Reviews (page 3 of 13)
So 2 days ago, I had THE Elvis. Now THIS Elvis. What an amazing album. SO many have tried to immitate, but he's still out there!
A stellar debut. He would never have this much bite again, but his catchy hooks and ear for unique melodies is riddled through out.
A bouncy good time of an album.
Best songs: Miracle Man, Less Than Zero, Alison
A no skipper, great album and punky I liked it
The album that started it all. Elvis was one of the first of the angry young men to get his thoughts down on vinyl in the immediate post-punk era. This album, while having more of a country rock feel at times (this was recorded before he hooked up with The Attractions) courtesy of Huey Lewis’ then backing band Clover, still has all the EC trademarks: the wordplay, the snarl, and especially the anger at a world not made for him….or us. Great opening statement.
Ballin'
Nice, should listen more to artist
Mixtape memories. 5
Pure, classic rock & roll and punk music here, mixed with some Randy Newman-style singing. Catchy songs. Witty lyrics. I can spin this any time.
Another banger. Loving the space. The energy. The exciting song writing
An excellent debut by Costello; the variety on display leaves the listener excited, and though early in his career, this would signal much to come. Costello's vocals matched with Doobie Brothers & Huey Lewis alums + Nick Lowe's production equal a fantastic listening experience.
Great power pop record
Although Critically Acclaimed®, still one of my all time favorite albums. Not a throwaway on here, but Angels Want to Wear my Red Shoes, Watching the Detectives , and Allison are outstanding. This is Elvis' debut, making it all the more amazing.
It’s hard to think of anything to say about this album. I love it. I love every song on it. I’ve listened to it hundreds of times and it never gets old. I’m the guy from the Walking Dead in Love Actually and this album is Kiera Knightly. I’m just standing outside this album’s door holding up a sign that says “To me you’re perfect.”
great, classic songs, Watching the Detective, not all songs are faves
One of new rock's giants, great song writing. Don't think he gets half as much acclaim as he deserves. Elvis Costello is very definitely 👍👍
Hadn’t heard this album before, but I found there’s really no bad songs on here. What a blast!
Hey I dig it! Ich finds cool und macht spass zums lose. Würds jetzt nid uf mini liked playlist due wells mer glaub relativ schnell würd verleide aber für so es gmüetliches choche im hintergrund chani da echt guet gseh. Ich gib dem es 4.6/5.
There was a period in my early 20s where I would listen to the album every morning after waking up, partly because “Welcome to the Working Week” is a perfect start the day song, but mainly because it’s wall-to-wall great, punchy songs. An insane start to a career.
A great throwback to 50s music while previewing the rise of New Wave, it features fantastic lyrics and frenetic instruments.
Kinda decent debut
Amazing album. One of my favorites. Songs are short and to the point with such simplicity makes for no wasted moments.
I liked it a lot. Timeless
Angry young man pop hooks over clean aggressive guitars. Right in my Q zone. 10/10.
Офигенный позитивный кайфовый качающий драйвовый. Вы угадали, какую оценку я поставил.
Loved the vibe but not really my thing.
It’s no lie there are a few songs that could go over your head, but overall this album is amazing. The opening track sets the tone, every track has that same rock-pop feeling with their own theme. I could see myself either rocking out to this album or studying to it.
Uma pedrada! Não conhecia e já está na minha playlist de favoritos
Classic pre new age punk album
Fantastic
Super
You gave <strong>Transformer</strong> 1 star? <strong>Trans<em>fuckin</em>former</strong>?
