Reviews (page 3 of 8)
listened through twice just to make sure. why did i enjoy the first elvis costello album but find this one so annoying? like the vocals lost their charm and the rhythms turned generic. almost every chorus made my eye twitch. a couple of fun sounds but ultimately i did look forward to it ending. favorite song is Two Little Hitlers, had a good vibe. least favorite song is Green Shirt or Sunday's Best
Rating: 3/10 God I hate this guy. Maybe I don't get why he's so brilliant or something but I don't want to. I don't even understand the argument that this album might have good melodies because to me it just sounds so annoying. It gets a single bonus point for political concept that Elvis sticks to compared to the shit he sang about in the previous album but I still hate his voice and I don't care about the lyrics themselves either. The album honestly just keeps getting worse in the last few tracks. A personal 1
I think I needed a few more albums in between the Costellos we got. He still sounds the same - I can still hear the costello cadence with a tambourine and snare all on beat in my head. Hard to critique, hard to compliment 4.7/10
pretty uncomfortable, instrumentals were fun but boy howdy
Generally didn't enjoy this, too many slurs and not a fan of his singing voice.
Alright nothing special
By far the most tolerable (almost enjoyable) Elvis Costello album I've listened to
The sound of my youth. One of my life defining albums. A bit uneven, but even the filler songs are good.
Springsteen-esque
It's all of his shittiest hits in one album wrapped up in terrible cover art and he threw in an additional racial slur
Elvis Costello decided to officially credit his band, The Attractions, for the first time on his third release, 'Armed Forces', which feels very fitting as the band certainly adds a strong punch to Costello's songwriting on this record. More or less following the same formula as his first two records, 'Armed Forces' sees Costello and The Attractions run through a tight set of heartfelt anthems discussing social consciousness, opposition to fascism and worldliness, although there's clear nods in the sound to krautrock (notably Kraftwerk and the Bowie/Eno/Iggy Pop tributes that followed) and the tight focus on interlinked themes that artists like The Beatles and Bob Dylan experimented with in the late 60s. You still can't shake the strong Springsteen similarities either, as Costello possesses that same anthematic passion and infectious energy with the potential to lift arenas. It's no surprise the pair are good friends and share a mutual appreciation for each other. 'Armed Forces' is another fine, uplifting Elvis Costello record, with greater emphasis on the talented Attractions. Costello sure was Mr Consistent in his early career when it came to solid records. Best songs: Accidents Will Happen, Senior Service, Oliver's Army, Party Girl, Goon Squad
Billy Joel if his voice was painful to listen to.
I simply do not enjoy the way Elvis Costello sings
Just a collection of catchy, fun songs delivered with enough personality to make them stand out, and the album doesn't waste any time. Sometimes that's all you need.
Boy, that n-word really stands out! Solid record, I enjoyed it. Reminded me of a really good record called Kontiki by a band called Cotton Mather that I listened to a lot back in the 2000s.
Did not enjoy this. Couldn't get into his voice.
Trash. Elvis Costello puts out one or two good songs and people eat up the garbage. It gets two stars just because it's not totally unlistenable but, for me, just about.
Way better than Brutal Youth but still... Don't do the vooooiiicceeee
Álbum pop New wave bem competente. Bons vocais e arranjos. Celest Phoenixcall.
A lot of Elvis Costello albums have a handful of absolute classics, interspersed with a lot of boring filler. So it goes with Armed Forces too - "Oliver's Army" and "Two Little Hitlers", for example, among my favourite Costello tracks but there's also a lot of songs I almost never bother listening to (looking at the track listing I can barely conjure up what "Green Shirt" or "Chemistry Class" sound like).
Good album - but this is like the 30th Elvis Costello album on this list.
Heck yeah that was a nice album
"By the third [album] I thought I was God's gift. I was totally convinced. I had no doubts." This is where I have difficulty reading Costello as a person vs. frontman. Is he being cheeky, or is this where all the fame started truly going to his head? Regardless, this is probably where my interest in his career wanes. I enjoyed the early punk rock/pub rock influences on his first two albums, and it's clear that this was intended to be more of a commercial effort—supposedly, in an effort to break through to US audiences. It worked—and this is probably because the themes are more concrete and the level of storytelling has improved overall. I enjoy quite a lot of the songs—"Accidents Will Happen", "Oliver's Army", "Busy Bodies", and the closing Nick Lowe-covered track. In particular, I enjoy Lowe's production here, which has gotten meaner and filled with more sounds and dynamics. It's a pleasant album as a whole, but not at all my favorite. Something about the music just feels too safe here, even if the themes are more racy and diverse. As a non-fan, I'm comfortable giving this a 3. Also, for those confused about the slur on "Oliver's Army"—a "white ni&&er" was a common anti-Irish Catholic pejorative term used during the Troubles in Northern Ireland and was even used against Irish people as they started to immigrate to the USA in the 19th century. The song is allegedly sung from the perspective of a naïve British soldier. It's meant to be ironic. I honestly don't need to remind you that you're on the internet—look things up before writing an opinion about them!!
Place a two album cap on all artists for the next edition of your book. Yes, that includes The Beatles, Bowie, Radiohead, Zep, and this guy. If someone likes those two, they'll check out the others on their own time. This one then. The music is fine, melodies fine. Nothing overly catchy or memorable and it has a few recurring tells and ticks throughout which gives certain songs a repetitive nature. It's not always helped by the dated 80s production and sound - I know it's 79, but it feels distinctly 80s. The vocals also do not help, with Costello mouthing his words - particularly the vowels - like he's cartoonist puckering his lips. It's all very faux-cutesy and off-putting. But it's not bad. Certainly nothing anyone needs to hear, but fine. Good lyrics, somewhat unique subject matter tackled in a somewhat unique way.
Rest in peace John Davidson you would’ve loved Oliver’s Army
It's aight
I wish there was more variety to his music. If you like it, you like it. It’s ok, but I find it too busy and he sings too much.
Another great album from Elvis Costello. I felt like it was better than This Year’s Model in some ways. Either way, every song was worth listening to. I will definitely listen to this in the future. 5 stars.
I bought this album in '79, in the original fold-out sleeve, I bet that would be worth a fortune now, if I still had it! Great to hear it again after all these years. A more mature sound than his previous albums, some great singles.
8.0/10
This is my second Elvis Costello album (My Aim is True was my first) and I liked this one more. There is really nothing I could pick out of this album that hinders it's quality. It's some of the most fun albums in this new wave era. Very soft compared to other things from this era. It's very catchy, the instrumentation is smooth and I really Enjoy Costello's voice on here. There are no misses on this album. But no songs in particular stand out, just a very solid album. It has great basslines all over it just like most stuff from this genre. The production here is well thought out. It doesn't do anything particularly new but what it does do it does very well. My favourite song here is Senior Service.
As always...a pity his VOICE IS SO ANNOYING. But that aside: Accidents Will Happen - really cool tune, and cool timings, unexpected tonal shifts, and chord changes. Oliver's Army - adorable tune. As hilarious as it is to make this comparison, I simply must: part of it also reminded me of Hannah Montana's Rock Star. Noticed that Party Girl has a very similar riff to the end of Carry that Weight by the Beatles The songs are grand like?
Oliver's Army was catchy but had a bit jump scare there. Album is a good listen to but not my thing. Don't remember anything of the guy but only remember his unique singing voice.
not for me
One of Elvis's best. Never understood the cover art. But he sounds good here.
why is elvis costello so over represented in this list? everything after the first two is not essential
Made me uncomfortable that he used the n word
I think I enjoy everything about Elvis Costello's whole vibe except him as lead singer
Disturbing, intriguing and worth a m other listen.
