My Aim Is True

if I heard this in a pub I wouldnt be mad

Going into this project, I didn’t care one way or another about Elvis Costello, but now I absolutely fucking hate this lame cunt.

Verbal Meme: Bernie Sanders staring at you Text: I am once again asking how many Elvis Costello albums are on this fucking list This actually isn't bad....way better than Brutal Youth and whatever the fuck else we had in the past month by him. Still like a 2.5 star album in my book. Would totes round up if this was the first album by Elvis and his crew on the list.

Music for old people. Cliche after cliche. I don't understand his appeal.

broooooo

liked miracle man and blame it on cain otherwise not me

album carino ma con canzoni ripetitive, non il mio ma da riascoltare più attentamente

no takie ok momentami wkurwiajace ale szybko mi przelecialo

benlik degil

not for me but alison is of course a banger

aburrido

it's music and i listened to it

This album sucked I don't know why it is listed in1001 albums not going to lie but I understand the significance of it.

L: 4 M: 6 F: 5 O: 5 (Note - relisten)

Not my thing. Even if its very well composed I still think that is very repetitive

Really trying to keep an open mind with this project. This wasn’t bad by any means but not something I would gravitate towards for casual listening. Decent production and a fun sound, just not for me.

Didn’t hate it but eh

Not keen. Lots of different genres that sound to me like ska, rockabilly and a bit punk like. Saw someone online describe it as "pub rock" which I think is a spot on description.

Fine but forgettable

Un poquito mejor que la mierda que venía escuchando. 4/10

Not crazy about this

не плохо, но ни о чем

Not my cup of tea.

Best album ever

I likes Alison, the rest of the album wasn't really for me.

Oh good, ANOTHER Elvis Costello "masterpiece" to suffer through. That's six albums now, if anyone is counting. I can hear the sad hipsters bristling as we speak: "There are only TWO Elvis Costello albums! The other four are Elvis Costello and the Attractions!" I don't care about your dumb technicalities. It's the same shitty music, the same shitty voice, the same shitty sound, the same shitty experience. It's shitty times six.

Was alright but nothing particularly stood out to me listening to this. Didn't love it or hate it. Not as good as some of his other stuff like She

This came out in 1977??? The same year as Rumors??? FOUR YEARS after The Dark Side of the Moon??? What was Elvis Costello doing between 1967 and 1977??? If you told me that this came out in 1957 I would believe you!!!! Anyway, its fine I guess, apparently Costello is known for his songwriting which I unfortunately cannot assess very well from a single listen, I'll have to listen more in the future I guess. Not really for me but not criminal 2.5/5

Second Elvis Costello album so far on the list. I liked the last one. Let’s see abt this one. Working week is fine. Pretty catchy. Simple background track. Definitely old. I like miracle man a lot more. Really good song writing. Good guitar. No dancing is fine. Again, definitely old. Cool harmonies. Good rhymes on blame it on Cain. Don’t really understand the song tho. Pretty good either way. Alison is a banger. Classic love song. Red shoes is pretty fun. Catchy but dumb lyrics. I can’t believe this is from 77, sounds like it should be 60s. I like less than zero a lot more. Really good guitar. Better lyrics too. Mystery dance is exactly what I expected an Elvis Costello song would sound like prior to listening to any. It’s fine, just generic. Really cool guitar on pay it back. I’m not angry is fine too. All of the songs are starting to blend together. He definitely has a good/unique voice. Again cool guitar on end of the world. This one is really well written. One of the best songs on the album. Way too much going on with watching the detectives. Not a huge fan of this one. Would’ve liked a better closing song. The album as a whole was not as good as the first Costello album for sure. It was just fine. 2.2 stars. Did not last the test of time.

The best way to describe Elvis Costello's music is irritating. This is probably the least irritating of his music so far, but wow I cannot stand him. Points for an album cover that goes this hard Best Song: No Dancing Rating: 4.5/10 Stars: 2

The first of 6 Elvis Costello records this list is making me endure. I hope they aren’t all like this.

Det her album var faktisk mit første med Elvis Costello (Ved en fejl dog) - nu har jeg altså fået nok af det sløsede pis!

Sigter godt, men rammer skidt

Beetje irritante plaat.

This is fine. Like Buddy Holly died and years later its good to pretend to be him. It's a fine ballad and light rock/swing. Like I enjoyed it, but its not an amazing album. If it came on I'd sway to it, but not listen to to it again.

look it wasnt bad but as i was listening i was thinking that i did not give a shit about this album. they all sounded the same. i did not find it interesting at all

Meh. It's good and fine.

Final thoughts: each track is aggressively okay-to-good altpop/new wave. and as I get further into the list, I'm realizing okay-to-good is not good enough. there's a finite amount of space on the 1001, ElvCos is well represented even without this, and it's simply a solid-at-best debut 3/5 personal enjoyment 1/5 whether or not it's necessary to hear this before I die ******************************************************************************* --Welcome to the Working Week...fun opener --Miracle Man...decent rocker but this could be from any pub band in America or across the pond --No Dancing...we open up the production a bit. Costello is in good voice --Blame It on Cain...a 50s/60s throwback. unlike the previous track, I don't buy the vocals here --Alison...not my thing --Sneaky Feelings...sweet bass groove. nice piano addition --(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes...not bad but a little aimless. like he wrote it 30 minutes before recording --Less Than Zero...this is far more deliberate. great chorus --Mystery Dance...a Big Bopper-style throwback. it's fun --Pay It Back...another solid but not special rocker --I'm Not Angry..."please don't put in the newspaper that I got angry". sick guitar solo at the end --Waiting for the End of the World...a head-bopper/toe-tapper. nice 'n' dirty drumming --Watching the Detectives (bonus track)...reggae stuff. meh

Grr this guy again

I like some of this, but it’s not as good as his later material with the Attractions, and as an album it’s all just a bit samey. 2.5

The album cover gave me a headache

meh

Jest okej, ale większość piosenek się od siebie nie różni 2,5/5

All songs sound the same, Whiney boy

Not really my cuppa

Fine but middling. Nothing really stood out to me from this album and I don't really remember any of the songs. Probably won't seek this out again. Why is his name also Elvis?