Great album! Did not expect that! 4/5
Early Elvis Costello is the best Elvis Costello. Prickly, punchy, catchy as hell. Costello would never sound more raw and pure than he sounds on this album. It's a concise, razor sharp sound that must have stood out starkly against the bloated landscape of rock in 1977. This was the first Elvis Costello album I encountered as a teenager and it's one of maybe two albums (the other being This Year's Model) I would recommend to someone coming to Costello's music for the first time. Costello's witty, cantankerous brand of songwriting is still a work in progress here, but still he's writing on a level most songwriters will never match. I have a lot of favorite lines, but the one that stands out to me today is "Our love got fractured in the echo and sway." I mean, wow. Fave songs: (All songs, from most to least favorite): Alison, Watching the Detectives, I'm Not Angry, Welcome to the Working Week, (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes, Miracle Man, Less Than Zero, Pay It Back, Blame It on Cain, Sneaky Feelings, Waiting for the End of the World, Mystery Dance, No Dancing
Elvis ain’t fooling around - his aim is true. He shot me right in the sonic sweet spot. This debut album perfectly encapsulates who he is and why he’s here. I love it. The omission of Watching the Detectives for the UK version was not a smart move, but thankfully it was rectified for the US release. Great cover art too!
great album, Elvis Costello is from my teen hood, Alison is one of my favorite songs, just love it!!!! 5 stars
“Now that your picture’s in the paper being rhythmically admired…” This album is a classic for that line alone.
fun. groovy. upbeat and makes you feel like dancing
Well dude, this is one of my favorite albums of all time, so I can hardly be objective here. 5 stars, every day.
He has released many fine albums, but this is the one that started it all off, a classic.
His first and my favorite Elvis Costello album. This is one I would consider getting on vinyl (so I did!) My favorite tunes are "Alison" (love the guitar work), "Watching the Detectives" (is there a better lyric than “red dogs under illegal legs”?) and "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes".
Global reviews on this one were wild. To me, this is one of the greatest power pop records ever, but all the most upvoted reviews hate it?
One of the greatest debut records ever. A classic.
Good album, liked it.
yes!!!
Now THIS is a debut, bursting with creative energy. Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson, Marshall Crenshaw all embody a really nostalgic, punk-laced classic rock and roll feel that really jives with my overall sensibility. Honestly I think my biggest critique of this album is with the cover art. My Aim is True is so hard to read I felt like I was having a stroke trying to decipher it. All he needed was a drop shadow or embossing on the characters and the legibility issue disappears without sacrificing the aesthetic checkboard appeal. On the other hand, this is the first time I noticed on each black square there is a letter and together it spells out "Elvis is King" over and over again, which is cool. But I mean, album itself? Chef's kiss.
Back in the day, this was my pick of the best album of 1977 (narrowly edging out the Sex Pistols). This Years Model may be better, but that is splitting hairs. This is a great record from start to finish and one I keep going back to in the 46 years (ouch) since its release. Extra points for naming the album after a song lyric, as opposed to a song title).
One of the all time Top 10 Debut Albums. Every song is great. Enough said!
Elvis Costello is my Mom's favorite so I grew up listening to this album, but I really think it's one of the best debut albums of all time. Every song on here is at least good if not great and their brevity always leaves me wanting more to see where they would go if they were longer. I really cannot believe this was first album as it is just so flawlessly executed His lyrics are punchy and interesting, with his vocal inflections adding further texture to these. Somehow he has created entire worlds in these 3 minute songs. Musically, the songs sound like he is both paying homage to his 50s and 60s rock influences where adding his own sound and flavor. You can hear this in the vocal harmonies of "No Dancing" and the lead guitar parts on "Miracle Man" and "I'm Not Angry". (Side Note: I have wanted to cover "Watching the Detectives" for a while) Each song sounds like its own self-contained world but the entire album feels extremely cohesive. Also, the drums sound fantastic on this album!
New wave at its best! I really like it
Loistava aamupäivän levy. Klara Bries:in miehistö antaa levylle 4/5 ja itse henkilökohtaisesti pidän levyä jumal-albumina ja annan 5/5
Glorious album from start to finish. Hasn’t aged a day. Perfect pop songs performed perfectly. What more can you ask. Top shelf.
