My Aim Is True

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.

Something about Elvis Costello just doesn't gel with me. I respect him enough as a musician and seems like a stand up person but his music is mostly very lifeless feeling. This record I will say is better than any of the records with the attractions that I've listened to. Allison is an amazing song. Welcome to the working week is fun albeit very jaunty and short.

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

2.5

Not bad, kinda weird.

I don't have any prior familiarity with Costello. Gave this one a few listens and it was okay. Nothing incredible but I do think a few songs could grow on me.

a bit annoyin

meh

My second Elvis Costello album and it may already be wearing thin. Nothing on here that makes me want to go back to it and struggling to find a standout track.

Not great, but still better than Presley.

idk

Just not a fan of Costello. Have a hard time maintaining my attention for him and his music.

- okay, aber irgendwie hat für mich nichts herausgestochen -

Até parece um pop bem feito, mas é muito carregado da sensação de ser massante.

Very sloppy performance and production. No memorable songs. At least there’s a nice energy behind it.

Noteworthy songs - 808080808 Magical Dream - Kinda catchy synth, but the rest is bland. Ancodia - Good background noise. Cobra Bora - Actually kind of cool, reminds me of Bomberman Hero. Pacific 202 - N64 vibes, but melody isn't great. Donkey Doctor - Nothing too special, weird ending. 808080808 - Really cool beginning. A little slow in the middle but stays interesting enough. Sunrise - Nothing remarkable. The Fat Shadow - Eerie. Very short.

It's a nice album, not my style but its good.

Meh

Didn’t really capture my attention

Allison but that's about it. Didn't really like it.

Really didn't care for this. Not bad, just not my thing. I could have lived a hundred lifetimes without listening to a single one of these songs and not miss them. Favorite track: "Mystery Dance." Also, I was tempted to take off a Star because of the illegibility of the album art.

I just listened to Armed Forces (Elvis w/ The Attractions) a couple weeks ago and enjoyed it so much more than this. I'd be willing to give this another go, but first impression was underwhelming.

One of those people where I perceive they're held in high regard - and I absolutely can't connect to what they're doing. It's pleasant enough, but it doesn't stand out to me in any way.

Nope.

There's a strange vibe around women here. It's hard to pinpoint exactly where the feeling creeps in while listening to the album. Maybe it was the time? Overall, it has a fun sound, and the songs are interesting.

I don’t like this kind of Elvis Costello

Strong debut album. The songs were generally okay. I found them a bit boring to be frank.

Springsteen's silly younger brother. Huey's dad. I don't know. It's fine. Ed Debevics is a fun concept, but stick those characters next to real actors, or better yet, real personalities, and they shrink quick.

Not feeling it

Hmm, It didn't really capture my interest. It's highly rated but I don't see the appeal...for me at least.

bland! two crackers but the rest just did Not strike any love in my heart

Pretty boring.

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

Got bored quickly. Appreciate the songwriting but it’s not my speed. Alison is still great though.

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

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

Not my type of music

I'm not a fan. Feels like old old rock, but is only the 70's Will I listen to again: 1%

This was disappointing. It felt like every song was ALMOST a good song. I really don't like how he over annunciates everything.

Eclectic mix of styles with this album

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.

I am as out on Elvis Costello as he is in on himself. 1.5/5

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’).

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

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.

I just don’t like his voice.

Wow, got two of his albums back to back. Same issue, could not handle the voice. Could not finish 2/5

It's musically solid and the lyrics are good but nothing stands out as iconic. Just a meh album.

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".

Found it really hard to get through. Very much of an era (maybe partially defining that era). But Allison is the only great song.

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.

Wow that was boring!

So bland that I almost couldn't finish the album.

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.

Not sure if I enjoyed this style

Ну, пора ебнуть балтику 5/10

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.)

Nicht mein Fall und musikalisch sehr monoton

Fine.

🤷 Feels like a 2.75. I'm rounding down because there is way too damn much of this dude on the damn list.

I’m going to say that claim is false, Elvis; this one missed the mark.