I honestly don't see the appeal of this album. Yes it has a very nervy and funky sound in a sense, but combining punk and pub-rock does not go well together. His voice and lyrics isn't really engaging in my opinion. Maybe if I was a grandpa, I'd have a different perspective on this. I wouldn't say this is hot trash to give it a 1 but it's close to borderline unbearable and I don't think I'll be listening to this album again. Very forgettable.

... They all sounded the same. Music was good.. idk his voice put me off I think he should have gone into country music.

Just annoying really

Not for me

This is really hokey for the punk image he was trying to present at the time. Despite this, there are some interesting chord progressions and memories contained within. I'm surprised this was a hit. I imagine it sounded antiquated to audiences at the time but maybe it felt nostalgic. Overall, it's fine.

I really dislike the voice and manner of singing, will not continue with this album

Welcome To The Working Week - 5/10 (It's this low because it's just a short intro song, but I'm getting heavy Billy Joel vibes from this so I'm excited) Miracle Man - 6/10 No Dancing - 6.5/10 Blame It On Cain - 5/10 (I'm gonna be honest, these songs aren't bad! But I feel bad giving them scores any higher than these because I'm really not enjoying this album THAAAT much at least so far? It's kind of just eh) Alison - 8.5/10 (Okay this song I really like actually this is a calm little tune) Sneaky Feelings - 7/10 (This one is really fun) (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes - 6.5/10 (This sounds like B list Billy Joel, like if I wanted this vibe I would never listen to this, I'd just put on Billy Joel, but again! Not that bad!) Less Than Zero - 6/10 (This whole album sounds the same so far, apart from Alison, which is probably why I like that song so much! I'm not a big fan of samey albums, which is ironic considering I gave Iron Maiden a 4/5 yesterday but THAT ALBUM WAS AT LEAST FUN!!) Mystery Dance - 7/10 (This sounds just like "Great Balls of Fire", like almost exactly, but I mean that's a great song and this one is pretty fun too! Too short tho!) Pay It Back - 6/10 I'm Not Angry - 7.5/10 (Actually sounds different compared to the rest of the album, gets bonus points for that!) Waiting For The End Of The World - 6/10 (Again, sonically different but eh I still dont care for it tooo much) Watching The Detectives - bored/10 (Man it's not bad but for such a short album I'm so numb already that I can't even think) This album was boring as hell and just worse sounding Billy Joel, like it's not bad, and from my song rankings it would probably be a higher score than this, but my actual score is what's at the end here, not so much the star rating. 2.5/5

Decent enough for a first album but it's not a knockout

More background music, next!

not my favorite, zoned out and didn't hear many lyrics

Neato

Wow, the third boring album in a row! Before I joined this project, I had only known Elvis Costello by name - so he must be kind of famous. Earlier on this journey, I reviewed an album of his from the 90s which didn't convince me either. However, the reasons are totally different, so he was probably great in the 80s... Before "My Aim Is True", Costello did his thing as a Singer-Songwriter and on this album he was equipped with a backing band - which as such is a good idea as he has an interesting voice but poor guitar playing skills (the latter I remember from his other record). Still, his voice is not at all times well embedded in the music, leaving the impression of a partnership of convenience. On the other hand, there are a few songs ("Alison", "...Red Shoes") where singer and band align better and give a glimpse of an actually promising and rising artist. As stated in the beginning: Elvis Costello might have been great in the 80s. If so, this still doesn't answer the question why they put his weaker albums on the list.

It's ok, a classic but not my favorite style.

Blame It On Cain, Mystery Dance, and I’m Not Angry were standout tracks for me, I liked them. Less Than Zero was also alright, but for the most part, the album was not that interesting to me. Probably a 3 ⭐️.

A song or two that I might listen to again but otherwise meh. Not that it was bad or anything - I know he’s incredibly respected for his music and contributions- but I just didn’t see anything special here.

Niet mijn ding, saai. Irritant, had geen zin om het af te luisteren. Te onintrsseant om er lang over te schrijven.

Ik weet niet zo goed wat ik over dit album moet zeggen, ik vond het vooral saai en oninteressant.

This is my second Costello album of the project(This Year's Model was first). Given that This Year's Model was incredibly mediocre, I didn't have high expectations for this. Even so, it didn't surpass them; it sounds like a worse, less punchy version of This Year's Model. Lyrics are just ok, and the vocal timbre of Costello really isn't good at all. It feels too basic and devoid of a distinct sound to really warrant being here at all. And if this, one of Costello's best works, isn't essential listening, then he sure as hell doesn't need six albums spanning three decades on this list.

Glad this came up so I can check off another one of the Elvis Costello off the list of the 6 albums on this list that I have to listen to, 2/6 now. I just don't like his voice, its mixed too loud within each track, like he's screaming at me. Its rare that I find a voice annoying honestly (unless its punk) but this guy just, idk, I don't like it. Because of this, I can't even hear the other instruments, which I'm sure are great! My aim is true with this 2/5 stars Elvis, how bout that.

Nah

i'm not really into this kind of rock

Better than the other album of his i listened to but not for me

I do not get the appeal.

