Reviews (page 7 of 8)
not a fan of his voice. not my thing. 2/5
A fairly decent homage to the 70s glam rock sound, to the point that this sounds like a "Part 2" to Aladdin Sane, though sadly without anywhere as many highlights. Perfectly listenable, but nothing remarkable. Best Tracks: - Party Girl Worst Tracks: - Sunday's Best Rating: 4/10
Happy and enjoyable album. Even though none of the songs really stuck to me it was still enjoyable. Would probably give it 2.5/5 if possible
The last Elvis Costello album for me at album 774!
Not really my favorite but respect Elvis C
I can understand what draws people to Elvis Costello, I just really really wish he never picked up the microphone.
2.5 stars. Annoying album winey vocals
This is now the 3rd Elvis Costello album, and I think that should be enough I don't need to hear any more. This one was the most Elvis singing forward one I think and it is easily the worst one of the 3 because his voice should not be the leading aspect of any album.
Still hate Elvis Costello's voice for the most part but I actually really like this first song. WHOA Elvic dropping hard R's like it's nothing in Oliver's Army. Jeez I really hate Sunday's Best. I just cannot get into Elvis Costello. Some aspects I enjoyed on this but overall was super mehhhhh.
My daughter described it as B-List polka meets wanna-be-Buddy Holly. The irony is she hadn’t seen a picture of him to know she’s not entirely wrong. Actually, I can’t disagree with any of it. His voice always sounded like he was suffering from an extreme case of constipation and what came out was his discography. I didn’t finish the 2nd disc. The music wasn’t terrible but you could have replaced it with Billy Joel or the Boss and it would have been better. I know a lot of people love him. I know a lot of people love Malort too, but I’ll pass on a second shot (actually, I preferred Malort!).
I used to like E.C. but after reading his nauseating excuses as to why he accepted an O.B.E. I've lost all respect for him and his pseudo working-class politics.
I don't understand the hype for this guy. 2/5
This guy again. Lucky me - twice in one week. This one is definitely weaker. He sounds like a whiney teenager that needs a good whipping in this one.
I have not had harder lyrical whiplash than my listening experience with “Oliver’s Army” on this album. And upon further digging it looks like Mr. Costello has a big issue with his views and choice of words - but that he’s also very actively pro-Palestine??? Anyways, nothing on here is bad, but nothing is very new or unique. “Party Girl” is probably my highlight. I’m sure I’m the last person on earth to hear Elvis and think that Prince was doing it better. I wish this album wasn’t given a spot on here, considering there are other more deserving ones not dropping hard R’s!
#438. Overrated edge lord shit. 2/5: dumb
This is #day129 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... here's to my first experience listening to Elvis Costello. I'd like to say this was mostly fine, but actually, it was pretty boring. The instrumentation is kind of all right, but the vocals and the delivery... In a nutshell, I'd never choose to put it on again. It's a 2 out of 5. Looking forward to #day130.
Gear: Hifiman Arya Artwork: 🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘 Production: 🧏♂️📏💩 Music: 📝💔🙄 Rating: 🐘🐘/5
I believe this is the 6th Elvis Costello album I've been subjected to. I went from being somewhat neutral on him to hatred over the course of 6 albums. Each album is amazingly similar with maybe one or two standout songs but they still have him singing so they still aggravate me. Guessing the guy that put this together lost his virginity while listening to Costello. Why else would it be on here so many times?
Costello’s voice and style are distinctive, more so than a lot of albums I’ve reviewed on this list. I wouldn't listen again though.
Is Elvis Costello the most overrepresented artist on this list? He's in with a shot, for sure. Anyway, yes, this was fine. Pop / glam / rock songs about politics, juxtaposition of presentation and theme. I still didn't like it, but it was the least objectionable album so far by Elvis Costello I have listened to. I like the cover art as well, even though it looks like a poster on the wall of a twelve-year-old who wants to grow up to be a zookeeper.
If only someone else would sing.
hate the vocals, hate the songwriting
Another Elvis Costello record... I think at this point I can safely say I don't think I'll ever understand the love for this guy. He is just pretty meh. I definitely thought this album art was an AI generated image when I saw it.
Hooray, done with Costello! One album was enough.
I just really don’t care about Elvis Costello
..
Unbearable. I gave up after 3 songs.
as much as the architect of this project wants me to like elvis costello, it ain’t happening.
Nothing stands out. Nothing on any EC album stands out as particularly good or particularly bad. It’s just…..there.
Kinda boring and samey. 2
Sorry Elvis but I can't see the Attraction....
Oliver's Army great song the rest is ok
Not his best. Prob won’t listen to this album ever again. Couple good tracks
Meh.
Two Elvis Costello albums in a row is too much for me. 2/5
Catchy but I don't like his voice, kind of reminds me of a sad teenager
Weird
Lame A pop punk record were all the songs are the same. The voice comes first over the band, but the lyrics are stupid and not interesting. For middle school girls of others decade. That's shit. I don't even heard the "word"
I didn't like that much the.. sucker genre
I can't decide where to place this one. Musically fine, lyrically both fine in that I thought the lyrics sounded well-written, but then you actually understand the content and think about what he's saying ... and then his vocal tone just grates on me the entire time. 2.5
my tolerance for mr. costello taps out at around six songs. 2.5
I just don't like Elvis Costello.
