg overhovedet har genhørt den. Jeg elsker Elvis Costello og Armed Forces er en af hvis ikke hans bedste
Love ♥️
Wow. Never knew that was the album cover for this album. It's a great album lots to sing along to
I loved this. So fun and funky
One of my favorites! Have it on vinyl. Love the music, lyrics, vocals — crooning, biting. Some of my favorite bass playing of all time. Love the drums too, very dynamic. The overall mix is so great, The Attractions really shine. Good hooks all around, too!
I love this album - have it on vinyl. Basically what the 1 star and 2 star reviews said about it, I think the opposite
Fantastic album. Accidents Will Happen, Green Shirt, and the US bonus track of Peace, Love and Understanding are all classics. I've listened to this album 100s of times, and it's the first time I noticed the "Rebel Rebel" riff in Two Little Hitlers.
I'm a big fan of Costello's work whether the old stuff or the new. His third album is a typical example of the brazen, smart new wave style. While the line of style is clear, the themes are wide and so this album has much for everyone. Definitely a listen that gets you going in the morning. 'Moods for Moderns' is my favourite track.
When I think of Elvis Costello music I love and why I love it, this is it. Hits mixed with totally listenable lesser know songs. Musicality that is never dull, yet never imposing. Pop rock, that never forgets to rock. Unmistakable vocals. Smart lyrics. Great album from great artist.
Great EC album from his classic period. Check out his list of "500 Must-Have Albums" on Vanity Fair.
Whitney minstrel noise for old men. I was there already when I was 21. Love this shit. Inexplicable - he just has a groove and way with words and non stories...
I love this album. So smart, so melodic, such great production. The songs are varied, each with its own identity, great playing, whip-smart lyrics, great melodies, inventive and tight playing. Beatle-esque in places, this album was great leap forward, and showed much more of the breadth of what E.C. could achieve. I could listen to this album over and over without getting bored. The singles are classics (although I have increasing discomfort with the use of the n-word in Oliver's Army. I gather E.C. feels similarly.)
Slap bang in the middle of his golden run of pretty flawless albums, and not just two monster singles though this is true, every track is brilliantly composed and the Attractions really find their feet as one of the best ever backing bands.
The angry young man softens up and even admits defeat, perhaps — not every relationship works, not everything is peachy. A masterpiece guided by the deft hand of the singular Nick Lowe, who knows enough to get out of the way. I like this better without “Peace, Love and Understanding” at the end (as Brits originally heard it), but maybe that’s just my dour mood. We all need a little faint optimism now and then.
The best of Elvis Costello's albums, it is dripping with irony and social commentary. It's also just fun to listen to. By this point, Costello had figured out the formula and refined his songwriting and music. It's just a great listen. After this point, Costello starts to take himself too seriously. This is the high point of New Wave Costello before he becomes "I Don't Know What I'm Doing Anymore" Costello followed by "I'm a Serious Musician Who Like Torch Songs, Jazz, and Classical" Costello. If you can only own one Elvis Costello album, this is the one, if only for Accidents Will Happen, Oliver's Army, and (What's So Funny About) Peace Love and Understanding.
Fantastic record.
очень прикольненько, сразу слышно что англичане тк звучит как Боуи немногого, короче nice
Loved this. I think this is an easy 5 stars, along with Costello’s two albums before this. Only knew a few songs, but it’s amazing all the notable different influences that got pulled into this while still feeling utterly Elvis Costello.
LOVE Elvis Costello. Never listened to an entire album though, so this is a great opportunity.
Fantastic album. The first few albums from Costello are ALL classics!
One of his best
Elvis can't do anything wrong, it's perfection. the N-word should bother me but it doesn't. The mention of the term darkies should too as well as that one of the songs are called "Two Little Hitters", but it doesn't every song is just perfect that all those problematic terms feel like afterthoughts.
Hits galore
Amazing infusion of New Wave sounds with The Attraction's classic touches. Insightful lyrics about world politics, imperialism, life, love. Catchy melodies. What's not to love about this classic?
Name a better lyricist than Elvis Costello. Pro-tip: you can't. The way he blends interpersonal strife with world politics is on great display here as evidenced by the title of the record. New wave music brought new sounds but this album does not depart from The Attractions sound: chirpy keyboard, muscular bass, and tight, anxious drums.
10/10 super fun no complaints
The randomizer did not give me a lot of time between Elvis Costello albums. That's fine with me. "Armed Forces" is the third album from Elvis Costello and his second with The Attractions. It found Elvis moving in a more pop direction relative to his first two which were more punk focused. Produced by Nick Lowe. I would say the music is fairly more complex for pop with great layers of keyboards and an outstanding rhthym section. Influences were and appear to be David Bowie, the Beatles, Beach Boys and 60's pop in general. There's also a dance and funk element. The song themes are politics and relationships. And just some wonderful lyrical interplay between the two in some of the relationship songs. The political theme focuses on the armed forces and bigger companies taking advantage of the underprivileged. The original title was called "Emotional Facism." The title change was probably a good move. The album starts with "Accidents Will Happen," the second single, and a more pop-oriented song with great keyboards and styled after The Left Banke's "Walk Away Renee." Based on a relationship Elvis had with a taxi driver in Tucson. The first single was the politically charged "Oliver's Army" with a piano intro and great drumming. It's about the army taking advantage of disadvantaged young people in Northern Ireland and Oliver is Oliver Cromwell. Some other great politically-themed songs are "Senior Service," "Green Short" and "Goon Squad." "Moods for Moderns" has always been a favorite of mine with again great keyboards and a dance groove. The narrator is defintely bitter towards his ex-girlfriend. A special mention goes to his Nick Lowe cover "What's So Funny (About Peace, Love and Understanding). It was not included on the initial UK release but appeared on the US edition and reissues. A concert highlight in the couple of times I've seen him. This is a fantastic album and one of Elivs' best for sure.
This is a six stars album.
goon squad banging,
Really good
Anything Elvis Costello did with the Attractions is magic, but Armed Forces is one of their very best. The band's chemistry is rock solid, Nick Lowe's production is rich and nuanced, and Costello's songwriting is witty and incisive in a way most lyricists could only dream of being. The man can turn a phrase like no one else. These songs are incredibly listenable with stellar pop hooks and some beautiful arrangements, but it's not always easy music. It's beyond clever to couch interpersonal and sexual politics in the language of sociopolitical conflict (and vice versa), but it's also the kind of songwriting that leaves some listeners cold. I happen to love it. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Oliver's Army; Two Little Hitlers; (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding; Big Boys; Accidents Will Happen; Goon Squad; Party Girl; Senior Service; Green Shirt; Busy Bodies; Chemistry Class; Sunday's Best; Moods for Moderns
Oh, I just don't know where to begin Love doesn't wait forever It's now or never But she keeps 'em hangin' on The silly champion She says she can't go home without a chaperone Accidents will happen They only hit and run You used to be a victim now you're not the only one
wonderful
Paul says: I just don't know where to begin. One of my favourite Elvis albums, with three of my favourite Elvis songs: Accidents Will Happen and What's so Funny (yeah, I know it's a Nick Lowe tune, but like Jeff Buckley singing Hallelujah, it's become the definitive version) and Oliver's Army. Steve Nieve became his George Martin and made Elvis's songs into post-punk treasures.