Fairly standard Elvis Costello album. Love his voice and there are some catchy songs on this. Cant see myself going back for a full listen though

wasnt really for me but not the worst thing ever

De chlini Brüeder vom Elvis het me ned so mega abgholt mussi zuegeh. Chli brüeder hin oder her. Aber nice to be back Nedi! (und Noah und Basil und Karin und Leve und Vicki und Maya) Zwei welcome backs to that

Went for too long.

it was good but my god are these recommendations boring

Rating: 5/10 Short Review: I don't want to just call this a snooze fest because I think albums require more nuance than being called boring... however

Incredibly boring and monotone album. The album has no variety and feels like a never-ending nightmare.

Viby but not my usual

Don't care for this sort of music

The first one i think I wasted my time on (im out of order)

nice instrumentals, love the melody

not memorable to me :/ favorite tracks: no dancing sneaky feelings i’m not angry waiting for the end of the world

Some songs are okay-ish. But as soon as the singing starts I’m out.

Honestly wasn't a fan. Don't like Elvis Costello and this is the most Elvis Costello album that ever Elvis Costelloed.

Just was not the album for me!!

bleh. the bob dylan voice always kills me. but at least with bob dylan it's bob dylan

Not my vibe but not bad

Reading the bio, helps to understand the album and where it was inspired. The lyrics are clear to hear. Mix with Pop rock, early 60s rock. Lyrics are politcaly charge, and complaining about the work life, that is relatable even today some may say

Meh. Not my taste.

Not awful but if someone played this I would most likely judge them:/

Okay

Genuinely couldn’t sit through this Felt like a mind numbing time loop

Well it's either annoyingly immature within its own style, or I just don't get it, at all. At the time, I'd see potential in his voice, just not the songs. It feels so silly. Perhaps at a time it was revolutionary or refreshing, I don't know. His energy doesn't match what's going with the band, to me. It's like he's singing with a tape. Not sure what the direction of the music is, too.

why is the maker of this list obsessed with Costello?

If someone played a song here and told me this is Franz Ferdinand, I might've believed them before I listened to this. The good aspect is that this albums sounds a few decades ahead of its time, which is very impressive. The bad aspect is that it still sounds like generic try-hard pop. The name, the look, the singing, all come off to me as an attempt to craft a specific, marketable image. Call me old fashioned, but what I seek in music is authenticity, and this album and artist took a conscious choice to go the other direciton. I'll split the middle and say that in 2025 this is a listenable album, but not something to seek out or come back to.

This was tricky, some of this I enjoyed to the extent of a 3 but mostly found it 2 quality.

this album ranges from meh to actively annoying. props to the bassist though, especially on the closing track. 2 stars.

This was enjoyable enough. It has a nice live feel to it. Didn’t particularly rock my world, but it wasn’t bad.

This guy has good personality but his music doesn't drive me crazy.

I liked the track Less Than Zero. The rest was fine at best. This is a medium to light 2.

Repetitive meh.

Felt like I was listening to the same thing again and again. 2/5

Not my kind of music

”I mean, it’s fine, it sounds old… I don’t know much about music, what else was released in 1977?" -A friend reacting to this

Bruh

Very lucky to be assigned his debut as this is my first time listening to a full LP from this guy, and man he is talented. But it doesn't grab my attention at all because it doesn't feel like he does anything original. Didn't remember a single moment besides Watching the Detectives, but oh whoops turns out that's a bonus track!

Couldn't get into this one

Might be a classic but not really my style

Spent my entire music store career arguing about Elvis Costello with people. I think he’s the most overrated artist that musicians and people whose taste I respect truly admire. I think it’s boring, corny and derivative.

Meh

🤷🏻‍♂️

definition of alright

this was not the rockabilly dance music I was expecting. it was easy listening, Rod Stewart or something. it just faded into the background.

Boring. I’d heard Allison before. It was fine I guess

Oh what a surprise, another 70s rock album. Mediocre music that fits right in with the 70s. I'm sure this album had a major influence on life, universe and everything else - but I don't see it Track 13 is something to watch out for, detectives or not. For track 22, you indeed may call me. And yes, finally! In 25 we can hear a melody, and I know it is right 🧡

Mé

I wasn't familiar with this album or artist so I really didn't have a lot of expectations. I didn't hate it but i also didn't love it. I think there's much better from the time period. Some songs are bangers tho, I especially liked I'm not angry and the Devil shoes one.

No. I've heard enough Elvis Costello. This is a snooze fest. 2.5/5

Elvis Costello is someone I feel like I ought to like a lot more than I do, but his stuff mostly underwhelms. Too many tracks that sound like they would have been warmly received in the late 50s rather than the late 70s in particular. It just didn't do much for me.

This is bar music for sure

I think I like the idea of being a guy that likes Elvis Costello more than I like the music of Elvis Costello

More Costello. Fine the first time, but I didn't need another of his albums in my life. Boring, dragged on. Didn't appeal in any way really. Maybe good background music.

почему половина песен про то как ему изменяет девушка с богатым мужиком

Why is there so much Elvis Costello on this list

i think these ones are boring and kibda old for me

Another album by Elvis Costello. I hope he doesn't release too many more in this project. I'm not particularly fond of the music. I didn't listen to it very closely, but when I did, I noticed that I don't like Elvis's voice. 2/5

Some good, some mid, rangly jangly, I couldn't remember anything from this album and I just listened to it

I also enjoy gin and cocaine!

Ikke helt min greie, men var helt ok.

Technically sound but it wasn't for me.

Dårlig å kalle seg Elvis når man ikke er Elvis

Greit nok det her, kan se for meg at det var ganske fett i 1977. Hørt i dag så blir det ikke så spesielt, men plager meg ikke liksom. 2/5

Sikkert nyskapende for sin tid, men nå var det litt kjedelig

A couple of well known songs to enjoy, and Elvis is creative and highly productive, with elements of Pop and Punk and Country and Rock but I don't hugely enjoy it, and making me listen to 5283278930 of his albums in this book isn't going to change that.

Rather boring.