Another Elvis Costello album. I thinm I can solidly say that Elvis Costello is just not for me. I dont really like the goofy and pointedly simple musical style, and I dont really enjoy his voice (it sounds like he puts on an affectation). No real standout hits that I can recall. Overall- fine album, but not for me.
Ok, but wouldn’t listen again 2/5
Not that pleasant...
(1) Nick Lowe produced this album. According to Wiki, for the American pressing he swapped out one song from the original UK pressing and replaced it with a cover (indifferent, if you ask me) of his (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love and Understanding. Knowing what I know of the music industry business now, thanks to Andrew Hickey's excellent A History of Rock in 500 Songs, I can't help but wonder whether this was linked to... (2) Columbia's concerted efforts to push this album in America. If so, it didn't work because it seems that Mr McManus was determined to saw the feet off any hint of commercial gain. (3) Wiki coyly refers to 'an incident with Stephen Stills that nearly destroyed Costello's reputation in America.' I suppose that's one way of describing it. Here's another https://www.elviscostello.info/wiki/index.php/Uncut,_June_1997 (4) To be fair, Costello tried to row back as soon as he sobered up, and has repeatedly recanted over the years. Whether or not that is enough is a matter of individual opinion. I do note, however, that one of the individuals involved later remarked that "Anyone could get drunk once in his life... Drunken talk isn't meant to be printed in the paper, and people should judge Mr Costello by his songs rather than his stupid bar talk." (5) Needless to say, Nick Lowe did not get the payday my crafty and quite possibly unkind brain imputes as a reason for the inclusion mentioned above. And, as before. I wish I could come up with a good reason for disliking Elvis Costello. I can't, because there isn't other than sheep prejudice, in part due to that wretched R. White's Secret Lemonade Drinker advert. You don't know the advert? Lucky you. Oh, obiter: God. Music journalism is awful nowadays. I doubt any publication would produce anything like that look back now. God alone knows why. It'll be easy enough to produce...
he said WHAT?
Hmm I’ve given this album a chance a couple times before and couldn’t get into it. Since it was assigned this time I tried harder and still wasn’t feeling it. I’ve enjoyed his album This Years Model a little more but I can’t say I’m becoming an Elvis Costello fan any time soon. Definitely not feeling the racial slurs either no matter what the context.
I happen to be a citizen of one of the few countries other than UK (no, not US either), and as much as anglo music gets imported in here I'd never in my entire life heard of Elvis Costello before this list. So I was kinda looking forward to seeing what makes this guy so special that he was given 7 entire spots in here. So far I'm just confused. Catchy, memorable tunes, nice voice, smart lyrics (ok, I didn't care enough to pay attention to them)—I don't really see any of those. I hope the next ones are better. Anyway, the English should be ashamed of many things they've done, but among them is claiming this is in any way of global importance.
I once again find myself utterly annoyed by Elvis Costello, missing any point of swagger completely.
I'm sure there is an audience, but just can't stand Costello. Not unlistenable, but no good for me
Wait... THIS is what the dads are raving about?
Hehe, Goon Squad. When he sings normally it's pretty listenable, the melodies are ok, I have nothing against it. But his second singing voice ruins everything.
Não foi ruim, mas achei pouco marcante.
goon squad
don't know what i was expecting but it was certainly better than what i got
Wasn’t bad at all it just didn’t grab me and make me feel more like some songs do
🎧I can’t exactly say why, but this doesn’t do it for me. Not my kind of new wave. Costello’s voice is kinda annoying sometimes. (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, And Understanding is pretty good.
dude drops an n word in there
Listened Before? N Meh. I don't understand what sets him apart from a lot of his popular contemporaries. I think Costello is one of those guys - if you like him, you REALLY like him. If you don't he sounds pedestrian. I fall into the latter category. Maybe you had to be there either in time or place? Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: W S F A P L A U
Can't stand the whiny vocals
Best Song: Oliver's Army. Gotta respect the cajones of a white man throwing the N-word into a song and getting away with it. Worst Song: Sunday's Best. The boy sure can whine when he wants to, and he always wants to. Overall: I've never heard an Elvis that I liked. I especially dislike the whiny, but staccato delivery that features on most of the tracks here. He sounds like an altogether worse version of Randy Newman.
Nothing against Elvis Costello as a person. The songs are fine but I've just never been able to get into anything outside the greatest hits. 2 stars for the closing track alone which is a certified classic.
This one didn’t do much for me. I can hear the inspiration it has over the 90s pop rock sound though
Carbon monoxide noise is a painting spat out by you Fog pendulums drifting out of the red green blue I can hear the chalk bloated as you loudly boast And that’s funnier than all of those
ganz nett, auf die Dauer ist es mir etwas zu langweilig und eintönig
Didn’t like the first Costello album I had to listen to, and I still don’t like this one. It gets two stars because of cultural influence only.
