Reviews (page 3 of 8)
Even though there some great songs on this, it’s not his best. But what’s good is classic.
It's a decent punk pop effort with some catchy tunes and political lyrics, often with a sense of irony. It's partly successful but I'm not sure that dark edgy lyrics married to peppy melodies is entirety convincing. But the pop influences shine through and win the day. 'Olivers Army' is instantly familiar.
Strong album, still sounds fresh. Of the earlier stuff this is the one I like most, though things continued to improve throughout his career
Pretty good. Not totally an Elvis Costello fan, but this was worth a listen.
This was great. I love the swagger, the attitude, and the energy Elvis Costello had in his early years. The album, musically, is not very complex. But it is very well-written and performed. Each song is very unique from one another, and they still manage to capture a punk sound while being melodic and catchy. 4 stars to help even out low ratings from a friend haha
Meni jedan od "klasičnijih costella" ali dobar album. Ima olivers army😃
One of a run of amazing albums
Senior Service // Oliver’s Army // Green Shirt // Goon Squad // Mood For Moderns // Two Little Hitlers //
Really like some of Elvis Costello's songs. One of them (Oliver's Army) is on this album. The rest are not as good as this but there is enough to like.
Great in parts
Enjoyable album from an excellent word Smith.
Great album, loved the style a lot more than their debut. Did get genuinely jumpscared by the slur though. Favorites were Oliver's Army, Goon Squad, and the ending track.
I think this really good. It has the pop appeal that I enjoyed from his debut with better lyrics. It sounds to me like Prince was inspired by Green Shirt when making Darling Nikki. Favorite songs were Accidents Will Happen, Oliver’s Army, Green Shirt, Chemistry Class, and Peace, Love, And Understanding.
10/24/24. Elvis Costello is a great songwriter, he knows how to keep his albums engaging and consistent. I've really liked the couple albums I've listened to so far. This one in particular has a lot of great pop elements.
It was pretty good! It was nice to have a change of a pace with late 70s pop album. I probably wouldn't listen to it again but I did listen a couple times through and I appreciate the semi political messaging especially given time and the creator. I guess this was also the album/tour that basically ruined Elvis Costello's career which was pretty interesting to read about. I did like the songs I liked how upbeat they sounded again some pop/rock music as a nice refresher. I didn't have any stand out favorites, I don't think this genre really lends its self to big jam breaks or solos like jazz or funk or even more of the classic rock songs Im sure we will listen to later on. All the music felt distinct but in a good way.
I enjoy a bit of Elvis Costello. On this album, Oliver's Army and What's So Funny About Peace Love and Understanding are the highlights. For me, the use of the n-word in Oliver's Army has to be seen in the context of the time and as a critique of British colonialism in Ireland - even if it is a rather crude analogy.
A really smart, tightly constructed pop record. An excellent indicator of where Costello was headed musically.
I enjoyed this one. Very different from The Clash, but, for me, the same level of enjoyment.
This project is starting to feel a bit like 1001 Elvis Costello Albums to listen to before you die. Fortunately this included some interesting songs that I hadn't really heard before like Green Shirt, Big Boys and Goon Squad. The "hits": Oliver's Army, Accident Will Happen, What's So Funny About ... are all great too. I liked this album a lot. Musically well crafted and cheerfully spiteful.
I know Elvis Costello has a great reputation amongst music critics, but I never quite got it; granted, I only heard a handful of tunes, but nothing to fawn over. Maybe I needed to listen in an album format (versus a few single tracks), but finally, I get it. There's a new wave Cars bop in this pop and a wall of sound so full I had to look up if it was produced by Phil Spector (it wasn't). The songwriting doesn't mind taking a few left turns; nothing too abrupt, but a variation enough to keep the songs interesting and familiar but not entirely predictable. "Oliver's Army", the staccato "Green Shirt", the slower "Party Girl", and "Busy Bodies" are early favorites, feeling like an 80's revisionist interpretation of the 50's. Many songs could fit alongside theatrical productions like Grease, Little Shop of Horrors, or even the more glammy tunes of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. "Goon Squad" stands out as a noticeable change in course towards a more driving romp and stomp, a haunting punk march with interesting meter. Overall, the welcome twists and turns follow the melody wherever inspiration takes it rather than forcing a melody to adhere to set structure of chords established in previous verses. As a result, the music remains interesting despite keeping much of the same instrumentation and sounds throughout Armed Forces.
I have never listened to an Elvis Costello album. I did really know what to expect. I've heard some of his music over the years but never listened to an album. I was pleasantly surprised and liked what I heard. I felt like there was a good bit of creativity and imagination on this album. Declan Macmanus has some really strong melodies, and for an album that has a lot of songs on it, it did not sound repetitive. At times I felt myself thinking that this album is what it would sound like if The Clash were fronted by Lenny Kravitz but without any of Lenny's raspiness to his voice. I also thought the album cover art was pretty cool looking. My standouts are Accidents Will Happen and Oliver's Army. I'll be listening to this more.
Singable danceable and melodic. A refreshing change from the cacophony that’s come through this week.