I love this album. Allison is such a classic and the rest of the album doesn't miss. Was between a High 4 and a 5, think I have to go with a 5
It’s easy for me to rate just about any Elvis album with 5 stars.
Straight on brilliance all spun from a combination of sock hop, rockabilly, and punk. Add in classic lyricism and you've got a keeper.
Pitch-perfect spiky pop
Still sounds great!
The definitive Elvis Costello sound, songwriting, and attitude.
There's only one album whose title is tattooed on my body and its this one. 5/5 obvs
Very soothing!
Classic
The perfect Elvis Costello album. I have noted that he features a bit too much on this list but in this case you couldn't ask for a more worthy album. Singer songwriter, punk poet, all around angry young man.
Guess I’m getting old
Elvis Costello is one of those names that I've always known about but never really dug into his discography. Really enjoyed this debut album, comes out swinging with that first track and has a great energy throughout with the punched up rockabilly style. Added a few tunes to the playlist off of this one, makes me want to dig into his other albums.
Perhaps the tightest debut album ever - I remember watching Costello on SNL supporting the release.
Surprisingly great sound here
OK I get it now
Great album from start to finish. Felt like the quickest 36 mins of my life.
So many hits! Obviously not as exciting as the next album, but the live bands playing the material from the first two albums is my Elvis jam. A little one note, but that's part of the charm. Great record.
One of the greatest debut albums of all time.
"Alison" is one of the greatest pop songs of all time with its wicked double entendre, and it's what initially drew me to him as a teenager. But "Alison" is only one of the many brilliantly crafted songs on this album. EC is able to balance his cerebral wit with a surprising amount of soul, in a way so few other songwriters can. He is, by FAR, my favorite Elvis.
Every tune a single.
Feeling a little meh about Elvis Costello going in but I'm glad to say, I like this one! I like this one a lot! Varied styles from song to song. Hard to pin it to a single decade. A range of feelings. Lots here to like.
Beautiful … Declan Patrick MacManus at his best
There are several "game-changing" albums that helped shape my musical tastes and My Aim Is True is definitely one of them. This album helped define my love of late 70's British punk/New Wave rock that introduced me to similar sounding musicians and bands from the era, Graham Parker, Joe Jackson, Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds (w/ Rockpile), Brinsley Schwarz and Ducks Deluxe. This was Elvis's amazing debut album and how many musicians have released 3 consecutive stunners from the start of their career this good? My Aim Is True has two of EC's career defining songs (Alison, Watching The Detectives) that are essential to any era and genre. His next album is even better with the addition of his semi-perma-band, The Attractions, but there's no doubt that wouldn't have been made without the accomplishment of My Aim Is True and it's impact and success..
Classic
10/10 Elvis Costello is the best
I took a look at the album releases in 1977 to get an idea of what I was listening to at that time: Pink Floyd>Animals; Steely Dan>Aja and David Bowie>Low. A friend of mine's older brother, who liked the blues, got this album and when I heard it, I found it too rearview mirror gazing and rockabilly-esque for my tastes. But at that point the Sex Pistols or Clash or Talking Heads had yet to touch down in Sudbury. The sound, other than "Detectives", does owe a lot to the 50s rock n' roll. The song-writing is great, especially the lyrics, and there are no dud tracks. My favourite (outside of "Detectives") is "I'm not Angry" which appears to put me at odds with most Spotify listeners. There are other Elvis albums I like more, but this is still a 5 in my books.
One of the great first albums.
Oke wel echt zeer hard van genoten...ik ga hem geven maar is een nipte hoor
Classic debut album of Elvis Costello, and the start of quite a long sequence of 5* EC albums.
Definitely the best Costello album on this list, and there is too many. In my opinion this one and this year's model would be enough. With that said, this is a fantastic debut album that keeps you on your toes and your foot tapping.
Power pop at its very finest. Costello has both wit and wisdom in spades for someone so young.