Ya know, I'm good. I'm good to put this one behind me. Boring. And I feel like I like Elvis Costello...
Okay now talk about an artist I actually am sick of on this list. Elvis Costello deserves 2 maybe 3 albums on this list, not like 6. He’s had some good music on here but this one just felt like more of the same with nothing interesting to break up 40 minutes of his stuffy nasally voice.
I've always considered Elvis Costello very toothless, inoffensive pop-rock. It's not a bad listen but I also don't find anything remarkable about it. I'd give it a 2.5 if I could.
Not my type of thing. Jangly and forgettable, was expecting more.
I don't like his voice and I don't like him. Elvis Costello can costello these balls
Not for me
Mi querido elvis
I call for disarmament.
ANOTHER Elvis Costello album. Pet theory: he ghost-wrote "1001 Albums." "Oliver's Army" is pretty good. The rest is twee and boring.
Boy, if I didn't care much for the previous Elvis Costello album on here...
Not a huge fan 2
Mir gefällt hier die (bekannte) Stimme nicht. Der Rest ist auch nicht mein Geschmack.
Oh great, another Elvis Costello album. I feel like every time I listen to an album of his I enjoy the first 1-2 songs and then they slowly start to drive me crazy. 4/10 (2/5)
like some average supermarket background music
I always think I like Elvis Costello & then realize i don't.
Hey iwie hani mich garned mit dem album chene ahfründe.. de typ sings ja max schräg??
Pretty stange. The vocals almost sounded like some 2000s-2010s emo. Overall a yawn though.
pretty bland and unmemorable
Tracks are too similar for my opinion
there's really 6 Elvis Costello albums on here, hey? same thoughts as the other one, somehow the more that goes into this the more generic it sounds. not surprising that I don't like Elvis Costello trying to make his most commercially successful record music: hated. (⌐■_■)
whiny, cant understand what hes saying... not my thing. didnt listen much but i didnt like it
People seem to like this one, perhaps I don't get it. Wasn't particularly into it.
Maybe I wasnt in the right mood, but this was grating.
Sounds like something I would have listened to if I wanted to be a hipster in high school
Was this one long song?
Bleh
- Elvis Costello ist natürlich ein großer Name, habe mich aber die mit seinem Werk beschäftigt. Jetzt weiß ich auch wieder warum - Ich fand das alles gut gemacht und kann rein handwerklich und musikalisch gar nicht viel aussetzen, finde es auch nicht langweilig - Elvis Costello ist auch so jemand, der mir for no reason irgendwie schon immer sympathisch ist, habe auch schon so manche Auftritte von ihm gesehen, so Silvester bei Pop Around The Clock z.B., alles immer cool und ich habe das Gefühl ich würde seine Musik eigentlich mögen wollen - ABER leider macht das alles emotional überhaupt gar nichts mit mir und ich kann nicht sagen, woran das liegt. Geht hier rein und da raus. Es hat sicherlich auch mit seinem sehr "unspezifischen" Gesang zu tun, den ich zum einen nicht besonders einprägsam empfinde (sowohl vom Songwriting her als auch vom Klang seiner Stimme), zum anderen damit dass er mMn auch nicht wirkich ein guter Sänger ist. Ansonsten kann ich es nicht weiter spezifizieren. - Keine Ahnung... Mag für manche sowas wie Majästätsbeleidigung sein. Ich empfinde das leider so. - (What‘s So Funny bout) Peace, Love And Understanding fand ich ganz cool Rating: 2,5/5
- Hmm, keine Ahnung. Name schon mal gehört. Insgesamt erweckt das album den Eindruck, es ist sehr ein Produkt seiner Zeit. Bei anderen Klassikern hab ich sonst ein "zeitloseres Gefühl" - Ich fand das bei weitem nicht schlecht, nicht mal explizit langweilig. einfach irgendwie... egal. 2,5/5
Good songs. Very original. His voice can be a little annoying, but not impossible. Not really my cuppa but a pleasant enough listen.
The addition of The Attractions certainly did a lot for Elvis Costello. The musicianship is top notch, although Costello's voice is still pretty much unbearable. The songwriting is as inconsistent as ever with 'Green Shirt', 'Goon Squad', and 'Moods For Moderns' being solid, interesting tracks, and the rest ranging from boring to downright horrendous. A special shoutout to Costello dropping the N-word on 'Oliver's Army' for no other reason than comparing The Troubles to the challenges of the African American community in the US(?). Not really his comparison to make. It should come as absolutely no surprise that the best track is the closer '(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding' not written by Costello... And not included in the original release...
Can't find the song I really like from Elvis Costello, it's not (on) this album ;)
I don't like his pretentious voice
cool and fun! VERY new-wave-y, which is not /really/ my thing though I def find aspects of it enjoyable. A bit wordy/vocal-forward for my tastes also. One of the hardest parts was actually the samey-sameness of the whole record. By the time I got to the punch-line of the last track (which is legit a great song) I was kind of burned out and was most of the way through the song before I realized "Hey I know this song and I love it!" haha can't believe I almost missed it.
this album sucked
4/10 - The lyrics were pretty weird. I was not a huge fan of his voice or style in general.