I always thought it was a weird coincidence that there was a second Elvis that got famous making music, but learning that he just started going by Elvis because there already was a famous Elvis makes Costello's music make much more sense. Nothing here is bad, and the album is a pretty good listen, but nothing is particularly interesting or unique either.

I think it’s official. I’m just not an Elvis Costello guy. This dude could be singing the greatest song of all time and I’d hate it- I can’t get past his voice. He sounds like a cartoon dog. His voice would probably work better if his songs were less Pop. But they are not. I actually enjoy the backing band. But like I said- I can’t get past the voice. TWO STARS

2,5/5 Some songs were nice, others a bit bland to my taste. I was a bit bored of him repeating the same line over and over again at the end of multiple songs until the song faded. It was just repetitive to me. I was pleasantly surprised by 'blame it on cain'. I discovered the storyline of Abel and Cain from the bible. I'm not religious but am interested how people interpret different lessons from these stories. over-all I had some vibes but it wasn't my cup of tea. favorites: Alison, Watching The Detectives and (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes.

I hate to be down on somebody’s body of work - but just not my thing. For me lacks complexity and not music that I can find an occasion for where I may be able to warm to it more.

Try as I may, I've never been able to give a shit about Costello

2.5 - Meh

I have never disliked Elvis Costello- it’s just not something I would listen to on purpose.

Meh. Watching the Detectives was okay.

never much liked his stuff. Alison and Watching the detectives are the hits, very different songs but heard them a lot. I actually like The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes. but a lot of the album was very samey. like Van Morrison at 128BPM with an offset guitar,

Interesting.

kinda boop, but probably wont go back

I've always heard about Elvis Costello, but had never listened to him. This was okay, but I'm not sure why it's vital or how it spawned his career...?

Elvis, you are no Elvis! But you try on some songs. You also try to be a bluesman, a punker. Makes me wonder, can you just be you? Feels like a cover artist with original material, but still trying to sound like others. IT doesn't work for me. Not horrible, but I might change the station if it came on the radio. 2.25 rounded down to 2.

I've listened to several albums now, and I still don't like Elvis Costello.

There’s just something so corny about Costello that I can’t really get over. I disliked the entire album except for the last two songs. Maybe it’s the genre hop to ska that sold me on Watching the Detectives but I actually enjoyed that song and felt like his style and guitar playing worked better in that space. It felt less preachy and less showboaty. I think my reoccurring issue with him is that it feels like he’s trying so hard to be hip and cool and deep at the same time. A lot of people are cool because they put it all out there and don’t care what people think, and some people are cool because they out none of it out there because they care what people think. He both cares what others think and puts it all out there, and I think it’s just a corny combination. When he tries less I like him more. He wants to be Billy Joel and Bob Dylan at the same time but isn’t being the charm of either.

I think Alison is a good song, I’m just sick of Elvis Costello at this point. What is the point of a solo project when it doesn’t sound any different from the band? Please tell me there’s only five of his appearances on this list.

Yep. That's more Elvis Costello.

Some good songs

1 y I know. Alison, the rest ehhhh

Alright album, nothing stood out. Felt like a classic rock album my dad would play, but no bangers.

This guy made a career out of writing and recording slop that all sounds almost identical to the rest of his discography, and hacks like Colin Larkin (author of the 1001 Albums book) looked glisteningly into the trough. "Eat up, little piggy, and I may just bless you with some more Britpop", Colin says to us.

I don't know it didn't speak to me

Not for me.

Ehhh it's pretty dorky but some of the tracks have a fun rockabilly sound

I don't like being so reductive but... Sad boomer music.

It’s ok

Gear: ZMF Bokeh Artwork: ♟️🟨😵‍💫 Production: 🙄🤔🤷 Music: 🎸🤠🧸 Rating: 🪑(🪑)/5

This album makes me wonder if the list really needed to be over 1000 albums long. 1,5

#664. I looked, and it seems there are 6 of his albums on this list. So now that I've listened to this sixth and last of his albums here, I can go back to never listening to Elvis Costello ever again. Which I am thankful for. 2/5: nope

When did Elvis 2 drop?

Quite revolutionary for that time, a pleasant listening 2/5

I was kinda disappointed when it’s this album. Or maybe it’s just how I feel about Costello in general, I’m always just alittle underwhelmed. I don’t love his voice but I do love that he essentially just rights old school rock n roll. But he doesn’t quite have the pipes to make the music pop and explode like it should. But I will say I do love this album instrumentally. The old RnR sound is super nostalgic for me but it kinda just makes me want to listen to other bands as opposed to more of his music. That being said the diamond in the rough for this album is “mystery dance”. The song is super silly and that makes it really endearing to me, as well as being the only song I saved off the album. Make of that what you will.

Haven't heard this album before. Second album I've ever heard from Costello and I'm convinced he's incapable of creating engaging music. He's like if somebody gave Billy Joel a guitar instead of a piano and took away all his creative variety. Most songs on this album sound nearly identical 2/5

Overrated. His next album is better.

Found the vocals annoying

Für mich ein normales Rock-Album aus den 70ern. Klingt ok, aber nicht besonders aufregend. 2/5

I think this means I'm finally coming to the end of the Elvis Costello tunnel. I'm honestly so sick of this man. There's 3 good songs on here IMO: Alison, Less Than Zero, and Watching the Detectives. The rest is painfully mid.

Costello holds high stature in many circles, and many artists and friends whose opinions I respect love him. Not for me.

Habil singer-songwriter, några bra spår (no dance och Alison) , men fastnar mest i pastish-land. Många låtar kopia av andras hits, inte tillräcklig egen identitet och POV. Han är inte heller en jättebra sångare. Bruksmusik och bagatell. Lyssna på albumet igen: Nej Bästa spår: No dance Betyg: 4 av 10

I did not know, what to expect, knowing only Elvis‘ recent music. It is classic Rock and Roll, some Soul and RnB and sometimes it sounds like it was written for TV sitcoms. Fav: Welcome to the working week

I don't know what I disliked more, looking at the album cover or listening to the actual music. At least it was quick. Ultimately, Costello tries to blend a bunch of different rock styles and wrap it in faux punk anger/angst which matches his fake blended image.

