Reviews (page 10 of 13)
bland! two crackers but the rest just did Not strike any love in my heart
Decent and a lot of familiar songs. Won’t be listening to it again though
Miracle Man sounds like Mick Jagger singing.
I grew up listening to Alison, which is my dad's favorite song by Costello, and I was familiar with a couple of other songs, but it was my first time listening to the whole album. I get why critics praised it as a debut album at the time, but hearing it a week after This Year's Model, you can tell Costello was still trying to find his sound. The songwriting is a bit of a mixed bag in terms of quality. It's a decent album, but not my favorite of his work.
What an album. "But the Attractions aren't with him yet!" Yes, I know, and I do love them too. But not only is the pub rock energy of this album so damn good, but the *songs* just can't be argued with. I love it. Probably should be a proper 5-star. At the very least, it gets the bump for this website. 4.5/5
Gritty/intense in attitude plus hyper-articulate/savvy-literate lyrically equals excellence, and maybe EC's best record. The playing is understated and here and there exquisite (intricate axe work on "Miracle Man," tinklingly dreamy keys backgrounding / vaguely counterpointing on the otherwise tough-toned "Blame It On Cain," and the nod to the '50s on "Mystery Dance"). A handful cuts deserve to be considered classics – "Angels" and "Less Than Zero" and "Watching the Detectives." THen there's "Alison," may be the best ballad (okay, love song) of all the '80s. "Sneaky Feelings" also very good, sneaky good one might say. The quality so astonishingly high throughout that surely Basher deserves more credit (and certainly one more of his records belong in this list) that it's not really all that surprising how well this holds up.
Most of these songs are pretty decent on their own, but listening to the whole album front to back gets a little repetitive.
added some pep to my proverbial step
very good, chill and stuff 5/5
My favourite track off of this album was, "Welcome to the Working Week." A classic no doubt, with a few treasures - but the album as a whole comes across as a more generic version of himself. Although some of the songs are timeless, most of the the songs on this album have been forced into obscurity. A good album, no doubt, but not his very best works that make him Elvis Costello.
4.5
I honestly can't tell if I like this record or not. Half of it is incredible, half of it sucks. I thought I finally "got" Costello on the first 2 songs, then the album just roller coasters til the end. Hard to rate this, I'm gonna just go 3
kinda fun
Good!
Mid
ja tjak man
I like Elvis Costello but am not a big fan of his style of music lol
A really solid album with some classic songs.
Pretty boring.
The songs that aren’t amazing still have a powerful impact on the listener. Very good music.
I dunno man, sometimes shit just rocks
This was fun to listen to!
Album molto carino, con alcune canzoni che ci stanno. I riff della chitarra sono molto belli in tutte le canzoni.
I had somehow never heard this whole album, and I like it — will definitely listen again.
Wow, it’s hard to believe this is his first, and not a greatest hits album. Lots of really good tunes, and “Alison” just gets better and better with age. “Watching the Detectives” still has an incredible base line and punchey drums, “Less than Zero”, and “Blame it on Cain” still hold up 45 years.
Yeah this is okay. I think it probably needs to do a bit more to justify its place on this list but on its own its fine. For a late 70s album it just doesn't provide much, it probably would've been better in the 50s. Fav songs: - Mystery Dance
I haven't really liked the other Elvis Costello albums I've gotten from the list, but I enjoyed the 1950s rock and roll sound on this one. 3.5 if I could.
Costello has always had his own type of sound that is a nice mix of music styles. He has a way of telling stories in his songs as well.
A stunner, he very much is great at combining styles into a great short album. It was like biting into a food you never had before
Very solid. Liked all the different sounds and styles he had on this. He had stuff that was fast and fun, slower and more poignant, and then kinda funky stuff. The variety was really nice. His voice sounded pretty good and the instrumentation, while simple, was still quite nice, it wasn't pretentious sounding. Also the whole album was pretty short which was nice.
great funky vibe. Watching the Detectives is an excellent track. hard to pigeon hole Costello into a genre-little 50's vibe, good guitar, sometimes snarky lyrics-and that is what I enjoy with his music. 4.5 stars
An enjoyable album, definitely my style of music. I liked No Dancing, Alison and Less Than Zero.
Very good
Риверс Куомо из 70-х годов
This pretty much bounced off me
3.1 Mid for what I've heard him do. faves: welcome to the working week,alison
He's right, didn't miss!
In the forty odd years I've been listening to Elvis Costello I have never even considered he was the British equivalent of Bruce Springsteen. For me he had arrived on the scene as part of the post-punk new wave scene with 'Olivers Army' , big glasses and drainpipe jeans. But as soon as 'Welcome to the Working Week' begins it is pure Springsteen & The E-street band with an equally below average voice. Except for the singles. The two singles here - Alison and Watching the Detectives - are unique, brilliant and timeless. Unlike the rest of this sub-par Springsteen-clone album.