I've previously questioned whether the number of Elvis Costello albums on this list might be overkill. However, the inclusion of this, Costello's debut, is clearly very well justified. It comprises 12 immaculately written and performed tracks. Each one is an instant ear worm, but with emotion and depth. Top notch. Rating: 4.5/5 Playlist track: Alison Date listened: 17/09/22
Good quirky pop tunes, really like, should listen again
Loved this already, though I don't know that I ever owned the whole album
Best album in the world
p390. 1977. 5 stars Costello when he could still knock out a decent tune. Listening to this, you can see what the fuss was about - razor sharp lyrics, minimal production, and short snappy songs that actually stick in the ear. This is the standard he set himself, and it's just sad to hear the thin meandering whining that he puts out these days compared to this.
I've heard this before, but maybe I didn't really listen to it. Regardless, I love this album. Alison is an all-time great song. But there's not really a filler song on this thing. There's a great collision of old-fashioned rock n roll with something unhinged that just really works for me. Great stuff.
I had a lot of fun listening to this joint! Costello wears a number of different hats, and does it well. At times he alternately sounds like Graham Parker, the Ronettes, Randy Newman and even the Atlanta Rhythm Section - or do they sound like him? Anyway, short, sharp songs redolent of the pub rock scene, without a whole lot of frippery but plenty of flash. A fantastic record.
Fantastic. Great punk.
Viel Gitarre, watching the detectives bekannt und gut, Blues und Rock, gefällt mir
Liked this one a lot. Never been a huge Costello fan but this album is well done. Great guitar, bass and drum parts. Cool vibe all around.
Much more eclectic than I was expecting. definitely one to revisit. Cover art 5/5
One of my favorite records, there are so many great songs! I love the songwriting, the variety of song styles, his vocals, …
4.5/5. Quite good, prob my fav Costello
Incredible display of rock and roll.
zabavnoooo, ovo je odlican album za voznju, 5
I already owned this one. Love this era of Costello. His first 3 albums are true classics.
I love Elvis Costello and "My Aim is True" is one of my favorites. But most importantly, it got the thumbs up from my daughter when we were listening to it in the car. She said the songs were stuck in her head and she "kinda liked it"
Classic proto-New Wave rock is classic. This is what I expected to see of Elvis Costello on this list, not the 85 other albums that I’ve seen.
Magnificent
Its nice revisiting this, i appreciate it much more now.
Loved it! Great album.
One of the great debuts of all time and a long time favorite of mine. Not a dud song on the album. 5 stars 🌟
love this album
When he was hungry, every track could have been a single
Outstanding
It's not my #1 Elvis Costello album, but it's definitely up there!
Brilliant Costello.
Oh, Elvis Costello! Don't know how many times I've listened to this album. Always a pleasure. Brilliant musicians, great singer!
Hot damn this is my first experience with Elvis Costello and I am blown away. This album is absolutely fantastic.
excellence
Liked this Early Costello is cool
Awesome, great songs, great singer
One of my favorites from high school. Every song is a hit.
I've played this a lot since first listening. Miracle Man and Alison are standout songs, but I enjoyed the whole album.
13/13
Heard it. Brilliant.
Very cool album. I don’t like how many of the songs end in fade outs though. 9/10
The natural progression of rockabilly, loved it
Quite a few polarising reviews on this one. I quite like it. I know Elvis Costello's hits so it's great to get the chance to listen a full album. Very good debut album. I might even listen to it again. Really good arrangements and good energy. An enjoyable 4/5
Another album I knew nothing about before listening. This is filled with great songs that deserve way more recognition. This was a great album but a lot of the songs end in a very similar way that gets a little repetitive for me. Good stuff though check this one out.
Is this the album by Costello that goes on the list? Perhaps, but there are other contenders.