Great tunes.
Creo que nunca le había puesto atención a algo de Elvis Costello y vaya que me gustó. Siempre me ha causado un poco de problema cuando cantan letras que no riman y se hacen cuadrar con la música un poco a fuerza y aunque esto sucede en varias de las canciones, las letras son muy buenas y puedo hacer caso omiso de esto. Las mayoría de las melodías son pegajosas con letras que dicen más que lo que está escrito. Sí me dejó un poco de arrepentimiento no haberle pegado antes a Elvis Costello. Songs: Senior Service, Sunday's Best, Two Little Hitlers, (What's so Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding
¡Qué agradable sujeto! Ya habíamos hablado de lo agradable que puede ser la música de Elvis Costello, y sin embargo, creo que este disco es todavía mejor y hasta lo agrego a mi biblioteca. Creo que mi único y muy pequeño pero, es que su voz no es mi favorita. No como que sea desafinado, sino que el siento que sus canciones podrían sonar aún mejor con otro timbre.
The middle album of what I like to think of EC's Big 3. Great song after great song. The run from Senior Services through Goon Squad is absolute song writing gold. It bogs down slightly after that with the next three songs which aren't quite as strong, but we finish with a bang with Chemistry Class, Two Little Hitlers and the Nick Lowe penned; Peace Love and Understanding (though that last one is not included on my British pressing). A great album easily worthy of a 5 star rating.
I liked it - upbeat but not over the top, some cool inatrumentals
Bongo
Great album, classic
Just need to say that this album sounds so clean.
On some days this is my favorite Elvis Costello album.
✅
These guys rock, Oliver's Army is one the all time best.
I liked this pretty well actually.
One of my fav Costello albums and maybe my fav with the Attractions.
I know this album is very well regarded, but I don’t think it quite stands up to the previous two. Still damn good though.
I have this album. I played this one a lot in college when it came out.
Accidents Will Happen 4.5 Senior Service 3.7 Oliver's Army 4.1 Big Boys 3.5 Green Shirt 3.5 Party Girl 3.7 Goon Squad 4 Busy Bodies 4 Sunday's Best 3.7 Moods for Moderns 3.5 Chemistry Class 3.4 Two Little Hitlers 3.4 Score: 3.75
3rd album of the day in my effort to catch up was Elvis Costello and the Attractions - Armed Forces (1979) I bought this in the early 90s on vinyl after Michael Stipe had named it in Rolling Stone as one of his albums of the 80s (even though it was released in the 70s). So consistent. Not a bad track on it. A very solid 4 stars. Best track : Party Girl ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Finding my way into Elvis Costello continues to be the best gift of this project. Keep ‘em coming.
A solid album effort for England's Elvis. Accidents Will Happen, Oliver's Army and What's So Funny are excellent songs.
4/5
4.5 Fairly sure there are other words that rhyme with trigger
Great album, catchy tunes and good lyrics (Oliver's Army N word notwithstanding).
Great album!
Elvis Costello has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the generator for me. I thought I didn’t like him, and it may be because his voice is kind of annoying and he doesn’t have any standout single songs. But I find the albums to be more than the sum of their parts. There’s a ton of variation both between songs and within songs- tons of instrumental variation, fun structural choices, and melodies that keep you on your toes. The voice is still iffy at parts but growing on me.
Love the big songs on this. Oliver’s Army and Peace/Love. The rest all hold up to that too.
I've always struggled with his over-Americanised voice. But he is a helluva songwriter. Great stuff, with lots of the sentiment very relevant to this day
Some bangers
Not a bad album.
I like Elvis.
Always liked Elvis Costello. Can imagine his voice could be grating if you dont like it though First 3 songs are great. Plenty of in and out, job done songs. V.decent album 3.5 to 4
3.6 Kinda falls off at the end but besides the singles I enjoyed party girl and goon squad. might be a generous rounding to 4
Elvis Costello isn't really Elvis (or Costello), which makes it all the more surprising that he had the audacity to adopt the King of Rock 'n' Roll's name while he was still alive. And after listening to this record, I can't say he did it undeservedly. Firstly, Costello is an excellent melodist; you start humming some of the songs after just one listen. Secondly, he has a superb backing band. Thirdly, the album simply sounds good; they mixed it expertly. Fourthly, even though Elvis has moved away from his earlier punk sound, some songs could still be mistaken for, say, The Clash. Fifthly, surprisingly, his voice is somewhat similar to Lenny Kravitz, who I personally enjoy listening to. All in all, I can recommend it! But the elephants on the cover are completely out of place and don't convey the mood of the album.
This is one of Costello's best, full of great power pop/new wave songs, and with impeccable production from Nick Lowe. Lowe also contributes the great "(What's So Funny bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding?" I love the interplay of the Attractions here with each member shining, especially Steve Nieve on keys and Pete Thomas on drums. Costello often comes across as being a little too precious and too cool for school but, for the most part, he reined it in on this one and produced a gem.
Two critiques of Costello first 1. He gives himself the n-word pass (I know it was the 70s, but wtf) 2. Listening to him sometimes feels like watching a Hitchcock film, in the sense that everything feels so controlled and top-down. It's like the instruments aren't allowed to breathe often on this - they're so tight it can be stifling. This is only a part criticism because like Hitchcock, Costello's vision here is usually great Some excellent power pop on this- Oliver's Army and Two Little Hitlers are favorites. Clever songwriting too on most of it. Kudos to Nick Lowe for the brilliant album closer
I'm a fan of Elvis Costello and I knew a lot of the songs on this album and have liked them for a long time. I know that there are some people who don't really like Costello's voice, which I get, but I look at him as an artist more from the perspective of his songwriting than his voice. I also know that there is some controversy around this particular album due to the fact that Costello uses a racial slur in "Oliver's Army", and that's very understandably a complete turn off and no go for some people on the whole album. Costello was also pretty much an a** on the whole tour supporting this album, so that also turned people off. And, in reading some of the reviews that other people wrote on the website, Costello evidently has a lot of albums on the list and people question whether his stuff is worthy of it. In judging this one strictly on the music, I'm a fan and enjoyed listening to it.
This is a very solid album with some very fun tracks. The latter half gets a bit boring, but the first few tracks are near perfect. That N word came out of nowhere though.
Elvis drops the hard R! No, not that Elvis. But also he probably did too. Lowkey though, I did enjoy this. Even if it's a little more pop-ish, it's smart music and very solid songwriting. Lyrics are cool and make you think. Once again, an Elvis Costello album ends up right in that 6-8 range. At least he's consistent. Fave tracks: - Senior Service - Oliver's Army - Big Boys - Party Girl - Goon Squad - Busy Bodies - Moods For Moderns - (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding
Really liked it actually, fun, it is giving shrek soundtrack
Not quite for me but the creativity is undeniable
elvis costello was up to today's politics almost 50 years ago.