I needed a great album today after a couple of underwhelming listens and Armed Forces delivered exactly that. I’ve always loved this record, and I’ve always loved Elvis Costello at his sharpest. The melodies are immediate, almost deceptively catchy, but underneath there’s bite. The production is slick without losing its edge, and there’s a confidence running through the whole thing. It sounds tight, focused, and purposeful. What really stands out is the balance: pop hooks on the surface, but pointed, intelligent lyrics underneath. There’s real weight behind the words, political tension, emotional frustration, social commentary yet it never feels heavy-handed. The variety across the album keeps it moving, shifting from punchy new wave energy to more intricate, layered moments. Favourite tracks: “Oliver’s Army” is an absolute classic, catchy enough to get stuck in your head for days, but far smarter than your average pop single. “Accidents Will Happen” is brilliant, “Green Shirt” has that cool, slightly sinister groove, and “Party Girl” is just a great tune. There are genuinely no weak spots. Least favourite tracks: None. Everything is worth a listen. Album artwork: I love the cover bold, colourful, chaotic.
My god, the man can write a hook though, can’t he? Pretty much the epitome of the college radio sound I remember.
MUY BUENO
I've never really understood Elvis Costello, I always see a picture from the late 70's and he's got the jazzmaster and I'm thinking it's going to be something in my wheelhouse but it never really grabs me. I'm sure there is something great he has done to earn a spot on this list but I am always dismayed by the time I get to the end. Not in that it's really bad or anything but just that it doesn't grab me at all when I expect it to.
I don't get it
he said the n word and i wasnt prepared
I liked it!
I'm not such a big fan of a white musician using the N word. Even aside from that, the album was just okay. I do reserve the 1 star rating for albums that are difficult or offensive to listen to.
Good stuff
Saved? ✅ Would listen again? ✅ Would recommend to anyone? 🤔 Would buy on Vinyl? ✅
I bought the single when it came out and my younger brother thought they were singin Ollagar Zombie is on the way! To be fair up until a few years ago I thought he was singing “white liquor” Anyway he’s one of the artists whose songs tend to be belters or just ok this album is better than most.
I don't get it.
Used to listen to this one a lot
I was told that Elvis Costello is only for people born between 1965 and 1975 (basically Gen X), and I have to agree. I have nothing to relate to in his lyrics, and the music is pretty blasé. I've always found it curious that he was such a prominent social figure.
There have been a couple of Elvis Costello albums on here that were cooler than I expected. This is not one of them.
Two years into his recording career and the bloat has already crept in. My Aim is True is an incredible record. Here, his musical sensibilities and gift for melody are still on display. The production is gorgeous; the whole thing sounds amazing. But the focus of his first album is missing. There are great musical ideas here but they get lost in a river of mediocre digressions and theatrical ornamentation. It makes for a distracting musical experience; an overwrought diversion yanking me out of every emotional flow that develops. On the first two songs the great ideas predominate. But from there he seems to indulge his conceit to the point where the brilliance pops up only briefly, from time to time, like a capsized kayaker desperate to catch a rock or a limb to emerge from the froth. It's interesting that the only unadulterated magical moment is a cover. Too bad he doesn't respect his own brilliant ideas sufficiently to leave them alone to them shine.
This album is giving Elvis two decades too late. This album was not for me and it was hard for me to keep focused on this album for most of the project. I got more than halfway through before I said this song is cool. This sounds very Elvis inspired, but he was like let’s get a little experimental with it. To me, it didn’t work.
It was okay, but I find costello very dry, and this was no different. He has way too many albums on this list.
I always want to like Elvis Costello more than I actually do. There's something about the sarcasm and cynicism of his voice and lyrics that stops me from fully embracing the songs. On this album the opener, Accidents Will Happen, and Oliver's Army had me bouncing along, but the rest of the album fell completely flat for me.
Didn't do much for me in a first listen unfortunately
Eh 2
Plenty of hits, good music but nothing special 3 - deserves to be on this list
Its a good album but I didnt think it was that interesting. But good album!
picks: Oliver's Army, Peace love and understanding.
Incredible album
I was obsessed with those first 4 Elvis albums in high school. He's kind of baby and I don't know what I saw in his voice. The Attractions sound amazing though
Hard for me to really enjoy Elvis Costello. The music is goofy (see 'Moods for Moderns') and his vocals aren't great
I didn't love this. Pretty bland
I like Costello enough but I wouldn't put this particular album on this list. The 2 singles (Oliver's Army and What's So Funny..) are great, but they're the peak of this record, the rest of it is pretty forgettable.
I'm just not a fan of Elvis Costello. The songs are bland and his voice, while interesting, isn't that great to me. Just not a great album.
I guess we'd all be surprised if this weren't here.
I need to listen to this more! But it’s a great vibe throughout Last track is special
Very solid album. Oliver's Army is great.
it's interesting...it feels like glam rock and reggae fusion a little bit. i could NOT get through this album when i first tried to listen - now that i am getting through it its pretty good... i would say 3.5 but ill round down because it was so hard to listen to at first. oliver's army is a good song but has a little bit of a jumpscare! my favorite was probably sundays best
Accidents Will Happen Oliver's Army
beetje te veel voor een volledig album, maar kon dit wel smaken
Not great but not bad ? Voice is mid, production and mixing not good but lyrics are fine execpt for the random slurs??? 2.5/5
Light 3,5
My actual favourite Elvis Costello album. Yes, he has too many albums on this here list. This one deserves its place on any list. All killer, no filler. What's So Funny..... is one of the best cover versions of all time. Great Cover Art.
if I get another elvis costello album I will scream
Yeah - it’s just one of the best Costello albums. Shows him in all of his glory - including a nod to his connections with Nick Lowe on the final track. Despite the controversy around Oliver’s Army, this is just a great listen.
Liked this album
I'll search for comprehensive information about *Armed Forces* to provide you with a detailed and accurate review. Let me search for more details on the album's critical reception and any specific criticisms. Here is an in-depth analysis of **Elvis Costello & The Attractions' *Armed Forces*** (1979), the record that marked both the commercial peak and the conceptual culmination of Costello's early "angry young man" period. --- ### Overview & Context Released on January 5, 1979, *Armed Forces* was Costello’s third album and his second official release with the Attractions (keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas, and drummer Pete Thomas). Originally intended to be titled **"Emotional Fascism"**—a phrase that appeared on the inner sleeve—the album marked a deliberate shift from the punk-adjacent snarl of *This Year’s Model* toward a more polished, pop-accessible sound while maintaining lyrical venom. It reached **#2 in the UK** (held off by a disco compilation) and broke Costello into the **US Top 10** for the first time, eventually going Gold in America . --- ### Lyrics: The "Emotional Fascism" Doctrine The defining characteristic of *Armed Forces* is its conceptual framework: **the conflation of romantic betrayal with political authoritarianism**. Costello described the album as concerning "the corridor from the war room to the bedroom," where "flirting between countries and ideologies is like some sort of sick romance" . **Key Lyrical Strategies:** - **Military Metaphors for Intimacy**: Throughout the record, romantic power struggles are framed as military campaigns or fascist regimes. On "Senior Service," professional jealousy is depicted as a decapitation ("I wanna chop off your head and watch it roll into the basket"), while "Two Little Hitlers" portrays a failing relationship as a battle between competing fascist dictators ("Two little Hitlers will fight it out until / One little Hitler does the other one's will") . - **Historical Provocation**: Costello deploys loaded references to the Third Reich, the Holocaust, and British imperialism not as endorsement but as metaphorical shock tactics. "Green Shirt" imagines a surveillance-state romance with "bedroom eyes that lead to tyranny," referencing "brown shirts" and "the Quisling Clinic" (a real Madison, Wisconsin establishment Costello spotted on tour, named after the Norwegian Nazi collaborator) . "Oliver’s Army" addresses the British occupation of Northern Ireland by invoking Oliver Cromwell’s brutal New Model Army, suggesting that imperial violence is a