I enjoyed this a bit more than I was expecting, just felt a bit one dimensional for me.

A couple songs were fine, but overall a bit boring.

I realise this may not be the most popular opinion but I have to speak my truth: I find Elvis Costello’s voice unbearable.

Yeah it was alright.

Nearly every song sounds like a sitcom theme.

pretty boring, besides like 2 of the tracks. 5/10

Elvis Costello's debut album "My Aim is True" is an average example from the decade. Drawing clear inspiration from his original namesake, the album's sound is reminiscent of American rock from years prior retuned to fit the up and coming punk rock scene. While influential, the album suffers from poor mixing, lending the tracks muddy vocals and robbing much of the 'oomph' the music could have. This causes the listening experience of the album to be somewhat dull, with a few standout tracks, particularly the single "Alison".

Classic Americana rock. Sounds familiar and foreign, almost run of the mill. Unsure why it's special, but it's definitely special to someone.

Užasno neimpresivno u svakom pogledu.

Ei ollut Elvistä mutta ei kovin kaukanakaan, ajoittain. Menevää rokkimusiikkia, olikohan huumori otteella.

This is too british. Red shoes, swastika tattoo, eye-gouge worthy cover. Just british things, I find them really annoying. Couldn't care about the music

still dont like this guy

An agreeable enough time. Pub rock not of the leaden variety, but this is unlikely to be one that I'd be itching to return to. A tad rudimentary for me by current standards, and perhaps a bit too carefree and joyful sonically for my largely grubby tastes, although one where I can understand the appeal it would have harboured.

Not really my vibe genre wise. Love the cover art though.

good! only chose a few songs that spoke to me

Despicable antisemitic

Evlis costello is definitely not my jam

Couldn't make it through the album

it's ok

Zuhause, Heidenheim, Deutschland Vorher noch nie bewusst gehört, haut mich jetzt auch nicht vom Hocker.

Sounds like all the bands my friends were in during high school.

This a pretty flat 2 star album. All the songs were very palatable and very similar to each each other in style. But no true great standout songs. Great back ground music for a book store or coffee shop.

Impressions of this on my first listen, especially knowing this came out in '77 and there were people doing similar things at much higher caliber, like Billy Joel, I am fairly underwhelmed. I understand this album is a home-grown indie blue collar effort. I can see the rockabilly appeal, Mystery Dance is a bit of a heater. Alison is a banger too. I just cannot get behind the geekiness here, the cadence, the accenting. Nope. I can see the appeal and the charm of a record like this; I am just very glad we have evolved from this. The cover might be vaguely punkish too but it is one cluster fuck of an eyesore. Saying 'I'm Not Angry" in an angry voice is maybe not as cool as it was in 77. Awkward lyrics too, I mean I get that was the vibes but yeah. Just not on board for the majority of this one. Ending the album with a dub track is a g move though, wish there was a lot more of that on this album.

I thought it was a fun, feel good album but I found it kind of boring and I didn’t really connect with it when I heard it. It could just be because I wasn’t in the right mood.

In a bad mood rn

Little annoying, isnt?

This is the third Elvis Costello on this list? Geez... I had a hard time getting through this one with any sort of enthusiasm. It sounded like I had heard it before, and I had no desire to hear it again. I found myself getting annoyed by his voice. This is a 2 from me.

Less Than Zero is a decent alt/rock that I recognize. Most of this album is pretty boring, slower paced alt/rock. I'm Not Angry is pretty good. I could see Weezer being influenced by this. Pretty meh album, decent study music.

Ei omaan makuun

I think that this album was decent. I didn't like the washed-out, tinny vocals. I had to listen to this album a couple, too many times, because it felt like most of the tracks sounded the same. This album didn't appeal to me, but I can see how it would for others. Favourite Track(s): Sneaky Feelings, Mystery Dance Least Favourite Track(s): Pay It Back

Only 1 more Costello album Rating: 2.0

Ainakaan tässä ei ollu ”genrekokeiluja” vaan pysyttiin rockissa (johon lasken sen vikan reggaehkon, tän levyn ilmestyessä elettiin sitä aikaa… sen biisin ois kyllä voinut jättää välistä). Ihan kelpo. Jopa kivoja tarinoita. Miksi tämä tosin on merkittävä levy? Antoi varmaan pohjan Costellon menestykselle. Vois olla kolmonen, jos seuraavana päivänä kuuntelusta yhä muistaisin jonkin biisin.

Hänen prioriteettinsa on saada musaa nauhalle, mikä onnistuu, koska hän on sisäistänyt rock-genren formaalissa mielessä paremmin kuin melkein kukaan muu. Hän ei kuitenkaan odottele inspiraatiota, minkä vuoksi parhaatkin biisit, kuten Welcome to the Working Week ja Blame It on Cain, säilyttävät todellisen kiinnostavuutensa yleensä vain 2/3 kestostaan.

2/5 takie se nic ciekaewgo

This sounds like something I would like if I were my current age in 1977. To current current age me, it’s sounds like a multi-layered throwback… 50s music from the 70s. I like music from both decades, but this seems to combine the types I don’t like from each… 50s white guys in suits rockabilly with flat 70s new wave production. The Wikipedia article describes exactly what this reminds me of… a data entry clerk writing rock music.

Idk if it was the day or this just isn't for me at all. Didn't finish the last track or so.