Elvis Costello can write some amazing hits but as an album sometimes it feels like he runs out of steam.
Certified banger 👍
Should have called it Emotional Fascism, what a great title. Otherwise, a solid Costello album. This is the transition from angsty you nerd to songwriter with a mission. The "concept" thoguh he hated the concept is great. Interplay between militarism, colonialism, imperialism, and relationships is profound and interesting. The music is relentless as all get out and his lyrics are damn good and so full it takes multiple listens to try to follow all the thought trails. Saved songs: - Senior Service - party girl - goon squad - moods for Moderns - 2 little Hitlers
Some of Elvis's best songs on this album.
Enjoyed this one. Good way to start the week.
Knew most of the tracks on the album but hadn't listened for a long time. Sounded fresh and vibrant, some great tracks
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.
fave so far. really like the piano fave track: party girl
does not sounds like it’s from the 70s, sounds like it’s from the 80s and 90s, i really like the bass
Really good! Nice vibe and tunes
Great album
Surprisingly good
I think this has been my favorite of the Elvis Costello albums so far in my random listens. It has a more pop, melodious feel and I enjoyed it a lot. this is one I will bring out regularly to listen to.
elvis costello's third effort is a little bit more hit or miss than his first two, but i think the highs vastly outweigh the lows here. to be clear, the lows of this album are still very good, i just don't think it's as consistent as some of his other records. still, songs like "accidents will happen" and "oliver's army" are great (man, i should have been keeping track of how many slurs i've run into on this project... a surprise one here!). i also thought the second half of this was at least a little more consistent than the first half - the swing from the first three songs of the first side to the last three sides of the first side is a bit of a swing, quality wise. that all being said, i still greatly enjoyed my time with this album.
Another strong album from one of rock’s most consistent artists
Great album, not dated at all
Elvis Costello is good. I am a big fan of the first two albums. This loses a bit of its edge, and I think it's worse off for it, but it's still pretty great. 3.75/5
Our 6th Costello album!! It's been at least a year so we were due... Snark aside this is one of his best - not a weak track on the album - if I'm nitpicking I can sometimes get tired of the twee keyboard sound that occasionally dominates, but the songs win out. Love the righteous anger and sarcasm that lurks barely below the surface of many of these lyrics but more importantly for me, the upbeat music is catchy as hell and never drags. 8/10 4 stars.
While there's definitely too much Elvis Costello on this list, this one belongs. Oliver's Army and a song to Angela Rippon, and lots of decent tracks. Late 70s Costello is great Costello. A few picking up on the use of "white n---" could do with picking up on the context, it's absolutely not being used as a slur against black people, but as a criticism of British imperialism's willingness to throw 'white trash' or whoever into the insatiable machinery of war. See also 'Sunday's Best' for another slur used in similar context. It's not big or clever these days, but in language, the target is always important.
Having listened to Costello's earlier record My Aim Is True, I had high hopes for this. And it didn't disappoint. Kinky ride cymbal bell throughout too. Favourite tracks: Accidents Will Happen, Senior Service ('it's a death that's worse than fate' is a rad line), Party Girls, Good Squad.
Very good album - some of the language hasn't dated well, but the sound is excellent.
I actually enjoyed this one! Nice to find out what song the older brother was singing in ET.
Only heard a few songs.
The other Elvis has been a really fortunate discovery for me on this challenge. Who knew he'd done so much and carried the rock'n'roll torch for so long?! I liked this more than the previous one, he does catchy and hooky really well and lyrically there's loads to unpick, so this one stayed in my rotation all weekend and will stay on the radar.
Very enjoyable!!
It's a hum dinger! But Elvis uses the N word... I'm not sure why they haven't changed it. Used to absolutely love the last song on the album. Learned how to play it on the guitar at one point. Just a really strong album.
Three absolute bangers on this album plus Party Girl makes this a solid offering. There is something about Elvis' delivery that really makes his lyrics/rhymes shine. Pretty easy to enjoy the whole album.
Not my favorite but some solid music in here
If you like Elvis Costello, you will love this album.
s goht afoch los findi geil. erste song cool, mega volli produktion. hook goht in chopf und s klavier nocher isch mega geil. senior service au easy nice. olivers army tönt hert nich abba höhö. ich glaub er het gad s n wort gseit??? oke s idch us de sicht vomne britische soldat in irland wo d ire als wissi n* bezeichnet. aso sehr politisch und anti imperialistisch i guess. big boys au geile groove und im hintergrund d strings chratzed recht geil. green shirt geili synth dings im hintergrund. party girl dramatisch und langsam aber bass huere cool mit de slides i like. schluss tönt wie she's so heavy vode beatles herti hommage. aso s klavier spielts höhööö goon squad huere geil, glaub d lyrics sind easy dark?? aber isch huere guet. busy bodies au geil?? moods for moderns au nice, langsam ziehts chli a mir verbii. two little hitlers? weiss nich digga muss des? peace love and understanding macht de bass wieder meeega viel aber finds cool.
ui nervigi stimm. also nacheme zitli findis scho vill besser, s isch sehr verspielti und nervösi musig iwie goon squad recht geil wies ahzieht es isch zwar morge und ich bin nanig ganz empfänglich für so muaig abrr ich finds sehe geil hahaha sunday's best nervt iwie brutal aber finds auno funny au anderi lieder nervet iwie mega aber es gitmer mega e gueti luune hahahaha jaa die 40 min hend sich nöd so lang ahgfühlz hans iwie mega gliebt, chan jz nöd genauu sege wiso, d produktion isch huere crisp und ja I guess d musig und sini stimm passt ufe gwüssi art und wiis guet zemme?
