Reviews (page 2 of 8)
Seventies and eighties Costello was my favorite era and his early stuff had such great energy. I enjoyed all of this and can't really fault it.
Day 8 If this is meant to be one of his best, I'm not ecstatic for the five more Elvis Costello albums... Fav track: Accidents Will Happen
It was fun and upbeat, alot of slurs and questionable lyrics but apart from that it was interesting. Nothing crazy but definitely above average. I don't really know how to describe it, a bit of this and a bit of that. I'd definitely want to listen to more from them, it's an intriguing sound for sure.
Under no circumstances do you need to listen to this before you die. Don't get me wrong I like me some Elvis Costello but it's all so average.
Out of all the Elvis Costello albums this project has forcibly baby birded down my throat, this was the most enjoyable.
Some definite bangers, very dense lyrics and interesting instrumentals throughout. I just can’t with his voice. I feel like it would be worth taking a closer listen and really focusing on the lyrics, I might end up really enjoying it.
Quite a few good to great tunes here besides the obvious ones. The Attractions were incredibly tight at their peak too.
Remember kids, if you're bad at something, wear a fun hat and be a little aloof, and people will assume that your badness at said thing means you're artistically elevated. This really sucks. The weird put-on Randy Newman vocals, mixed with the nothing happening pop tunes make this yet another British stinker. Unlistenable, so I'll just be checking out these elephants on the front cover, fantasizing about getting mashed beneath a stampede. 0 HIGHLIGHTS: Heyy uhh guyyys look at my funny hat!! Whoaohohoho
I am not the biggest Elvis Costello fan but “What’s Wrong With Love, Peace and Understanding” what a fucking great song!
Album started well, peaked with Oliver's Army, but somewhere in the middle I realised I'd heard four or five tracks in a row and didn't really distinguish them from each other. Picked up a bit at the end.
I am unsure what the obsession is with Elvis Costello…I think this is the third album so far on this list, more than any other artist. I’m afraid I could not distinguish this album from any other. Really doesn’t capture my attention.
An album putting singles in context. More political than I expected though don’t know Costello well enough to have expectations. Enjoyed.
I like goon squad. nothing else super stood out to me
This was a good album. I thought I was not an Elvis Costello fan, but I would buy this one. Five stars
Incredibly dull
I don't hate the tunes but there is something profoundly irksome about Costello's voice. Like being an a work party with a man in a novelty tie.
Kind of clowny
Pure Gold. The varied styles of The Attractions and the wit and wisdom of Costello’s lyrics are combined into what is arguably the very best album in Costello’s discography. The snappy upbeat melodies mask the biting political or societal commentary in the lyrics. The undisputed King of the New Wave. A listen twice kinda album, which I guess makes it a 10 instead of a 5.
Way too many Costello albums on here. He's great, but this one isn't even in the top three of his alone.
11/08/2026 Really do not rate Mr. Costello. I'll be happy when he disappears from my albums. Spotify listeners: 819k
Oliver's army's alright
this is an album about imperialism and colonization and Empire Shit and one less white WHAT??? did not do much for me at all. lyrics are okay but delivered with an unpleasant voice. and the instrumentals lack flavor. i will forget what this sounds like by the end of the week probably :/ deserves to be one of the 1001? myeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh. probably not.
Enjoyed this! Never thought of Costello as punk rock as he’s often categorized, but rather a very energetic pop-rock. Good stuff!
One of the things I like about Elvis Costello is that there's always a certain tempo and energy to almost everything he makes Standouts Goon Squad 3/5
Classic. Standouts: Accidents will Happen, Oliver's Army, Peace Love and Understanding. 4.5
My luck, I get Elvis Costello back to back, ooohh ahhhh, blahhh. As I just mentioned yesterday, I like Elvis, but honestly has he really changed his overall sound over between 1977 and 1995? No. He went all Burt Bacharach and mellow weird after that, but this album falls right in the same-old-same wheelhouse. He deserves one album not 6 (SIX), which is ludicrous and criminal. There are so many more deserving artists out there who aren't included. Only Bowie has more and that's stupid too. I believe a cap of 3 albums is justified, no band changes dramatically enough over time to justify more than that. "Accidents Will Happen" is a great song, but it sounds a lot like everything else he's ever done, but it's catchy. "Oliver's Army" is another good one. Then it wraps up with "What's So Funny 'Bout Peace Love & Understanding" which is a classic and covered by so many other artists. Much of the rest is filler and just plain average songs ("Big Boys", "Good Squad", "Sunday's Best", "Moods For Moderns", "Chemistry Class", "Two Little Hitlers"). "Green Shirt" has a popular listener count (2.3M) compared to the tracks mentioned above, but man is it vanilla boring or what? Another Brit-slanted choice, this one has more merit than most though. But 4 of the other Elvis albums on here are unjustified. The author must've grown up listening to Elvis. 3 album cap, good idea, right? 3 stars for 3 really good songs.
The music itself is a forgettable 3 stars, but fatigue is starting to set in. Hoping this is my third and final Elvis Costello album.
Elvis Costello always writes to a certain standard, so is work is at a minimum, good. This album is no different but does contain Oliver’s Army which I’ve always liked, do edges a 4
I'm an Elvis Costello fan and owned this album back in the day. I had high expectations of enjoyment but actually I found this album pretty disappointing. The production sound became tiresome and only some of the lyrics intrigued with others a bit annoying or heavy going. There are better Elvis Costello albums
I'm not a massive fans of Elvis Costello’s vocal delivery but I can’t deny that this album is short, sweet, and packed with great tracks. Overall, an enjoyable collection of songs with a great sound, and snappy lyrics; one I’d happily come back to.
Ehh, some catchy moments but many of the songs on here sound too similar. Again, not a fan of his voice and the slur was an unpleasant surprise. But I have to say, the album cover is awesome. Glad to know this was the last Elvis Costello album for me.
Eh
Pop punk vibe
I’m sure this is it for a lot of people, but not for me. 1.5/5.
Кожен раз як мені потрапляється нью вейв альбом, я очікую вторинність. Цей раз не став виключенням. Оцінка: низька-середня 4
Hearing Elvis Costello speak and hearing how knowledgeable about music he is you would never guess he's made some of the most overrated albums of all time with some of the most dull songs.