professional career path for working-class youth ("from the Mersey and the Thames and the Tyne") . - **Wordplay Density**: The lyrics are packed with puns, double entendres, and subverted clichés. "Chemistry Class" provocatively asks, "Are you ready for the final solution?" while ostensibly discussing academic pressures and romantic competition . Costello later admitted that some of this language was "full of gimmicks" and that equating personal betrayal with genocide might have been "a mistake" in hindsight . --- ### Music: Pop Sophistication Meets New Wave Paranoia Musically, *Armed Forces* represents the Attractions operating at the height of their telepathic cohesion, moving toward a more arranged, studio-conscious sound than the garage-band ferocity of *This Year’s Model*. **Stylistic Evolution:** - **ABBA and Bacharach**: Costello acknowledged that "Oliver’s Army" was directly inspired by ABBA’s "Dancing Queen," employing Steve Nieve’s chiming piano to create an ironically buoyant backdrop for anti-imperialist lyrics . "Accidents Will Happen" was written as an attempt to emulate Burt Bacharach’s "Anyone Who Had a Heart," resulting in a smooth, almost processional pop song that masks its theme of marital infidelity . - **Berlin Bowie/Iggy Influence**: During the recording period, the band obsessively listened to David Bowie’s *Station to Station*, *Low*, and *Heroes*, as well as Iggy Pop’s *The Idiot* and *Lust for Life*. This manifests in the cold, mechanical precision of "Senior Service" and the dystopian synth textures of "Moods for Moderns" . - **The Attractions' Chemistry**: Bruce Thomas’s bass is melodic and fluid, often carrying the harmonic movement (particularly on "Big Boys" and "Goon Squad"). Pete Thomas’s drumming is economical but tense, utilizing space effectively. Steve Nieve’s keyboards—ranging from music-hall piano to Minimoog loops—provide the album’s distinctive color, moving beyond the organ-heavy sound of previous records . --- ### Production: The Nick Lowe Discipline Produced by **Nick Lowe** with engineering by Roger Bechirian, the album was recorded over six weeks at Eden Studios in London—an "incredibly extravagant" amount of time by Costello’s standards at that point . **Production Characteristics:** - **Clarity and Control**: Lowe’s production is crisp and disciplined, capturing the band’s live vitality while adding studio sophistication. Unlike the raw, immediate *This Year’s Model*, *Armed Forces* features layered vocal harmonies (such as the Spector-esque "Be My Baby" coda on "Oliver’s Army") and careful dynamic control . - **Minimal Interference**: Despite the pop polish, there are "very few production devices that sit between the listener and the songs." The focus remains on the performances and the songwriting, with the arrangements serving the thematic content rather than overwhelming it . - **US Version Variations**: The American release controversially dropped "Sunday’s Best" (a critique of British class systems) and added "(What’s So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding"—a Nick Lowe composition that Costello delivered with "angry sincerity," providing an unexpectedly earnest conclusion to an otherwise cynical record . --- ### Themes: The Personal is Political The album’s central thesis, derived from its working title *Emotional Fascism*, examines how **totalitarian impulses operate in private life**. Greil Marcus described the record as one where "every moment of personal failure or unsatisfied passion is invaded by the cruelty and shamelessness of the political world" . - **Surveillance and Control**: "Green Shirt" explores a dystopian landscape where media indoctrination and sexual seduction blur, with references to telephone tapping and "the big investigation" predicting the reality-TV surveillance state decades early . - **Corporate Militarism**: "Goon Squad" draws explicit parallels between fascist paramilitary organizations and corporate ladder-climbing, with the narrator hoping to be promoted from thug to "general manager of a large establishment" . - **Gender and Power**: "Big Boys" examines masculine sexual competition with contempt, while "Party Girl" acknowledges the "treasonous" power dynamics of infidelity ("The guilty ones are the best") . --- ### Influence and Legacy *Armed Forces* stands as the **commercial and creative peak** of Costello’s early trilogy (with *My Aim Is True* and *This Year’s Model*). It proved that new wave could accommodate sophisticated pop craftsmanship without sacrificing lyrical intelligence. - **Cultural Timing**: Released months before Margaret Thatcher’s election, the album’s preoccupations with fascist resurgence and nationalist violence proved prescient as the National Front marched in London streets . - **Artistic Influence**: The album demonstrated that punk’s energy could be channeled into arranged pop without losing subversive intent, influencing subsequent artists from Squeeze to The Smiths in balancing melodic accessibility with lyrical darkness. - **Packaging**: The elaborate Barney Bubbles-designed fold-out sleeve (featuring elephants, military imagery, and faux-tiger print) became iconic, representing the height of new wave graphic design . - **The Columbus Incident**: The album’s legacy is shadowed by Costello’s infamous March 1979 drunken argument in Ohio where he used racial slurs against James Brown and Ray Charles. This permanently damaged his American commercial trajectory, ensuring that despite *Armed Forces* charting in the US Top 10, he never achieved the mainstream American success predicted for him . --- ### Pros and Cons #### **Pros** 1. **Songwriting Mastery**: Contains some of Costello’s most enduring compositions—"Oliver’s Army," "Accidents Will Happen," and "Green Shirt" represent the perfect fusion of hook and intellect. 2. **Thematic Ambition**: The "emotional fascism" concept creates a cohesive, intellectually rigorous album that rewards close reading, linking private and public tyranny in ways that remain frighteningly relevant . 3. **Musical Evolution**: The Attractions’ playing is tight and telepathic; the move toward pop sophistication (ABBA/Bacharach influences) expands Costello’s palette without diluting his identity. 4. **Production Clarity**: Nick Lowe achieves a disciplined, crisp sound that captures the band’s live energy while adding necessary studio polish. 5. **Vocal Performance**: Costello’s voice is more controlled and soulful here than on previous records, particularly his Ronnie Spector-inspired falsetto on "Oliver’s Army" . #### **Cons** 1. **Overwrought Conceits**: Costello himself admitted that some lyrics are "full of gimmicks," with paradoxes and subverted clichés occasionally piling up into "private and secret meanings" that obscure rather than illuminate . 2. **Provocative Imagery**: The casual use of Nazi and Holocaust imagery (lampshades, "final solution," etc.) can feel flippant or blasphemous, even if intended as metaphor. Costello later acknowledged this approach was "naive" . 3. **Loss of Raw Energy**: While more polished than *This Year’s Model*, some fans miss the unhinged, frantic urgency of the earlier record; this is a more controlled, "professional" album that occasionally sacrifices danger for craft . 4. **Inconsistent US Version**: The substitution of "Sunday’s Best" with "(What’s So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding" disrupts the album’s conceptual flow, though the latter song became a deserved classic in its own right . 5. **Conceptual Fatigue**: The relentless military metaphors and political cynicism can feel oppressive over 36 minutes; there is little emotional release or warmth to balance the paranoia . --- **Verdict**: *Armed Forces* remains a landmark of late-70s new wave—a record that proved smart, politically engaged rock could also be commercially viable pop. It captures Costello and the Attractions at the precise moment when their technical abilities caught up with Costello’s ambitious vision, creating a concept album that manages to be both accessible and profoundly unsettling. While occasionally guilty of overwriting and provocative posturing, it stands as one of the most intellectually rigorous and musically satisfying albums of the post-punk era.
Didn’t grab me
Some interesting ideas and creativity here. I’ve always thought EC was a little overrated but at least he has his own lane and style.
At times both beautifully melodic and furiously political, this album completes the trio of his first three albums which are all great in their own unique way. I’ve always felt that this one strikes a really great balance. It hits that sweet spot of Costello where he really started coming into his own, and it’s one of my all time favorites of his.
Definitely among the artists on the over saturated side of this list. This didn’t have much that stood out to me, and in general just a touch too cutesy for me to go higher than mid.
I liked it. And I wanted to like it more because I know Elvis gets a lot of love. And I want to be one of those people. But it just doesn’t hit that hard for me. What’s weird is I liked some of the songs on this but maybe not his execution. 3.25
Our 4th Elvis C. album. Surprised this will be my third 3* considering I am not really a fan. Generally meh on this album, but has a couple songs I do enjoy, so he gets another round-up rating. 3/5
Meh. 2.5 rounded down.