Didn't like it very much at all 4/10
Did not fuck 3.5/10
So far hasn't really left much of an impression. It's ok music, but I'm not a huge fan of vocals, and the music just isn't 'pulling' me in. Goon squad is a good song tho. I think like 2/5
kinda meh. nothing about it really stood out to me that much. definetely not my style
Our second at least Costello album and here we are again.. It starts out so strong with the album's biggest hit-- excellence will happen. And it is excellent, mostly because it's rhythmically cohesive with logical transitions. The lyrics are catchy and Costello is on point. This is peak Elvis Costello. And now, I'm sure, will be the other take regarding the rest of the album. Senior Service starts to get a litte syncopated and circusy. Like six songs in one. Take the time to read the truly bizarre lyrics of Green Shirt. Wild! And yes, generally another weird Costello album full of jarring tempos, intelligent but nonsensical lyrics etc.. Everything you'd expect.
J. Elvis Weinstein
We finally finished Elvis Costello’s four albums on the list.
I’ve heard enough Elvis Costello. Maybe for good, but certainly for this 1001 Albums adventure.
2,5
Pretty bland. Found Costello’s voice to be annoying. 2/5 Won’t listen again
songwriting impeccable, but his voice is so grating and tiresome i hate it anyway
Same as last time, can't stand his voice. Reminds me how I feel about Bob Dylan. Not a terrible album though.
as professionally boring as you’d expect
another elvis costello album. . . *sigh* nothing against the dude, but he has such a unique sound you've gotta be in the mood to listen.
There‘s nothing here that catches my attention for some reason. Other than Elvis‘ style of singing which I don’t like.
The name is "Armed Forces" and the cover is a bunch of ravaging elephants... yet the music itself bear no weight whatsoever.
Elvis Costello was never really my favorite. I can see the appeal after having listened to this album, but it's still not my favorite music.
Seriously, again?! I just had Elvis Costello two days ago, and I’m not much a fan. Let’s see how this one goes. Ugh, sorry - trying to give him a fair shot here, but I just don’t really like it. “Goon Squad” is kind of fun.
Not my favorite.
Ikke forfærdeligt, men virkelig heller ikke godt
i literally just finished a review that said i don't like white cruise ship dad rock. this better not be the whole album. hm that was definitely a way of getting a message across.
Not his worst
I don't really get it?
Never been a fan, still not after this listen.
They'd never play this at Nonge Park.
This is the 4th Elvis Costello album so far. He is not thay good. It was an OK album. It was poppy but he also got a little whiny. The music itself was good. The lyrics were not that good. It is better than a two but not really a three.
This is our 2nd Elvis Costello record on the list, and I still fail to see the greatness with him. I am fairly certain that this is a "me" thing, because I can't really point out any obvious issues more than that it is very mundane and doesn't move me at all - the chord progressions are just not interesting at all. I think I've heard 'Oliver's Army' before, which seems to be the high point of the album. But even then it's quite weak. The best thing about this album is the cover art, which I think is quite telling. I don't think it quite drops into 1 star rating territory, that feels a bit too harsh, even though I sincerely hope there's no more Elvis Costello on this list.
I have come to the conclusion after all the Elivs Costello albums on this list that I do not like Elvis Costello. I find his singing whiny and I honestly can't see the appeal. Something about it just rubs me the wrong way. This album was the worst Costello album of the lot (so far?).
2.5
Once again a thoroughly decent album that somehow ended up on a list of the best albums ever. Also he drops a hard R which uhhhhh I get the context but Iunno about that one still...
Honestly disappointing compared to some of his other works. It’s just okay and that’s not a compliment.
Elvis Costello would have benefited if he didn't have to compete with Bruce Springsteen. He is constantly trying to one up the Boss and seems to come up short. You have to feel for the guy. I could not get through this album. Just uneventful and lacking genuine emotion.
C Accidents Will Happen - 3 Senior Service - 2 Oliver’s Army - 2 Big Boys - 2 Green Shirt - 3 Party Girl - 4 Goon Squad - 2 Busy Bodies - 2 Sunday’s Best - 2 Moods For Moderns - 2 Chemistry Class - 3 Two Little Hitlers - 3 (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, And Understanding - 3 Elvis Costello, you're another favorite for this generator, but not for me. You're like a poor man's Neil Young. I don't know if you guys realize, but this is our fourth Costello album because he produced The Specials and Rum Sodomy & the Lash. Four more to go...
2.5/5. Hmm, this is not what I thought it would be. I enjoyed "This Year's Model" more than this, and I was not huge about that album. There is just something about Elvis Costello that does not sit right with me. Sometimes I like his songs, other times I don't. I guess this one was fine.
Not a fan
Catchy tunes, decent songs, but just can't get behind Elvis Costello, he's a goof
Too easy-going for me...