2.5/5

una verga

Reminder of why I was never a fan.

Not my type of music.

No doubting Costello could write a hook but this is rock n roll by numbers that leaves me cold.

bore me to tears

Not my thang

not my cup of tea

Six? Six, Elvis Costello albums. Why? It was alright. It wasn't the best. Relatively short but no need to listen to it again.

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

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

My definition of a perfectly average singer making average music, I don’t get why he shows up so often on this list

This is fine rock music, I guess. He has this inflection in his voice that's part Presley, part Buddy Holly, part Billy Joel that kind of bugs me. I was surprised when I checked the critical reviews of this album after my listen and saw rapturous praise. This is so middle-of-the-road to me that I feel like a traffic circle. I will say that I think he's a good lyricist. I wish he was easier to understand when he sang.

Mehhhh. At least it doesn't drag on. Nothing really special about this record to be honest.

Nascent but same as he’d ever be.

он ненастоящий!

mid

Not a big fan.

I didn’t like this guy’s voice on the last album. That hasn’t changed. It was only slightly better than the last one I listened to. 3/10

Not for me

Less interesting than I expected. The vocals and instrumental stuff isn't awful but nothing grabbed me in any direction.

Elvis Costello has seemingly always been around. His music is okay, it can be listened to. It always felt that I was "supposed" to like him based on the recommendations from the experts and others, but I never really cared for his music.

Not too bad, but it started to get on my nerves after a while, and a lot of it felt too similar to me

Medium

Not Minecraft music

I know I'm supposed to love Costello but he's never clicked for me. Maybe if I had given him a more serious try when I was younger it might have happened, who knows. Regardless, this album is fine I guess but didn't convert me.

Less offensive than I expected.

Generic album, hope the rest are better

eh, not my cup of tea

Alison is a classic the rest is okay. very lyrical but tries to cram too many words in.

eh, not that into it

Not my favorite.

I never found Elvis Costello’s music to be that exciting. On his debut album he has a few songs that are a bit mainstream and poppy. To me he just plays into the Elvis thing and tries to do a modern hipster twist that falls flat. This album was fine but aside from Allison I won’t listen to the rest much. 5.5/10

I hope this is the last Elvis Costello album. There's too many of them on the 1001 album list. They're all so mediocre and I don't get why more than one needs to be included.

There was a few okay songs but Elvis Costello is either okay or nope for me.

The music was fine but I was just bored and nothing stuck with me

C Welcome to the Working Week - 3 Miracle Man - 2 No Dancing - 3 Blame It On Cain - 2 Alison - 3 Sneaky Feelings - 2 (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes - 2 Less Than Zero - 3 Mystery Dance - 2 Pay It Back - 2 I’m Not Angry - 4 Waiting for the End of the World - 2 Watching the Detectives - 4 Fun Fact: This is Peyton Sawyer's birth mother's favorite album. Oh, actually, maybe it's Peyton's. No, I'm pretty sure it's her birth mother's. UPDATE: It's Peyton's.

Sets the bar for pleasant yet forgettable.

inte riktigt min grej, känns lite generiskt

more boring Elvis Costello

this record still annoys me i really liked the weird noise that came out his mouth in less than zero though

Decent album, I'm just not a fan of Costello's voice

Enjoyed watching the detectives, otherwise was a bit bland. 2.5 stars.

Would've been a 3 had it been one of the first albums of his generated. So tired of EC.

A few gems but not his best.

A good listen

Never hated Elvis Costello, but also never really liked him a lot.

Not bad, not interesting - 1977 too, quite nasal

If I was a divorced dad in 1977 and my teenage son started listening to this on release I would be proud of him. I’ve heard this described as punk, but to me it doesn’t do much stylistically to set itself apart from 1950s pop songs besides having worse vocals. There are some really clever lyrics here I’m sure, but I don’t want to listen enough times to appreciate them. I’ve tried to get into this one a couple times, but I really just don’t get the hype here. Cover art is 10/10 Favorite song: Alison But I prefer when Pat DuBoyce sings it Least Favorite Song: Blame it On Cain

Interesting sound. Not sure if I’d ever listen again, but it was just okay and interesting idk. Some cool vocal stuff for sure. 👍: Less than zero 👎:idk they all kinda just bled together

Dull with several capital Zs.