1001 Elvis Costello Albums You Must Hear Before…. Feels like it at least. This one was a bit better than the other 3 we’ve had. In fact, I actually liked it! 😂
I think this is my fave EC. Today, at any rate.....4.5
I was never a fan of Elvis Costello until recently. I had never listened to this until now and I really liked it.
Look, I like Elvis Costello, so this will get a good review It's good The more i listen the more Green Shirt stands out Olivers Army is a cracker, Peace Love Understand is great. Good vibes, good album, likely a grower
Love Elvis Costello and knew nothing about this specific record going into it. Ok at first I was weirdly hesitant about this record, I think maybe because I love Elvis Costello and I hadn't heard much about this record (and also because the cover isn't very cool) but I am into it. "Big Boys" "Goon Squad" and "Busy Bodies" are all bangers. Literally my only complaint is that "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding" is fucking corny as shit and I hate that song. Also, grow up and use an Oxford comma.
Nice one
3.5 Really Solid
Excellence personified.
Listened for the first time
Album 316 of 1001 Elvis Costello & The Attractions- Armed Forces Rating : 4 / 5 Nice album. The New Wave kicking in. More political lyrics. Certainly more to look at with this one. Good listen.
I just don't know where to begin?
Got two Elvis Costello albums in a row but this one was significantly better so it’s fine
I needed a nice upbeat album to listen to today. The other Elvis hit the spot. I find it very interesting that one of the best songs on the album didn't make the UK version. I hope that no elephants were harmed during the making of this album. ✌️ 🐘
If the Beatles and Dylan had a baby it would sound like Elvis Costello. His music is so smart and weird that I don’t always get it, but definitely appreciate it. He’s in a different class like David Byrne, simply genius.
Amazing album and the foundation of new wave in my opinion
справедливости ради цирковая музыка эта намного веселее предыдущих записей алкоальбом: вишневый ликер с водкой
Pretty good! Really enjoyed the production and his singing. And the bass too. 7.5/10
Elvis Costello can craft a song. These tracks all sound so great and have so much love to them. They have great hooks but aren't too hooky. The lyrics are insightful but not preachy. And he delivers everything with just enough attitude and detachment that you can't help but be caught up in the music the whole time. I think there's less standout tracks than other albums of his, but that may be because the album as a whole is that strong.
This is what I thought I would experience when I first listened to an Elvis Costello album in this project…something kind of cool, interesting, and enjoyable. It’s just taken four albums to get here.
At first (like the first couple of tracks) I thought that this Elvis Costello album might be “the one”. I guess I am still looking, but maybe that small crush warrants an extra star.
Solidly whelmed by another Elvis Costello record.
“More Elvis Costello? Really?” I’m not looking forward to listening to this. There previous 3 albums were quite enough “meh” for me. I like the elephants though. Put this on and - surprise - I’m liking it! The songs are catchier, the music more interesting, less rambly, and have interesting subjects. Of the four Elvis Costello albums so far (This Year’s Model, My Aim Is True, Brutal Youth and this), Armed Forces is so far the only one I really like. A few of these songs were nudging me towards a 5 rating but felt like a 4 by the end.
I can't believe this album was made in 1979. It sounds like it was made yesterday. The sound is like Bob Dylan sang The Black Keys. Lots of anti-war songs and pleasant melodies. This album is 3 hours long, but I didn't listen to all the songs, just the first 17. Loved listening this this one.
An album I've tried to listen to in the past. It's actually rather good. It bears further listens.
Loved it, but gets old song after song.
Not bad. I continue to not really like New Wave, but this is okay.
As a person who was born in the 90s and came of age in the 2000s, its easy for me to write off all indie rock bands as "dime a dozen," but when I listen to this record, I'm reminded that this is the source code of all modern Indie Rock. Its in the punchy punk adjacent rolling downbeats in songs like "Goon Song." Its in the lonely longing vocals of songs like "Big Boys" or "Party Girl." I mean does Weezer ever happen if there is no Elvis Costello?? It feels like he must have been listening to The Specials or The Clash when he wrote "Sunday's Best" and "Moods for Modern," not explicitly Ska songs, but it definitely have the influence. Which I think is a good nod and homage to the scene in London at the time of writing. And obviously the big blaring banger of this record is (What's So Funny,) which is anthem we should all cherish. Maybe the 3rd greatest karaoke song of all time? 🤔 Also, I'd be hard pressed to not mention "Oliver's Army," which again, is another indie pop rock banger. We should all give Elvis Costello a bit more love.