Al fin un disco de Elvis Costello que me gusta. Me guardo: "Accidents Will Happen", "Oliver's Army", "Green Shirt", "Goon Squad", "Two Little Hitlers" y "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding".
Really good album. I’m a big fan and this album has several hits. Notables include Accidents Will Happen, Senior Service, Olivers Army, Big Boys, Green Shirt, Party Girl, Peace Love and Understanding.
The sound of my youth. One of my life defining albums. A bit uneven, but even the filler songs are good.
Springsteen-esque
Elvis Costello decided to officially credit his band, The Attractions, for the first time on his third release, 'Armed Forces', which feels very fitting as the band certainly adds a strong punch to Costello's songwriting on this record. More or less following the same formula as his first two records, 'Armed Forces' sees Costello and The Attractions run through a tight set of heartfelt anthems discussing social consciousness, opposition to fascism and worldliness, although there's clear nods in the sound to krautrock (notably Kraftwerk and the Bowie/Eno/Iggy Pop tributes that followed) and the tight focus on interlinked themes that artists like The Beatles and Bob Dylan experimented with in the late 60s. You still can't shake the strong Springsteen similarities either, as Costello possesses that same anthematic passion and infectious energy with the potential to lift arenas. It's no surprise the pair are good friends and share a mutual appreciation for each other. 'Armed Forces' is another fine, uplifting Elvis Costello record, with greater emphasis on the talented Attractions. Costello sure was Mr Consistent in his early career when it came to solid records. Best songs: Accidents Will Happen, Senior Service, Oliver's Army, Party Girl, Goon Squad
Just a collection of catchy, fun songs delivered with enough personality to make them stand out, and the album doesn't waste any time. Sometimes that's all you need.
Boy, that n-word really stands out! Solid record, I enjoyed it. Reminded me of a really good record called Kontiki by a band called Cotton Mather that I listened to a lot back in the 2000s.
Heck yeah that was a nice album
I bought this album in '79, in the original fold-out sleeve, I bet that would be worth a fortune now, if I still had it! Great to hear it again after all these years. A more mature sound than his previous albums, some great singles.
8.0/10
This is my second Elvis Costello album (My Aim is True was my first) and I liked this one more. There is really nothing I could pick out of this album that hinders it's quality. It's some of the most fun albums in this new wave era. Very soft compared to other things from this era. It's very catchy, the instrumentation is smooth and I really Enjoy Costello's voice on here. There are no misses on this album. But no songs in particular stand out, just a very solid album. It has great basslines all over it just like most stuff from this genre. The production here is well thought out. It doesn't do anything particularly new but what it does do it does very well. My favourite song here is Senior Service.
One of Elvis's best. Never understood the cover art. But he sounds good here.
Disturbing, intriguing and worth a m other listen.
My god, the man can write a hook though, can’t he? Pretty much the epitome of the college radio sound I remember.
MUY BUENO
he said the n word and i wasnt prepared
I liked it!
I bought the single when it came out and my younger brother thought they were singin Ollagar Zombie is on the way! To be fair up until a few years ago I thought he was singing “white liquor” Anyway he’s one of the artists whose songs tend to be belters or just ok this album is better than most.
Used to listen to this one a lot
I was obsessed with those first 4 Elvis albums in high school. He's kind of baby and I don't know what I saw in his voice. The Attractions sound amazing though
I need to listen to this more! But it’s a great vibe throughout Last track is special
Accidents Will Happen Oliver's Army
beetje te veel voor een volledig album, maar kon dit wel smaken
Liked this album
Pidän Elvis Costellon alku-uran levyistä, mutta olen kuunnellut enimmäkseen This Year's Modelia. Armed Forces on Costellon kolmas levy ja taisi olla hänen iso läpimurtonsa aikanaan. Paljon hyviä biisejä ja levylle on onnistuneesti otettu mukaan pehmeämpiä soundeja ja paljon pianoa.
Day 172 First of what I believe is quite a few Elvis Costello albums on this list, man knows his way around a pop tune Highlights Green Shirt Sundays Best What’s so Funny….
I really need to listen to more Elvis Costello. I really dig his songwriting. I enjoyed this thoroughly, front to back
I'm a greatest-hits-level EC fan. This is mostly very good -- the unbearable "Moods for Moderns" is the exception. Barriers to giving it 5 stars: it's hard to make out the words in his clever and meaningful lyrics, and it's hard to understand what he's talking about without hitting up wikipedia. That's not a huge deal or a flaw per se; it just means that at my level of enjoying the music otherwise, I seldom will spend the energy to go to Genius or SongMeanings and figure out what, say, "Two Little Hitlers" is actually about. Maybe if I did I'd think it merited a 5.
He's good but all the songs sound the same to me
Elvis Costello may be the most four-star artist on this list. Everything is fine to good, nothing is great.
Elvis Costello has recorded in so many various styles over the years. I like some of his work but wouldn’t call myself a super fan. But this album has some good energy and I like it more than not. 3.75
You can't be talking like that, white baby
His best
Not a big fan of EC but this album probably the best so far.
4 out of 5. New wave goodness here.
My rating 3.8. Loved it. Screams 80s new wave.
Like drinking a Cuba libre
This is my favourite of the flurry of Elvis Costellos we have had recently. Is it because it is a tiny bit more funky? Is it because I have Chemistry Class on my science themed playlist? Are green shirt and olivers army classics? Or are they just classics to my dad? I don't know, but they are classics to me because of this. 🤠
Didn’t expect much but really enjoyed this. Pretty upbeat fun rock stuff
cool album
Nice elephants
Good stuff but need to lyrics more closely.
For a while, I've had the thought in my head that, rather than him having the 6 albums that he has on this list, Elvis Costello should have 2 or 3 albums on the 1001 Albums list. My Aim is True and This Year's Model are the full-on must-haves, but Armed Forces is the "or 3." This is definitely one of his more critically acclaimed albums, and I can see why. This thing is pretty great. Is it my favorite of the 4 I've gotten thus far? No. I definitely prefer This Year's Model, and I might even prefer My Aim Is True by a slim margin, but Armed Forces is still a highlight in his discography from what I can tell. Despite the Costello albums of the list not varying as much as, say, the Nick Cave albums of the list, I do find Armed Forces to be fairly different from its predecessors in some regards. For one, the writing, which is just as good as it's always been, has a stronger focus on politics, which I like. The album was supposed to be called Emotional Fascism, which shows in the album's political themes that remain as relevant today as they've ever been. Some songs really use this to their advantage, like the closer "Two Little Hitlers" and the excellent "Oliver's Army." God, that song is so good. It might even be the best song in his discography. However, "Oliver's Army" is made into a more obvious highlight of the album for a reason that isn't exactly a compliment. I feel like there aren't as many truly great songs on this album, especially in the latter half. Songs like "Oliver's Army" and the opener "Accidents Will Happen" are great, but some songs are just good and nothing more. Like, imagine someone telling you that their favorite Elvis Costello song is "Moods For Moderns." Really? What I'm saying is that it's a bit lop-sided in some regards. Still a great album, but not nearly as tight as the "all-killer-no-filler" pacing of This Year's Model. Everything else is pretty much the same as its ever been. Declan's vocals are still alright. The Attractions do a good job with the music. Bruce Thomas in particular does a great job on bass. This isn't my favorite album of theirs, but I'd understand if someone said it was their favorite. High 4/5.