Why is he on the list so many times. I keep getting told he's good but I'm not hearing it. Every album so far from him is a swing and a miss.
Elvis Costello has all the makings of an artist I should adore, but he’s never been a favorite of mine, I don’t love his voice all that much. Always a great time though, good for catchy tunes and witty lyrics. Should be somebody’s favorite, just not mine.
5 star classic but not as good as King of America
A: Jag säger sen det du ska skriva, skriv int allt ha säger. I början Nej du sku int skriva allt ja säger i början var Elvis costello slandern bara rolig, nu är den deserved. Ta bort denna man ur mina album. Hans spirit animal är en 12-årig pojke inom parentes goonlåten och Hitler. 1/5 C-tier eller D tier ja vet int C nä D nej CD-tier. Aa plus jag skulle vilja lägga till att han var en man före sin tid med tanke på att han gjorde ful ai cover art före ai. D: Absolut gooner. Alla amerikanska högstadiemobbarnas idol och nationalsång. Teman, låtarna, pärmen, allt. Enda plus kommer från att den (antagligen) för en gång skulle inte handlade enbart om att objektifiera kvinnor. 1/5
Ehhh, it was fine. I don't really get the appeal of Elvis Costello, tbh. I don't dislike him, but I'm fine with only hearing one or two songs.
Done for background music and new some of the tracks. Wouldn’t pick it out to put it on but an easy listen.
Ihan kivaa menevää musaa. Hyvä fiilis ja meno. New wave, Post-Punk.
One of those artists that once you get it, you get it and I wish I could write one song as good as one of his songs that being said this is probably not my favorite of this initial burst from him, but it’s kind of untouchable that run from this year‘s model I guess including my Aim is true through to get happy amazing stuff.
Thought I may have misheard something in Oliver’s army but alas I did not. Probably still the best song though this is pretty good
To mellow for my fellow
This is probably by inflection point on Mr. Costello
I was neutral-to-positive on the first two E.C. albums but this one was terrible.
Nursery rhymes for middle aged men
Again, Elvis Costello thinks he's smarter than the room. He can't simply say what he;s feeling, he's got to eat a thesaurus and puke it back up, using EVERY BLOODY word he sees. He's a prat, and the worst kind. He's the one that will tell you how smart he is, and then scoff when you don't get it. He can't write a hook for shit. If you're gonna write a rock album, gimme something to groove to, a riff, a theme, something. ANYTHING! No, we can't have that, Elvis has to give us HOMEWORK. You gotta sit down like it's frickin English class and decipher all the allegory he's dropping, when all we really needed was something to bob our heads to and get into a groove with. He's probably got a girlfriend that reads Plato for fun, and then titters when she makes a joke nobody gets. I hate Elvis Costello, almost as much as I hate the Beatles. My Rating: 1/5
No
It's fine, he's overrated. His only essential album is his first
Olipa vähän märkä pieru tää levy. Tykkäsin ekasta biisistä, mietin, että okei, tää kuulostaa vähän köyhän miehen Bowielta (ääneltään, ei tyyliltään) tai sitten the Clashin laulajalta. Ja sit joka biisi olikin sama biisi. Eikä mitenkään hyvä biisi. Musta tuntuu, että joku on tehny tän levyn jo ja paremmin.
Blääääh ei mun juttu. Oli jotenki ärsyttävä. Ilmeisesti herra Costello on tietoinen n-sanan epäfressiydestä mutta se silti särähti korvaan. Muutenki jotenki rasittavaa renkutusta XD en oo antanu vieläkään yhtään yhen tähden arviota eikä tää nyt oo varmaan eka sellanen vieläkään mutta pitää ruveta tutkimaan sisintä että oonko liian kiltti
Levyllä oli aivan hyviä hetkiä, mut ei jotenkin säväyttäny sitä kuitenkaan. Parhaimmillaankin tää oli vähän tämmönen pirkkaversio David Bowiesta. En tiiä lähtiskö tää lentoon useammalla kuuntelulla, mut kahen kuuntelun perusteella ei hyvistä hetkistä huolimatta tuu jäämään levylautaselle. N-sana särähti korvaan Oliver’s Armyssä, mut pienen googlailun jälkeen täytyy todeta, että Elvis Costello on aika fiksusti siirtynyt moderniin maailmaan tän biisin osalta ja jopa haistatti vitut anti-woken edustajille, jotka urpoili kun hän ei halua enää ko. biisiä soittaa.
Tää oli vaikee! Musaasa on paljon elementtejä joista pidänn, mutta laulutyylii hiers vähän liikaa vastakarvaan 🥲
Ei tälle kai voi kakkostakaan antaa, kun ei tää huono huono oo, mut ei tää oo hyväkään. 2,5 pyöristyy ylöspäin. Pari hyvää biisiä, muuten tuntui työläältä.
ei vaan jaksa
One of my favorites. Great listen.
Definitely a good album. Starts off a bit weak outside the opener, but then it starts to explode. Lot of bangers in the middle of this album
Surprise slur and way less punk too much new wave
I like all this Costello well enough but really there's no need for so many of his albums on this list. Several of the songs on this album run together and sound way too similar. Honestly, if you wanted to purchase a Elvis Costello album, you're better off getting a single or greatest tits album as his known songs are very good. The rest are mediocre at best
definitely some skips but actually not all bad!