Rating: 4.1
Something new I hadn’t heard before. Really enjoyed the energy throughout
dao bi više na četiri, ali nije potpuna četvorka, ali eto ovaj puta ću bit dobar
Another good album from early Elvis Costello and the attractions (the backing band are VERY IMPORTANT here). This time more pop than the excellent somewhat aggressive This Year's Model. One artist who genuinely deserves multiple album inclusions, despite the American complaints about too many post punk new wave UK albums.
Recht entspannt
One of Costello's best albums for sure. Quality hits and the deep cuts are solid too.
Really good
Now we’re talkin 😎
Generally a fun listen, but got kind of same-y as it went on. The random slur was jarring.
És el disc on Elvis Costello va començar a ser Elvis Costello. ‘My Aim Is True’ y ‘This Year’s Model’ són dues meravelles, però úniques i poc representatives del que acabaria sent el so més identificat amb l’artista. ‘Armed Forces’ troba Costello en un moment on les muses viuen amb ell dia i nit. No tant les cançons per separat (tot i que temes com ‘Accidents Will Happen’ i ‘Oliver’s Army’ són imbatibles, mai millor dit) com el so general del disc, el seu to de conjunt, el fan una obra memorable i rellevant en un any tan ric musicalment. Una de les cimes artístiques de Costello
Elsker Elvis Costello. Hvis Peace Love & Understanding havde været en del af pladen og ikke et bonus track på Spotify havde den fået 5
Really liked it, unexpectedly. Will add more when I have the time
I love Elvis Costello. He’s maybe my favourite. I’m listening to him a lot at the moment. I know this is one of his biggest albums, and it’s super important in his trajectory… but I just don’t love this album. The military/political lyrics rub me the wrong way and his simpering whine is extra obnoxious at times. A few of the track sounds very similar. I’m on the fence for a 4 or a 5. It does have 4 outstanding tracks on it, oh no wait, what’s so funny is an American addition. It pains me to do it but it’s getting a 4
Good album, very catchy!
Un gran álbum de Power Pop. Elvis Costello & The Attractions logran seguir su espectacular debut "This Year's Model" con una recolección de canciones melosas y poderosas, las cuales se notan sumamente influyentes en la construcción del pop-punk, estableciendo a Costello como una de las figuras más interesantes de finales de los 70's, comenzando su reinado ochentero.
So here's the thing about Elvis Costello... I think he writes some really great songs, both in terms of lyrics and the music itself. However, I've never been able to tell if this is a production thing or just the way he sings: he often sounds like he is mumbling or trips over words. It can be weirdly distracting. That said, I enjoyed this album quite a lot (racial epithets notwithstanding).
Idk if it just finally clicked for me or what but I usually don’t like Costello and ended up loving this album
Not bad.
Solid 4/5 album with a few 5/5 songs on it. Interesting to see how much of a magpie Elvis Costello is: "Two Little Hitlers" quotes "Rebel Rebel" and "Party Girl" quotes "You Never Give Me Your Money"
4/5 music, 7/5 album art
first listen decent
Drullugóð plata. Kann að meta þetta betur og betur með hverju árinu sem líður.
Costello and the Attractions are always a good bet for enjoyable music.
Som bem tri, agradável
Have already heard this album. Solid 3/5.
New wave. Me estoy dando cuenta de que me gusta Elvis Costello. Un 4.
Oliver's Army. Pero no le doy un 4. Venga, sí!
7,8/10
Okay, let's be real here. I like the Cos, I've already been on record a few times for this project saying so. He's a quirky oddball weirdo who puts together lyrically campy and musically intricate songs that I can vibe with. BUT, it's getting to be overkill with his record inclusions now. My Aim Is True, This Year's Model, and Brutal Youth are really all the Costello this list needs. Anything else is just list-maker bias/overkill. He doesn't really offer anything too different or nuanced with each outing, just more of his same schtick. To be clear, it's a schtick I like very much. But I do think this spot could have been opened up for another artist easily enough.
Not listened to the full album before, obviously I know the "hits" on this one. It's a good album
The music is good. Elvis' voice is excellent. But, when its over I have no desire to listen again. Its just not compelling.
Always interesting. Loved the hits, but also quirky tunes like “Moods for Moderns.”
Only very few songs somewhere in the middle drag the crazy high level of songwriting down a notch. Elvis is a storyteller whose band is holding the perfect frame for all miniatures. 4.1
Probably my fave Elvis
Very convincing record, pleasant to listen to.
Definitely not what I expected from the cover. But I like this album a lot. Good sht.
always known accidents will happen but never delved much into the rest of costello's discog. overall the album is really good! its quite glamourous and has lovely singing
Senior Service is groovy :) Oliver's Army is familiar, but I had never looked at the lyrics - We need to stop fighting! Goon Squad is a good song - upbeat, more "rough", more punky :) more along my style OOH SUNDAY'S BEST IS SUPER COOL - very unexpected in this album but very welcome! circusy in a way. This album isn't particularly *my* album but overall I thought it was alright. It definitely had its highlights, but I don't know if I'll go out of my way to listen to the songs I haven't favorited again. 4/5
Some really strong tracks here; Big Boys, Green Shirt, and Chemistry Class being the standouts. But, there are too many that just fade into the background to give this album more than 4 stars.