It's just so mid and bland. The singing style stays the same, there's no variation. Another blah.

My Disdain of Elvis Costello Is True

50s music for the nostalgic pre-boomers of the 70s.

Wish version of talking heads..

I find his music so soulless, uninteresting, unattractive. I don't understand how it got so popular.

Classic Elvis Costello. Not sure why he has too many albums in this list, they all sound almost the same

It's.... Not my kinda bag, man. But even if it was, it felt repetitive and a bit bland.

It's fine lol - doubt I'll listen to it again to tell you the truth

Paskaa muttei niin paskaa kuin viimeksi heh pökäle musiikkia on kiva kuunnella aina välillä, paha vain kun spotifyssä albumin albumiradio on parempi kuin itse albumi heh.

Best Song: Blame It On Cain. Nice blues rhythm, nice energy. Worst Song: (The Angels Want to Wear My) Red Shoes. I hate when I can tell that the artist thought that a particular lyric was going to hit harder than it does. That repetition at the end is just annoying. Overall: This sounds like the kind of music that gets old people BUSTLIN' on a wedding dance floor, while everyone under 50 takes the time to refill their drinks. I'm sure he must have been raucous at one time, but to me he just kind of sounds like a slightly more energetic Randy Newman.

Not a huge fan of the majority of this album, and the only song I liked was Less Than Zero.

En av världens mest överskattade artister. Watching the detectives är bra.

Thought this was okay. Not much else to say on it to be honest. High 2

Not my cup of tea. Nothing bad on here but yeah, not for me. I could picture these songs playing in rolling credits for films like 'Big', 'Mrs Doubtfire' and 'Dr Dolittle'

I can't help but like precisely one of these tracks - watching the detectives - and that's Costello pretending not to be Costello, and aping The Clash. Says a lot, doesn't it? Rest of the album is uninspiring background noise.

I couldn't stand this Only ok song: "Less Than Zero" but even that I probably won't touch again 2025 edit: I gave this 1 star before experiencing a true 1 star album. 2 stars

Not my style

Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: Not really, as I’ve said I don’t find Costello interesting vocally Favourite song: Track 12 - Waiting For The End Of The World

I really do try to find what is to appreciate about each of these albums in the project, but I am really struggling with Elvis Costello. This is the third album of his so far, and I know more are coming. What is it about him that gets him on the list so often? I find his voice unpleasant, and not in an interesting way. The songs just sort of go on and on. I can't remember a thing about them when they're over. This isn't bad by any means, and certainly not my least favorite of the three so far, but it just isn't that good to me. What is it I'm missing?

Serviceable but totally uninspiring to me. Elvis Costello is still not my cup of tea. I’m pretty sure I didn’t need a third Elvis Costello album before I die.

Prima

Echt bar weinig onthouden van dit album, vond het denk ik prima klinken??? Maar niets onthouden betekent altijd een 2 dus daar zijn we

Unspecial and mostly one-note. Like a slightly more country / acid rock Bruce Springsteen.

Meh. Most sounds about cheating

Not bad I aint listening to any music by no dude called Elvis Costello gadamm. lmaooo imagine you being born and your mom looking at you saying "Elvis, Elvis Costello" aint no way LMAOOOOOOO

I've said it once, i'll say it again. Please make this be the last Elvis Costello album. It's not even that bad, his voice just gives me the heebie jeebies

Forgettable....

not great, not horrible

It was fine

only good song is watching the detectives. everything else is boring except maybe opening track

It's good, but tbh none of the songs really hit the spot for me. This Year's Model is great though.