C’est donc le troisième album d’Elvis Costello que je m’enfile depuis le début de ce marathon musical, et je ne vais pas mentir, je commençais sérieusement à saturer. Après m’être farci les deux premiers volets de sa discographie — le séminal mais un peu raide My Aim Is True et le très nerveux This Year's Model —, je restais désespérément bloqué dans la zone grise de l'estime polie, sans jamais réussir à dépasser le fameux 3 sur 5. Je voyais bien le talent du binoclard, mais ses accès de bile punk-new wave sur des tempos d'asphyxié me laissaient poliment sur le trottoir. Et puis, le miracle est arrivé car pour la première fois, l'Anglais fâché dépasse la moyenne syndicale pour aller chercher un joli 4 sur 5. Autant dire que je ne boude pas mon plaisir. Alors qu'est-ce qui change cette fois ? Et bien, à peu près tout, le songwriting s’est épaissi, les arrangements ont arrêté de singer bêtement l’urgence punk de base, et l’interprétation a gagné une profondeur qui manquait terriblement. J'ai enfin l'impression d'écouter un mec qui maîtrise son sujet de bout en bout, plutôt qu'un jeune premier qui recrache son fiel sur le monde entier pour épater la galerie ou les critiques du NME. C’est acide, c’est cynique, c’est parfois franchement irrévérencieux, mais c’est diablement mélodique. Les crochets pop sont là, imparables, et la production a enfin le coffre nécessaire pour porter ses ambitions. Les Attractions balancent un groove d'une efficacité redoutable, prouvant que ce groupe n'est pas juste un faire-valoir, mais une sacrée machine de guerre. Les claviers de Steve Nieve et la basse de Bruce Thomas apportent cette texture riche et aventureuse qui manquait cruellement aux premiers essais plus minimalistes. On sent une maturité nouvelle dans la voix de Costello, qui sait désormais moduler sa hargne pour la rendre presque séduisante. Ce n'est plus seulement du bruit et de la fureur, c'est de l'art pop haut de gamme écrit par un mec qui a digéré l'histoire du rock britannique pour en recracher sa propre version, élégante et venimeuse. Pour tout vous dire, ce qui me fascine le plus sur ce disque, c'est cette façon presque perverse de camoufler une paranoïa d'époque sous un vernis pop d'une efficacité redoutable. Costello voulait initialement appeler cet album Emotional Fascism, et on comprend vite pourquoi : le mec dresse un parallèle génial et terrifiant entre les névroses amoureuses de canapé et la géopolitique impérialiste de la fin des années 70. Sauf qu'au lieu de nous infliger un sermon chiant de donneur de leçons, il nous balance des mélodies tellement accrocheuses qu'on se surprend à siffloter des refrains qui parlent de flicage, de manipulation mentale et de déchéance morale. C'est l'art de glisser du cyanure dans une coupe de champagne pétillant, un tour de passe-passe cynique et brillant où le faste de la production — merci aux claviers délicieusement cheap mais omniprésents de Steve Nieve — agit comme le parfait complice de ses obsessions textuelles. Ce grand saut qualitatif valide enfin mon endurance et me réconcilie pour de bon avec le bonhomme après mes deux premières écoutes en demi-teinte. En quittant les rivages un peu trop balisés du punk hargneux pour s'aventurer vers une pop moderne, riche et venimeuse, je sens que j'ai enfin passé un cap dans ce marathon musical. C'est la preuve par neuf qu'on peut garder ses couilles et son intégrité tout en acceptant d'ouvrir la porte des studios à des arrangements plus ambitieux. L'autre force de ce disque, c'est qu'il ne vieillit pas. Là où pas mal de productions de 1979 sonnent aujourd'hui comme des reliques datées d'une époque coincée entre deux chaises, cet album conserve une fraîcheur insolente. C'est le propre des grands disques : ils créent leur propre espace-temps. En le réécoutant aujourd'hui, je me dis que Costello a réussi l'exploit d'être le chaînon manquant entre la pop millimétrée des Beatles et le cynisme désabusé de la génération post-punk. Alors ouais, je range mon scepticisme, je savoure ce joli 4 sur 5 bien mérité, et je regarde déjà vers l'horizon. La suite de la discographie s'annonce immense, et je trépigne d'impatience à l'idée de voir si le binoclard va réussir à maintenir ce niveau d'excellence ou s'il va s'échouer lamentablement dans les décennies à venir.
fun
Too much Elvis Costello, but at least this one didn't suck.
3.75
Not as punchy as his debut from the year before (some ballads are a bit cheesy) but it is still has a lot Elvis' trademark agitated power pop.
I'm not sure if this is the second or third. Elvis Costello album I've listened to during the project door seems to sound the same. I'm not quite sure why he's so popular. Maybe it's because his name's Elvis.
A couple of really great tracks, but the rest is unremarkable. A decent, but not great album in my opinion.
Good album, much unloved on this site. Polished, witty but still punky. Oliver's Army, Accidents will happen, Green Shirt, and(What's so funny) about Peace, Love and Understanding are all great tracks, and there isn't a bad song here. Attractions are tight. Good band. 3.5⭐️, rounding up today.
This is my sixth Elvis Costello album. His voice is still annoying, smarmy, wheedling. By contrast, the rest of the music (instruments, chords, melodies, and all) is pretty strong. Everything balances out to an overall 3-star quality, even accounting for usage of a racial slur and the song titles "Goon Squad" and "Two Little Hitlers". I understand including this guy a couple of times, but six?! Come off it, lad. Accidents Will Happen, the opener, is a whirlwind of chords and vocal harmonies and general psychedelia. A fun listen if you ignore the vocals. (A good 50% of artists on this list can be described similarly.) Senior Service adopts an extremely peppy tone, again with a sort of Beatlesque psychedelic flavour. I like the bass's tone. You wouldn't expect the song to sound good from its title alone. Oliver's Army is where's it's at. Some solid piano and vocals that both smell of late-career Billy Joel. And given this came out before that part of Joel's journey, it's safe to assume the piano man took some inspiration. ...Well, shoot. He just pulled the hard R on us. Yes, I understand it's a commentary on colonisation and white supremacy, but there has to be a more tasteful way to pull it off. A shame, really, because sonically Oliver's Army is the best track thus far. At least we have the innocuous, inoffensive song Big Boys to allow for a smooth recovery. Assuming this album sequencing is intentional, I deem Costello a genius. We get our first lower-energy songs in Green Shirt and (arguably) Party Girl, which are actually both pretty strong. I enjoy the overall build-up in the former and bass slides in the latter. Elvis Costello invented the Goon Squad 45 years before it was a thing? If that isn't a sign of a true revolutionary, I don't know what is. (The song itself is fine. Nothing special.) Busy Bodies once again accentuates that this guy's voice sounds significantly better when self-harmonised (i.e., making it harder to hear what it really sounds like). Great outro. Moods For Moderns, in places, sounds like Buy Mode music from The Sims 3. Costello throws everything but the kitchen sink into this song in an attempt to appease the audiophiles with low attention spans. It works, but only sort of. Sunday's Best and Two Little Hitlers are both just a little too weak and unmemorable to give a passing grade. Of course, the latter has some bigger problems to worry about. I can handle a lyrically questionable song in my Liked playlist, but not a song with two copies of a genocidal maniac in the title. Absolutely horrific vocal performance in the final song – Costello desperately needs a laryngeal transplant – but the rest of the song is actually pretty good. 3/5 Key tracks: Senior Service, Oliver's Army (excluding lyrics), Green Shirt
All these elephants, yet you can't address the one that says racial slurs.