This might be the most vanilla, peanut butter & jelly, tasteless album I've ever heard. Every song is just too easy and no risks were taken. There's nothing wrong with the music it's just boring and not worth listening to.

more Elvis Costello. Dammit. I don't care if it's his best album (if it is)- I do not like the guy. at all. I'll try it- briefly. If it isn't as dominated by low-grade keyboards as the last one maybe it'll be tolerable.... Ok, I listened to the first five tracks. It sounds decent this time, but I DO NOT like his vocals or inflection or phrasing or something. This music is not for me. It’s for the classic rock loving drunken thick necks that I grew up around.

Taka 2/5. Może lecieć w tle przy sprzątaniu. Nie będzie przeszkadzać.

i've recently read a book where elvis costello was mentioned several times and that made me (almost!!) curious to look him up: luckily for the me of a couple of months ago, i was lazy enough at the time not to do it, cause this album mmmh… was not it 2-/5 🏁

Pomalo smiješan album. Onako djetinjast. Mogu ga zamisliti na nekom sprdačina partiju 😂 ali više od toga ne mogu ovo ozbiljno ocijeniti. 2/5, 4/10.

Really annoying voice. Didn't care for.

Elvis Costello, the king of the average album!

Cover kinda hurts my eyes, but it’s distinct— I think it’s good! 1 Ergh okay really not my thing, just a pop song dressed up by tepid punk aesthetic and a least common denominator bit of anti-capitalism. That clap sound affect is particularly heinous 2 This has a bit more personality, drum and guitar have a bit more room to roam and the vocals are way more interesting. Kinda annoying lyrically, but the band just seems to be having more fun here. Fade-out seems like a cop out from having to actually end the song though 3 Recording’s a little lofi, gives it a nice little fuzz and crackle, I don’t hate it in the context. I think this just isn’t for me, though, like it’s decent pop, but it seems to suggest some rock edge that doesn’t actually exist? Like the vocals are passionate, but I just don’t buy the whole package as a whole is actually invested the way it seems to want me to think it is. I worry this is just me calling something formulaic because I’ve heard it before, when in reality it was actually watershed— like, I will say it’s an impressive debut? 4 But nah, this is just watered down blues. Vocals are still the best thing but everything else feels flat. I like the guitar tone but it all feels undermined by the stubborn pop sensibility. 5 Predictable sequencing to slow it down here, but I’ll allow it because it’s well done. More space in the instrumental means I have more room to enjoy the really impressive vocal performance, and I’m more emotionally invested in the lyrical content too. Guitar noodling is a little aimless, but the cool keys feel me back in. Feels like the fade-out here is a choice rather than a compromise. Could see Wilco/Jeff Tweedy doing a cool cover of this song. 6 Back to this pseudo honky tonk bullshit. Am I just in a cynical mood? Would I enjoy this rag piano more if it was a sunny day? The occasional clipping and insistent pingy ride reassures me that it probably doesn’t matter. 7 Obnoxious radio title is obnoxious, but this is the most I buy this pop-rock fusion thing. Specific, memorable lyrics with a more distinct psychedelic tone to the guitar. Fave song so far, o think, but three songs in a row that end with this fade-out as lyrics are repeated thing is really straining the album experience 8 Good god how were these drums recorded?! Intro has full on cuts, much less clips. This song sounds like shit and after the very competent and pleasing makeup of the last track, there’s no excuse. Sonic edge can work when you have something to be edgy about, and the lyrics do their part— the verses are legitimately interesting and feel like they have something to say. I just feel it’s undercut by a cloying hook and another goddamned fade-out. It feels formulaic, and consequently insincere— which sucks, because there’s a world in which this song works really well. 9 You’re kidding me, dude. Just because your name is Elvis doesn’t mean you have to whore yourself out to this sound. Nah ok I’m being an asshole, this song deserves a look on its own merits: the tempo is ever so slightly bumped up from the usual, and in tandem with the pointed vocals, there’s little bit of something punk here that feels interesting. Good god though, the mic clips every prechorus and the fade-out is cheaper than ever. Just end the fucking song you cowards! Not nearly punk enough to justify a 1:37 runtime, it’s just lazy. 10 Nondescript lyrics, but I they’re really well metered here, and the prechorus has a really interesting set of chords. Bass feels very competent throughout this album, and has a couple moments in the mix of this track in particular that prove it. This GODdamned FADE-OUT god FUCK it’s so DUMB. Okok this song was one of my faves though. 11 I could see someone who fucks with this sound more than I do feeling like this is a fun track, but I’m just not having enough fun to justify this kinda tone. “I’ve got this camera… / … smiling with your legs” are two really great lines sung really goddamned well. Hrm okay contrary to my prior assertion, I’m having fun. Twinkly guitar is nice, electric guitar rips, vocals are stupendous. Drums are good. Fade-out feels a little more patient this time at least— just hate this trend. 12 Really really like the lyrics on this, hook might be a little cheesey but the whole package has Allen Ginsberg vibes in a great way. Do I have to say it?— another fade-out. 13 Dude, what? Last track with a legit reggae vibe? Gotta be pretty forward thinking for the early 70s. His voice over this works, even if the actual makeup of the instrumental feels a little goofy. Kinda pouty. Might wear thin Second half of the album def came through with more personality, still inconsistent overall

Not for me, if I had to chose a highlight: "I'm not angry".

Not a fan

This album feels like punk-rock for the conservative and nerdy crowd, a safe dip of the toe into the world of rebels and riots. Punk-rock straight from the church juke box. Standouts; Miracle Man and Less than Zero

Seriously did Elvis Costello put this list together himself?

Such a bland album. It was ok, and it was an interesting blend of styles to put on a single album, but nothing jumps out.

SUCKED

Enjoyable listen but I wouldn’t do it again I think

Me no like. His music does absolutely nothing for me.