As I recall from when it came out, this was a decent but not great EC album. A relisten confirmed it. We still have Imperial Bedroom in the 1,001 — my fave album of his.
how many elvis costello albums are here?
Pidän Elvis Costellon alku-uran levyistä, mutta olen kuunnellut enimmäkseen This Year's Modelia. Armed Forces on Costellon kolmas levy ja taisi olla hänen iso läpimurtonsa aikanaan. Paljon hyviä biisejä ja levylle on onnistuneesti otettu mukaan pehmeämpiä soundeja ja paljon pianoa.
its quite nice but i love how jaunty this year's model is more. so 3.5/5
Day 172 First of what I believe is quite a few Elvis Costello albums on this list, man knows his way around a pop tune Highlights Green Shirt Sundays Best What’s so Funny….
I really need to listen to more Elvis Costello. I really dig his songwriting. I enjoyed this thoroughly, front to back
Me no like. I got 2 songs in and had to turn it off. I just can't get into Mr. C. I turned on Rhett Miller's new solo album as a palate cleanser, and it is excellent.
I bought this CD in the late 90s or early aughts. I like it pretty well, but if I'm wanting to hear Elvis Costello, I'm going to listen to This Year's Model. Until Saturday, I didn't realize that (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding was a Nick Lowe cover. This maybe deserves 4 stars because he writes good songs and his band is tight, but I really don't plan on spending a lot more time with this album in my life.
I'm a greatest-hits-level EC fan. This is mostly very good -- the unbearable "Moods for Moderns" is the exception. Barriers to giving it 5 stars: it's hard to make out the words in his clever and meaningful lyrics, and it's hard to understand what he's talking about without hitting up wikipedia. That's not a huge deal or a flaw per se; it just means that at my level of enjoying the music otherwise, I seldom will spend the energy to go to Genius or SongMeanings and figure out what, say, "Two Little Hitlers" is actually about. Maybe if I did I'd think it merited a 5.
3.5/5 - I believe this is just the opening salvo of EC on the 1,001 list, so I'll keep my rating powder dry. I was prepared to dislike this for reasons unknown to me, but once I got past Oliver's Army, which I've heard at least 500 times too many on WXRT Chicago when I lived there, I was pretty happy. We'll see if this holds on the first 2 Elvis records, this being the 3rd, but I liked the album cuts more than the hits here. Oh, and Steve Nieve is great.
He's good but all the songs sound the same to me
This guys a little freak isn’t he? On one hand he’s making mom rock but on the other he’s slipping in some pretty twisted shit. This has been my third Elvis Costello album and I will say he’s grown on me but I’m still not really blown away by this.
I've heard Elvis Costello get a lot of critical acclaim, and I think he has multiple albums on this list. But like? This feels like rather boring pop rock. The writing seems clunky, there's nothing very strong melodically, and it all kinda blends together as mid. Bob Dylan did the trigger/slur rhyme 10000x better. That being said, the first song I ever heard from Elvis Costello was "Alison", which remains an incredible stone-cold classic, so there is hope for him.
I’m never entirely certain about Elvis Costello. The music never really excites me that much, but at the same time it’s my era completely, so the sound is one I generally enjoy. There’s just something that makes me not quite get into it entirely. That’s true here. I know the singles obviously, and the sound is one I grew up with. It just never quite does it for me and a lot of it merged together and got lost in the background. I guess that if I really took the time the whole thing might grow on me. As might Elvis. But I doubt I’ll ever do that.
top 3 - Goon Squad, Busy Bodies, Moods For Moderns. I guess I just can’t really understand the appeal. I didn’t expect to get another one of this band's albums so soon (only 4 days since.) I don’t understand why there are 4 albums from this band put on this list. Is it really that good..? Maybe I’ll come back to it, who knows.1.5/5. Good cover art though!
Another Day, another Elvis Costello album. I don’t if they’re actually getting better or I’m finally getting used to his style. I guess it’s a combination of the two. Overall this Elvis Costello album was easier to get through especially the first half. Still not a huge fan but he’s becoming tolerable…I guess.
6/10
Elvis Costello may be the most four-star artist on this list. Everything is fine to good, nothing is great.
Elvis Costello has recorded in so many various styles over the years. I like some of his work but wouldn’t call myself a super fan. But this album has some good energy and I like it more than not. 3.75
3.5/5
Descubriendo una de las voces que mas feas he escuchado. Musicalmente es extraño
Hard to get through
It’s fine but I really don’t need to hear anyone’s full discography
Musically decent, but a little boring. Also random n-word thrown in, not cool
You can't be talking like that, white baby
Elvis Costello is a one-trick pony and I'm not buying.
His best
Not a big fan of EC but this album probably the best so far.
Goon Squad stood out as a song. I enjoyed this album, not going to seek out to listen to it again, but it was pretty good for an album on this list.
4 out of 5. New wave goodness here.
Melded into one meh. I don't hate it. But I'm not jumping back in.
My rating 3.8. Loved it. Screams 80s new wave.
I already knew I wouldn’t like it on the first second of the first song. This album has the most unexpected slur, so that’s something
3/5
Fine album.
No thanks
39. not worth listening
"Party Girl" and the song is slower than a virgin in bed
I liked this album. Maybe this is me being very gen z but it somehow feels like an “old” romcom series. The whole vibe of the album gave me that feeling and I loved that.
Like drinking a Cuba libre
I like the variety of styles here, and there's some reasonably decent music, with some minor experimental elements. However, the biggest downside for me is actually Elvis Costello's voice... it sounds like when someone puts on a voice to emphasise sarcasm. It doesn't fit for me and it's quite offputting. Just scrapes a 3 for not being actively bad overall.
If I could give this negative stars I would
Oh I just don't know where to begin... Having already devoured EC's first two albums, this eagerly awaited release left a huge mark on a 19-year-old me still in search of his own identity. You can please yourself but somebody's gonna get it. An epic album musically, lyrically, and content-wise from start to finish (OK, I can excuse Moods For Moderns). And for the many here who have commented on what they perceive as a racial slur on Oliver's Army, it is nothing of the sort. The whole song (indeed most of the album) is anti-war, anti-racism, anti-oppression. The expression in question was a derogatory phrase historically employed by some Northern Irish Protestants to demean Catholics, portraying them as socially inferior (akin to enslaved black people) despite their shared ethnicity. And the Irish have historically been oppressed by the English (the clue's in the title) much as black people have been oppressed in many countries. Costello is himself of Irish descent. I will return. I will not burn.
This is my favourite of the flurry of Elvis Costellos we have had recently. Is it because it is a tiny bit more funky? Is it because I have Chemistry Class on my science themed playlist? Are green shirt and olivers army classics? Or are they just classics to my dad? I don't know, but they are classics to me because of this. 🤠
@ boopidoo said it best, although forgot to add the rule excluding albums that contained more than 2 tracks that featured harmonica. 3rd album, same artist, same sound, same score.
3rd Elvis Costello album of this challenge, I'm still not a fan. Here comes my rant - surprising not really about Elvis Costello I just think there should be rules, rules make sense, I like rules. I know this book isn't called 'The 1001 top albums of all time' - its just a list from some random dude (who must have been a teenager in the early 70s) with what he thinks you should listen to before you die (which apparently is a fucktonne of Elvis Costello) I just think he should have put some parameters in. One rule or parameter I'd have would be no more than 2-3 albums per artists and ONLY if they demonstrated distinct or notable variations in their sound, and NO LIVE ALBUMS. I really really don't need to listen to any more Elvia Costello before I die.
Pretty good Elvis
WHAT??????
Didn’t expect much but really enjoyed this. Pretty upbeat fun rock stuff
Oliver’s Army is a classic. But most of rest of album pretty mediocre for me.
Pretty upbeat, wouldn’t choose to listen to. All songs were very similar
I just don’t really care for Costello…
Solid few min tracks, I dont love nor hate Costello, this is a middle of the road listen for me.