He's fine. Gotta be in the mood to listen to him...and even them it doesn't last very long.
Ok. Not his best imho.
It's jaunty enough, but nothing to make me want to return anytime soon
I enjoyed this. There's something about Elvis Costello that I can't quite commit to a score - the albums are good, but don't seem great, but then they might be. Also, Goon Squad!
За три альбома мне так и не вкатил его музон
Points for an original sound I suppose. But the whole thing seemed aimless and ultimately uninteresting.
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.
Another great album from Costello. I’d never heard any of his stuff before this but every single one of his albums on this list is great! Best Elvis.
Put your Green Shirt on and skip Chemistry Class for this one.
A huge breathe of fresh air in 1979 that continues to blow sweet 47 years later.
Not his best but still not bad. You guys act like this dude shot someone. 6/10
New Wave/Pop Rock Favorite Songs: *Not recorded* Least Favorite Songs: *Not Recorded* While the band in itself seemed pleasant, I couldn’t help but to think that my main issue is in relation to the lead singer’s voice. While it’s not very off-putting of Tom Waite’s voice, I honestly couldn’t take the singer’s voice as seriously than I could wish. It felt like his voice doesn’t match the genre of the songs being played. Overall, this album, and by extension this band, is probably not for me, but I’ll rate my number score a little bit higher than I would. 6/10.
Not terrible.
Favorite Track: (What's So Funny Bout) Peace Love and Understanding
Costello leaves New Wave and punk behind, but he’s still got teeth. This is a more pop record, lush at times. Infectious and still topical while also being fairly introspective. Great stuff.
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
Elvis Costello in the middle of real hot streak.
I am once again being subjected to Elvis Costello's music. The list's author might be the only person on Earth who rates Costello's music so highly. His whiny voice is like nails on chalkboard. And whatever the meaning of Oliver's Army is, Elvis randomly dropping the n-word in the song took me aback. And before it I was about to say that this is probably his most listenable album music wise. Then again, the longer it went on the more unbearable the songwriting became. Giving it a 1 out of spite 1/5
Sorry Elvis but I'm over it!
I really wish I could understand the author's love of Elvis Costello. I just don't get it. His music isn't terrible, but it's just so incredibly average to me and always seems to be lacking in soul, and also interesting hooks to latch onto. He sounds particularly nasally in this one too. The peace and love song at the end was pretty good. Is that even him singing?
Oh… haven’t been impressed with Declan Patrick MacManus thus far… maybe today? Nope. Today’s no better. I believe among my various projects this is the third time I have encountered Elvis Costello. This is the third of his (6!) album selections I have endured. I have learned: 1. He does not grow on me or get better the more I listen. 2. Six (6) albums is, at least, 4 too many on this list, even if he produced some 24(!) or so thus far in his career. 3. Many consider this - Armed Forces - to be his “best.” Its working title was “Emotional Fascism.” And here’s the thing: I find the constant references to holocaust imagery… for instance from goon squad: You must find the proper place for everything you see But you'll never get to make a lampshade out of me… I find this sort of thing done regularly, not just distasteful and distracting but… lazy. It’s playing with shocking words and ideas without actually putting anything behind them. Yeah. Today was not the day for Declan. 2 Boolean: (this is his best? Well, out of 24, or 6 true I suppose. But if another is selected in its place FALSE)
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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow. No.
His peak.
Another Costello album in quick succession. And to be honest, I am getting a bit tired of him, after four albums already on the list, I didn't detect anything super special and it's getting old. It's not bad by any means, but at the same time I don't care much to come back to him. So max 3 stars once again
Really annoying voice and music
Finding my way into Elvis Costello continues to be the best gift of this project. Keep ‘em coming.
Songwriting from a melodic and harmonic perspective: 4 The songs and the production themselves: 3 Whiny and irritating vocals: 2 Overall: 3
Heard Before? Only "Peace Love and Understanding" Notes: - this list ABSOLUTELY REQUIRES a two-albums per artist limit. - production is flat and overcompressed but otherwise unremarkable, arrangements are politely varied. - he's a clever lyricist and a fine enough singer, but i just want him to shut up sometimes and let the music play. - lots of nifty flourishes and spiffy touches, but this does not an album make. none of the songs really cohere for me as a thing i want to spend a lot of time with. notice, admire, move on, forget. - it's just all so well mannered, so archly professional. Verdict: The only problem with prolific songwriters is that they write too many songs. Listen Again? Unlikely. But if I do it will be a new experience because I've just gone through this three times and can barely remember it.
Ok 3
The album isn't actually too bad. It's alright leaving in the background while I'm doing other things. It's pretty alright.
Pas génial. J'ai aimé Senior Service et Big Boys et leurs accents ska cela dit.
great start and finish, letdown in the middle, wanted it to be higher but couldn't get there
not the Costello hater many here are but this just doesn't feel like a particularly strong record, caught between the brashness of his first two and something a bit classier. The Attractions' newfound polish neuters the political barbs quite a bit, and a couple wonderful melodies and EC's always-great singing and writing still can't stop things from running together some
*Catchy songs with more pop influence than punk, but still with critical lyrics *Oliver's Army is a great single
Fine. Bored of him.
It's probably a 3, but I came after elevator music, so gets bumped up.
Racist
Not quite enough for a 4
A solid album effort for England's Elvis. Accidents Will Happen, Oliver's Army and What's So Funny are excellent songs.