Not as bad as the other I've had so far, but still crap
I'm getting a little tired of the Elvis Costello albums. They're not awful, but they just aren't doing much for me. It's like a bland piece of white bread. Yeah, I'll eat it, but it isn't special.
Okay album, didn't particularly enjoy any of the songs
Likes: Vocal attitude/tone, lyrics that pop out are provocative, arrangements are fun Dislikes: Execution of the arrangements feels so sterile and anemic it comes across closer to circus music than rock and roll. Almost on the verge of parody Overall, this was a slog to get through. If this is an all-timer, it’s because it combines the all time worst qualities of McCartney’s granny music with Springsteen’s overwrought exposition. It takes the worst things of the best artists and puts it together, and it does not work for me at all. Almost couldn’t finish it.
didn't mind this, but I am not a fan of Costello's voice - or tone. All feels a bit sneery to me. The band seem quite competent, but nothing here jumped out at me. I was doing other things while this played, but it all just sounded like an Elvis Costello album to me. Which is good if you like that sort of thing, I guess.
With his unique voice and interesting musical composition, it is not hard to get into the groove of Elvis’ music. The jostling flow and cornucopia of instrumental interjections do tend to make the music hard to vibe to. To me it is intended for intent listening and not for moving your body to. I always begin to think the songs or going to break into melodic chorus and tie everything together, but it never quite gets there for me. Intriguing and distinctive, but not my choice for spinning.
The singers voice is awful and the mix is whack - everything is just mush. On Oliver’s Army he just drops the n word lmao. There’s moments in songs I like but then I’m pulled out by either a change to the instrumental, the vocals or lyrics. I thought party girl and goon squad was pretty good tho. The carnival clown theme on Sunday best is very fitting to this album. Fav Tracks: Party Girl, Goon Squad Worst Track: Accidents Will Happen 3/10
For me Elvis Costello is not one of the heroes of the post punk era, like his voice and some of the songs like Oliver's Army, but for me e.g. the Jam or Joe Jackson are much better.
Not my bag
I've been known to be indifferent to Elvis Costello, but to tell the truth, I've never really gave him a chance, so I am looking forward to today's listen. I have my reservations, however, because upon reading up on this record, it turns out he made it in the "new wave" style which was very popular at the time. I have been known to hate new wave, so we will see how this goes. Apparently Elvis Costello is obsessed with dismemberment, because in at least 3 songs on this album, he mentions beheadings, or chopping people up. Also, in the song Oliver's Army, Costello drops an N-Word, which caught me off guard given the fact that he is a white nerd from the UK. Most of the lyrics, as can he said for most of New wave, were mostly nonsensical. The songs that actually had a clear message instead of incomprehensible ramblings were the ones I liked more (there weren't many). The last song on the record, (What's so Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding, was my favourite on the album. It sounded more like classic Costello, had a clear message, and followed a normal song structure, unlike almost everything else here. Overall, as suspected, not my favourite. I won't revisit ever again. The music wasn't bad, I just really hate new wave. Elvis gets props for the sheer magnitude of his influence on modern music though. Favourite songs: "(What's so Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding" , Oliver's Army, Goon Squad, Senior Service, Party Girl Least favourite songs: Big Boys, Green Shirt 2/5
Not bad, doubt I’ll listen to it again though
Not a fan really.
Incredibly annoying, can’t put my finger on it.
Stop. I don’t like this band. Stop forcing me to listen to them. Why are there so many of their albums on here???????
I never quite dug Elvis Costello. 2/5, but my opinion isn’t really important
Credo sia il terzo che ascolto e non mi sembra meriti tutti questi riconoscimenti, pur non essendo malvagio
Meh. It’s just ok. I would likely turn the station to something else if this album was playing.
Todo tan esquemático que, por más que pueda formar parte de un concepto, se vuelve agotador.
If this is the kind of thing you like, it's good. For me, mall music. I would probably actually like some of these songs if they had different (punk-ier) music. Is Busy Bodies supposed to be satire with it's holier-than-thou not-like-the-other-girls stance? Also, unexpected use of the n-word, so that has aged poorly.
Pretty samey, whiny and dull. The second album I have had which has a white guy using the N word. That's automatically a point off in my book - even if he has since renounced the use of the word.
I don’t know what I’m missing with Elvis’ music. It all sounds so basic and just not interesting. This one in particular was usually catchy while it was on but just left nothing memorable afterwards. It all just feels very formulaic to me. 4/10
niet afgeluisterd, twifjelachtige tekst ook ???
perfect for a laid back picnic on a march afternoon!
Ik ben niet zo'n grote fan van Elvis Costello, geen idee waarom. De muziek is niet per se slecht, maar ik heb altijd de neiging om het uit te zetten. Misschien is het zijn zeikerige stem ofzo. In combinatie met de overdreven aangezette muziek. Ik kan er moeilijk naar luisteren.
The songs are ok, but Elvis his voice is really annoying to listen to.