Oliver's Army. Pero no le doy un 4. Venga, sí!
Two years after My Aim is True, Armed Forces started to reveal the path that would lead to Brutal Youth some 15 years later. Some small misses here but overall a great album.
Finally an Elivs Costello album I really enjoyed, great sounding album added to my permanent rotation and deserves its place on this list.
The instrumentation is close to Elton John-ish, Costello's vocal edge fitting the crooked love theme just right. Sonically balanced and lyrically cohesive in the narrowest of ranges.
Shocking at this point - really well produced. I get the whole anti war thing but sometimes the lyrics were a little weird but I like that he said the n word 4 stars
Several years ago, I asked for 'This Year's Model' for Christmas, which I mostly wanted for "Pump It Up." I did wind up receiving it, but I can't remember if I ever listened to the whole album, so this was probably my first time listening to an entire Elvis Costello album. I enjoy a lot of late seventies and early eighties new wave, and this album was no exception to that. I really enjoyed the groovy bass lines and the energetic keyboard riffs, and I like Elvis Costello's vocals too (my wife hates his voice, and when I told her I listened to this album today, she immediately launched into her Elvis Costello impersonation/mockery). I wasn't super into the lyrics here, but I'd say that "Green Shirt," "Good Squad," and "Sunday's Best" (despite its... interesting word choice) were my favorite songs here. I enjoyed this album, but I think I'd rather listen to The Cars' debut instead.
Costello killin it
Great album all songs are good to great great sense of melody
Fun album—it’s cheeky and just a little political. Stick around for “What’s so funny (about peace, love, and understanding)”
Tracks: 3 killer, 10 filler (23%) Highlights: Accidents Will Happen, Oliver’s Army, (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding
Two great albums in two days in a row? What are the chances? But it finally happened... after a phenomenal album yesterday, here comes this pearl to listen to. Here in Brazil Elvis Costello, unfortunately, is a relatively unknown talent (as far as I know), and listening to this album was a surprise and a great discovery.
Dropping the n word caught me off guard but with that aside this album was fun listen. I plan on coming back maybe sometime
Nice album, weird cover.
I saw Elvis Costello live once and hated it - but surprised myself by enjoying this album. Upbeat, non offensive music. Quite jolly. Can't grumble.
Green Shirt is killer. Everything feels so right in the pocket and Elvis has this iconic singing style. The snare on Sunday's Best is like a gunshot.
✌️♥️🤔
4.5
3.75
Some great singles on this and the rest is decent. Oliver's Army is the best song, natch.
actually a really fun album!! went in with low expectations but enjoyed a lot of the songs
Good album. Steve Nieve steals a lot of the focus on this one with some chirping organ and ABBA-esque fills.
great new wave album and pop album in general. the melodies and production are all really fun and the lyrics (aside from the use of the n-word) are good as well. i can also hear a lot of artists who i feel have been influenced by elvis costello in this, including talking heads, the boomtown rats, and neil cicierega. i highly recommend this album for anyone who hasn't checked out elvis costello's music yet.
Elvis Costello was one of those artists that I'd experienced piecemeal until starting this exercise. I knew "Alison" and "Watching the Detectives" and a handful of others (including his infamous 1977 audible on SNL, when he broke into "Radio Radio" after being explicitly told not to play it), but that was about it. In other words, I knew him well enough to respect him, but that's about as far as it went. I was excited when his "Blood & Chocolate" album cropped up a while back, and, unsurprisingly, I enjoyed it thoroughly. This is better, a solid enjoy-it-from-start-to-finish album. He's a great lyricist (often tackling serious issues, yet keeping the songs from feeling like lectures), and the album's got a rich, full sound (I especially enjoyed Bruce Thomas on the bass and Steve Nieve on keyboards). As with "Blood & Chocolate," I ended up listening to this album twice, just to get a better feel for the album as a whole and to suss out the songs I particularly enjoyed (including—but not limited to—"Senior Service," "Oliver's Army," and "Two Little Hitlers"). It's clear that Costello's thoroughly up my alley, and I look forward to more of his albums appearing on this list. This isn't quite a 5, but let's call it 4.5.
I'm a fan of Elvis Costello, so it was nice to see this on the list.
Can't pass up a chance to listen to an Elvis Costello album. Most of these songs are ones I rarely if eve listen to minus a few classics, but still a good listen as far as I'm concerned.
3.5
Such an interesting voice. Costello always manages to write interesting melodies. Oliver's Army is a fascinating standout. As was Peace Love and Understanding, the two songs I'd heard off the album. The overall tambre and his voice bring the album down a star for me, but still a great listen.
It's Elvis Costello...
Ik vind de muziek van deze Elvis altijd wel aanstekelijk. Moeilijk te zeggen waarom precies, maar het klinkt allemaal lekker losjes en funky, en met dat maffe direct herkenbare stemgeluid. Ik zou deze vaker kunnen draaien.
Maak je dan toch een pop-album, doe het dan zo. Tijdloos. Het album biedt een continue kwaliteit (m.u.v. Goon Squad). En keer op keer denk je: 'Hé, lekker deuntje'.