#257 Heard Before? Yup. Notes: - I'm obligated to point out that THIS LIST NEEDS A TWO-ALBUMS-PER-ARTIST LIMIT, NOW! - i might have enjoyed this more if I hadn't just heard the superior-in-every-way This Year's Model. - his need to sing in nearly every measure of every song is as distracting as ever. so many words, so crammed together. even Wu-Tang songs have more breathing room. - at least the songs are concise. you wouldn't know it from my writing, but i delight in concision, truly. - the obvious pastiches (blues, rockabilly, etc) are fine, but the album is better for watching his own style blossom. - production is a real weak point, with no clarity or punch. and the wonderful sense of collaboration with the Attractions is sorely missed. - "Watching the Detectives" is perfect. Verdict: Aim or not, he didn't really hit the mark until later. Listen Again? Not the whole thing. But I was glad to give it a chance.
77
I whole-heartedly agree that Elvis Costello is over-represented on this list, but this is one of his albums that can stay. It's short, snappy, catchy and raw.
Really enjoyed this. Alison is particularly fantastic.
Good album, three or four great tracks.
More Costello baby! This album is honestly so much fun. Playful energy, catchy guitar lines, the whole thing has this bouncy feel to it. The bassist is locked in as hell. I like that he doesnt overcomplicate things either, the songs are short and super catchy, mostly around 2 minutes with popping choruses and a ton of charizma.
9/10
Klassiker!
Ett så jävla bra debut-album! Bra låtar med smarta texter och rakt på sak. 12 låtar på 28 minuter, inget jävla käbbel!
Interesting
Enjoyed this album very much, Costello is clearly the guy at making this sort of music and Im looking forward to hearing more
I like the crunchy sound of the mic, and the guitars sound clean.
Good music about guys and girls. Alison obvious standout.
why not hell ye or smth
Good classic rock.
I was left pretty underwhelmed by my previous Elvis Costello album, Imperial Bedroom, but this was an improvement. It’s much livelier for the most part, with Miracle Man and No Dancing representative of Costello’s most famous style that adds punkier elements to a pop sensibility. I can’t say I enjoyed it enough to really rate this towards the very top, but it’s enough for 4.
A strong debut album with a great punky/new wave sound influenced by 50s rock and roll, rockabilly and R&B. Some of the songs, particularly on side one, are fantastic, especially ‘Welcome to the Working Week’ (I only wish it was longer), ‘Miracle Man’ and ‘Alison’. Side two is still good, but less consistent. ‘(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes’ is great, however, as is ‘Watching the Detectives’, with the caveat that it wasn’t on the original release. Crucially, even the worst songs here are still really decent. The overall quality is enough for a low 4 stars.
Ok! This is pretty good. Welcome to the working week was an awesome start. I thought it was upbeat, and so much fun. While Miracle Man didn’t carry quite the same energy, it still had some absolutely awesome guitar and a pretty cool melody. No dancing had such a good groove to it and so did Don’t blame it on Cain. Alison was quite sweet. Sneaky feelings was right back to the fun melodies of this album. I loved Angels wanna wear my red shoes! It was genuinely great. Mystery dance was so much fun! Pay it back was a bop. I also really liked waiting for the end of the world. Watching the detectives was a bit weird as it almost changed the genre, but was a decent way to end the album. 4/5 ⭐️ 224/1089
I had a big Elvis Costello phase when I was in high school and discovering a lot of different music. Over time, though, I started to find some of his stuff a bit repetitive and grating and I had not listened to his records in a long time. Rediscovering this album was a real treat! So many great tracks. Made me remember why I was drawn to his music in the first place.
Pretty good, lots of good guitar stuff and memorable riffs and songs, I enjoyed it.
What a debut! Didn’t realize this was just first and gets cranked right after the first licks of “welcome to the working week”. This may be my favorite album of his. Has “watching the detectives”, “Allison” too. Pretty fluid and good mix of genres.