This was hard to rate because i genuinely really liked some of these songs. And I could really hear more contemporary bands I love in this music but idk if it was my mood today or what but most of this album left me feeling agitated and I do not f with his voice. Great lyrics though. Came into this thinking it’d be a hell yes and came out saying no thank you.
Nothing stood out 6ish
I admit the snarling nasal voice does tone down somewhat as he gets older, but on here it's in insufferable overdrive and it cancels out any toleration credits that are earned by the presence of a couple of minor hits (Accidents Will Happen & Oliver's Army). All the other tracks are gratingly similar. Regarded as a generational talent. I just don't get it.
cool album
Nice elephants
One day Costello is going to grow on me. I appreciate some songs but not on this album…and not a whole album. 1.5
I like the first two Elvis Costello records. By the third one it starts to get less interesting. I like the Attractions as a band, especially the bass player. Costello’s songs have a tendency to be too wordy for me.
eh, not bad. why'd he say the n word
This is a weird one for me as this reminds me of other artist I like more. Like to me it sits weirdly between bands with more edge, like the The Clash, and more weirder bands, like Talking Heads. I do enjoy the lyrics, and the song writing is solid, standout track for me was Goon Squad.
This would be 4 but calling yourself Elvis deserves a -1
💖
Underlying music is fine but there's just something about his voice that I don't like.
No és dels que més m'ha agradat, però alguna cançó si q me l'he acabada guardant. Per la portada em pensava q seria hiphop...Li poso un 2 pq no esta molt malament però no crec que me'l torni a escoltar voluntariament.
Good stuff but need to lyrics more closely.
vubec mi tento interpret neni familiar, ani tu hudbu na prvni poslech neznam, ale je moc prijemna, takova vibey, catchy overall dost solid, jenze mam pocit, ze by se mi to mnohem vic libilo driv, semtam jsem z toho dostal takovej david bowie vibe etc, tedkon preferuju jiny zanry
For a while, I've had the thought in my head that, rather than him having the 6 albums that he has on this list, Elvis Costello should have 2 or 3 albums on the 1001 Albums list. My Aim is True and This Year's Model are the full-on must-haves, but Armed Forces is the "or 3." This is definitely one of his more critically acclaimed albums, and I can see why. This thing is pretty great. Is it my favorite of the 4 I've gotten thus far? No. I definitely prefer This Year's Model, and I might even prefer My Aim Is True by a slim margin, but Armed Forces is still a highlight in his discography from what I can tell. Despite the Costello albums of the list not varying as much as, say, the Nick Cave albums of the list, I do find Armed Forces to be fairly different from its predecessors in some regards. For one, the writing, which is just as good as it's always been, has a stronger focus on politics, which I like. The album was supposed to be called Emotional Fascism, which shows in the album's political themes that remain as relevant today as they've ever been. Some songs really use this to their advantage, like the closer "Two Little Hitlers" and the excellent "Oliver's Army." God, that song is so good. It might even be the best song in his discography. However, "Oliver's Army" is made into a more obvious highlight of the album for a reason that isn't exactly a compliment. I feel like there aren't as many truly great songs on this album, especially in the latter half. Songs like "Oliver's Army" and the opener "Accidents Will Happen" are great, but some songs are just good and nothing more. Like, imagine someone telling you that their favorite Elvis Costello song is "Moods For Moderns." Really? What I'm saying is that it's a bit lop-sided in some regards. Still a great album, but not nearly as tight as the "all-killer-no-filler" pacing of This Year's Model. Everything else is pretty much the same as its ever been. Declan's vocals are still alright. The Attractions do a good job with the music. Bruce Thomas in particular does a great job on bass. This isn't my favorite album of theirs, but I'd understand if someone said it was their favorite. High 4/5.
How many more records by this insipid toad must I endure. This is number 5 at least on here so far and I have two more in my backlog. This one is not made better by the clownish Bowie impersonation and Nazi references.
I have always felt that Costello has been underrated his entire career, even though I think he likes it that way.
I would have said 3.5 if I could. Amazingly talented artists and easy to listen to, it is just that nothing really jumped out to me about this one. A few songs that I've heard a lot on the radio and really enjoyed, but I honestly don't see myself queuing it up for repeated listening.
A nice album that doesn't quite stand the test of time. The love-as-war shtick gets a little bogged down -- but Accidents Will Happen remains a gem, and the original album including a bonus single with a slower, piano-backed version of the song. One of the band's influences was Abba's Arrival album, as you can tell from the brightness of the sound, and the impeccable melodies.
Pretty good album. Several hits. Easy to enjoy.
Another Costello album here that was fine to listen to, but I don’t really remember anything about it upon finishing..
mega snoozer
Yeh not much to say here. For some reason all the songs gave me christmas vibes. Probably something to do with a lot of tradition christmas songs being about the war. It was fine. Nothing stood out but it wasn't bad
Elvis Costello is never a bad listen, but nothing on this album was particularly exciting either. It did do a good job getting my head bobbing though, so I will give it that.
one of his better ones
Awful
Not for me
Decent enough
Costello's distinct voice works pretty well here. It's got some interesting ideas instrumental-wise, which keeps it interesting. The writing is also somewhat interesting, and sometimes a bit out there. All in all a very pleasant listen.
Like a well-tailored suit lined with hidden needles, this new wave album looks sleek and controlled on the surface while constantly jabbing the listener with its sharp edges and clenched hostility.
idfk man im giving so many albums 3 idk what to do. I did not hate it. then again i think it all sounded a bit like itself. URNDERSTANDING
It's alright. I recognised one song. Not a massive fan of his vocal style.
Could a voice be more annoying?
I love Veronica…is that album on this list? This is fine, which I feel like I say quite a lot about albums on this list.
grea indie
Somehow his awful voice made me overlook what a genius he is.
Shit this has what’s so funny about peace, loving understanding I love that song
Nice
I probably enjoyed this more than I thought, I know Oliver’s Army reasonably well, although not well enough to realise Elvis drops the N bomb here. Party Girl was a genuine high on the album, the production sounded good but overall, I’m not sure when I’d come back for a listen. Onwards.
Can't really get into it. Little bit dull i think?
Overall: 9/10 I love Elvis's goofy voice and unapologetic lyrics so much. I also love what the Attractions bring to the table, those guys are so talented. This album is poppier than his previous 2 albums and it works incredibly. Fav Song: Big Boys
323/1089 - This guy's 3 streak remains. Nothing more to say. Guess it's cool that I'm halfway done with his albums.
A good album, I liked (What's So Funny About) Peace, Love and Understanding the most.
It’s pretty good I think This guy has too many albums here but this isn’t really one of the excessive ones
I didn't get around to rating this right away, and while I was considering what to say, I got another Elvis Costello album. I don’t know how I’m supposed to keep track of these. I thought one album was very good, but who even knows which one that is anymore. It’s buried at the bottom of the Elvis Costello pile.
more elvis costello. someone in youtube comments said he's the "better elvis" and the more i listen, the more i agree with that statement... this is an earlier album of his, so at times you can feel him trying hard to form his own musical identity. early new wave music hits really hard when it's done right. the album's central theme is putting on a mask for the outside world, something i and plenty of others can relate to. lots of emotional venting too. it's a very fun album to listen to; i feel like some people might call it a little messy or strange, but even if that's true, i think that gives it a lot of character.
Did not enjoy this, he’s got a very goofy voice
Bland and average
Might have been more open to more EC if I hadnt had this year's model 2 days ago. Some good songs but probably because I grew up with them.