4/5
I liked this more than Imperial Bedroom, but his style just isn't really my thing. This album seemed a little easier to enjoy and a bit poppier overall.
meh. vocals. all over. different.
It’s a solid pop album but I don’t care for his voice at all
What's up with this goofy albums in a row.
There are way too many Elvis Costello albums on this list. There should probably be zero.
When I was younger I couldn’t get my head around there could be two singers with the name Elvis! and them sound so different! Anyway out of all the Costello flavoured Elvis this has been my favourite so far and while Oliver’s army may have some questionable lyrics, melodically it bangs still.
Why?
This album is a real good work. Coming right after the raw energy of This Year’s Model, Armed Forces feels like Costello’s big breakthrough — sophisticated, melodic, and full of great vibes while hiding some very dark and deep themes underneath. The whole record plays with the idea of “Emotional Fascism” — using political and military imagery to talk about toxic relationships, control, betrayal, and the music industry itself. It’s clever as hell and surprisingly deep without ever feeling pretentious. You get that tension between shiny, catchy new wave pop and the anxious, cynical lyrics about power and manipulation. The production is excellent — much more polished and lush than before, with Steve Nieve’s keyboards taking center stage. The Attractions are absolutely firing on all cylinders here, tight and dynamic. Overall, it’s an album with a fantastic vibe that still makes you think. One of Costello’s most cohesive and enjoyable records. Highly recommended.
Like it but probably just a three. Oliver's army is a classic.
Somewhat epic. I listened to the 2020 remaster. The last song ((What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding) is a hit.
Ziemlich okay!? Costellos Stimme sicher polarisierend.
My first Costello of the many in the generator. It’s OK, but nothing super special in my book. Oliver’s Army is still a great tune, nearly 50 years later, but most of the rest leaves me a bit cold. ‘what’s so funny…’ finishes it off nicely, but it was somewhat of a struggle to get to that point. I suspect I’ll prefer slightly younger, angrier EC but we will see
How many albums does this middling dude have on here
Having the unfortunate privilege of two Elvis Costello albums back-to-back I can confirm that there is no reason to include multiple albums of his on the list. They sound EXACTLY the same.
A very typical entry in Costello's catalogue. Though he tackled a lot of styles across his long varied career, Costello will always and forever sound like himself and no one else, for better or worse. There's some real effort put into this - check the soundscape attempts on "Green Shirt" - and some other very strong pieces round this album out quite well ("Oliver's Army," "Goon Squad" and the US version-exclusive single "Peace, Love and Understanding," which is vital to getting the full experience out of this album.) However, to my ears, everything beyond that handful of songs stays stuck in second gear, anchored there by Costello's reedy, weird-for-its-own-sake vocal performance; really the difference between the quality of the backing and the singer is night and day. As a result, too much of this album is in one ear and out the other to make this a solid entry in this list.
Elvis is ok but its ridiculous to have what? 4 albums? Why?
My favourite Elvis. Some great songs on here - Olivers Army, Green Shirt, Goon Squad... It does tail off a bit towards the end though
Quite liked this. Solid
This was new to me (with apologies to Jo, I've never listened to an Elvis Costello album). Clearly there are bits that have dated very badly but I enjoyed it overall. Melodic and politically charged, can't complain too much
I like this very much, thanks for sharing RGP. Towards the top of the two stars. Tom.
Alright I guess.
A good album from a voice and songwriter who happens to get a little same-y in his composition after a while.
Bingo para Elvis Costello
it was all right, kinda unmemorable, defo heard a slur in there somewhere as well
enword flashbang
Goon Squad
Maybe someday I will appreciate Elvis Costello more..but today is not that day.
I’m sure Elvis is a fine fellow, but he’s had, what, six at-bats now and one homer? Maybe he’s not the batter the author of this list thinks he is.
Two Elvis Costello albums in a week highlighting that he has too many albums in this list! That said, this was a much easier listen than My Aim is True and has the added bonus of being the first time I've heard the song What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding which might be meaningful for anyone that's watched the movie Singles.
I thought I was unfamiliar with the album but then recognized the last song as one I’m not a fan of. I’m not sure how you can pronounce the word “understanding” with what sounds like 37 syllables but he manages to do it. That bad song aside, it was a good album. Lots of depth and interesting sounds.
Alright for one of this guy's albums.
This fucking guy. How many of his albums must we do? I don't think it's particularly worse than the others but I am just fed up with him. He's not worthy of 6 records.
It was fine... better than the last Elvis Costello album i listened to. I'm surprised this came out in '79, it sounds like something from '83. so it was ahead of its time!
Ok i guess. Why is there so much Elvis Costello on the list? I'm closing in on half way, and I've had 6 Costello records and 1 Pink Floyd. Is he super influential or something? I don't really feel like his dna runs in a lot of music after him. I just don't get it.
basta elvis deja de aparecer porfa
5 Fairly sure there are other words that rhyme with trigger, have to admit this one has really grown on me on repeated listens though
A much weirder and more specific album for Elvis and the Attractions, in terms of song themes and arrangements, but the same power and fervor as his first two albums.
;)
Listens: 1 Standout Tracks: None My tolerance for Elvis Costello and what pop music was at the end of the 70s - and really just in general - has dropped precipitously. I gave them the benefit of the doubt in merely tolerating the band the first two albums, but with the third album they've shed basically all of the post-punk elements, which are questionable for me to begin with, and gone straight pop music. I do not like this.
Didn't like this much, nothing particularly stood out for me
Great album, catchy tunes and good lyrics (Oliver's Army N word notwithstanding).
Beyond the controversies that this album carries, I do not find it as amusing or witty as his other work. It is yet another album from the list that could probably be done without. 7/10 [DROP]
Great album!
No real standout tracks, but it’s fun
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.
I actually find a lot of the lyrics here pretty compelling but the music itself is kind of bland and generic compared with some of his contemporaries. That said I'm still keeping an open mind to this Elvis. Also enjoyed the Crimson Tide album cover.