Got bored quickly. Appreciate the songwriting but it’s not my speed. Alison is still great though.
yeah it's ok, 50's style jangling 2.9
3.8 + Elvis, you snarky, condescending cockroach, you’ve reared your bespectacled face once again. You started your career with such promise…Somewhere along the way, your anxieties and manias turned your music to seed — happens to the best of us, I suppose. Still, I like the way you reinterpreted classic rock music and doo-wop tropes on songs like “I’m Not Angry.” Some of your best songs are on here: “Alison” and “Watching the Detectives.” So, here, take this last “W” from me. Now, off with you! I’ll give a sigh when I read your obituary.
Great
Unfortunately, for some reason Apple Music has Alison, Red Shoes, and Watching the Detectives blocked in my location. Fortunately, I know those pretty well already, and it gave me an opportunity to listen to the 'worse' 80% of the album... and it's still pretty great. Love it.
No
Gran disco del muy productivo 1977 (Talking Heads, Ramones, Sex Pistols, The Clash, Television, Bowie, Bob Marley, Fleetwood Mac, Iggy Pop, The Jam, Suicide, Mink Deville, Kraftwerk, The Modern Lovers, Bee Gees...). Con estilos y ritmos muy variados desde punk, new wave y birtish pub rock hasta rock and roll, R&B e incluso rockabilly, el bueno de Elvis les gana la partida a tanto nivel compositivo (lírico y melódico) como técnico (con el estimable apoyo de Clover la banda que luego serían parte de los Huey Lewis and the news y que tocaron también para Lynyrd Skynyrd, Thin Lizzy, Lucinda Williams, The Doobie Brotehrs o Graham Parker ). I´m not angry suena a los Dire Straits del Punk. Welcome to the working week abre como un tiro, Blame it on Cain y Sneaky feelings se cuelan por sorpresa en medio de Allison, la joya más conocida, aunque Watching the Detectives se incluye en algunas ediciones de este disco que compite con el siguiente el excelso This Year's Model de 1978 como cénit de toda su carrera (y tiene muchos y muy buenos discos).
She looks so good that he gets down and begs 3.5
"My Aim Is True" is a groundbreaking debut album that catapulted Elvis Costello into the limelight as one of the most compelling and innovative songwriters of his generation. Released in 1977, the album is a masterclass in blending punk, new wave, and classic rock influences into a unique and unforgettable sound. From the opening chords of "Welcome to the Working Week," Costello's distinctive voice and sharp lyrics grab your attention and never let go. Tracks like "Alison," "Watching the Detectives," and "Less Than Zero" showcase his lyrical prowess, tackling themes of love, politics, and society with wit and insight. One of the album's strengths is its musical diversity. Costello effortlessly moves from blistering punk rockers to soulful ballads, showcasing his versatility as a songwriter and performer. Overall, "My Aim Is True" is a timeless classic that remains as vital and relevant today as it was upon its release. Costello's debut announced the arrival of a major talent and set the stage for a legendary career.
This was not something I instantly loved. Reminded me too much of early Springsteen to the point where I found it distracting. On the last listen I was going to give it, something clicked and I thought it was quite good. Will continue to have this in rotation for a while and I will also look to dive deeper into Elvis Costello.
Good.
First album thrown at me that I haven’t listened to before. There’s always been some irrational reason that Elvis Costello just doesn’t appeal to me so I’ve never listened to him outside the occasional festival appearance I happened to be standing near. Pleasantly surprised with this one. I can understand the appeal and there’s some good tunes on here but still not my cup of tea as a whole. Will have a listen to some of his other stuff to see if he can hang around.
Elvis Costello - My Aim Is True 3/5 Well, it sounds like Joe Jackson or Billy Joel right off the bat. So, I’ve listened to this a bit and feel disappointed. Now I see this is from 1977 and not like…1981. Now, I have to re-evaluate. This stripped down straight ahead rock. Not full speed ahead, but just sitting there rock. Singer songwriter tunes, but with a band. Good songs, all the songs on here are well crafted. This album lacks the “energy” I want. These are songs that… It feels flat to me. I want more. These are pleasant and good easy listening songs. I’ll return to this, I may appreciate it more when I’m in a different mood.
Það er eitthvað við hann Declan sem ég fíla bara í tætlur.
Solid album with nice grooves and a vintage sound. Some songs are a bit repetitive, but overall a good listen.
I have heard most of these songs before, but didn't realize all these good tracks came from one album. IN 1977! Ahead of his time and great album.
Some fun rock and roll. I wasn't singing along to anything, but there was nothing to complain about either.