I have always felt that Costello has been underrated his entire career, even though I think he likes it that way.
A nice album that doesn't quite stand the test of time. The love-as-war shtick gets a little bogged down -- but Accidents Will Happen remains a gem, and the original album including a bonus single with a slower, piano-backed version of the song. One of the band's influences was Abba's Arrival album, as you can tell from the brightness of the sound, and the impeccable melodies.
Decent enough
Costello's distinct voice works pretty well here. It's got some interesting ideas instrumental-wise, which keeps it interesting. The writing is also somewhat interesting, and sometimes a bit out there. All in all a very pleasant listen.
grea indie
Somehow his awful voice made me overlook what a genius he is.
Shit this has what’s so funny about peace, loving understanding I love that song
It’s pretty good I think This guy has too many albums here but this isn’t really one of the excessive ones
It was good, I have to admit though, Elvis Costello's voice gets a little too much for me to listen to in a row. Not a call on him, more on my own ear drums.
Armed, locked and loaded for another fun romp in the world of Elvis.
I've always liked Elvis Costello but this one goes off a cliff after the first half of Side A for me. Only Elvis Costello album I own but I literally forgot I had this one until I saw the alternate cover on Wikipedia.
Classic Costello
Decent Costello release, not a superstar but definitely worth adding to a playlist for regular rotation.
I think this is the best of the Elvis Costello albums I've heard. More mature than the previous and more polished, but not overwrought. His voice is better here too, less of that nasal sometimes sharp, whine thing he did. As always, the songwriting is sharp and often insightful. There a a few hits and not really any terrible clunkers. It's a good background album that will occasionally grab me with something memorable or nostalgic. I'll prolly listen to this again. (After three times n the last 48) Generously going all the way up 4 stars today.
Most 4* album I have found so far. Universally good, never truly great. I really enjoy the McCarthy-esque basslines, and Costello's vocals have nice character and keep things interesting. But overall it's good but a little one-note, would enjoy a live show but wouldn't travel for it.
Love
Really enjoyed - the hits are real stand outs, but generally decent
He certainly does know how to write an infectious poppy punk new wave earworm songs. I am getting a lot of Tom Petty's more sophisticated British cousin more so than on his debut. I loved it. 4.5
More great song writing
“So, tell me, how is it that a man like you, so bald, so quirky and funny, how is it you're not taken?" — Marisa Tomei to George Costanza in “Seinfeld” That’s this album. How is it that this album isn’t a sure thing? Why aren’t the reviews stronger? Why don’t I like it better since I so greatly enjoy Elvis Costello’s first two albums? It’s not you it’s us, Elvis! This is good stuff but just not as immediately arresting as some of your other work. Still, it’s great to see you expand your sound and deepen your lyrics—a foretaste of the rich and varied career ahead of you. Favorites, probably: “Accidents Will Happen,” “Goon Squad,” “What’s So Funny…” 3.75/5
Góði Elvis heldur áfram að gleðja mig, og það er hætt að koma mér á óvart. Rúmur fjarki sem ég gæti alveg hækkað með tíð og tíma.
Sounds like an interesting bridge between the more classic rock traditions and the more modern rock tendencies.
I would have to say that this is definitely one of the better albums I’ve heard from Elvis Costello. It’s pretty upbeat and has a high-energy vibe with catchy melodies. I really enjoyed the keyboard elements the most because it brings a lot of color to the music.
Good vibes and tunes. Definitely a hit..
Bueno
Probably the best Costello album I've surfaced through this, still too many but shame they're not all this good
Some of Elvis' best-known tracks on here, I did enjoy it but maybe not his best album?!
yes
Pretty good.
Argh...too much Elvis Costello in this collection! Fine, I suppose, but aside from sounding very "classic" Costello, and containing several big radio hits, this is a very forgettable Costello album. Or maybe it's just so quintessentially Costello that it just seems exactly like what you'd expect? Either way, the highlights for me were "Oliver's army" and "Green shirt" (mainly for the videos showing a much younger Elvis and Attractions, although I'm not entirely sure about the latter's video provenance), plus "Moods for moderns", and I liked it that he did a version of Ian Drury's "Sunday best", although Drury's original remains the better version. (I also realize about halfway through that part of the reason this sounded so familiar was because I already got this album before I joined the group playlist...) It was also interesting to read that his poor behavior during the US tour for this album had a huge impact on his career and kept him from touring North America for a full decade. And despite all of this, this does seem like one of his stronger albums.
Love how the first song seems to start mid-sentence, and Green Shirt is especially wonderful. I wish the tempo would vary more, even the slower songs like Party Girl could slow down more so you can appreciate his brilliant writing.
What a great album! I really enjoyed this one, thank god. I was on a losing streak with the recent recommendations. I’ll admit I know almost nothing about Elvis Costello. I know who he is but I don’t think I could have named a single song. I went in with zero preconceived notions and was pleasantly surprised! It’s easy to listen to this on the surface as a bunch of catchy pop tunes but then you realize it’s full of angst ridden lyrics. The upbeat pop rock melodies don’t match the message. I thought it was clever and fun. I read in the Wiki article that Bowie was an influence on him and I could definitely hear that in some of the songs. I would check out some of his other stuff based on this album.
An important album stylistically, though admittedly not his best. Arriving between the peak of the punk movement of the 70s and New Wave that is about to burgeon in the 80s, Armed Forces presages the trends and sounds that would dominate the next decade. Costello seemlessly moves from style to style, hitting the early alternative notes of Green Shirt, the pop-rock ballad of Big Boys and the hard rock style of Goon Squad with ease. His voice is not the most tuneful or melodic you’ve ever heard, but the delivery is so filled conviction and passion, it works. And he writes great songs, lyrically and musically, even if both are a bit quirky. He doesn’t sound like anyone or anything else out there and that is what makes him so iconic. There are better albums that show the depth of his work and more growth and maturity, but this early stuff is still a pretty engaging listen.
I've always liked Elvis Costello. A knew a few songs on the album going in, the rest lived up to expectations.
3.5
Miles betterer[sic] than the last Costello album I reviewed. Know a few more of these songs too. Great lyrics, great arrangements, musical genius. Someone mentioned he's "overrated", but I think he's incredibly underrated. Deserves better than the reviews I've seen.