This guy knows how to write a song.
Elvis Costello has a great overal sound. Not many songs stand out too much but as a whole it was a really enjoyable album
Oliver’s Army is so nostalgic for me, because my dad played it all the time when I was a kid. Still a bop. Really enjoy the rest of the album too - quite a few Bowie and ABBA vibes scattered throughout which I love.
How is this album from 1979?! Costello is so timeless, just like Springsteen. It's a sound that is big, fun, iconic, and always now. It's a shame that Oliver's Army became about the use of the "N-Word" rather than anything else. The word is used in a derogatory way against a British private, as it was apparently used in the 17th century. The song is actually a pretty biting attack on racism and war, but it's so poppy, people don't know what to do with it. Songs continue to push these themes as the album builds. Another good example of how the art of the album has basically died nowadays. I mean, what's so funny about peace, love, and understanding anyway, right? This album is a blast to listen to. Lots of fun melodies. Lyrically, there's a ton to digest as well. Song and substance on full display here.
Was pleasantly surprised by this album. While the lyrics aren't my favorite (especially because of the slur), most of the songs were really good. Like the lyrics, the vocals aren't what attracted me the most, but the instrumentals are so fun. The bass lines remind me of Queen. Fave track(s): Senior Service, Party Girl, Goon Squad
Absolutely loved this album, even if there were a few rough patches I'll probably skip on future listenings the highs definitely make up for the few slightly low moments. Top tracks: Green Shirt, Goon Squad, Moods for Moderns, and Two Little Hitlers.
24th November 2022 Listened in the morning while working from home. F45 and ru Paul final in the evening. Loved it, political songwriting that doesn’t shove it in your face. Amazing musician.
I like this pretty well, and already knew some of the songs. Interesting backstory on this that I wasn't aware of.
I don’t love every song on this album, but I remember when it first came out and being very excited by how new and different it sounded. Accidents Will happen, Oliver’s Army and What’s so funny, ‘bout peace, Love and understanding are absolute classics. No matter that the latter is a cover. It also doesn’t matter that the others don’t stand out to me as much. I would rate Blood and Chocolate and Spike above this album but it’s great listening and I still remember so many of the words. He’s also from my neck of the woods, so I feel more of a connection.
Sort of enjoyable but wasn’t super into it
Really nice and enjoyable album. Would definitely listen again. Was very thrown off when he said the n word though
Great feel good music
It has become quite a meme this fact that Costello has so many entries in these books. But I try to not let that colour my views on this particular album. What strikes me most is the consistency of the song writing.
A vintage release from a top-class artist, this speaks to his considerable strengths, starting with his sheer originality. Throughout all the various reinvention attempts (both subtle and bold), one always knows it’s him. That can lead to a little sameness but the quality of tracks and professionalism of craft are uniformly high, here as on other records. "Party Girl" is a personal fave. "What's So Funny" a reminder of Nick Lowe's glaring and egregious omission from this esteemed index.
New wave. Me estoy dando cuenta de que me gusta Elvis Costello. Un 4.
not bad at all
Original and groovy
this dude has a truly gargantuan career. he's seriously been making tunes since the 60s, and released a single as recently as last year. good album, fun rock n roll. probably won't come back to it
Really fun album. A classic, full of witty lyrics, nothing that hasn't been said before really.
Maybe there's a tad too many albums by Declan on here? I count seven. There's some good tracks but does he straddle so many genres to qualify? I remember this one and liked the hits. He seemed to define intelligent New Wave cool that I was a bit too young to understand.
Guess I hadn't listened to much Costello before. It was good but not what I expected. A little heavier in the rock side that what my perception of Costello was
This is probably one of Elvis Costello's more accessible albums. Released a year after 'This Year's Model,' this album sees Costello playing a more pop like New Wave that features a more complex chord structure and better developed melodies. At points, the music is almost anthemic in what sounds like a precursor to Britpop. Costello's lyrics are more politically charged but are less angry than his previous two releases. As always, Costello is a wordsmith, and employs double entendre and wordplay.
This album is full of musical texture and political themes. While easily discounted as the musical musings of an angry, young man, the album’s songs are actually quite prescient, sharp, funny, and compelling. Standout songs are Accidents Will Happen and Busy Bodies.
I was surprised at how much I liked this. Never liked his voice, but his craft at songwriting makes up for it the more you listen
good
I've always admired Costello's craft as a songwriter. His arrangements are often unconventional, his gift for creating vocal and instrumental melodies is exceptional, and he's got an edge to his lyrics that gets your attention, even if I don't always know what he's getting at. I've never listened to this album in its entirety, though I was familiar with a lot of it. I didn't love every song, "Senior Service" as the second track seemed like a misstep after the haunting last minute of "Accidents Will Happen," but this is a really strong album. Despite Costello's range as a vocalist and gift for melody, he does have a vocal tone that tends to wear on me after 30 minutes or so, but that didn't detract from my enjoying this album (more than once) today.