Meh

Wieviele Platten kommen denn noch von diesem Spacko? Dieses Projekt hätte keine einzige davon gebraucht. Bei diesem Album wurde sich produktionstechnisch erkennbar viel Mühe gegeben, und doch sind die Arrangements dieser zugegebenermaßen halbwegs passablen Songs einfach nur banal. Akustisch-generische Ödnis. Jeder der Songs auf diesem Album wäre um ein vielfaches besser, wenn er ihn nicht selber singen würde.

Died on a toilet

Decent groove but I’m not keen on him or his voice.

Yep. Still dislike listening to Elvis Costello.

This is what I would think of if someone said "stereotypical rockabilly album", which isn't necessarily a good thing. I mean, I understand this type of album wasn't exactly common at the time, so I'll give it a couple bonus points there, but considering there are multiple other Costello albums to go, I'm not exactly revving to listen to more. I suppose I didn't dislike how it sounded, though, at least for now.

Good not great album.

I don't like Elvis Costello. I don't have a substantive criticism, there's just something about him that rubs me the wrong way. I don't like his voice, his music, his lyrics, what-have-you. And yet, I can't deny that this album is clearly technically solid. The man has talent, even if his style is not for me.

2.5 Elvis Costello is an artist I've never really been quite able to figure out. I've heard him labeled as both new wave and punk... but yet I really don't hear either. What I hear (and see) is someone trying to put a "modern" spin on 1950s rock, and it's fine I guess, but it's not spectacular either. I feel like I'd rather just listen to '50s artists. Favorite songs: Welcome to the Working Week, (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes, Less Than Zero

really not my vibe. A bit grating.

Bang-average album by Costello. 'Blame It On Cain' and 'I'm Not Angry' were interesting, but overall the record sounds incredibly bland. Not looking particularly forward to the remaining entries by Costello.

I’ve never quite understood the appeal of Elvis Costello. I’ve listened to a couple of records but I was never blown back. So imagine listening to this record for the first time… And still don’t care. “Alison” is great and there’s some great breaks and musicianship. And knowing the popularity of this guy it doesn’t please me one bit that I still feel totally indifferent to Costello’s discography.

Its OK but never gets better than that

first, i felt attacked. how dare elvis costello release a song titled "welcome to the working week"? overall, i found myself unimpressed by this album. it was decidedly average, even if it was costello's debut. this album was not bad; it was quite listen-able. but something lacked here, and its absence makes the songs a little boring. i couldn't even tell you what it is! i knew a handful of costello songs before listening, and i suppose they were his best because the album fell flat most of the time. unremarkable. for all costello represents the new wave sound, there was a strong sixties vibe here! it's interesting how well costello captured that pop sixties sound. "(the angels want to wear my) red shoes" was the standout of the album. it's got a slight punk sound--which checks out, considering its short runtime.

Fiery and strong vocals The band sounds hollow and feels super forgettable Costello's lyrics blur the line between "devil-may-care" attitude and sociopathic, abusive asshole who gets pleasure from pissing people off This dude is king of the incels

This simply did not hit. I liked I’m not angry tho

Seemed really basic and repetitive. A lot of the songs sounded similar

I find Elvis Costello irritating. And he had been over represented in this list - yet I can’t seem to give him very bad ratings because each album has a few gems - this one has Allison and Watching the Detectives. The rest hints at promise but his voice sounds like a Smurf in a toothpaste tube.

Nice easy listening but nothing special. Probably sums up his career.

I thought this would be pure crooning before listening, but it's got a fair bit more energy than I expected, which is great. Short, sharp, and snappy songs, that blend into each other quite nicely with a couple of changes of pace. No particular standout, but nothing unpleasant either (although he crosses the line into crooning on Alison). Just fails to squeak into 3/5 territory I think, so a gentleman's 2 for me.

Waiting for the end of the world Watching of the detectives, Sinon rien de bien

Ok as background music, but nothing that stands out.

idk maybe I am missing something but I had high hopes after first track and then got really disappointed, best track Alison; 2,5

Meh

Mildly entertaining

I didn’t hate it

Enjoyed some of the guitar to begin with, but I don't like his voice. The album felt very samey all throughout.