Bright, snappy pop production (Nick Lowe baby) on the surface, with dark, political lyrics underneath. This album is immediate and dense, with a Phil Spector wall of sound feeling, a barrage of things going on and added in. I'm getting similarities to ABBA, Beach Boys, The Clash (London Calling came out the same year), Bob Dylan ("Sunday's Best" is like a bad impression), Tom Petty, 60's Motown, and new wave. In fact this is almost the pop counterpoint to London Calling. I see a lot of 00's indie rock drawing inspiration from this album. The melodic compositions are so good, but I just can't help but wonder about the political lyrics which are so on-the-nose. Does Costello really believe what he is singing, or is it just to add depth to his music, or to show that he is the cleverest person in the room? I can't judge him for his intentions since I don't know them, but it sometimes comes across as pretentious and contrived. Still, the fascist and imperialistic messages are actually still relevant today in 2025. There's so much stuffed into every song. It borderlines on too much, should we take a breath? It can be overwhelming. I'm wavering between 3 and 4 rating, but I think this will get better with repeated listens, as there is so much there for your ears to sift through and to appreciate each layer. **Special shout-out to the "accident" in "Chemistry Class". https://alt.fan.elvis-costello.narkive.com/5Wn6LShD/chemistry-class-skip
Love the album. I still don’t get why the cover is like the Lion King.
Good
Armed Forces is a clever fusion of sharp political bite and irresistible pop melodies. The album balances urgency with polish, showcasing Costello’s knack for both wit and hooks. While not flawless, its mix of energy and intelligence makes it a standout in his catalog.
My music tastes must have changed. I really enjoyed this - would argue many of the same types of songs over and over, there's no real distinction between a lot of them. Accidents Will Happen and Oliver's Army were particular stand-outs, and I gooned myself over Goon Squad. Listened twice, perhaps by accident. Can't complain. Good album.
This album is very fun and boppy with solid performances. My only issue is that I genuinely don’t like Elvis Costello’s voice. Tried not to hold it against the album itself, but that definitely has an impact in my enjoyment.
LIke it quite a bit Mellow.
Not sure why I never really listened to Elvis Costello until recently. Everything I've heard of his has been great.
Yeah this is another Elvis Costello album alright. Not that it's a bad album or anything, he's just always kind of the same on everything. And that's fine if that's your thing. 🥰
The post punk period in the UK was an extraordinary blast of creativity. Where most punks were largely apolitical (the Clash notwithstanding), Costello's songwriting was a blast against the recently elected Thatcher government as well as covering traditional topics of love and relationships. It's impossible to discuss this album without mentioning the use of the N word in Olivers Army, and anti-war song told both from the perspective of a soldier serving in Northern Ireland during the troubles and the racist politicians who sent him there to die. Costello was well known for being deliberately provocative (and indeed got into considerable trouble on a tour of the USA around this time by running his mouth off in an argument with Stephen Stills). He doesn't use the word in this song any more but the fact that it was broadcast on Radio One and Top of the Pops at the time without comment says more about British attitudes at the time than it does about Costello himself. Other than that, this is a fine collection of songs that have largely stood the test of time.
This was a good album, but I feel like he has better. It did feel like it was all over the place, which is better than sounding all the same so rounding up.
It seems most times that I listen to Elvis Costello the songs get stuck in my head
catchy hooks, interesting lyrics, and short tracks that don't drone on too long. solid album
It was good.
i love Elvis Costello. this album is pretty solid, but uhhhhhhhhh it’s not My Aim Is True or This Years Model. doesn’t make it a bad album, just hard to follow those two records.
I don't know if I enjoyed this one as much as I enjoyed This Year's Model. I don't feel like the songwriting was as crisp, though that is a high bar to clear for Costello. There are six Elvis Costello albums in this book and I think 4-5 would have sufficed. Hard to say whether I would have cut this one or not. This is the fourth Costello album I have gotten and I liked it better than Blood and Chocolate. Armed Forces is a record where Costello leaned into the "pop" sound a little bit more than he had in the past. Overall, I am still happy that I get to hear these Elvis Costello albums and continue to be exposed to his music. My favorite tracks were: Accidents Will Happen Oliver's Army Big Boys Green Shirt Party Girl Busy Bodies Two Little Hitlers What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love and Understanding
A more accessible pop album from EC&TA which was big at school in '79. Some very catchy singles in Accidents Will Happen and Oliver's Army with nice layered melodies. A good listen this one.
Its not brilliant but evokes such nostalgia for me. Can hear the Nick Lowe in there.
7/10
GOON SQUAD
Sudden n-word, the infamous goon squad, 2 little austrian painters. And of course random elephants on the cover. ABSOLUTE CINEMA
🎵 Day 34 / Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Armed Forces (1979) 🗯 New wave with post-punk edges, sharpened into something shinier — Armed Forces was Costello’s most commercial-leaning record to date. You can hear the ambition in every tightly-wound verse, every hook polished to a dangerous edge. He sounds hungry, like a man chasing the big time without letting go of his bite. The songs are consistently strong, even if the outright “hits” aren’t everywhere — though it does contain “Oliver’s Army,” a melody so breezy it could play in a shopping mall without anyone noticing it’s about imperialism. The Attractions are in lethal form here, blending wiry guitars with wiry nerves, organs buzzing in the corners like fluorescent lights about to pop. There’s a precision to the playing that makes even the jauntiest moments feel tense. It’s music that wants to charm you, but it’s still watching you and your every move. Verdict: Excellent (ambitious and lean — not quite a gateway album, but close) For fans of: The Jam, Graham Parker, Joe Jackson, sharp suits with sharper tongues
a sleek juggernaut of an album, packed with Costello's dense wordplay, puns, allusions - opening cheekily with the line "Oh, I just don't know where to begin" and motoring through the many layers of Oliver's Army.
> the Beatles
Smart lyrics and sharp instrumentals
I need to listen to this album more, could be a 5 for me eventually.
4.5
Armed Forces is a really good album that is ridiculously front-loaded. Side one is nearly perfect, however, I think it falls apart a bit in the second half -- the run of "Sunday's Best" (rightfully scrapped on the original U.S. release) through "Chemistry Class" feels like some serious filler. Depending on whether "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding" is part of the tracklist, it's somewhat redeemed in the end. Standouts for me are "Accidents Will Happen", "Oliver's Army", "Big Boys", and if it counts, "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding". 4 stars.
4.5
Before this album, I honestly couldn't name a single Elvis Costello song. It wasn't what I expected, but that's not a bad thing. "Accidents Will Happen" is an excellent opener that immediately grabs your attention. "Oliver's Army" manages to tackle a pretty serious subject in a surprisingly fun and catchy way. Costello clearly knows how to mix clever songwriting with memorable hooks. From what I've read, his previous two albums were more punk rock influenced, so I'm definitely interested in checking those out next.
Good old rock n roll from across the pond. Nothin fancy, just a good beat and happy tapping toe.