Na de ietwat slappe new wave hap van de Pretenders, was de power pop-infused new wave van Elvis Costello wel welkom. De bite die veelal miste bij het vorige album is hier wat dominanter. Die intenties zijn direct duidelijk bij het korte doch effectieve 'Welcome To The Working Week'. Die energieke instelling, waarin Elvis laat zien net zo veel inspiratie te halen uit de rock & roll van Buddy Holly en Bill Haley als uit het werk van punk/proto-punk tijdsgenoten, hoor je ook sterk terug in songs als 'Blame It On Cain' en 'Mystery Dance'. Maar echt verder dan 'aardige nummers' komen ze niet. Daarvoor moet je toch kijken naar de ballade 'Alison', die zorgt voor prettige kalmte in een pub rock storm, mooi nummer. De proto-ska 'Watching The Detectives' is een ander hoogtepunt, die stijlistisch veel weggeeft van wat komen zou in de carrière van Elvis Costello. 'Less Than Zero' bevalt me ook wel, maar geeft wel weg wat me enigszins tegen zit met deze plaat. De riff is een aantal jaar later obviously geripped door Bruce Springsteen in 'Glory Days', en daar houden de verbanden tussen de twee niet op. Ik vind veel van de popsongs op ''My Aim Is True'' gewoon net iets te heartland rockerig, en ik mis gek genoeg een beetje Britse bravoure. Gewoon niet m'n dingetje. Songs als 'Miracle Man' en '(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes' hadden zo op een Bruce Springsteen album kunnen staan, wat normaal gesproken in mijn ogen niet echt een compliment is. Maar anyway, voor een debuutalbum is het best een aardig muziekstuk, dat ik zie als een effectieve springplank voor een respectabele carrière. Voor het écht goede werk moet je toch wat dieper z'n loopbaan in duiken, maar ik heb me toch wel vermaakt. 6,5/10 Highlights: Alison Watching The Detectives Less Than Zero
Blij met dit plaatje want goede herinneringen aan. En ik hou van de stem van Costello. Deze plaat uit 1977 is een echte powerpop-classic. Later heeft Costello zich doorontwikkeld als zanger en muzikant, maar dit album blijft voor mij een favoriet. De hoes, het jeugdige en de energie van de korte nummertjes. Kant B is wel stukkie minder dan A, daar staan de echte knallers. Afgewisseld met het mooie rustige Alison, en met uitzondering van Mystery Dance op Kant B. Dat had zo een nummer van zijn naamgenoot kunnen zijn, twee decennia eerder. En zo vliegt het plaatje voorbij. Een blije start van de dag. 8,5/10 Highlights Miracle Man Alison Watching the Detectives Mystery Dance
I enjoyed this one!
It's fine!
Some good tracks on this one. I enjoyed it.
It's basically Bruce Springsteen but not
Indifférent
Surprised how much I enjoyed this
gute-laune-musik!
Coole Mischung verschiedener Stile mit gutem Groove
Muy bueno.
Not a fan of his sounds overall
Dosadnjikavo, vecina pjesama je slicna. Mrzim fadeout jos vise nakon ovog albuma. Ima par simpaticnih: Alison, Watching the detectives 6/10
Nice
With watching the detectives 4 stars.
Classic.
I wasn't overly familiar with Elvis Costello, but this was a rocking good time. And honestly he was ahead of his time. This sounded like an album from 1993 or so, not 1977. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Must have been damn ahead of its time
So far my favorite songs are Welcome to the Working Week and Mystery Dance. Watching the Detectives was also good in a different way. The overall sound of the album clearly had a wide variety of influences, and lyrically had a pretty wide spread too. Some political, some about relationships , and usually cynical. Definitely gives me a new impression of Elvis Costello. 3.5
Not my type of music
Bien, pero un poco pesado.
I'm not a fan. Feels like old old rock, but is only the 70's Will I listen to again: 1%
Very decent
Ok!
Pretty solid stuff
3 everything was ok. Nothing to hate. Sounded like Wayne
So this is where Jonathan richman got it. Not really my thing. The white guy blues-rock doesn't speak to me, I've heard so much of It. I don't love his voice either.
Solid record but not at the level as some of other Costello’s work. Only a couple standout songs. 3.5/5
I wish I could be consistently into this right now, but I’m not. We’ll have hope for the future that either a re-listen or another album sparks joy, but I’m not making it a prime focus anytime soon.
I like elvis. 3 or 4 likely.
Alright! This was an unexpected toe-tapper. Apart from a few of his well known songs, I haven't heard much from Elvis Costello. "My Aim is True" is a great little Pop-Rock album. Costello is a fantastic songwriter, combining short, catchy tunes with savvy lyrics. He's a clever bloke. "Mystery Dance" seems to be a weird Elvis Presley tribute track, which isn't surprising given the album art. But that stinker gets a pass based on everything that surrounds it. I really enjoyed this. Happily listen to any future Elvis Costello albums this app has to offer. 👍👍
Don’t get it. Dull. I should start posting one word reviews tbh
Excellent first album by a true artist. 4/5
Nearly a "Best Of" album right out of the gate. Great songs
Elvis Costello I like albums with the Attractions a bit better but the band on here sounds great too with more of a 70’s vibe. I like his vocals on this record too maybe not quite as stylized as later albums. Best: Allison Angels want to steal my red shoes Waiting for the end of the world Watching the detectives Least favorite: I’m not angry Tough one to rate because I feel like he is a great artist with great songs but they are not as tied to the albums for me. My favorite album of his is probably Get Happy
Idk I always feel like I’m missing something with Elvis Costello. It’s like good on paper but doesn’t really stand out or leave an impression. Doesn’t feel really unique or interesting to me most of the time
This was disappointing. It felt like every song was ALMOST a good song. I really don't like how he over annunciates everything.