Solid Jammer
Did not disappoint
Yoo ts is grooovy i love it. Makes me feel like im dancing with my love in our kitchen. I dont have a love though.... but anyways i really like alison, blame it on caine and welcome to the working week :-)
Solid plata hjá Costello.
Ran with this and enjoyed it muchly! I initially read Elvis and thought Ew but seeing he's a British punk legend made me feel less Ew. Had to call my dad to tell him I'd listened to an Elvis Costello album and he guessed it was this one! I hope to listen again cos the lyrics are smart.
Way cooler than the album cover suggests!
Interesting to learn that Watching The Detectives was not on the original U.K. Release. That, in my opinion, is Costello’s best song by far, and one of my favorite songs of the ‘70s, and without it the album would merit a 3 from me. Other than that song, the rest is decent but forgettable with a few moderate standouts.
I’m getting Costello Fatigue - this is my FOURTH. If it was the only one I’d have probably liked it more. Anyway. I enjoyed it. None of the big songs apart from Detectives at the end.
Good strong and quick power pop, doesn't overstay its welcome
Від долі не втечеш)))
I actually really like the "between-the-lines" rock from Elvis Costello. It's only downhill for him from here.
Nice
Whamma wham nice ju
Great album really enjoyed it. Specific tracks i really loved would be Alisson, waiting for the world to end, and the last ending track.
I’ve learned from this list that I like 70s Costello far better. The three we’ve had from that decade have all been great. That one we had from the 80s not so much. His 70s style is energetic and catchy with a little punk underneath it. The songs may all sound a little similar but I like the sound, so I’m not mad at it.
What I love about this album is the audacity and the ease with which Costello moves between styles and genres without regard or concern to be typed or accepted. Now, in truth, his management was going out of their way to make that happen, but Elvis just kept ripping on his guitar and writing great songs. These aren’t all winners, but there are a hell of a lot of great tunes here, especially for a debut.
I'm on record as a big, albeit newer, Elvis Costello fan. This album did not dissappoint in any way. Great debut album.
This is one of those "yeah, I know who that is but I don't know what they do" artists. Up until today Elvis Costello existed without me knowing anything about him except that he's a musician. Turns out I kinda' dig Elvis Costello - at least this album anyway.
Holy shit, a Costello album other than This Year's Model that has hooks. But yeah, this is easily the best Costello album other than Next Year's Model. I'll have to relisten to that one to determine which is better, but I'm enjoying this more than basically every other Costello on the list. Costello was never really a chorus guy I don't think, but this album is catchy as hell regardless. Basically everything on this is great. Welcome to the Working Week, Miracle Man, Alison, (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes, Pay It Back... all fantastic and fun. Additionally, I'll keep saying this until the heat death of the universe, but with the possible exception of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Costello is the coolest musician to ever live, and that's unimpeachable. Only difference is Elvis Costello is the nerd version of cool whereas Sinatra is just fuckin' cool. Update: Hello from the future after relistening to This Year's Model again. This Year's Model is definitely the better album. Better produced, catchier. And honestly, it only needs The Beat to be better, the rest of the album is just icing on the cake (Pump It Up, Little Triggers, (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea, Living in Paradise are fantastic). But that's not to say My Aim is True isn't great. It is. Just This Year's Model is Elvis Costello at his peak. Also, the cover to My Aim is True hurts my eyes to read it. Not taking points off for that, but yeah, lol.
Songs are good, arrangements are tight, good playin', good sangin'!
Excellent!
Another one? I did think wouldn’t it be funny if I actually liked this one and I did! Here the songs other than lead singles Watching the Detectives and Alison are jaunty and interesting. What changed? Well one thing is this appears to be his earliest and perhaps most new wave work and secondly no Attractions. Obviously, they were a bad influence. Proven by the fact that I really liked Spike and that didn’t have them. Oh, and I know, if I am hoping for another non-Attractions album I am going to be waiting a while as every stupid album has them.
still don't get the hate. cool album
Fav song: Blame It On Cain
What can I say, it was fun
it was really groovy and fun
Lots of greats. Some growers that, if I knew them might be 5s, but I don't so 4 it is.