Fresh
Cover 7 Great songs, great album. No skips for me. Musicianship is average/ decent (nothing spectacular) but lyrics are good. The overall effect however is a great album
Surely I must be coming to the end of the multitude of Elvis Costello albums in this list? I’ve had a few now but this is without doubt my favourite and arguably his best album. I bought this on album and because of the nature of the cover stuck it straight into a plastic sleeve where it has remained now for 46 years in pristine condition. Whilst I really liked the album on release I did tire of it in later years so I have rarely played it. But today I listened to it with fresh ears and was able to remember why I was drawn to it originally. Lots of hit singles which everyone was playing and making EC a constant on Top of The Pops. Best track for me is Green Shirt which still sounds fresh and original today. Streamed it through a few times but resisted getting my LP out of its cocoon. But writing about it now I think I must at least remind myself of the album cover which is superb. 4/5 16/7/25
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wow, my second Costello record in three days and my third overall on this list out of 70 so far, perhaps this one will impress beyond what the others have left me with…Arm me with an entertaining musical experience Elvis! Elvis Costello’s Armed Forces is a dazzling collision of pop sensibility and political paranoia. Released at the close of the 1970s, it feels like a brilliant, bitter postcard from the edge of a world unraveling — simultaneously accessible and subversive. Musically, it’s lush, sophisticated, and irresistibly catchy. Songs wrap critiques of British imperialism in glossy pop melodies that could have been ripped from an ABBA record — if ABBA were furious and politically incensed. The Attractions are in peak form, especially Steve Nieve on keyboards, giving the album its signature new wave sheen. Lyrically, Costello is razor-sharp, blending wit, cynicism, and double meanings. He’s writing about war, manipulation, fascism, and emotional warfare — but with such charm and wordplay that it’s often only after multiple listens that the darker themes sink in. Tracks are paranoid, twitchy masterpieces of menace and mood. 🎧 Classic Track: Accidents Will Happen 🎧 Deep Cut Gem: Party Girl 🎧 Personal Favorite: Green Shirt 🎧 Memorable Standout: Moods for Moderns Many others have stated their admiration for Oliver’s Army, however to me it is the less accessible tracks that really impress here. Enriched by top notch production, tight musicianship and confident songwriting, this album outshines Costello’s previous two releases, which are quite overrated in my humble opinion. 🖼️ Album Artwork: As every force of nature as the tunes 🐘🎵 This Year’s Model was angry and raw, Armed Forces is polished and dangerous — a wolf in pop clothing. It’s not just one of Costello’s best albums, it’s one of the smartest pop records of its era.
It’s a good record, which is surprising because I didn’t think I would like Elvis Costello… but I don’t even know why. It’s some good rock and roll that you just don’t see today. It’s good!
I’m a sucker for a strong melody, strong tunes with a strong message
Bit of filler here n there but a few srltandout tracks. And Oliver's Army is, to this day, a stone cold banger.
Good album Costello is a great composer and musician and overall artist that anything he records is good but even if all songs are good doesnt make it a great album not even his best one yet better than most albums for most bands.
What is this. So annoyed by his voice, but also it changes, sound is upbeat fun pop that could be old or new, unique lyrics that don’t match the sound, but also some stuff you wouldn’t say anymore
Great album
Great album.Some classic songs
I love Elvis Costello, but I can’t tell the difference from most songs if I’m not paying close enough attention.
Not bad. The two hits are, of course, the highlights. Some of the other tracks are worthy of repeat listening, but I don't feel the need to add this album to my collection.
Not my favorite of his but it does have a couple of his classic songs.
Stone cold angsty bangers from the Prince of dysfunctional relationships. It’s a perfect album but marking down a point because, as Elvis, recognized, you can’t say the n-word as a white person, even if it thematically fits the song.
Really good
More of the typical early Costello sound, but a bit more commercialized compared to something like My Aim Is True. Solid 4 Stars.
I’m at a 4. This is our fifth Elvis Costello album, so I’m running out of words to really say about the guy. If you’ve heard “My Aim Is True”, “This Year’s Model”, or “Imperial Bedroom”, then this is generally more of the same, with a little more of a pop lean as opposed to the sort of new wave-y stuff that was more prevalent on the former two. Seriously, I can’t think of anything more to say: an Elvis Costello album at this point feels like a pretty nice slice of pizza. It’s some fine rock music that generally hits pretty well, with a few tracks that just… don’t. This is a totally competent 40 minute album that never really had a bad track, thankfully. If someone wanted to give this a 5, I wouldn’t even blame them. To my ears, there’s just a couple of mediocre tracks, some flatter instrumentals, a less engaged vocal performance at times, & one baffling (if historically relevant, I suppose) use of the N-word as it relates to Northern Ireland’s struggles around this time. I won’t defend it, but I don’t think I have enough historical knowledge to really indict the guy for it. Someone else can tear into him if they want, it just makes “Oliver’s Army” a really awkward listen otherwise. There are a few really standout tracks to me: “Party Girl”, “Goon Squad”, & “(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” are my highlights here. “Oliver’s Army” would be there too, but… y’know. I do think about 9 of the 13 tracks have some really nice moments within each of them – “Big Boys,” “Green Shirt”, “Chemistry Class” & “Two Little Hitlers” are the ones that didn’t click for me, and even then, they’re not bad, they’re just flatter & don’t have anything that really perk the ears up past a passive listen. I got nothing more to add: good instrumentals from the Attractions, fine vocals from Elvis, and some solid songwriting for a pretty solid 40 minutes. Hence, a 4, but a recommended 4. P.S.: I like Elvis Costello, but I’m more just surprised that he has 6 albums on the list when it feels like you could really just get away with “My Aim Is True” & “Next Year’s Model” and be done with it.
Good catchy tunes, thx !
less than a quarter of the way through the list and this is my fourth cost'lo record. it woulda been kinda cool to include some of his later experiments like his jazz stuff or his collab with the roots rather than include six of his pretty good pop albums. as always, there's a few very good songs and a few stinkers. i like the north american cover better.
Loved this. Great album, great artist, unique sound & clever lyrics. I love Elvis C, also bc he & Krall were neighbors (down the street, not the hall) when I lived in Chelsea NYC, used to see him and Diana when she was pregnant, then with their new twins <3, they always looked so exhausted at the beginning LOL. The only other acceptable Elvis : )
This is an overall enjoyable album.
I've been a fan of Elvis Costello for a long time and this is one of the albums that got me into him. The first few songs are all standouts with Oliver's Army being the highlight (minus his slur). It loses some steam with the run between Goon Squad and Sunday's Best, but finishes very strongly with the final 4 songs. A special songwriter and has great melodies on this record. 8/10
Solid album!
8/10
I know people hate on how many albums he has on this list, but I think it’s deserved. One of the greatest song writers to ever do it. This isn’t my favorite of his, but still great.