It's a fun album, and it sounds consistently good. it doesn't really stand out though – can't remember how a single song goes in this album right after listening to it
Eclectic mix of styles with this album
I don't get the appeal. Guessing I'm wrong here but I don't see the quality difference between this album and many of the opening bands on a mid-level popular band's tour. It's fine, certainly not my vibe at all though. Also, not every song needs to fade out, like, songs can just end, and that's better.
Great fun, catchy, straight to the point. Really good.
This album isn’t bad. It’s good background music. I found myself doing other things while it was on and not really being drawn to what each song is about. It all seems to blend well together and there are no drastic changes in one song to the other. I don’t think I’d listen to Elvis Costello again but that’s just based on taste Choice cut: Blame it on Cain
5 star album where all the songs play well, even in 2024.
Loved every song on this album. I have nothing has to say about it.
Great
Great artist. Great album. One of my favorites.
Nice
So 2 days ago, I had THE Elvis. Now THIS Elvis. What an amazing album. SO many have tried to immitate, but he's still out there!
Songs I always knew - Alison. Elvis Costello has turned out some decent tracks in his time... its just there aren't any on this album. I found it very whiny, his vocals re very irritating to say the least..
I really enjoyed the last Elvis Costello album but this one was a let down. Every track sounded monotonously like the last. I struggled to get engaged with it.
A stellar debut. He would never have this much bite again, but his catchy hooks and ear for unique melodies is riddled through out.
I am as out on Elvis Costello as he is in on himself. 1.5/5
I found this to be a pretty boring album! The only track I loved was the last track (watching the Detectives), which didn't even appear on the original album, so it probably doesn't count! 1 star for the bonus detective track.
Did I actually need to hear this before I die? No.
Cohesive sound from the first track onwards. I like how he comes in with the Harmonization on Welcome To The Working Week. Short Pop/Rock n’ Roll songs. Costello shows versatility in his voice. For me not sharing any memories with his music it feels like ephemeral Pop. I like where the last note of the guitar riff/short melody line lands in I’m Not Angry. Waiting For The End Of The World reminded me of a collaboration between Udo Lindenberg and Jan Delay (The song is called ‘Ganz anders’).
Decent but doesn’t knock the socks off so to speak
Lindos riffs y energía; aunque no para las 2 hs del disco
I’ve never heard the term “pub rock”, but wiki calls it that, and it totally is!! I don’t find anything special with the album, but it totally feels like something you’d hear at a pub, with a live band. Not terrible. Not noteworthy. Listen again: probably not Purchase for my collection: no Favourite Song: Blame it on Cain
It was fine, 3,5. The cover is hideous.
I think it's Elvis Costello that has a goofy voice to me, don't recall exactly what it is from the name alone. If he had a hat on the cover I'd be more sure, but we'll see with a listen. The first few tracks were actually pretty good. Once it got to "Alison" I heard the weird voice I'd been thinking of. Luckily that was really on a couple tracks so maybe those happen to the popular/singles and did him a disservice. Other than that, the other weird thing is some songs just seem to fade out in the middle of it and don't really finish in a traditional sense. Don't think that is necessarily bad, just odd. Better than I expected coming into it, but still has a few flaws. Favorite track "Less than zero" 3/5
Not as good as his next album, Last Year's Model, but one of his 2.5 albums that I jive with. I'll save the explanation of my disappointment with his overall career in reviews for those other albums.
Who the fuck writes a song welcoming me to the working week? Ugh Costello, you’re just so annoying, your insecurities are shining thru on Miracle Man, you’re fine dude you dude stop being an insufferable bitch. That being said, this is probably the best of his work I’ve listened to. Musically, it’s pretty clean pop rock, I just can’t get into Costello. 2.5 star bumped up for the band performance 3 stars
Marginally less offensive than the other Elvis Costello albums the generator has given me (why so many, generator?). Or maybe I just didn't listen as closely. Respect for this being a debut effort given how many of these songs I was already familiar with. But I still don't like his music much.
it's ok
This is an excellent album. Really good songs with good lyrics. Elvis has kind of a gruff smart-ass tone when he sings that sounds like a blend of Donald Fagen, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. The instrumentalists were quite good as well. The only thing that keeps me from giving it five stars is the fact that ten or eleven of the songs end with him singing a phrase over and over as it fades out. This compositional method was simply overused and became too noticeable, keeping me from enjoying the songs completely. I hope I can get past that because I like the music.
Idk his voice sort of drives me insane
Bien, pero un poco pesado.
Some good poppy numbers, nothing too special
Ich kenne den Knaben nicht und trotzdem kommt mir jeder Titel irgendwie bekannt vor. So als hätte ich alles schon Mal früher gehört - nur von anderen. Schon als ich das Cover sah dachte ich: Huh, hat Buddy Holly ne neue Platte gemacht?
Favourite tracks: miracle man; Alison; blame it on Cain; less than zero; I'm not angry
I just don’t like his voice.
Not my cup of tea
Wow, got two of his albums back to back. Same issue, could not handle the voice. Could not finish 2/5
The energy in this album was great, and the guitar licks were gorgeous. Highlights include Alison and Watching the Detectives.