It was nice to listen to this again as the last time i listened all the way through was back in college. This used to get a lot of spins back in the day and I was surprised how many of the lyrics I still remember. Having said that, I've never loved this one as much as This Year's Model or Get Happy. The hits are still great and I really dug Green Shirt and the last three songs. But I found the other tunes a little boring, and in general, the arrangements aren't quite as thrilling as those other two albums. The Attractions are an amazing band, but their talents are pushed to the background on this one, which isn't always a bad thing, but I missed the energy they brought to those other two albums. Hard to know how to rate something like this one. Do I give it 3 stars as an EC album or 4 stars compared to some of these other records? I guess I'll go 4.
Peace Love Understanding
New wave, 1979. The songs on this record are quite impressive in every aspect and the tracklist absolutely on point. Also every song is relevant on the whole LP so there aren't fillers. This is arguably one of the most mature and most complete projects by Costello and in conclusion one of his greatest albums.
Really liked this album a lot. Good variety between the tracks. Favorite track: Moods for Moderns
Really enjoyable listen, great individual songs and also flows so well as a whole. Fav song: Busy Bodies
Costello Album No. 3 for me, every one I’ve liked more than the last. I have a soft spot for albums that indulge in other styles, and there’s a little punk, prog, maybe early synth-pop stirred into this one. Maybe it’s just his voice I’m not the biggest fan of HL: Oliver’s Army, Goon Squad, Accidents…
I had and disliked Brutal Youth early on. This is something different, and stands up well despite some questionable language from my costello at times...Pretty great album
Oliver's Army is a top top tune. Enjoyed the album
One of Costello's greatest albums.
Classic Elvis Costello. Great album. 4 stars.
Yup, pretty captivating pop rock, generally quite a fun listen. Fave track - "Oliver's Army" is an awesome tune, but I think "Accidents Will Happen" beats it to the title!
Original and excellent throughout. "Party Girl" and "Accidents Wil Happen" are career highlights but every track has considerable merit.
Costello's usual weird singing voice + Mamma Mia hokey happy-go-lucky energy + goofy puns about the military = ...an album I actually enjoy? I am surprised as you are
Listened to on 6/26/22 4/5 Favorite song: Oliver’s Army, Green Shirt Elvis Costello continues to be a bop and I liked the military theme of the album
Putting the Honky in Honky Tonk.
Better than expected for not proper Elvis
Don't think I'd heard anything by Elvis Costello before. v enjoyable
Smude saker. klassiker. Har hørt mye på denne tidligere også. Klar favoritt er olivers army, men det andre er også lyttbart. Egnede Bruksområder: Meget bra som bakgrunn på hytta eller når man arbeider på et kontor.
I get the hate for Elvis Costello on this list, but Armed Forces is a tour deForce that definitely belongs and is a must listen. This 1979 near-masterpiece is a sonic balance of punk, post-punk and the oncoming 80s pop sound. Of course Nick Lowe's production does the heavy lifting here. 4/5.
Great album by one of my favorite artists.
Three absolute Declan classics (one of which is a cover and apparently not on the UK version of the album) sprinkled around some lesser known tracks that have never done much for me. The title and cover really turn me off for whatever reason. I guess I just don't care for elephants storming towards me. Just a notch below his first two albums.
frekar góð
It was alright.
Forgot all the great songs on this one.
I'm surprised how negative the reviews of this album seem to be - it's pretty solid from start to finish, almost every track got me bopping along and there's enough lyrical depth to be worth paying attention without going full Cohen-level poetic nonsense.
Meio sem graça...
7/10 a little disappointed to see that Elvis Costello succumbed to the British musician instinct to make a song that sounds like circus music. Less frantic sounding than his prior two albums but also way less catchy. Lyrics are pretty strong though
8/10. Pretty fun, pretty good
Very solid Costello album, not quite up there with My Aim is True but still tons of funny lyrics and catchy tunes. 8/10
8'5
Disliked it at first, but I slept on it and gave it another listen. Now I really like it!
I am all about Elvis Costello on this list. Clearly I should have made more of an effort to get to know his catalog before now, but I am lazy and was too busy listening to some other bullshit because that's the life I've chosen. Didn't flip for every song, but overall it's an easy 4 stars from me.
4/5. Elvis Costello can make a banger sometimes
Good and solid
Die einzigen Probleme: die Lieder klingen einander sehr ähnlich und eine bestimmte Textstelle, die auch den meisten anderen hier aufgefallen ist.
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Hanging tree,
Un disco que me agrada bastante, es una muestra muy sólida de por qué Elvic Costello sí es bueno a pesar de sus constantes cambios. Especialmente agradables los sencillos "Oliver's Army" y "Accidents Will Happen". También me encanta (What’s So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding, una canción que algunos fans de Costello sé que desprecian. No había escuchado nada de este disco quizá en quince años y en realidad ha envejecido muy bien. Las canciones son todas de Costello, pero son un poco más brillantes, ajustadas y densas, manteniendo bastante elemento pop. Me gusta cómo es capaz de hacer todo eso cuando la letra de muchas de las canciones tiene un elemento político. Puedes cantar alegremente "Oliver's Army" para darte cuenta de que se trata de una guerra, un asesinato y que contiene insultos raciales. En cierto modo, eso hace que estas canciones sean muy adecuadas al fondo y forma de este tipo de musicos como Costello (o Devo... que no viene al caso pero me recuerda un caso similar). La mayoría simplemente cantarán coros, pero algunos de nosotros lo investigaremos más a fondo para encontrar un contexto para estas canciones.