The Attractions are in top form here as a new wave rock outfit, and Elvis Costello gives them plenty to do. The arrangements are complex but the band manages to translate them into some very fun, accessible music. As is usually the case with Costello, there are a lot of words. Some lyrics are a snarky commentary on sex and relationships, some are more social commentary, and there are plenty of lyrics I’ve never understood (but sing along to anyways). I’ve heard this album dozens of times before but there were still lyrics I felt like I noticed for the first time today. The pacing and sequencing of this album is great. One song flows to the next and the energy is upbeat. There was clearly a lot of work that went into crafting the music and lyrics, but the end result is still an infectious, enjoyable, easy-to-listen album. Also, “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” is a great song! 4.5
Armed Forces is a clever, well-crafted album that shows Elvis Costello refining his sound with more polish and pop sensibility, but it doesn’t always hit as hard as it wants to. The hooks are strong—Oliver’s Army and Accidents Will Happen are undeniably catchy—but the album sometimes feels a bit too slick for its own good, losing some of the rawness and urgency that made his earlier work stand out. There’s plenty to admire here: smart lyrics, tight performances, and a sharp ear for melody. But for all its intelligence and energy, it occasionally slips into sounding a little too controlled, a little too calculated. It’s a solid, enjoyable record—but not quite the knockout it often gets credit for.
Elvis had nearly fullly moved on from the punk music that defined his debut and was demonstrating his ear for amazing power pop/new wave. Working with Nick Lowe would help too.
I really enjoy Elvis Costello. Great record. Like the elephants on the cover.
Elvis rules!
the more Elvis Costello albums this book throws at me, the more I understand why it adores him. he was in the right place at the right time making just the right kind of music to appeal to the critics: a sharp blend of post-punk and new wave with nods to artists of yesteryear (the omnipresent Beatles being most prominent to my ears as an influence) and production work which, by Armed Forces, was beginning to resemble the maximalist sound pioneered by Phil Spector (listen to the layers upon layers of guitar coating "Chemistry Class," for instance). some of the best pop/rock songs I've ever heard are to be found here. the opener ("Accidents Will Happen") is surely the biggest standout; you just don't hear harmonic ingenuity like that on the charts these days. "Senior Service" is a great jam, too. "Oliver's Army" would've been my #1 pick easily, but Costello says the N-word on it (prefaced by the word "white"). I just don't understand the point he's trying to make there; even taking Costello's ironic character in mind, it just feels like pointless edginess. I have to dock the song a little bit as a result. the songs that point away from Costello's power pop origins and towards his interest in more traditional rock sounds are often the ones that go over the best. otherwise, I think I'd rather just put on This Year's Model again. decent 7/10.
Armed Forces is less intense then the other Costello albums I’ve had but probably just as good. It’s more accessible, a little more layered and produced. While sounding poppy he’s singing about fascism. It’s political but also personal. The guys is a genius 8.4/10
Cynical pop loaded with catchy melodies.
Thoughts before listening: This is one of Elvis' albums that I own, and I like it quite a bit. IMO his output fell off over the years, but the first 4 or 4 albums are great. This one is in that category. Review: Yeah this is a nice little album full of upbeat, catchy pop rock songs with a touch of pink attitude, but really more of a power pop sensibility. This is certainly not overly cheesy new wave, and I appreciate that Elvis avoided overproducing all his songs with synthesizers like many of his contemporaries, instead opting for a more basic rock sound. I'll give this one 4-stars.
Now this for me is Costello and The Attractions high water mark. yes there are better songs, yes there is My Aim is True, but Armed Forces scratches that itch unlike any other
Very good
I absolutely hate the album cover, not really sure why, just reminds me of some cheap art you’d see in a dated hotel or something. This is one of his better albums. 1979 was a great year for British music,.
Brilliantly played and produced, *Armed Forces* is loud, direct, punchy and weird - it's everything a good rock and roll record should be. Many of the tracks are stellar and rank as the best of Costello's career. His wordplay and pointed observations are even sharper than ever on *AF* and his innovative arrangements (such as on "Green Shirt") expand on his sound in interesting ways. Not *every* track is a complete success, though. "Big Boys" is stuffed with too many songwriting tricks and struggles under its own weight. "Party Girl" has one too many sections; it's one draft away from brilliance. "Busy Bodies" and "Mood for Moderns" come across as generic new wave and don't stand up to the rest. "Sunday's Best" is a waltz-time outlier that would have been better as b-side material. None of these tracks are duds, but the fact that they fall short of the genius of "Accidents Will Happen" or "Oliver's Army" keeps this album from being a complete masterpiece.
I have never truly listened to any Elvis Costello. This should be interesting. I know how much of a legendary pop songwriter he is. These songs ae very well put together. NOt even a big fan nor know much of him, as I previously stated but this sounds like a 4-star album
Some people will do anything to say the n word, huh? Listening to this album really requires a full focus. There is a lot packed in here and a passive listen of this really feels like someone ranting at you set to music. Side A is very catchy but as a whole, this is a very dense album to digest all at once. Luckily I have enough experience and patience from dealing with gasbags in real life (I live with the king of them!) to enjoy the musical equivalent of a human wave attack. Green Shirt made me consider how effective his second-person lyricism is, it is pointed and vindictive like he is telling someone off in his music or using songs as therapy for little gripes he has and I love someone that petty. The edition of the album available on spotify tacks on (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding which is a fine song but it feels a bit out of place, like Costello's voice is a few octaves lower and the mixing is different but whatever. The political/satirical songs on here are snappy and the non-political ones are so bitter that it makes me think that Elliot Rodger may have had a future as a singer-songwriter if he had channelled his energy into writing music instead of spending 0900-1700 sitting in Barnes & Noble for weeks waiting for a woman to approach him for months on end. He even looks like the same vein of freak as Elvis Costello and Woody Allen so I honestly think we really did miss out on something there. But I digress, this album was difficult to interface with at first but it really paid off to give this several listens. Forgoing one song that sounds like goofy circus shit (Sunday's Best), this is a great album and unlike other artists that have 5+ albums on here I am beginning to understand why the people who like Elvis Costello REALLY like him. Highlights: Oliver's Army, Party Girl, Busy Bodies, (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding
Not as raw as the earlier Elvis Costello, moving more towards complex power pop. Excellent record, can here the beginnings of Costello’s future evolution.
3.5
II’m feel like I say this all of the time, but is it really necessary to have so many Elvis Costello albums in a compilation of essential albums? This is probably the better of the ones I’ve heard, but perhaps that’s because it has Oliver’s Army on it, which I’ve always thought of as the main song of his. It is definitely an easier album to listen to when compared with some of his other stuff, and maybe I’d have rated this even higher if it was my fiart time listening. At this point though, I’m a bit Costello’d out. It’s good, but I’m only really going to seek out Oliver’s Army again from this.