After about four songs I could understand what he was saying. After reading what he was trying to to accomplish I understand. Before reading I got the Presley vibes and early rock and roll feel but still felt a little out of place with the decade. Feels more 60s than 70s
Enjoyed the album….but I love his next album, King of America and I love it so much more than this one, it makes it hard to give it 5 stars. I knew the song Allison…and would listen to this album again. I think I even enjoy Spike more that this one.
Really enjoyed him. Hoping for some other album of his later in his career.
Love Alison, but album holds up well nearly 50 years old!
It's musically solid and the lyrics are good but nothing stands out as iconic. Just a meh album.
This album was a pleasant surprise. I had heard Elvis Costello before but couldn't name any songs. The genre is pretty broad and hard to pin down but to my ears it's more pop/rock than anything else. But the songs are all very catchy and well done. I will come back to this one and seek out his other albums as well.
Fun, groovy notes, great atmosphere
ok but kind of boring
Okay so that's now 38 Elvis Costello songs that I've heard and I can't tell you anything about any of them. Literally the least interesting person who has ever lived. Taking up a slot that could have been filled with some REAL music like Peppa Pig's "My First Album".
A bouncy good time of an album.
Wel prima, lijkt op Joe Jackson
Wel oké, niet per se overweldigend goed, maar lekker kort
Oprecht best hele aardige deunen, heel prima om naar te luisteren
Found it really hard to get through. Very much of an era (maybe partially defining that era). But Allison is the only great song.
this is like 3 or 4 Costello albums. Come on already. But, honestly, this wasn't so bad. I feel like I'm either in the mood to listen to Costello or I'm really not, based on my past reviews of his work.
Classic. The best.
Too corny for me. This guys going for the joke a lot and it’s just not landing for me. He also suffers from “never shuts tf up” syndrome.
Best songs: Miracle Man, Less Than Zero, Alison
I didn’t like this one as much as I thought I would. It’s still a good album just not to my taste
Reisst mich heute leider nicht mehr mit. Trotzdem handwerklich klasse.
I still can’t, after 30 years
A no skipper, great album and punky I liked it
Definitely my favourite musical Elvis. In fact, I don't really know any non-musical Elvises except the buffoon Elvis from Fireman Sam who was so hapless his aim was never true. Anyway, Mr. Costello's album here was great.
Not bad, kind of all sounds the same though
Sounds just like 1965 (in a good way). Good variety, not really coherent, but consistent. Don't like his voice at times, but didn't dislike the overall listening experience. Favourite Tracks: "No Dancing", "Blame It On Cain" and especially "I'm Not Angry" Notes: - Welcome To The Working Week" could have gone on longer - overall sound until now more like 60s (early beates etc.) than 1977 - "No Dancing" best so far, mor variety, not the biggest fan of his voice on the earlier two - nvm, I like "Blame It On Cain" better, so far it gets better with every Song (familiarity bias?) - "Alison" guitar leads feel a little like John Mayer (bit early though, also he said the thing) - "I'm not Angry" captivating from beginning, more distorted riffs+lead and interresting arrangement - "Waiting For The End Of The World" great drum sound - "Watching The Detectives" kind of different sound as the rest (Reggae-ish and different singing) and seems kind of odd as a closer, but also kinda gets stuck
The album that started it all. Elvis was one of the first of the angry young men to get his thoughts down on vinyl in the immediate post-punk era. This album, while having more of a country rock feel at times (this was recorded before he hooked up with The Attractions) courtesy of Huey Lewis’ then backing band Clover, still has all the EC trademarks: the wordplay, the snarl, and especially the anger at a world not made for him….or us. Great opening statement.
8/10
At times I was into it, at other times the poor production, amateur musicianship, and Elvis’ singing style was more grating than charming. 2.6
4.5 Alison has the best use of the "stop" gimmick. I might have to work this into my Karaoke routine. I think the band is great, can chalk up the recording quality to rushed sessions. Could be a 5,
Ballin'
4/5
Not bad for a debut album. Quite a mix of musical influences. The lyrics are often angry, bitter, and sarcastic. It was a low-budget recording and production, most tracks were recorded live and the first take was used, so the overall quality is surprising.
Lekker
Pretty good. Never knew what an 'Elvis Costello' was or sounded like before. Heavier than I expected at the start especially. Liked the intro track, Alison and some of the other bits - maybe Miracle Man, Less Than Zero, Mystery Dance
Really fun album. Very impressed. Something weirdly modern about it as well.
Nice!
Wow that was boring!
So bland that I almost couldn't finish the album.
Nice, should listen more to artist
Lots of the songs are basically genre tributes and so don't feel especially original. You get the sense that this is a performing bar musician comfortable doing a lot of sounds but without a sound of his own. The consistent point is the vocal delivery and lyrical POV - he has a very distinctive and well developed sense of melody and acerbic lyrics. It's mostly all pretty uptempo and driving with a consistently restless feeling and relentless energy. The backing band brings a lot of that, plenty of fun accents and fills to go with the solid bass/drum foundation. He doesn't slow it down too often, and when he does it stands out: Allison is a classic lament to seeing a fleeting crush be with someone else in a deeply disappointing way.
good one.