Oliver’s Army was a cracking tune. Others didn’t make such an impression, but maybe they deserve another listen.
Had a Lenny Kravitz or Prince kinda vibe.
It was good!
Yeah prettyvsolid stuff
Heerlijk, ik vind deze nog beter dan de vorige maar toch 4 sterren
Het had niet twee dagen op rij gehoeven, maar ook deze plaat van Elvis C kan ik erg waarderen.
Enjoyable, hip album
Enjoyable music. 0RS
While not as good as his previous album, he is 2 for 2 for good rock music and a great sound. I love Lowe’s timeless production.
141021 18:03 4
Another good one from Elvis (he's the king) Costello.
Sounds like the basis for Tom Petty's sound. Good album
Political and sarcastic songs. Nevertheless, there is also no shortage of danceable tempos in pure teenage style, like Chemistry Class and Green Shirt. This album will remain his masterpiece. (7/10) Favourite tracks: Olivers Army, Two Little Hitlers
Elvis Costello is typically hit and miss with me, but this album was mostly hit. Pleasantly surprised. I do like his version of Peace Love and Understanding.
enjoyed this album, don't recall having previously heard any of the songs
I had a joke for this I think but I forgot
I cannot get enough of Mr Costello’s voice. It has an elasticity and a fragility, a tenderness and a boisterousness. Here it’s put to good effect rolling with the punkish punches of the attractions. It’s consistently good and consistently danceable. High quality stuff.
14 canciones. 3 muy malas, incluyendo la que le da nombre al album. Aún así, es muy bueno. Tiene Big Boys, que es de mis favoritas de este wey.
A gusto, supongo que súper popular en la época. Siento que es el ancestro del britpop (hasta lo culero y a la vez satisfactorio de escuchar a los vocalistas, entre voz de embrios y con un atisbo de que en realidad sí podrían cantar mejor, pero deciden no hacerlo) y predecesor de lo único interesante que pudo ofrecer el britpop: un rock pegajoso, semibailable y exitoso con las juventudes jajajaja :V Favs: Goons Squat.
Insisto: Elvis Costello tiene una gran voz y fluye bien con todo lo que sucede alrededor. Me quedo sobre todo con "Accidents Will Happen", "Senior Service", "Sunday's Best" (canción juguetona) y "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding". 8/10
Nice album
Very different than what I’m used to listening to, but surprisingly enjoyed most of the tracts. Added Oliver’s Army to my 1001 playlist
Never listened to the whole album before. Liked it.
Pretty good!
Not groundbreaking, but upbeat and solidly enjoyable the whole way through.
There is a certain energy in his performances, and his recognizable voice make it easy for me to say that I like Elvis Costello. I’ve heard a lot of songs from Costello before, but up until now, I think that the only album I’ve listened to is a greatest hits compilation. Hearing this studio album was a pleasant surprise. About 1/4 of the tracks are, “I WILL listen to this song again” (5 stars), 1/4 are “I WOULD listen to this song again” (4 stars) and rest of the album was at least likeable (3 stars). There were familiar tracks that I still like ("Oliver's Army", "Accidents Will Happen", and "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding" <-- the album I listened to contained this additional track from the US / Canadian release). Interestingly enough, my favorite track was "Green Shirt", which I don't think I've ever heard before. "Busy Bodies" was also a pleasant surprise. My least favorite track was "Sunday's Best". I would listen to this album again as a whole (4 stars).
Quite good, I liked it!
Very, very solid Elvis Costello album. A few more experimental tracks on here, which was fun to hear in his style!
Klingt find ich nach ruhigen The Cure
This was really fun. I can't believe I'd never listened before!
That's how Buzzcocks should have sounded. I will probably listen to it again.
rock sympa precurseur
Pretty good!
Lots of good songs on there
Clever (& audible!) lyrics. catchy, well-written songs all round. Some of them (Goonsquad, Peace Love & Understanding) still get indie radio play.
Really good!
Put your Green Shirt on and skip Chemistry Class for this one.
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.
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?
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
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.
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
Fine. Bored of him.
Not quite enough for a 4
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.
It’s a solid pop album but I don’t care for his voice at all
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
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
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
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.
;)
No real standout tracks, but it’s fun
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.
It was ok. I didn’t mind listening to, but not something I’d seek out.
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
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.
Elvis Costello usually is kinda "meh" for me. This one comes in there and builds itself out of that, and finishes strong.
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 ???
eh
Mouais vazy Elvis tu nous fais chier là
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.
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
I enjoyed it, though it wasn't amazing enough to want me to listen to Elvis Costello again.
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.
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.
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.
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.
3+ Stars (9/15)
Der Gesang ist gut, Melodien vorhanden, leider sonst unbekannt
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.