Starts off sounding a little better than the other Costello album I pulled on this list, Brutal Youth, which isn't saying much. I still hate the affected nerdcore way he sings, but what are you gonna do. Worst is I'm sure he also inspired a bunch of other new wave bands I also hate. First two tracks are ok. Oliver's Army is mostly just annoying, as is Big Boys. Good Squad is a genuinely good track, enough to bring this album up a point from the 1 star I was leaning towards. Moods for Moderns is terrible cheese, and then more cheese follows. 2/5
Costello has made many great, great albums, but while this was the Attractions heyday, and two astonishingly good singles are present (“Oliver’s Army” and “Accidents Will Happen”) they do seem to elevate the reputation of Armed Forces a bit above that which it deserves on the whole. There is good material throughout, but he made albums in this era with material beyond the hits that scream “how was this not a single?” So yes, a solid follow up to the previous two albums, but he made several albums about this time that earn the stamp of classic more than this does.
I’m fan of music with a point. This album certainly has a highly political angle within a melodic package.
Lekker rock albumpje is dit hoor. Wel weer heel erg paint by the numbers rockabilly rock. Ik zie gewoon een gast met een vetkuif hierbij voor me; beetje als wanneer de cast van Grease besluit om muziek te maken die iets meer bij de fits past in plaats van 13 in een dozijn musicaltjak.(Geen Grease fan, excuus) Maar waar ik wel weer tegen aan loop bij Elvis Costello is dat hij voor mij de minste is van de band. Hoe de beste man de frontman is geworden, geen idee want zijn band zou echt een veel groter spotlight moeten hebben! Instrumentaal is het loeistrak, het rockt, het funkt! Maar de zang... Ik weet niet man, het is het meestal voor mij gewoon net niet. Of soms gewoon totaal niet. Het is een acquired taste en het vorige Costello album vond ik het meer passen bij de muziek, dat is nog steeds wel het geval, maar dit album vond ik meer mwah dan top. Ik ben wel benieuwd, want er staan nog iets van 5 Elvis Costello albums op de lijst die ik door moet werken, en zo te zien ben ik met de 'beste' begonnen. Ach, ik heb ook nog 8 Dylan albums te gaan waarschijnlijk. FAVO: Goon Squad, Moods for moderns, (Whats so funny about) Peace love and understanding
It was good, I have to admit though, Elvis Costello's voice gets a little too much for me to listen to in a row. Not a call on him, more on my own ear drums.
Armed, locked and loaded for another fun romp in the world of Elvis.
I try hard to love Elvis Costello. But I think I need to understand music theory. The music is so complex and seems discordant to me. I don’t enjoy it.
DNF. i fucking hate elvis costello's voice. some of the instrumentals were solid.
Shite lyrics, boring music, and whiney voice
Why is there so m,uch fucking Elvis Costello? S'okay I suppose
Not my cup of tea and found his voice kinda annoying. Crazy that this album came out in '79. Definitely sounds like it belongs in the early 2000s
ironisk, intelligent og sprudlende. Det er New Wave som har inspireret mange store kunstnere som the smiths osv, hvvor det er intelligent lyrik, satire og virkelig smart. Elvis Costello har jeg haft et par gange nu og jeg må bare sige at det ikke siger mig særlig meget, det er simpelthen bare ikke mig. Det er hver gang at det er sådan lidt halvsvært for mig at komme igennem, og jeg værdsætter det bare ikke nok. så jeg giver det en stor TILBAGEVEND/GENBESØG og en 2'er så jeg sikrer mig at jeg får lyttet til det igen på et tidspunkt, hvor jeg måske kan give det mere opmærksomhed som det nok fortjener. Men jeg var nok også bare mere til post-punk end new wave. Selvom det power-pop også kan noget. Det bliver måske bare lidt for sofistikeret til min smag? Jeg ved det ikke.
Another Elvis Costello album and another feeling of: this is fun but not exactly a must listen. Olivers Army is great and i see value you in his lyrics and hooks, but ive had about 5 albums where one would do
I've always liked Elvis Costello but this one goes off a cliff after the first half of Side A for me. Only Elvis Costello album I own but I literally forgot I had this one until I saw the alternate cover on Wikipedia.
Classic Costello
Decent Costello release, not a superstar but definitely worth adding to a playlist for regular rotation.
Annoying album. It actually really feels like this could be covered by Lenny Kravitz and made substantially better. And that's saying a lot, since ole Kravitz isn't exactly my cup of tea.
My favourite was Oliver's Army. Quite catchy album.
I think this is the best of the Elvis Costello albums I've heard. More mature than the previous and more polished, but not overwrought. His voice is better here too, less of that nasal sometimes sharp, whine thing he did. As always, the songwriting is sharp and often insightful. There a a few hits and not really any terrible clunkers. It's a good background album that will occasionally grab me with something memorable or nostalgic. I'll prolly listen to this again. (After three times n the last 48) Generously going all the way up 4 stars today.
I do have a soft spot for this and This Years Model. Phenomenal bass playing
Vocals are an acquired taste i think, bit tight and nasally for me. Chord progressions pretty straightforward and the ska/reggae moments dont particularly inspire me. A few catchy numbers but the album lacks a bit of musical adventurousness in my view. Thematically and lyrically its a bit more interesting but just not my cup of tea. 6/10
Most 4* album I have found so far. Universally good, never truly great. I really enjoy the McCarthy-esque basslines, and Costello's vocals have nice character and keep things interesting. But overall it's good but a little one-note, would enjoy a live show but wouldn't travel for it.
Love
I did not expect Elvis Costello & The Attractions to come off so much poppier on their follow up album to This Year's Model, but hey I am here for it! As much as I wish I could rave about this project and what I hoped to have been interesting songwriting and production, but this album feels like Elvis and co. really clocking in rather than actually trying to make something meaningful. I get at some point you have to try and make some money rather than committing fulling to artistic visions but did it have to be this plain and unseasoned? This project feels so uninspired and more clocked in than I ever expected Elvis to ever get. I thought there would be at least one or two memorable tracks but this whole albums feels so forgettable despite it coming right after two great projects from the mind of Elvis. Genuinely confused as to what happened here and I hope Elvis learns his lesson for the next couple of albums in his discography because this is not it....
It wasn't as bad as the other comments made it out to be. I haven't really listened to a lot of albums of Elvis Costello yet so that's why I don't find him that overrated. There were some tracks that were mediocre but the others were fine to listen to.
I will never get Elvis Costello. This is a good album, but is it actually great?
I cannot handle any more of this little dweeb
I know his songs are good…. Just not for me…
i just dont think i like his voice :(
This album is good. I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought, maybe because I had high expectations, but I've liked it overall. Some songs are not much interesting, most of them are good, but nothing is remarkable enough for me. So, I liked it, but not at the extent to make me love it.
I don't love Elvis Costello's voice, but I can say that "Busy Bodies"' guitars saved the album.
Really enjoyed - the hits are real stand outs, but generally decent
The first and only Elvis Costello album I owned was Spike. For a brief moment, my mom worked at a record store and bought me a bunch of CDs one Christmas. Apart from "Veronica," which was receiving MTV airplay, I was not moved by the album. And that is my basic experience with Armed Forces, except there are no songs that had already pierced my bubble. (Except for "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding," which was only included with the album after the 1993 re-release, so it does not count.) While I do like some songs by Elvis Costello, I am generally not moved by his music or this album.