Not much to say. It's Elvis Costello and sounds like Elvis Costello.
Probably a 2.5, aka solid, but I’ll round up.
3.4
Same as the other Elvis, is a legend but I just don't like his music, e,g, first albums Joe Jackson have same atmosphere but are much much better. Bless him for Shipbuilding and I Want You but this album not for me.
Mixtape memories. 5
Pure, classic rock & roll and punk music here, mixed with some Randy Newman-style singing. Catchy songs. Witty lyrics. I can spin this any time.
I get why pstump was influenced. Fav songs Alison
Not my cup of tea
rockin RIGHT from the start
Not sure if I enjoyed this style
It was fine
I've always had mixed feelings about Elvis Costello's music. I really like some songs, others not at all but have never really been able to dive all the way in. That being said, this is a really solid debut album. I liked the whole thing, never really had the urge to skip around even if I didn't love every song. I feel like he has a more raw sound on this album, which I really dig and found some songs I hadn't heard before that actually stood out more than some of those that I had heard before. Standout Tracks: Welcome to the Working Week, Miracle Man, Blame It on Cain, Alison, Less Than Zero, Pay It Back, Waiting for the End of the World
Alright, but not super captivating for me. Tolerable, nothing to complain or rave about. Nothing super innovative or unique. Decent.
Another banger. Loving the space. The energy. The exciting song writing
Ну, пора ебнуть балтику 5/10
Meh. I like some Elvis Costello songs but this album doesn't really do it for me. Seems like it just relies on trying to be quirky and evoke a nostalgic 50s sound. I just imagine Fred Armisen in Portlandia singing all these songs. 6/10 (3/5)
Fun listen. Nothing special. No song really stands out (good or bad). 3 stars.
Preferable to Armed Forces, which by chance was recommended the previous day. Welcome to the Working Week is urgent and enjoyable. I think this post-punky style of music suits his odd voice better than the more lilting melodies of Armed Forces. That said, some of the songs and their bluesy format are uninteresting. I don't get the American accent in many places, especially when coat-tailing on the punk movement. Waiting for the End of the World is another highlight here. (The backing band on Watching the Detectives is also tight and sounds good, albeit this song wasn't on the album's inital release.)
ganz nett
Elvis Costello was the last real man to exist . This is the best album so far 🙏🏻 Also he sounds like he wears one feather earring so extra star for that.
Decent album with easily listenability. Allison was a personal highlight. 4 stars.
Very enjoyable.
I'm surprised it's 1977. It sounds like it's a 60s revival from the 80s. I like it. I wouldn't go so far as to say weird, but it's different. Actually it kind of goes back and forth, a few songs are kind of standard and boring
This is very inoffensive - a funny contrast to Kanye previously. I get a lot of Billy Joel vibes here but if Billy Joel had a guitar instead of a piano. I don't love it I don't hate it. It doesn't make me want to skip songs or turn it off but it also doesn't do much for me. Some of these songs would be really great movie tracks because they just kind of blend into the background, but I mean that in a good way. I think the last couple of songs are the best.
Great album. A classic for a reason.
Good album, already added to my list
Solid album. Great artist.
This will be interesting to listen to. Never heard ANY Costello. Just know how incredible of a songwriter he is. Very poppy. Got almost through half the album. Just not my style to sit and listen to.
Elvis Costello is very hit or miss for me. Sometimes I really like his songs other times very much not. This album, though, I generally like. Still do. Solid. Good songs.
An excellent debut by Costello; the variety on display leaves the listener excited, and though early in his career, this would signal much to come. Costello's vocals matched with Doobie Brothers & Huey Lewis alums + Nick Lowe's production equal a fantastic listening experience.
Deceptively simple sounding 50's style rock n roll songs with more modern topics. It's not breaking any new ground, but it's well made and pleasant to listen to.
Not as good as the real Elvis, but Brits can only do so much.
Nicht mein Fall und musikalisch sehr monoton
I know there are a lot of EC albums on here and on all I will say his voice grates on me a bit. This debut has some spikey pop songs released at the birth of punk. It washes over me a bit.
I know this album! Really like it. Classic Elvis Costello!
The hits are brilliant, the rest is a bit forgettable. Somewhere between a 3 and 4.
Leuke muziek! Muziekaal goed en lekker gevarieerd. Would buy!
Fine.
Cute, fun and groovy. Sound that is familiar but not sure if he pioneered it or what.
belle découverte
Great power pop record
Elvis Costello is objectively cooler than either you or I.
🤷 Feels like a 2.75. I'm rounding down because there is way too damn much of this dude on the damn list.
Costello has always felt like that guy in the background who wanted to be a star, but the THING just wasn’t there. I will say though, after hearing this, the man left a lot more influence than he gets credit for. This is a solid debut that has stayed (for the most part) relevant and stylish over the years.
I’m going to say that claim is false, Elvis; this one missed the mark.
Classic
A good mix of different influences. It’s clear Costello has a knack for many different styles of music. Some very very catchy and well done songs but nothing too terribly memorable. Feels like the the 70’s rock album you think your dad would like but he doesn’t actually like or “get” at all.