There are some Elvis costello songs I like but they aren't on this album, listened to it and was mostly waiting for it to be over
To many mediocre and annoying songs to enjoy
Bland but it got some high points. Not my cup of tea as I prefer my rock without so much pop in it.
was okay,
Hmm I've never heard of this guy before, but listening I through this I wasn't particularly impressed. Every song sounds very similar to the first one. His singing voice is nothing special either. Saved tracks: "Senior Service", "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding"
Pos-punk divertido.
Lettvekter
I was not prepare for that opening, ear bleeding not a way to start. Dem bass and drums are really the highlight of this album.
Something about this guy doesn't sit right
Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: No, it’s not necessarily bad, I just find it meh. Maybe too soon to say but I just don’t get Elvis Costello and I find his style of singing quite weird Favourite song: Track 7 - Goon Squad
50/100: Very forgettable album. There’s not a single song that stands out on this album. This is probably what’s played in purgatory. I don’t have much to say for this one besides that I’m incredibly unimpressed.
Zeikerig, hipster
Not for me. I'm not really a fan of any of this, there's just nothing grabbing me at all. Oliver's Army is pretty good, but that's about it.
Meh.
Mid. Also, why is marnz using racial slurs
This website should be renamed to "1001 Elvis Costello albums (and also a few other albums)", given this is the 5th album of his I'm served with here. And frankly, I don't think Costello is so good as to merit such recognition. As for the particular album at hand (aka, #5): It's yet another uninspiring, rather mundane, and badly aged album. Just like the previous 4! I'm sure there's a reason for Costello being so highly regarded, here and elsewhere, but I still fail to detect it even in this 5th attempt.
Not my style
A well-crafted pop album, good production, expertly composed, but somehow, the whole thing feels.. toothless. Lyrics are interesting, but need an annotated companion to decipher. Won't be coming back to this one.
Eugh. The voice of a nasally pedophile. Also I'm pretty sure he ripped the bassline on "Party Girl" from The Beatles' "You Never Give Me Your Money."
Chip Skylark vibes??
Was not remotely attracted to this album. But was very unique.
I don’t find Elvis Costello that impressive. His voice is rather average and the instrumentals isn’t that great pop rock. He has a style that seems to be either you like it or you don’t. There were a couple songs that were enjoyed but I wouldn’t seek them out. 4.6/10
Pretty mid, always thought Elvis Costello was overrated, this album more or less proves it, plus I cannot stand his voice at all.
Everything is there to make a great album, but yet I still can't manage to get to the point of connecting with the tracks and immersing in the album.
6/26/22 I hate Elvis Costello. This album is odd and not the mood. The lyrics suck, his voice sucks. I actually did get through all of it which is why I won’t give it a one, but I don’t like it. Favorite song: I don’t like them
No me pasa nada con Costello. No es un mal disco, ni de cerca, pero hay algo en su particular versión del rock que no me hace nada. Es curioso, porque a veces suena muy parecido a Springsteen y a él si le creo.
No different than any of the other albums of his on here.1-2 is fine but I feel like we have had 4-5 already
Elvis Costello again?!?!? How much more of this do we have to take??? Only song I enjoyed was written by Nick Lowe.
Are you KIDDING me? Elvis Costello has too many albums on this list and it is beginning to border on criminal. The best song was the cover.
Eeeh de första elvis costello albumet på listan va bättre fr!! Å hans röst va lite störande
Yikes. Between dropping an n-bomb without warning and making light of comparisons to Hitler, Costello comes off as deeply ignorant in the best of circumstances. Good thing I didn't care much for him in the first place lmao.
Not as engaging as we would have liked. Some good songs here and there but his vocal delivery became tedious. Nice bass though. Shannah 1.5/5 Conor 2.5/5 Bill 2/5 (2/5)
I think I'm just not a huge fan of post punk...or Elvis Costello...or this album. It was fine. Maybe a little less than fine, actually. I'd give it a 2.5 if I could, but I'm rounding down because I got really tired of this album's sound.
Bits of it were admittedly catchy, so I can't completely destroy it. But I really didn't like this. I thought it was corny and soulless and really had nothing about it
Costello just doesn’t do it for me. 2 is probably harsh, but it’s just not clicking. He sounds like someone I would like, but I just never get there.
Overrated.
Questão de gosto musical
Only enjoyed the first song because of the vocals. The rest, meh.
Instrumentals were nice, but the lyrics? Choices.
It was kinda annoying
Where to begin? I have nothing personal against Costello, he seems like a fine guy. His voice can be grating at times, though I did appreciate the variety it provides due to various inflections, etc. I like certain parts of songs, but never the whole song. Just never really clicks with me. Favorite tracks: "Moods for Moderns", "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding"
Not a fan, boring album. 2
I can't get past his vocals
2.5/5
Pretty much like any other Elvis Costello that I have listened to. Solid but not amazing. 2.5/5 PS I do like the UK artwork FAR more than the US version.
Can never really warm up to Elvis costello but at the same time can feel some brilliance in rhythms and Melodies pop out of most songs. This album also isn’t the most accessible
I concluded several albums ago that Costello's success is lost on me. This follows the trend
Du hast Ironie erfunden du wacker Nerd, gib mir dein Pausenbrot
Eh
This was just not my thing. I didn’t care about any of these songs.