The music is boring and the vocals are an irritating whine. I did not need *5* albums to confirm that Elvis Costello is not talented and I do not like him. What a fucking crime
It was ok. I didn’t mind listening to, but not something I’d seek out.
Love it!
Love the big songs on this. Oliver’s Army and Peace/Love. The rest all hold up to that too.
Sounds like Elvis.
Try as I might, I just don’t like the sound of his voice. I’m sure it’s a good album but I struggle to listen.
My favorite of Declan MacManus's albums
Oh man…another Elvis Costello album…
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
its aight
Musically, the album often felt surprisingly bright and pop-oriented to me, which made it harder to immediately sense the darker themes beneath the surface. I also felt that I could not fully grasp the album without paying closer attention to the lyrics and cultural context. Oliver’s Army stood out the most, with its contrast between catchy melodies and underlying tension leaving the strongest impression on me.
Respect the songwriting, there's a lot going on and it's all very cleverly and melodically put together, but it just does nothing for me. Showtuney, a bit annoying. It sounds good though, very well recorded, the bass rips, and some of the hooks and harmonies really work. But it's all just a big so what. Lyric driven music for music critics.
Some bangers
Elvis Costello usually is kinda "meh" for me. This one comes in there and builds itself out of that, and finishes strong.
Not a bad album.
There was nothing on here that felt extraordinary enough to warrant being on a '1001 albums to listen to before you die' list. It was alright but every song felt the exact same
Amazing. EC is a god amongst songwriters
Nice
This cover suck. Its prety fun but its not like...very good. His voice kinda annoys me. Its actually one of the better song of the album. The name of the last song lmao. Huu its ok. "Olivers army" was a good song. Most of the album is not really interesting buts its not bad. HE HAS 6 ALBUMS ON THE BOOK ???
never a fan
eh
Really really want to like Elvis's music. But apart from the singles, there is nothing here to inspire me. Sorry Elvis
And there it is. The 5th appearance from Elvis C so far. I still can’t stand his vocal. The songs were slightly better overall than on the other offerings, but there were still some dreadful ones later in this album. A generous 2 as it’s not his worst. Please no more. 🙏
The big problem with artists like this is they spend far too long writing some sort of important story [important to them mostly] into their lyrics and then more often than not forget to write a decent tune to accompany what they consider clever and witty musings. Ok EC does manage to nail both on occasion and when he does he releases them as a single. The rest of this album was just bland as I don't care a fig about whatever story he is going on about. I like Oliver's Army, its a great song. Just for that it gets a 2.
ok
Mouais vazy Elvis tu nous fais chier là
La flemme... Ntm Elvis
Jeg har hørt albummet 4 gange. Eller ihvertfald forsøgt. Eller jeg har startet første nummer 4 gange... De 3 af dem lukkede jeg albummet ned inden nummeret var færdig... Men sidste gang lod jeg oplevelsen stå i baggrunden på en køretur på laveste lyd styrke. Fåk jeg bryder mig ikke om Elvis Costello.....
I går faldt jeg tilfældigt over et Instagram opslag fra en kvinde der fortalt om hvordan hun onanerede til Elvis Costellos musik. Jeg må erkende at det er helt andre fysiske reaktioner jeg får af hans albums. Jeg finder ingen tiltrækning i hverken Elvis Costello eller The Attractions. Højst mod min seng efter at blive kedet i søvn.
I like Elvis.
In college, I fell in love with "This Years Model", and it remains one of my favorite albums. I read about "Armed Forces" after, there wasn't as extensive of a Wikipedia entry at that point, but I was hyped that Elvis Costello continued with The Attractions on this record. But there is a big enough shift from the raw energy of "This Years Model" that I was left disappointed, and haven't listened to this record in 15+ years. It was good to revisit, and I think coming in with fresh ears, giving this a chance to stand on its own helps. The songs are good (although "Sunday's Best" kind of sucks) and the sound is solid throughout. Overall its a good example of Elvis Costello's ouevre, but doesn't come close to topping his other records.
Please let this be the last Elvis Costello album on this list I’m begging you
Eh.
Eh
5/10
I don’t care much for Elvis Costello’s voice, and what was with the random slur thrown in?? Not impressed.
I can excuse racism, but I draw the line at animal cruelty.
2 seems harsh, but 3 seems too much. Was ok. Had hip old man social club vibes, walking on over to the buffet trying to find the biggest pork pie whilst Oliver’s Army is blasting out. 2.5/5
I find his voice a bit annoying after a while but i cant hate it, especially Olivers army - which might be one of the best songs ever written. He's like an english new wave bruce Springsteen a bit
Meh... just alright innit didn't really intrest me all this
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
Just ok innit
I enjoyed it, though it wasn't amazing enough to want me to listen to Elvis Costello again.
i really tried, but i don´t like a single song on this album, im so sorry Elvis Costello. 2 out of 5, just not for me.
I like the poppier, more "New Wave" Elvis Costello on this record more than I like most of his records, but this wasn't a standout for me. "Green Shirt" was my favorite track.
Did I hear a hard R??
Elvis’ singing voice is grating to me, the album is kinda quirky and fun if you can get past that (I can’t)
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
You know... I've never really listened to Elvis Costello at all. Will be interesting. Yeah... this isn't for me. It's not bad... it's just... not anything?
Elvis Costello just isn't for me. Also don't feel like this is his particularly exceptional album?
I hate his voice.
4/10
Meh
Overall, a good album from Elvis Costello. Several great songs, a few that aren't that great, but nothing irritating. That seems to be the bar lately, and this comes in well above that bar.
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 sounds like the result of David Bowie and Agnetha Fältskog producing an album for Bob Geldof
Scrapes by at 3 stars, first half I was really enjoying it but it ran out of steam and ideas in the second half.
I was less than thrilled when this came up. It broke my streak of 7 straight albums that I had owned at some point in my life. Costello's vocals are a taste I haven't acquired yet, but the Attractions are a quality band and the songs are strong, despite the blatherings of Elvis. Not as good as This Years Model but way better than the other 2 I've gotten already.
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
guess there's some additional layer in the lyrics (which i haven't checked in detail). apart from that, the music feels trashy. the only thing holding back a one-star review is the fact that A Perfect Circle covered a song of this album (Peace, Love And Understanding) and i love that one...