Much better than the last Costello album we had, some proper bangers on here
A pleasant surprise. I had always assumed Costello's music was boring critic bait, but his modern(for the time) interpretation of the 50's style is actually quite enjoyable. I was particularly impressed by the punchy and clever lyricism.
Leuke artiest en leuke liedjes, maar wel een beetje oudelullenmuziek
Quite an enjoyable album, even though it switches between genres quite often, it still mantains a classic “rocky” vibe overall. Guitars and vocals are really what stands out the most. Again, not my genre but it was still a nice experience afterall
Thought this was pretty fun. Liked Working Week and Blame It the most but several good ones.
Sounds like I'm 18 again!
Musically, I hear Iggy Pop. I hear Chuck Berry. I hear Steely Dan. I hear.....reggae? Elvis Costello showcasing songwriting here, especially catchy lyricism. I think the listener can point to any track and remark on how the swing oriented beat leaves a toe tapping (This listener references "Pay It Back") And then you have the beautiful Allison, the timeless Allison, the "my-aim-is-true" Allison.... ....aaaalllllllll-i-sonnnn.......
Maybe I’ve been sleeping on Elvis because this was fun
Didn’t think too much going in but I was pleasantly surprised I really like this sound and his voice Favorites: Alison, welcome to the working week, red shoes 3.5/5 maybe even 4
Suhteellisen kova debyyttialbumi. Musiikiltaan kovinkin "bringing the perus into perusrokki", toki loppupäästä löytyy random Reggae-biisi.. ok? Hyvinkin mukiinmenevää rokkia, omalaatuinen laulutyyli mutta ei ärsytä, kannanottoa varmasti löytyy lyriikasta - vaatis ehkä keskittymistä. Tuskin tarvetta palata kyseiseen levyyn, mutta ehkä itselle vanhoista Elviksistä kiinnostavampi artisti.
he's got great aim
Alright so I previously said his first 4 albums were perfection. This is not. Some great tracks on here, muddled by the fact that he seems to have written them 13 times.
There are way too many Elvis Costello albums on this list, but I actually quite like this album. It’s his first and is a little bit rougher. From what I’ve heard of his later music, it’s a bit more sanded down and bland. But this one is fun
Fun album, you can listen to the punk influences and rock and roll songs, very energetic and it doesn't stop until it finishes. Would listen again.
Loved it, its a great entry into 70s rock, much better than elvis presley honestly, (ovverrated ass dude) anyways, favorite track might be im not angry, and not a big fan of the 70s genre of rock but i still really loved it, roadtrip style music and stuff
Great album. Punchy songwriting.
Do all of these albums sound the same? Yeah, maybe a little. But it's never not catchy and it's never not incisive. Plus, it's punk rock for christsakes. That's the name of the game at a certain point, right? You write as many songs as possible to say as much as possible, and write great hooks while you do it. It's lean and mean, nerdy rock before that was something you could find on Reddit.
He has a nice voice.
It's a solid listen. I wouldn't ever say it's "must-listen" but I can definitely see how this could have made a big impact and influence on other musicians in 1977. Felt like the album got better as it went on and wasn't "single heavy" which helps.
Young angst spirit clashing with reserved English nature. Elvis could write a hook and a sneer with the best of em. Some undeniable post-punk nerd rock hits in this one. I had This Years Model on CD as a middle schooler and wore it out. A little bit older, a little bit more refined.
Alison, Watching the Detectives, and Red Shoes would carry a much worse album, but there's a lot of other good stuff here.
more like it, Elvis! massively satisfying power-pop record, using old genres and models to sexual, contemporary, curdled ends. tracks 1 to 7 in particular just hit after hit after hit, brilliant melodies used to sing about pent-up and unbecoming horniness, EC sputtering and swaggering his way through them in such a way to make desperation and vitriol sound like the coolest things in the world. next record is maybe just a bit sharper but this is just immediately, explosively good stuff
This tries so hard to be folk I didn’t hate it though. 4 stars.