First Listen. I know a couple of the songs. The rest of the album seems solid. 2/5
Never been sure about Elvis Costello. His voice gets on my nerves. This wasn't a bad album and had some good bits but just didn't get me going.
middelmådig rock
Not as good as My Aim is True so probably wouldn't listen again
Imdb puani 5lik filmlerde calmalik birkac tatlis sarki var ama benim icin bile cok miy miy bir album, 2,5/5
Meh
De eerste paar nummers hadden me niet meteen mee. Het middenstuk was wel oké, maar naar het einde toe had ik het ook wel wat gehad
It's very average, and I don't see myself listening to it again. It's more enjoyable than This Year's Model, but I really don't care for his voice at all. Highlights: 1, and 3.
A bit bland tbh, nothing really stood out as particularly memorable and it all just kind of merged into one lump.
Forgettable, did not hold my interest.
If only he’d have someone else sing. Just shy of a 3.
D'album en album, Elvis Costello nous prouve qu'il est un proche de l'auteur du classement des 1001. Six de ses projets y figurent, contre aucun de Céline Dion ; pas besoin d'en rajouter. Armed Forces aurait certainement mérité trois étoiles, mais j'ai décidé d'en retirer une en raison des propos maladroits qu'il a tenus envers l'introverti Ray Charles. Replaçons les faits dans leur contexte : Nous sommes en 1978, Elvis Costello cartonne sous son surnom de King of Rock and Roll tandis que Ray Charles est depuis plusieurs années paralysé par sa timidité. Un soir où Elvis apparaît un peu éméché, il lance à ses amis la réflexion suivante: "Ray Charles est tellement timide qu'il y a un décalage horaire entre ses deux fesses." Manque de pot pour Costello, Céline Dion se trouve quelques tables plus loin et ne se fera pas prier pour tout répéter à la presse. J'ai beaucoup aimé les éléphants de la pochette.
In conclusione: Me lo sono sentito due volte perchè sto album non lo capisco. Sulla carta sembra fatto bene (tralasciando la produzione e il remaster che lasci a deiderare), gli arrangiamenti so curati, i pezzi so diversi, però dopo due ascolti non m'è rimasto nulla. Costello c'ha il problema di Patton su sto disco di essere na mezza macchietta nel modo in cui canta e rende tutto na mezza pagliacciata e anche se musicalmente sembra ben costruito alla fine te scivola addosso. Peccato, per me è un 2.5.
Album Song Ranking: Accidents Will Happen Moods For Moderns Goon Squad Big Boys Party Girl (H.M.) Two Little Hitlers Chemistry Class Busy Bodies Senior Service Green Shirt Sunday's Best (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding Oliver's Army
Lots of 'too clever by half' but still brilliant lyrics, ridiculously affected but still pleasing vocal style, perfectly delivered but mostly unsatisfying and echoingly repetitive tunes/themes (big boys/good year for the roses, party girl/alison etc), oh yes and the coda to party girls is unforgivably stolen directly from Abbey Road's: \"1234567, all good children go to heaven...\" so overall I ended up just thinking, \"it's sort of good, but not for me, thanks. It's all a bit samey in a different sort of way. I would have stopped listening after 2 or 3 tracks but I didn't want to miss out on something good, but in the end there wasn't anything - except the singles, and the best song was written by Nick Lowe.
Dropped the N word in one of their songs but also just not very good. Like one up beat cool song
Didn’t listen.Elvis just isn't for me.
Never liked that guitar and piano song writer structure and heard Olivers Army way too much over the years
- annoying voice
Most Elvis Costello albums are just fine. This is the same. It's not terrible, but man, there is nothing special about it. I feel like a lot of these albums are just chosen because of ONE song, and this album feels like the perfect example of that. No song is really amazing, except for the closer (Peace, Love and Understanding). I also choked on my beer when he dropped the N Bomb.
Another example why this list needs a committee and not a single author. We get it, the author loves Elvis Costello. Not every one of his albums is groundbreaking or great. There’s so many other albums that need to go on this list instead of another Elvis Costello run of the mill.
Meh
Not really for me
Meh not really into Elvis Costello
Wow I hate this! Expected to be a fan but... nope. Whiny and unmemorable,and what's with all the nursery, stalkery, and racist lyrics?
Meh.
2.5
Taustahälinää
Nope
2
I've heard a bit of this guy but not sure if this album. Wiki describes it as new wave/post punk (ew) but the first song isn't. aaaaand never mind, by the second song it's the same old. The entire album isn't new wave, most of it is just rock really, but it is pretty boring. Went nowhere. 2/5.
n word again !!??
I am once again being subjected to Elvis Costello's music. The list's author might be the only person on Earth who rates Costello's music so highly. His whiny voice is like nails on chalkboard. And whatever the meaning of Oliver's Army is, Elvis randomly dropping the n-word in the song took me aback. And before it I was about to say that this is probably his most listenable album music wise. Then again, the longer it went on the more unbearable the songwriting became. Giving it a 1 out of spite 1/5
Really annoying voice and music
Pas génial. J'ai aimé Senior Service et Big Boys et leurs accents ska cela dit.