I have found so many great artists/albums through this list, and now I have also discovered an irrational dislike of Elvis Costello. Can't quite put my finger on why I'm not a fan, despite this album being so highly regarded. It's alright, it's fine. I'm familiar with Oliver's army, I didn't really enjoy it this time, however. Strange one. Favourites: Senior Service Green Shirt
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.
Please Robert, do not subject me to anymore Elvis Costello. He is not a influential and important as other artists on here with LESS albums.
Just one more Elvis Costello album and I'm free. Hopefully, it happens soon so I could get it over with. Although it wouldn't be surprising if just enough time passes for me to forget about him, only for that last album to appear towards the end of the list.
Elvis Costello brings it again. One of his best albums. This is where the new wave/post punk worked.
ChatGPT makes annoying pop album.
I really don't enjoy his nasal voice in this one. But I LOVE "what's so funny...", but that can't carry the album. WOW, unexpected slur.
I was sort of looking forward to this knowing the punk roots of Elvis Costello, but it was just okay. His voice was mildly annoying. I got used to it the more the album went on. A couple songs stood out, but the album at large didn’t grab me the way I’d hoped.
too 80s
It’s great, but there’s something that makes me not like it a lot
I could not get through this album. I do not like his voice at all.
impressive for the vocals to be both obnoxiously abrasive and uncomfortably unctuous at the same time, so it's a pretty tough listen even without the overly-polished arrangements and deeply questionable lyrical choices.
2.1/5 Look, it was ok. There wasn't any really bad songs oh here but on a couple of good songs on this album. It was mostly middle of the road for me.
What a great way to spend my Monday morning commute. Certainly not the worst Costello album, but it was still unremarkable in many ways. Oddly political too, but doesn't necessarily hit that hard.
Starts off fine, good even. Gradually it runs out of ideas and becomes mostly boring and samey (though there are some alright moments later on like parts of Chemistry Class)
Nice enough to not turn off.
Oi white boy you can’t be saying that
The biggest problem with this album is actually Elvis Costello. The fundamentals of this album are actually really great, with not bad songwriting (apart from that n-word that comes as a complete surprise), as well as the foundations of the songs. If you got someone like Joe Jackson to sing and produce this album, it would actually sound very good. Elvis Costello works best as a background producer, not a singer.
3+ Stars (9/15)
It's kind of giving millennial music but it a bad bad way
Der Gesang ist gut, Melodien vorhanden, leider sonst unbekannt
I think I need more time between elvis costello albums. He can be okay, sometimes lyrics are fun, but a lot of the time I find his voice a bit annoying.
It’s a meh kind of listen, I felt like after I heard a few songs from the album, I had heard them all. I don’t know what sub-genre of music this is or what the sound is but I’m just not really a fan of it. The vocals sort of became a bit annoying and sounding sort of whiny / nasally, there were some interesting lyrics and there was underlying political refences throughout. On the topic of interesting, it was funny to see the title of a song called ‘Goon squad’, I do understand the meaning of the word has changed and get the meaning in the song. Overall, it was alright but became a little bit boring and samey sounding, just another one of these albums I will probably forget about.
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
Is this the great Elvis Costello who somehow deserves 9 albums on this list? If so, hoo boy this wasn't anything special and I dread the other 8. It was fine but it was really kinda...nothing.
Nasally-ass voice almost ruins it but thank god for the upbeat ska and funk to bring me back off the ledge. Goon Squad is a belter and a very funny title in 2026. Side note : It would seem this is the only Elvis that has made a difference in the world of music, if you take my 456 albums I've already listened to as your only evidence.
I really like some of the songs, some of them just get repetitive. I like Elvis Costello but I don't love Elvis Costello.
Elvis Costello dropping a hard R was unexpected Enjoyable album overall though and sounds ahead of its time
I did like this just not a ton. Its more elvis Costello. Nothing that makes ot stand out from the first record ive heard before through this site. Its more new wave retro inspired stuff. Good to listen to whole its on but not that memorable. Senior service was my favorite track here but its also seems like the least like all the other tracks. Also the bigger song peace love and understanding is pretty decent too. All the other tracks are good and go down smooth. Just not that crazy either. Just decent all around.
Kinda boring. I used to love this band but the more I listen to it as an adult, the less I connect with it
Bored
FOR FUCKS SAKE ENOUGH WITH ELVIS COSTELLO AND HIS SHITTY MUSIC Best Song: N/A Rating: 2/10 Stars: 1
7 / 10
Couple of hits and the rest is meh.
I don't know what it is, but I don't really like Costello's voice. Favourite Track(s): Goon Squad, Oliver's Army Least Favourite Track(s): Accidents Will Happen
A rather uninteresting pop rock album that doesn't do anything special, in my opinion.
Album 79 Top 3 favorites off the album: Green Shirt, Sunday's Best, Oliver's Army Initial thought: his voice is like if Bob Dylan could actually pick a note, stick to it, and generally carry a tune at all. Points earned! Bop after bop after banger after jam. Oliver's Army had big ABBA vibes instrumentation-wise. I loved Sunday's Best. Very circus. Could be seasick, even. Yet another instance of having a hard time picking just 3 favorites. The album as a whole is a solid listen. It's not one you should just pick songs off of to throw on a playlist (I say, as I throw Green Shirt on my "Faves off 1001 Albums Project" playlist). Experiencing the whole thing is, to me, the only way to interact with this one. Lyrically, a totally different story. Boy, am I glad that we as a society have moved beyond government surveillance, empty relationships, widespread interpersonal and state violence, colonialism, racism, xenophobia, fascism, and other assorted societal ills! Must have been a hard time to live through. I've long wondered what it means for something to be post-punk, specifically whether it relied more on sound or lyrical content. This one feels like it's the sound that's the greater departure while maintaining the punk lyrical content. I'll do my real reading tonight. I liked this one.
Really liked it actually, fun, it is giving shrek soundtrack
3/25 Meh
1. accidentz - 0 2. zenior -0 3. army - 1 4. Boys - 0 5. Green - 6. Party - 7. Goon - 8. Body's - 9. Sunday - 10. Moods - 11. Class - 12. Hitlers - 13.