One of the things I read about this album is that there weren't any singles, and that makes sense. The whole album is solid and definitely worth the time spent on it, and I'll probably return to it in the future for that reason. Altogether enjoyable
2.5/5
Some great tracks
Handgemacht, zum Teil eingängig, ganz ok! 3
Elvis (Presley) Costello
Nice to hear, nice voice.
wtf is this cover?
Although Critically Acclaimed®, still one of my all time favorite albums. Not a throwaway on here, but Angels Want to Wear my Red Shoes, Watching the Detectives , and Allison are outstanding. This is Elvis' debut, making it all the more amazing.
Pop rock, kinda billy joel-esque
Better than the last one
Pretty good. Good dancing music
Conocía su música pero nunca me había interesado en escucharla, no está mal
Amazing debut album. I would rank it in the top 5 of his albums. Of course the amazing Watching the Detectives, Alison, I'm Not Angry, and (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes are undeniable classics jmho.
Lo escuché ayer y ya lo he olvidado. Un disco de rock clásico que suena a Buddy Holly con un par de canciones que no suenan a estudio sino a maqueta, lo qye le da cierto encantó, pero no es un disco que puedas volver a escuchar y pensar en lo maravilloso que es. Por cierto, la portada a matado a más diseñadores que el botulismo. Un disco correcto, sin más.
I like Elvis Costello's music but I feel like he writes his lyrics in full, non-stop paragraphs.
Not my thing.
This was alright not something I would return for but not bad
Better than the last Elvis Costello album on this list. There were some enjoyable tracks on here; enough in fact to give this a 3/5
Nicht meine Musik
I liked this album a bit more than the previous Elvis Costello album on this list. The first half was more samey but the second half was more varied and fun. Pub rock isn't really my thing, but if it mixes with some rock 'n ' roll and reggae rhythms, then it's more bearable.
una verga
Interesting vintage rock beats. Still not what I would listen to regularly since I don't feel like dancing to his songs. 4/5 stars
It got better as it went on. Blame Jane is a bop. Some tracks were too duwap for me but I like the more experimental ones. Nice. Crunchy guitars.
Man hört tatsächlich ein bisschen Ted Leo raus und auch ein bisschen Bruce Springsteen. Gefällt mir ganz gut. Werde ich es noch mal hören? Vielleicht. Mal sehen. Bisschen unspannend auch. Aber geht klar.
Endloser, grottiger Punk Rock.
Wasn't crazy about this at first, but multiple play throughs changed my mind. There's some catchy songs on here. Also Sesame Street did a parody of Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes, called a Monster Went and Ate My Red 2, that was pretty fun
Just ok. Background music
Elvis just always sounds the same to me, but this one has Alison which is a pretty memorable tune
Yeah. A true new wave/mods revival revival classic.
Appreciate the artistry. Not my thing though.
It’s hard to think of anything to say about this album. I love it. I love every song on it. I’ve listened to it hundreds of times and it never gets old. I’m the guy from the Walking Dead in Love Actually and this album is Kiera Knightly. I’m just standing outside this album’s door holding up a sign that says “To me you’re perfect.”
In my opinion, this is his best album. Fav track: Watching the Detectives
Probably about a 3 and a half. Very good with some high highs, but a bit repetitive and a lot of songs don’t really do it for me.
All I really knew about Elvis Costello was his cameo in Austin Powers. So much more to be discovered. Great debut album that could’ve come from the 50s with its rock n roll swagger. Really enjoyed it.
it's ok.
Never paid much attention to Elvis Costello but found this album listenable. Kind of liked it
great, classic songs, Watching the Detective, not all songs are faves
I like a couple of songs but overall no.
Ok flashback
What amazing album, filled with frantic energy and bluesy rhythm's covering almost all aspects of rock music Rating 9/10 Top tracks: Less Than Zero, Mystery Dance, Sneaky Feelings, I'm Not Angry
An interesting combination of genres, 50's rock and roll updated with new wave, power pop, and I guess technically punk. This is a solid collection of simple sounding yet catchy songs in this style. It's exactly what I wanted it to be when I put it on and it doesn't overstay it's welcome. Elvis Costello isn't for everyone, but the whole thing is only 36 minutes, so what you do have to lose?
Reminder of why I was never a fan.
I knew several of these songs from The Best Of album and was a big fan. The album as a whole was fun with some amazingly different tracks. I’ve been a fam of Alison, Red Shoes and Watching the Detectives for a long time. And, especially, Mystery Dance. Love the use of that song over the opening credits of The Zero Effect, a highly underrated movie. Great album.
Good-mood music but I lost interest towards the end of the album
One of new rock's giants, great song writing. Don't think he gets half as much acclaim as he deserves. Elvis Costello is very definitely 👍👍
Not my type of music.
No doubting Costello could write a hook but this is rock n roll by numbers that leaves me cold.
Excellent album with several top Costello hits
Yeah no.
bore me to tears
Some good, some bad. Not the biggest fan of Costello but there were some appealing songs and structures. Mayyyybe found one track to save out of the bunch.