hmmm... kind of a weird album for me. like, i should like this??? or, i think i should like it: i don't know too much about elvis costello but there's a handful of songs by him that i adore and ON PAPER there's no reason why i shouldn't like this... but, i don't like this. not all of it at once, anyway: i'm acutely aware of the parts of songs that i enjoy because those are, unfortunately, far and few between. rest of my time with this album i was just... sitting there. confused. highlights - big boys, party girl, (what's so funny 'bout) peace, love and understanding
He certainly does know how to write an infectious poppy punk new wave earworm songs. I am getting a lot of Tom Petty's more sophisticated British cousin more so than on his debut. I loved it. 4.5
Meh
Look, I don’t dislike Elvis Costello. He’s perfectly fine. Listening to this album was a pleasant enough experience. He’s got some fun little songs. But why oh why are there FIVE more albums of his on this list?!? I know there’s worse stuff on here but plenty of good music was left off so we could listen to six full albums from Elvis Costello
More great song writing
“So, tell me, how is it that a man like you, so bald, so quirky and funny, how is it you're not taken?" — Marisa Tomei to George Costanza in “Seinfeld” That’s this album. How is it that this album isn’t a sure thing? Why aren’t the reviews stronger? Why don’t I like it better since I so greatly enjoy Elvis Costello’s first two albums? It’s not you it’s us, Elvis! This is good stuff but just not as immediately arresting as some of your other work. Still, it’s great to see you expand your sound and deepen your lyrics—a foretaste of the rich and varied career ahead of you. Favorites, probably: “Accidents Will Happen,” “Goon Squad,” “What’s So Funny…” 3.75/5
I am the most reluctant Elvis Costello (with or without the Attractions) fan. For an inexplicable reason, I seem to doubt him at every turn. Yet, his albums are fantastic. This album is no exception. Every track is a surprise with EC&TA delivering a real diversity of tunes. Costello's lyrics are sharp and piercing, and it is easy to pass them by when following the melody and vibe. But every replay is a reward. I will have to listen to this a few more times to fully appreciate it, which is why I am going ahead with a five. I will get there, I am sure.
650 albums in, this list has yet to convince me to enjoy Elvis Costello.
Góði Elvis heldur áfram að gleðja mig, og það er hætt að koma mér á óvart. Rúmur fjarki sem ég gæti alveg hækkað með tíð og tíma.
There’s way too much Elvis Costello on this generator. :(
I don’t care enough to listen to YET another Costello album. Saved from a 1 by the closing track being decent
Well... this is likely going to be the apex for Mr. Costello, so I guess I should be generous with my rating. In fairness, this album does have a few decent tracks, so I don't feel like I'm being completely & unjustifiably charitable - just lenient.
I would have probably really like this if I was around when it first came out. Overall I didn’t mind this, but nothing really stood out. It all blended together. I imagine that’s most of Elvis’ stuff. And I reckon I will find that out as this is the second of his album. Hesitant to give this a 3, but I will. Next Elvis album I will be less generous.
Sounds like an interesting bridge between the more classic rock traditions and the more modern rock tendencies.
Two Costello albums in a week? Thank God! Armed Forces is as hard charging as the elephants. Tomorrow is my birthday, let's hope I get Ten Bloody Marys &Ten How's your Fathers. Ok, I went too far. But Armed Forces is solid.
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.
I'm tired of this guy's music.
The good thing about this album is that it's interesting, but it's not my style, be it being a little bit too fast on delivery of instrumentals - instead of trying to grow, they just go, and a new one shows up so quick in the first few songs - or be it Elvis' singing style. I wonder what made authors of the book inspired to add so many albums from Elvis Costello. But still, it's not bad, it's interesting, I'll give it that.
A nice enough sounding collection of pop rock tunes but are we just glossing past the multiple references to Nazism across the album and his use of the N word in one song? Idk that was really weird and pulled me out of what otherwise would've been a higher tier British new wave album. Still not entirely my thing but not bad.
I guess I’m not a Costello fan bc I did not like it at all
Good vibes and tunes. Definitely a hit..
I slowly come to believe that Mr Costello made up the 1001 Albums project to support his own music. I think this is the third Album I listen to. Again, no masterpiece but not too bad either. Fav: Goon Squad
Costello album number 5. Still one to go. Way too much if you ask me. This one was musically somewhere between ok and boring. I am a bit undecided regarding the lyrics. Some are quite good, others are a bit quirky, but not in a good way.
Bueno
The songs are fine and the lyrics seem somewhat thoughtful. The guy's voice gets annoying after a whole album.
Це друга спроба послухати Костелло. Мені що в перший раз, що зараз дуже не подобається. Просто не можу зрозуміти де цей феноменальний сонграйтінг про який постійно згадують.
Елвіс Костелло це загадка для мене. Багато разів я намагався слухати, але так і не зміг зрозуміти прикол цієї музики. Звісно ж це не є поганий альбом або щось таке, але і зрозуміти в чому суть я не можу.
The hits were good
A couple of all-time great songs mixed in with classic Elvis Costello jams.
Gotta love ‘peace love and understanding’ but I find this Elvis tough to love most of the time. He sure has the sensibility and the songwriting chops, but he just can’t get to the groove of it all enough to bring me on board. 2.5 rounds to 2 for all that came before and after
I always forget about this guy. One of my friends in the uk loves him and i tried getting into Costello and this album was the closest I got to understanding the appeal. Opening and closing track are my favourites. Not bad at all.
A strong goal of mine is to make it through the full album for each of these. I was mentally exhausted with this album after like two songs. I made it to Sunday’s Best and quit. In 2025 I don’t know who this shit is for but it’s not me at least. Annoying voice, corny tunes, possibly outdated lyrics. I’m saving 1 star for farting into a mic or some poorly done Noise
There were a few moments while listening that I thought hey this isn't too bad but then the lyrics would begin
I feel like this one will be a tough listen for me. Oliver's Army— what did he just say?????????? WHY the hell is this one of the band's top songs? This is Billy Joel wanna be candy pop rock bullshit. I really did not enjoy this album. Can we give 0s?
This is a pretty boring and uninspiring album for me. I'd even go as far to say that it is borderline annoying at times and I even like some of Elvis Costello's stuff. WOAH! He said that word!?!? The "anti-imperialism" messaging behind this album is something I can get behind, but I can't get behind how it sounds. His voice is pretty corny at times; which I think is what he is trying to do? Sunday's Best was probably my favorite track. I also thought the bass player was really good and had some pretty cool riffs. (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding is an okay song too. It was the only song off this album I've heard before. 2/5
Dude dropped the n word?? Fine music but not my cup of tea. Kinda felt like a musical soundtrack without being catchy. Last track I enjoyed though
1.5/5 Not gonna lie, this was extremely difficult to listen all the way through. Crazy N word drop, not a great look Elvis. At least 5 times throughout, I almost considered flipped this off and turned on a Migos album. Needed to feel something and this album was nowhere close to doing it for me. Very generic sounded with nothing really that stood out or tickled my fancy. Costello sounded like a poor man’s Bob Dylan. Smelled big shit. Did not add any songs.
I don't understand the enthusiasm for Elvis Costello. The pop is mediocre, Elvis' voice is terrible. After listening to a few tracks, this album got on my nerves so much that I didn't want to hear the rest of it. This is now the third album of his in this project. But since he seems to be very popular with the editors, I fear that my hope of finally being done with him here is unfounded. 1/5
Along with the Cars, I see Elvis Costello as the gold standard for post punk new wave. Opening with Accidents Will Happen and closing with …Peace Love and Understanding, with plenty of good in between, this album is a solid entry in his discography, if not a high point.
Probably the best Costello album I've surfaced through this, still too many but shame they're not all this good
Some of Elvis' best-known tracks on here, I did enjoy it but maybe not his best album?!
1979 The curator of this list is clearly intent on forcing us all to listen to their favourite act! No more Costello please. Six albums is far too many, particularly when there are prominent artists missing. 1 point deducted for the album not being available on my chosen streaming platform; I can't be arsed to track it down elsewhere. Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ❌️ but I've an idea what I'm missing Revisit ❌️ ★★☆☆☆ (4/10)
The more this list forces me to listen to Elvis Costello’s full discography, the less I think I enjoy Elvis Costello. It’s not because it’s being shoved down my throat, though, but because, well, the deeper you go into Costello’s discography, the more you start to realize that maybe he’s not all that great as a musician or as a person. For me, Armed Forces is basically that line in the sand, where those issues start to be more apparent, and can easily distract you from the good on this record. Thankfully (or unfortunately, depending on how sick and tired of Costello you are), there are some really great songs on here– maybe some of the best of his entire career. But then there’s also songs like, “Sunday’s Best,” which, even if they’re a piss-take, are really fucking annoying to listen to, and would be the worst Costello song I’ve ever heard if I didn’t already listen to his later records thanks to this list. Really, though, the defining line starts at “Oliver’s Army,” and we all know why. Which sucks, because the album is really great if you love Costello’s style up until that point. Hell, even the song itself is great up to that point! But that slur ripped me right out. Sure, there were great songs after that point, but it’s really difficult to fully remain in love after that. And the bad songs here don’t help, and they do follow. Honestly, I think I would recommend Armed Forces if you liked Elvis Costello’s first two records. It’s kind of a combo between the two. I would not recommend moving forward from this record, and I wouldn’t necessarily say you’re 100% guaranteed to like this if you liked his first two records– which is how I feel, because, well…see above– but I think a casual fan would find tracks they enjoy here. But even if the record was better and didn’t have the bad songs and the slur, I wouldn’t say it’s different enough from his other two, more essential records to warrant its inclusion on this list. The flaws, however, make matters worse. But I can’t rate it lower because when it works, it does work, and I know what comes next is not good by any measure of the word.