At first I got really excited when I saw an Elvis album. But then I ended up with 40 minutes of this.
Not quite for me but the creativity is undeniable
Look, I love a lot of music that's considered goofy or corny. I listen to jam bands for god's sake. But this shit is CORNY, and even worse Elvis really takes himself and his music seriously, from what I understand. I realize i might be missing some key piece of cultural context that made his music groundbreaking or appealing in its time, but right now? In 2026? It's not for me. His voice is like a drunken carnival barker, the song writing is tedious and overwrought, the instrumentation is muddled and underwhelming. I'm gonna go 1.5/5 on this. I might be in a mood, but that's just what my heart is telling me. I'm dreading the rest of the EC albums on this list.
Solid energetic rock effort. Not quite my favorite by then but close. Favorite track: Oliver's Army
Découverte de l'artiste. Vraiment pas fou. Pas ambiancé par l'album. Quelques tentatives mais rien de dingue.
Oui, bon sympa mais sans plus. Ça m’a pas amusé plus que ça. En fond sonore, pourquoi pas. Et encore…
*1979. *Only 40 mins. *I really like the style/songs, but I really don't like Elvis Costello's voice/vibe. If someone else covered these things, I think I'd dig it. RATING - 6.5/10
Aware of Costello, but never listened to any of the music. Not loving it. Attractions are allright tho. A bit too glossy. Tossing out one star for using words that are only tolerated if your last name is Tarantino.
I enjoyed the You Never Give Me Your Money refrain to Party Girl. In general the songs are alright. I do just feel it is somewhat lacking in replay value and does it do enough to warrant a place on the list?
Meh. I could take or leave Elvis Costello’s music.
65
Honestly, most of my enjoyment from this album came from the surprise that was Goon Squad, something that's genuinely hilarious now. Like, this is fine, but not anything I'll think about past Goon Squad being hilarious.
couple of excellent songs, but the rest in average
elvis costello was up to today's politics almost 50 years ago.
The other Elvis Costello album in my collection.
It sounds like an Elvis Costello record. If you’re into that, you’ll probably love it. Even the one about gooning or the two hitlers one.
not good enough to excuse the random and unnecessary drop of the N word.
One of my favorite 1-2 songs on an album. Also one of my favorite Elvis Costello records (among many).
Probably my favorite Costello album so far, but he still doesn’t do it for me.
Decent stuff. Elvis Costello sings funny.
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".
After yesterday’s terrible record, this is a breath of fresh air. The first several Elvis Costello records are all thoroughly enjoyable and instead of just listening to this record, I listened to the super deluxe version with the appended live shows. And that honestly is where Elvis really shined and where these songs get a new lease on life each time they are played live. I have seen Elvis several times over the years, the first being at the War Memorial Gym at the University of British Columbia on January 4, 1981. Squeeze were the openers. Live these songs were glorious with hits like Oliver’s Army, Accidents Will Happen, Senior Service and Goon Squad being the best examples of songs translating well from the album. This is a magnificent sounding record - modern really with an Elvis’ keen wit fully developed and a band equal to the match. What is surprising is how well these songs have stood up over time. Moods for Moderns still hums with its catchy chorus and I find myself singing along to Chemistry Class and Two Little Hitlers. As the years go by I find myself returning often to this record and to Get Happy! (Which also turns out to be my favorite Elvis record). The record is endlessly fascinating because the live versions are never exactly the same. I have hundreds of Elvis Bootlegs with several Armed Forces tracks spread throughout the set, and each is slightly and sometimes significantly different than the recorded version. All have Elvis energy. Super album with no skips. 5/5
I'm starting to think I just don't like Elvis Costello. He's got the right cards for me. I normally like art rock, glam, and blues. I feel this wanted to sound clever, interesting, a novelty, but landed very flat on me. No i didn't like this record.
I liked it at first, but just started to get frustrated after that
I can’t do Elvis Costello. He’s just so corny.
mid
If your Elvis is dead, try ours. The anniversary edition has a boatload of live performances.
Finally hit the first of six Costello albums I have to sit through. What a slog this was. Imagine the gall it takes to name yourself Elvis and sucking this bad at music; no wonder Presley shit himself to death, he was tired of Costello putting a stain on his name. Bad bubblegum new wave pop rock nonsense with Costello flip-flopping between a bad impressions of Prince and Randy Newman on vocals. Did not enjoy a single track, and also did not enjoy the surprise hard-R N-bomb he dropped. This is going into the Hall of Shame as my tenth 1/5
I recognise Oliver's Army but not much else. This album is very 60's sounding to my millennial ears. For example, Oliver's Army has a similar sound to 1957's Peggy Sue. It's a bit cleaner but honestly even for 1979 standards this album must have sounded a bit dated. That said, it's a clean, well produced album. My picks: Oliver's Army, Goon Squad.
I don’t necessarily feel good about thinking this is good, or that the song with the slur in it is the best one, but damn it I can’t lie to myself. Maybe you deserved a *few* albums on this list Mr. Costello, but the verdict is still out. Best song: Oliver’s Army
Elvis Costello is fine... but this album is just a bunch of the same.
Same old Costello
This list has too much Elvis Costello.
not bad but pretty boring
This is my first Elvis Costello project on this albums generator, and I had this LP (with the US cover) in my hands as I was crate-digging early last year. I peeked at the track list and figured I'd leave it behind because I knew none of the songs, but the art was trippy and Elvis Costello is a recognized name. After listening to this in the background all day, I can say I'm glad I left the record behind. It's a pretty solid precursor to pop-rock, which is both impressive and annoying. I think it stands the test of time, modern production techniques might switch up a few details, but for the most part it sounds very relevant to the sounds happening today in 2026. I stopped being drawn to pop-rock in my adolescence, so it wasn't calling me much. There are a few tracks that stand out, but not enough for me to look at my phone as they're playing. I can appreciate this effort as inspiration for future mainstream projects, but that's about it on a personal level. Won't be revisiting this one on purpose. 2.4/5
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.
Yeah I still don't really like Elvis Costello.