A sonic delight that occasionally veers off track. Lots of choice tracks in here.
like the fella
Welcome back, the official sponsor of The Project. It's arguable that there are about three times as many Costello albums on this thing as there should be, but if there was only going to be one, it should absolutely be this cracker of a record. By far the most coherent, enjoyable and interesting of his that I've had so far. It also must be said that ending a record with a really strong song like Peace, Love and Understanding probably does quite a lot for the rating.
A little more pop influence than previous albums but there are some great songs here none the less. Very solid album.
Arguably, Elvis Costello's first trio of albums were some of his best from his long prolific career. The first two records secured Elvis as a power-pop-punk legend with a solid collection of great songs that still dominate his modern setlists. Armed Forces expands to a New Wave sound that highlights not only the crucial contributions of The Attractions, but also Costello's maturing songwriting. The songs are good and I would rank the opener, "Accidents Will Happen" one of his classic songs, but for the first time there is some weaker tracks. I wouldn't consider it his best album, but it just might be my favourite.
Armed Forces has some absolutely great tracks on it, and I love it as a whole, but it is about half a step below My Aim is True and This Year's Model, which are perfect in my opinion. Still, I'd rather listen to this than almost anything else.
I'm still waiting to review my favorite Elvis Costello albums, but we’re getting warmer. Of this era, Armed Forces is probably my second or third most well liked — a solid record with standout moments. Bruce Thomas’s bass playing is a highlight, with melodic flourishes that keep things bouncy while retaining a punkish approach (albeit more subtle than previous records). There is something about a 70/80s British bassist blending punk with something else whether it be pop, reggae or ska that really catches my ear — see also: Graham Maby, Paul Simonon, Horace Panter and others. The first three tracks of Armed Forces are outstanding, but the back half dips into a bit of Costello's “sameness” of form and content. Not bad, just less gripping. But the closer What’s So Funny ’Bout Peace, Love & Understanding rescues any lost momentum and leaves us with something memorable. At least I'm always left singing it hours or days later. So far in this list, I’ve only reviewed Brutal Youth (4 stars) and Imperial Bedroom (3 stars — for reasons, but I still like it). Armed Forces lands comfortably above the latter though I still have to reserve that five star rating for a Costello record I'm sure will come.
Wow i like elvis costello much more than i though i did
This is probably the 1 Elvis Costello album I would have on this list. He hits all those hooks, rocks that nerdy new wave punch. There is the obvious racial slur, which in context is supposedly at Irish catholics (what he is i believe) as viewed by the British, but that you have to look for context, it’s gonna be misinterpreted be troubling. Anyway, 4 Stars for the record, though I still don’t understand why he has so many interviews on this list.
I'm never excited to get an Elvis Costello album on this list, but then I always enjoy the albums I get from him. I don't know why I'm never excited to hear him, but he crafts a hell of a song, and I really like this era from him 4/5
On tämä kyllä hyvä. Kahdesta elasta EC&A-levystä tykkään vielä enemmän, mutta hyvä kokonaisuus tällästä vaihtoehtopoprockia! 4/5
It’s a classic
fun! more uppity
A timely album for what's going on in the world today. What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding resonates very loudly to me at this time. Some of the racial stuff isn't great but this is a solid listen and probably his second best album behind Next Year's Model.
Elvis Costello is such a vibe. I've listened before and I'll listen again.
Really enjoyed this, would for sure listen again
I think that this project is at its most interesting when the chosen album leads down a rabbit hole of background information. "Armed Forces" had me clicking through Wikipedia pages for more knowledge and understanding of the subjects involved. Oliver Cromwell, Nick Lowe, the Romanian Iron Guard, and Bonnie Bramlett, among other subjects, are all noted as important pieces of the puzzle. As for the music itself, this record is pretty darn good and certainly deserves it place on this list.
I don’t think this is as good as either of his first two albums, but it still has some good songs! The ending of “sorry girl” sounds like the end of the Abbey Road Medley.
I do enjoy listening to Elvis Costello. Often it’s more a greatest hits style listening. I need to spend more time with his records.
Few well known belters. So far, so good.
La portada es chula y potente. El inicio inmaculado: Accidents will happen, uno de sus mejores temas. Oliver´s army, con ese piano tan ABBA que le sienta fenomenal es una de sus canciones más exitosas. Otros temas no desmerecen en absoluto: Green shirt, Party girl Producción de un tal Nick Lowe, nada menos. Les deja hacer una gloriosa versión de su (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding que él ya había grabado con su banda Brinsley Schwarz y también en solitario. La influencia de Bowie (con sus discos de esa época, sobre todo Station to Station, y con su producción del debut de Iggy Pop: Lust for life, The Clash, Beatles (Party girl tiene ecos de I want you) y sobre todo de unos Fleetwood Mac que venían de nada menos que Tusk, le hicieron abrir su paleta para el siempre difícil tercer disco y alejarse del punk hacia terrenos más orientados al pop-new wave. El disco es todo un acierto, de lo mejor de su extensa producción.
I liked this way better than I thought I was going to.
Elvis is a bloody delight
perfect but loses a point for the line in Oliver's Army. He knew exactly what he was doing when he put it in there.
I was surprised at how engaging this album was. The only tune I was familiar with was Oliver’s Army, a fantastically head-bopping piece despite a serious subject matter, but every other song had a similar upbeat feel. I would absolutely spin Armed Forces again with great pleasure.
Not their best album - but damn good.
Sometimes I really like Elvis Costello and sometimes he kind of grates. I guess it's been a while since I found this album really delightful. It's probably not a favorite I'd reach for often, but certainly a cohesive album with fun lyrics and varied production and instrumentation. It's already kinda grown on me a bit.
Already knew and liked this LP. Don't think I'd ever heard the UK sequence with Sunday Best. I get the context, but the slur in Oliver's Army always makes me cringe.
New Wave inspired by Bowie, ABBA etc. Poppier than I expected. Cool voice. Pretty catchy. Slightly shmalzy in a cute way. Attitude and tons of swagger.
Not loving the production on Accidents Will Happen -- the most interesting point is the bass, which is burried beneath layers of Costello's voice and other crap. I will say, I know that Costello's voice isn't everyone's cup of tea (and for fair reasons), but I honestly don't mind it. Senior Service is actually a pretty fun bouncy number -- between the fat bassline and catchy synthline its hard not bob along. Green Shirt is great. Goon Squad is another standout -- the drum and bass interplay is a lot of fun. Could have done without the polka plonk of Sunday's Best. Can't shake that the guitar riff in Two Little Hitlers sounds just like Rebel Rebel. Okay, I'm not crazy -- it mentions this in the Wikipedia page. So I'm going to run counter to the group-think on this one. While this wouldn't be among my top 100 choices for a desert island situation, I found this to be a lot of fun and honestly loved a few of the songs in here enough to put them on repeat (Green Shirt, Senior Service, Goon Squad). I prefer This Year's Model in a general sense, but this was good fun start to finish. One gripe is that I wish the bass was elevated in the mix more as it is one of the best parts of this record -- also won't complain if they buried Costello a little bit more. For me this is a soft 4.