Long and repetitive…
yes
Not for me. 1/5
Pretty good.
This was a good album! I've never really listened to Elvis Costello but I really enjoyed this one!
Pop orientated Punk Rock reflecting New Wave.
I really thought this was going to be the one. The first 3 tracks are cracking, then it all descends into Costello’s usually slightly irritating. I know he has tried a lot of different styles in his time but somehow there is always the irritation factor, not helped by his voice. There is something smug about him. I could tolerate a Hits collection though. 2.5
My favorite Elvis Costello album!!
This the 6th (and hopefully last) Costello album on this list. While I don't think his music is that bad, we really didn't need 6 of his albums.
One of my favorite EC albums, thereby making it one of my favorite albums in general. Its appearance today made me laugh at my attempt to take yesterday's selection seriously. Fucking great album and US version closes with the definitive version of Brinsley Schwartz's What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding, a brilliantly earnest call for sanity in times of darkness that will make even the most cynical punk cry.
Argh...too much Elvis Costello in this collection! Fine, I suppose, but aside from sounding very "classic" Costello, and containing several big radio hits, this is a very forgettable Costello album. Or maybe it's just so quintessentially Costello that it just seems exactly like what you'd expect? Either way, the highlights for me were "Oliver's army" and "Green shirt" (mainly for the videos showing a much younger Elvis and Attractions, although I'm not entirely sure about the latter's video provenance), plus "Moods for moderns", and I liked it that he did a version of Ian Drury's "Sunday best", although Drury's original remains the better version. (I also realize about halfway through that part of the reason this sounded so familiar was because I already got this album before I joined the group playlist...) It was also interesting to read that his poor behavior during the US tour for this album had a huge impact on his career and kept him from touring North America for a full decade. And despite all of this, this does seem like one of his stronger albums.
Love how the first song seems to start mid-sentence, and Green Shirt is especially wonderful. I wish the tempo would vary more, even the slower songs like Party Girl could slow down more so you can appreciate his brilliant writing.
A typical Elvis Costello album: simple rock/pop songs, older feel (for its time), bratty-sounding vocals. "Party Girl" is good, and "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding" is a solid cover.
Not my thing
What can I say, it's a typical Elvis Costello album. I enjoyed some of the songs and the overall album was pretty decent, if not very impactful to me. I feel that part of the reason Elvis Costello became a bit of a meme on here is because he doesn't just have 7 different albums, but they all sound similar to each other. I've heard 4 of them so far but none of them really sounded all too different from one another. Elvis Costello isn't a Tom Waits or David Bowie who made radical stylistic changes throughout his career. He's just a guy who makes well written pop rock songs.
Meh
What a great album! I really enjoyed this one, thank god. I was on a losing streak with the recent recommendations. I’ll admit I know almost nothing about Elvis Costello. I know who he is but I don’t think I could have named a single song. I went in with zero preconceived notions and was pleasantly surprised! It’s easy to listen to this on the surface as a bunch of catchy pop tunes but then you realize it’s full of angst ridden lyrics. The upbeat pop rock melodies don’t match the message. I thought it was clever and fun. I read in the Wiki article that Bowie was an influence on him and I could definitely hear that in some of the songs. I would check out some of his other stuff based on this album.
After listening to this album, I imagine Elvis Costello has a very punchable face. Which is a shame because a couple of his songs were actually catchy tunes between the piano and the drums…and then his voice goes and completely ruins it all. His “singing” is more whining than anything artistic and he sounded a bit flat on every note. I can honestly say that I took absolutely nothing from this album and if someone asked me what it was about, I couldn’t even give them a relevant theme. I was done listening halfway through but I toughed it out for research purposes.
An important album stylistically, though admittedly not his best. Arriving between the peak of the punk movement of the 70s and New Wave that is about to burgeon in the 80s, Armed Forces presages the trends and sounds that would dominate the next decade. Costello seemlessly moves from style to style, hitting the early alternative notes of Green Shirt, the pop-rock ballad of Big Boys and the hard rock style of Goon Squad with ease. His voice is not the most tuneful or melodic you’ve ever heard, but the delivery is so filled conviction and passion, it works. And he writes great songs, lyrically and musically, even if both are a bit quirky. He doesn’t sound like anyone or anything else out there and that is what makes him so iconic. There are better albums that show the depth of his work and more growth and maturity, but this early stuff is still a pretty engaging listen.
I've always liked Elvis Costello. A knew a few songs on the album going in, the rest lived up to expectations.
Why on earth are there six Elvis Costello albums on this list? I am tempted to downvote every one of them on principle alone! Ultimately this one is okay, a reasonable showcase of his ability to write three-minute pop songs, but nothing exceptional
3.5
Sometimes the voice is too jarring. 2.
Miles betterer[sic] than the last Costello album I reviewed. Know a few more of these songs too. Great lyrics, great arrangements, musical genius. Someone mentioned he's "overrated", but I think he's incredibly underrated. Deserves better than the reviews I've seen.
good for background
Decent new wave pop.
Costello continues with his 50's inspired new wave sounds, sounding as effortlessly cool as ever. However, I will say that it's just not really grabbing me. Luckily, they remembered to have hooks this go around (Imperial Bedroom was hookless), but yeah. Just not hitting my ears like Next Year's Model did. It's better than Imperial Bedroom, just Next Year's Model is my benchmark for 4s when it comes to Costello, and this doesn't hit that level. Solid album though.
Fun and easy to listen to, although I can’t see myself going back to it regularly.
It was pretty good. I like his sound, voice and vibe. But a lot of his songs sound similar.
Enjoyable with one or two top songs. Still can’t get Over the fact his voice just bugs me.
Bright, snappy pop production (Nick Lowe baby) on the surface, with dark, political lyrics underneath. This album is immediate and dense, with a Phil Spector wall of sound feeling, a barrage of things going on and added in. I'm getting similarities to ABBA, Beach Boys, The Clash (London Calling came out the same year), Bob Dylan ("Sunday's Best" is like a bad impression), Tom Petty, 60's Motown, and new wave. In fact this is almost the pop counterpoint to London Calling. I see a lot of 00's indie rock drawing inspiration from this album. The melodic compositions are so good, but I just can't help but wonder about the political lyrics which are so on-the-nose. Does Costello really believe what he is singing, or is it just to add depth to his music, or to show that he is the cleverest person in the room? I can't judge him for his intentions since I don't know them, but it sometimes comes across as pretentious and contrived. Still, the fascist and imperialistic messages are actually still relevant today in 2025. There's so much stuffed into every song. It borderlines on too much, should we take a breath? It can be overwhelming. I'm wavering between 3 and 4 rating, but I think this will get better with repeated listens, as there is so much there for your ears to sift through and to appreciate each layer. **Special shout-out to the "accident" in "Chemistry Class". https://alt.fan.elvis-costello.narkive.com/5Wn6LShD/chemistry-class-skip
Love the album. I still don’t get why the cover is like the Lion King.