Think I must be at least now halfway through the Elvis Costello marathon part of this process. So the end is in site which I hope includes is best work Armed Forces. I like just one track on this album Alison. Which wasn’t enough to convince me to buy it at the time despite all the chatter in the music press that it was the best thing ever. Hasn’t improved with age. 2/5 19/3/25

Albumi #180, 19.03.2025 Elvis Costellon debyyttialbumi julkaistiin vuonna 1977. Aika perusmeininkiä. Ehkä vähän liian perus.

24/1001 I don't know many people who claim to like Elvis Costello - well, I don't know any at all to be more accurate. I like him. Quite a lot, actually, but here's the thing, I'm not sure how I'd go about recommending him to a friend, but if I did it would not be with this album. So, presuming he will appear on this list again, giving me more chance to enthuse about the one-time Mr Declan MacManus in a better context, all I need to say is that this debut - while loved by critics - is pretty underwhelming. While Costello's trademark vocal venom is present from the off, the wit and musical nous is not yet fully formed. Session band Clover pull it off on opener Welcome To The Working Week, and the guitar ornamentation throughout Alison is tasteful within the context of a single I have always had a soft spot for. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes is passable, but beyond that My Aim Is True reveals only brief flashes of Costello's genius. The problem is everything is played dead straight - this is mostly rock 'n' roll, MOR AOR trying to cosplay as new wave and rarely in a convincing way. Later editions benefit vastly from the addition of Watching The Detectives.

Troisième album de EC proposé par le générateur. Toujours rien d'intéressant en vue, cet album propose un rock très basique sans aucune originalité (mais pas désagréable), comme les 2 précédents. Incompréhensible qu'il ait 6 albums dans la liste ... plus que 3 en ce qui me concerne. =>2/5

Toujours pas le bon Elvis

What special torture is this. MORE Elvis Costello?? The one blessing is that it means one less to go I suppose. Albumfest has introduced me to many new artists to love - and also this guy to hate. We start with an ode to capitalism and while it is Monday here, this didn't exactly get me raring to go. idk what it is that makes me so angry about this mediocre white guy and his guitar but so help me I could not care less about his red shoes. Probably the most palatable of the lot so far but I am too aggravated at getting Elvis Costello again to be appeased. I even consulted my parents to ask what the deal was. They also don't know why he's on this list

Pretty average

His voice annoys me so much

nix besonderes, wird nicht besser mit mehr Alben

Hrrrm. Only ever knew that one big Elvis Costello song prior to this - never loved that one, and don’t really love this. Feels like he’s filling a boomer-sized hole long left vacant by Buddy Holly and soon-to-be-recently left vacant by The King (who died basically right after this album released, coincidence???) and while I love both of *them*… this nostalgia fuel is… not my thing. Highlight: The melody in Alison’s chorus when he goes “Alisooooon, I know- this world- is kill-ing you.” I like the way it sounds.

Really not sure what I make of this. Feels quite backwards looking for a 70s rock record. Some decent tracks scattered across it (such as 'Waiting for the End of the World') but doesn't feel like its really deserving of a spot on this list outside of being Costello's debut

Some songs would be okay songs if his voice was even remotely listenable. Some songs are horrific AND he sounds bad

Шляпа какая-то, не нравится

Perhaps the most tolerable Elvis Costello album? Not a ringing endorsement by any means. Still not a fan.

was nice

go girl give us nothing

Deze deed me niks

"Blame It On Cain" was the first song I cared about. I was not impressed by the previous ones, which made me wonder why this album is even here (it is not bad, but it's not remarkable either). Sounds like a mix of Ween and Billy Joel. "Alison" is pretty. "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" was fun, kind of groovy. The vocals in "Less Than Zero" annoyed me a bit. "Mystery Dance" was way too Elvis-y; I don't think it fit. Also that ending was whack. "Pay It Back" is fun and groovy too, but a bit too 'silly'. "I'm Not Angry" is probably the best song so far. I like the epic rock style (with the synth and the whispers), I think it fits the silliness better—it's not so much out there. "Waiting For The End Of The World" is sick, especially the clav and the drums. "Watching The Detectives" was fine, but a weird way to end the album [?]. Overall, even though I see how this could have been influential or popular at the time, most of the songs sounded quite boring, dated and forgettable. I wouldn't mind listening to it, but I also don't want to listen to it again—honestly could've died without this one. Maybe the best songs could become guilty pleasures, but probably nothing more than that. "one of the best debut albums in music history" ?!

Pretty average sounding album with some heavy 50's / rockabilly influence. Also, why do like half of these tracks end with the fade-out-to-silence? Feels like lazy songwriting.

Unmemorable. The opposite of love isn't hatred, but indifference. Pay It Back was the strongest of the set, but bloodless nevertheless.

Just not a fan of this.

You can tell this is the in-between of like 50s rock and the later 80s/90s rock. Sounds like it should be from the early 60s rather than the 70s imo. 2

Welcome to the working week ... like he has non-working weeks? Can't compute. Also does anyone else think this guy sounds like he really wants to be cool but is kinda a loser? 2

Meh. I would have felt different if I first heard it in the 70's, though. I can understand how it was important to the scene back then.

I respect Elvis Costello as an artist and I respect anyone who enjoys his music however I personally do not like his stuff. His vocals just kinda annoy me I don't know. Upon relistening to this album my opinion on it remained consistent. I think it's easy enough to sit through thanks to how short it is and some of the songs like "Alison" are alright. This is about as positive as I can feel for an Elvis Costello album. I just realized that Costello has 6 albums on this list which is just wild to me... I feel like 2 or 3 would've been fine but 6?? I better mentally prepare myself for listening to that much Elvis Costello music. Favorite track: Alison

A lot of Elvis Costello on this list and I can’t pretend I’m getting any fonder of his voice There’s some well constructed songs but I cannot see myself wanting to revisit any of them

Rock and roll with a lot of older influences. Wasn’t bad but not really my thing.