There are way too many Elvis Costello albums on this list. There should probably be zero.
Having the unfortunate privilege of two Elvis Costello albums back-to-back I can confirm that there is no reason to include multiple albums of his on the list. They sound EXACTLY the same.
Listens: 1 Standout Tracks: None My tolerance for Elvis Costello and what pop music was at the end of the 70s - and really just in general - has dropped precipitously. I gave them the benefit of the doubt in merely tolerating the band the first two albums, but with the third album they've shed basically all of the post-punk elements, which are questionable for me to begin with, and gone straight pop music. I do not like this.
Jeg har hørt albummet 4 gange. Eller ihvertfald forsøgt. Eller jeg har startet første nummer 4 gange... De 3 af dem lukkede jeg albummet ned inden nummeret var færdig... Men sidste gang lod jeg oplevelsen stå i baggrunden på en køretur på laveste lyd styrke. Fåk jeg bryder mig ikke om Elvis Costello.....
I can excuse racism, but I draw the line at animal cruelty.
Did I hear a hard R??
I could not get through this album. I do not like his voice at all.
It's kind of giving millennial music but it a bad bad way
Bored
FOR FUCKS SAKE ENOUGH WITH ELVIS COSTELLO AND HIS SHITTY MUSIC Best Song: N/A Rating: 2/10 Stars: 1
Couple of hits and the rest is meh.
Look, I love a lot of music that's considered goofy or corny. I listen to jam bands for god's sake. But this shit is CORNY, and even worse Elvis really takes himself and his music seriously, from what I understand. I realize i might be missing some key piece of cultural context that made his music groundbreaking or appealing in its time, but right now? In 2026? It's not for me. His voice is like a drunken carnival barker, the song writing is tedious and overwrought, the instrumentation is muddled and underwhelming. I'm gonna go 1.5/5 on this. I might be in a mood, but that's just what my heart is telling me. I'm dreading the rest of the EC albums on this list.
not good enough to excuse the random and unnecessary drop of the N word.
mid
Finally hit the first of six Costello albums I have to sit through. What a slog this was. Imagine the gall it takes to name yourself Elvis and sucking this bad at music; no wonder Presley shit himself to death, he was tired of Costello putting a stain on his name. Bad bubblegum new wave pop rock nonsense with Costello flip-flopping between a bad impressions of Prince and Randy Newman on vocals. Did not enjoy a single track, and also did not enjoy the surprise hard-R N-bomb he dropped. This is going into the Hall of Shame as my tenth 1/5
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
pretty uncomfortable, instrumentals were fun but boy howdy
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.
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.
I didn't love this. Pretty bland
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!
Descubriendo una de las voces que mas feas he escuchado. Musicalmente es extraño
Hard to get through
Elvis Costello is a one-trick pony and I'm not buying.
39. not worth listening
"Party Girl" and the song is slower than a virgin in bed
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.
Not for me
DNF. i fucking hate elvis costello's voice. some of the instrumentals were solid.
Shite lyrics, boring music, and whiney voice
650 albums in, this list has yet to convince me to enjoy Elvis Costello.
There’s way too much Elvis Costello on this generator. :(
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.
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?
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
Not for me. 1/5
oof I just can't take this.
1* straszny crap
actually one of the most horrid listens of my life, thank you so much for this experience
Hard Pass
Really bad
Hate this guy, can't believe he has this many entries. Lifetime dungeon sentence Will I listen to again: 0%
This was torture
ruim
Costello album #3 for me. I still do absolutely not get people's fascination with him, nor why on earth he has three albums on this list.
Meh. I'm starting to see that Elvis Costello is overrated.
Dude is a hack. He even had to steal his stage name from a better performer. Critics are distracted by his ability to turn a phrase (because they too fancy themselves writers) and are deaf or simply unwilling to acknowledge that Elvis Costello cannot write a solid hook to save himself.
June 21 starting. 1. Accidents. Ya el intro me pareció gay. Not my thing tiene pinta. Hope it changes my mind. El tipo suena a Lenny Kravitz. La música está kinda boring tho' 2. Boring, weird, didn't enjoy. 3. So ladilla. Skipped. 4. Big Boys. Una mierda 5. Igual que este, shite. 6. Mano... No me gusta ninguno so far, que chimbo. 7. Fuck this. Skipping violently a partir de ahora, pura mierda. 8. Busy Bodies. Fuck you Costello. I'm hating your music. 9. Sunday's Best. ¿Música de carnival? Mámalo, no te sale nada. 10. Moods for Moderns. Funky, fun, tripeable. Liked. 11. Good song that I skipped. 12. Funky one, liked. 13. Mierda men. Que waste of time. Odié this album as fuck. 0
I just hate this band. Twee and annoyingly keyboard heavy- and Costello has a grating, thin voice. some of the songwriting is smart- if a whole different band arranged and performed it maybe, but I'm not going to listen to any Costello going forward.