Reminded me of Billy Joel but of course, not at all like Billy Joel. It was a lot of fun. Only previously knew one song from the album.
- Had This Year's Model already - Thought it was very good, similar to the other album - Only had the two Costello albums so far so maybe my opinion of him will get worse as it goes on - Fav songs: Red Shoes, Welcome to the Working Week, Alison
Not my thang
I don’t understand the appeal at all. It’s so boring and so bad. His voice is like Billy Joel’s to me. So bland and unpleasant so they just pronounce words weirdly and make a really unpleasant back of the throat drawn out vowel sound. It’s miserable to try to listen to. Hated it
I'm always favorable when it comes to Elvis Costello. He's not quite as popular in the states as he is in Europe. Alison, Watching the Detectives and Red Shoes are classics! Standouts: Alison, Red Shoes, Watching the Detectives, Welcome to the Working Week, Less than Zero, Waiting for the World to End Very strong album! 4/5
Really big fan of this album. It's chill, it's fun, it's creative, and it's just really good. Costello's voice is fantastic and his music matches
I enjoyed this one. Nothing groundbreaking clearly borrowing much from styles done years before. Most of the songs have a very similar sound, but I like the sound so I won’t complain. Favorite tracks are Welcome To The Working Week, Miracle Man, Blame It On Cain, and Less Than Zero.
not my cup of tea
Fantastic album I should listen to more.
Start with rock and roll, give it the soul of a country singer and a sprinkle of blues, jazz and balad and you have this splendid blend
I definitely underestimated how revered Elvis Costello is. This is the third album of his in some variation that I’ve been generated, whereas prior to these daily albums I maybe knew two songs and nothing more. He’s been a bit hit or his for me so far, so fingers crossed for something good today. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Welcome To The Working Week, Alison, Mystery Dance I liked this album a lot. There were times that it felt like the music could be something by Buddy Holly or the Four Seasons, and other times where it felt like straight up ska. Last time I listened to him, I found his voice quite annoying. While it is still undoubtedly unique, it didn’t sound anywhere near as grating this time around. Overall, I really appreciated the diversity in stylings on this album. Everything felt fresh and pleasant.
Ok; kind of ambivalent
Hadn’t heard this album before, but I found there’s really no bad songs on here. What a blast!
Solid album front to back. It's unoffensive and easy to listen to. I found myself tapping my feet more than once.
Six? Six, Elvis Costello albums. Why? It was alright. It wasn't the best. Relatively short but no need to listen to it again.
I enjoyed this album
I always want to like Elvis Costello more than I do, and this album sums that up perfectly. Mostly, it's great, but overall I just don't like it as much as I think I should do. It's still a great album though.
I love this album so much, it's nostalgic as it was a record my dad played when I was growing up, I still listen to it often and it feels timeless to me. Costello's lyricism and vocal delivery is among the best in my opinion, along with some groovy, bluesy, rock n roll instrumentation, this record is just great.
Hey I dig it! Ich finds cool und macht spass zums lose. Würds jetzt nid uf mini liked playlist due wells mer glaub relativ schnell würd verleide aber für so es gmüetliches choche im hintergrund chani da echt guet gseh. Ich gib dem es 4.6/5.
Has ned ganz duregloset yikes aber da woni ghört ha isch iwie garned so vibig gsi leider vlt würs mer meh gfalle wennis hütt namal wür lose but oh well NEXT
welcome to the working week huere geile opener. miracle man au nice (indierock het nüt erfunde) no dancing isch nice mitem IV-moll turnaround. allgemein chords huere ume blame it on cain blues time. gfalltmer chrank dass de vo england isch er singt huuere amerikanisch mystery dance afoch rock n roll pay it back nice. gitarrelicks sind allgemein sehr geil, merkt dases e countryband isch wo begleitet uf i'm not angry flüstereds de refrain fitzt recht ane. und d gitarre und so sind seehr geil. hetter möse mitme reggae song ufhlre ha das album eigentli möge. finds au no en coole song. halt dunggu chichi
okee bis jz find ichs sehr langwilig wnl jaa iwie chan ich nüt demit ahfange, blame it on cain findi jz s erste wo ich no cool find aber au nöd meh ok alison sehr cute ok back to langwilig "I wanna know about the mistery dance" ich nöd hilfe lahn mich I'm not angry isch au nöd schlecht aber de refrain erinnered mich recht ah no more mr. nice guy vom alice cooper hahahah
His aim is true
Fun beachy rock and roll
Canciones favoritas: - Welcome to the Working Week - Alison - Watching the Detectives
no fue uno de mis favoritos, debe ser porque no me gusta mucho el punk, pero hubieron muchas joyitas que me gustaron: miracle man, alison, red shoes, mistery Dance, wfteotw.
Didn’t listen to the whole thing but a good debut, I think he gets better too. An artist I need a deep dive for
My definition of a perfectly average singer making average music, I don’t get why he shows up so often on this list
Just slightly inconsistent to pull it down from a 4. Cool stuff though
Ist okay
Another great Elvis album
Frische, lustige Musik!