¿Cuántos álbumes de Elvis Costello hay en esta lista?¿Todos? Este debe ser el tercero o cuarto que escucho. Empieza bien "Welcome to the working week". Fin. Otro que me aburre, suena bien, se deja escuchar, pero nada especial al menos para mí y en 2025.

Sounds very skilled but not really interesting. Like Fleetwood mac b sides and throwback rock and roll

Well, if Elvis Costello’s My Aim is True was truly aiming for something, it sure missed the mark with me. I’m beginning to suspect that the only thing true all these Elvis Costello Albums on this list is to test my patience to its limits. In conclusion, if you’re looking for an album that will both make you ponder the meaning of life and drive you to question your life choices, then My Aim is True is a fine choice. For the rest of us, it’s like attending a party where everyone’s too cool to have fun, and you’re left wondering why you didn’t just stay home.

4/10

Elvis Costello is an acquired taste that I have not yet acquired. Watching the Detectives was decent though.

consistently the worst fucker on this list. screw you elvis, see you later for your next 1-2/5

Solid album. Not a huge fan of the genre but it's easily palitable for the ears.

Didn't do anything for me. I'm sure it's well written and musically sound. But it was all just very forgettable to me.

The more I have listened to Elvis Castello the more it seems he tried to be Bruce Springsteen. The songwriting is there but the song quality has always been lacking.

I didn’t like any of this.

How is this guy more popular than Joe Jackson? It’s that same new wave pop style, just nowhere near as good. It’s not really a bad album per se, but I didn’t find it particularly inspiring. I think my main complaint is that I don’t really care for Elvis Costellos voice. He’s a pretty good lyricist, the music is well written, the instrumentation is perfectly fine, but nothing here blows me away. There’s feeling, but it only ever feels skin deep. I guess that perceived shallowness is my second main complaint. Not something I really care to listen to again. 2*.

So many Elvis Costello albums on this list lol. I struggle to see the appeal really

His aim is low

No me gusta demasiado rockabilly

Aim might be true, but this record is boring.

Not much that really connected on this one. Too much Costello on this list as it is too

lots of songs that all kind of sound the same . Im sure there’s some better elvis costello out there, but i don't know what it is yet. 1.5

Ahh. We’ve had some time apart, but he’s back again. I really did try to be open-minded, but this was the same old Elvis Costello schtick, and it just doesn’t do anything for me.

He's so painfully mediocre and has so many albums on this list that just don't deserve to be here I just do not get it

I wasn't really impressed, I listened in the car, maybe I missed some details because of that.

I like Elvis Costello and I like his voice and style but it turns out not enough for a whole album. For me it didn’t flow that well. Alison and Watching the Detectives (the hits) stood out.

Elvis Costello welcoming us to a somewhat dreary and cold Monday working week. What a brilliant opener. It wasn't for me. Couldn't place it well and it all sounded a bit crispy to me. His slower stuff is quite nice.

aou aou aou what a terrible performance! I wanted to live the show early! 2

Just like all his other stuff but don't find it too interesting, feels like he has 1 or 2 songs on an album that are really nice and then lots of fillers which are very forgettable

My first Elvis Costello album and I happen to know he has a few on this list. I just hope his other efforts are better than his debut. It came out in 1977 so it's nothing particularly groundbreaking for the time. This album is just incredibly okay. Not unpleasant to the ears. Consistent, yes, but only consistently tolerable. He has a very distinct voice and the music is playful enough to get along with. I most likely won't revisit this one or go out of my way to stick it on, but I wouldn't turn it off if it came on. Nothing special whatsoever.

Well to be honest, I expected better. Whether I would feel differently if I had heard the whole album at the time I don't know, but hearing it now it just doesn't have the 'je ne se pas' of his early singles, and 'Watching The Detectives' seems almost out of place. I'm a big fan of his early singles, but this is decidedly ordinary. Just a 2.

Still sounds fresh and energetic. Two singles are good but is the rest bordering on filler. I'm undecided and it doesn't interest me enough to work it out.

This album was a lot less annoying than This Year's Model and I enjoyed some of the tracks. Still not really my thing though, mainly due to his vocals.

Not my jam

Didn’t really hit for me

It was certainly fine, but nothing grabbed my attention.

I like Elvis Costello when he's curating songs. I'm not a fan of his rock n roll/rhythm and blues/honky tonk stuff. Alison and My Aim is True are stand out songs for me from this album. The only one I really liked and didn't know was 'waiting for the end'. Sounds very Graham Parker.

Some people love this guy, I'm not a superfan, but can listen to him every now and then. I wouldn't go out of my way to add him to a playlist.

Kind of boring

This is probably his “best” album. But he just can’t help himself to be annoying AF.

Average

All the EC albums are the same. You want to love them, but the album is not lovable.

Not sure who's got a boner for Elvis Costello, but it sure isn't me. This is the fifth album by him and I really wish someone would explain to me why this, which all sounds roughly the same, is great.

Es gibt einzelne Lieder insgesamt von Elvis Costello, die ich sehr schätze. Ein ganzes Album war bis jetzt noch nicht dabei. Und schade, das änderte auch dieses Album nicht.

Not exactly my thing

Although I don't mind Elvis Costello, not an out and out fan, I listened to this from beginning to end. It went on and on, way too long to put on as one continuous listen.

Something about this dork really grinds my gears. Even the way he’s standing on the album cover. Idk it was fine I guess but the whiny-ness of is voice is a bit grating. Alison is kind of an ear worm though

nahhhhhh

Ok

Musically this is fine, but man I can't stand Elvis Costello for some reason.i dunno I guess he's just lame. 2/10 Bland.

Nice bouncy album but most tracks v similar welcome to the working week classic tune