Catchy post-punk with razor sharp lyrics
1977. Costello changed his name from D.P. Costello to Elvis after Elvis Presley, and adjusted his image to match the rising punk rock movement. Costello kept his day job as a data entry clerk during the sessions.
For some reason I had always assumed that Elvis Costello was like a classic jazz guy, and listening to this I kinda get why. Not with the jazz thing obviously, but this feels like a throwback to like 60s pop and it’s just a really fun time. It’s what good pop can be, downer lyrics over fun instrumentals works every time. Favorites: Blame It On Cain, Less Than Zero, Watching the Angels
"(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" has been one of my favorite songs for many years. I had an economics professor who quoted "I used to be disgusted / But now I try to be amused" at the top of an exam paper. Words to live by. I think he sounds a lot like the other Elvis on "Mystery Dance," which is a connection I don't think I would have made had I not heard a podcast episode about Presley yesterday.
These Elvis Costello albums continue to impress me. With the exception of one greatest hits album (see one of my previous reviews) which I liked, I don't think I'd heard much from him and that's a shame. 3.5 rounded up
This is it: Elvis Costello's one truly great album. Every song is a winner, and I've enjoyed this not as a guilty pleasure, but a genuinely smart and insightful pop rock album with really cool punk, blues, and reggae influences added in spades. My only gripe is the production (a bit tinny) but he literally was broke at the time and did what he could. As a result, it's sincere and authentic as it gets when it comes to the genre. Costello is a knowledgeable guy when it comes to music styles and playing but it doesn't always translate in his albums. Here, hungry and ambitious, he produces probably the best album of his career. I love these melodies and lyrics so much - great when I need to take a break from more complex music. 4.5 stars.
This is the source code of indie rock. Its old school and contemporary and futuristic all at the same time. Like this could be released today and it would feel okay. He's so clearly winking at Buddy Holly and his early era rock and roll influences, while simultaneously being a punk rocker. The lyrics are fun, deep, smart and even cutting at times. I loved this.
Me encantó!
Elvis is raucous, loud, fierce, and vulnerable on this, one of his best records.
Fun off brand Elvis
I wasn't listening to Elvis Costello back in the late 70's, but I was aware of him and some of his songs. I liked the ones I heard, but never jumped into his albums. That changed in the early 80's, when I became more interested in the new wave/alternative scene. I got a few of his albums, including this one. I never truly got into his music, but I appreciated it. As I wrote about Imperial Ballroom a while back, I've generally preferred his singles to his records. In giving this a fresh listen today, I tried to forget all of that and hoped to be open minded (as I want to do with each album in this project but harder to do with ones I know). After listening, I mostly have the same feeling as I did before. I once again felt that the singles were the best and most fleshed out songs. What struck me, as it always has with him, is his ability to be both bitingly sarcastic and even cruel in his lyrics, but then tender and a bit more vulnerable as well. I've really liked that and wished I could enjoy his album tracks as much as the singles. Standouts were Alison, Less Than Zero, and Watching the Detectives. But I also liked I'm Not Angry quite a bit. There were no bad songs on the album, but many just don't connect the same way those damn singles do.
Tremendous debut album which led to a long career in a variety of musical genres. Fun to listen to even decades later.
favs: welcome to the working week, i'm not angry
211020 12:35 4
There is no mistaking Elvis Costello's voice. It is a mixture of harmony edged with a type of intelligent rage. I didn't realise how much I enjoyed Elvis Costello until Spotify identified that I am now old and suggests that I listen every time a playlist or album that I have put on finishes. And to be fair it is right. This album seems a lot more stripped back to just the twangly guitar, tambourine and drums. Add Costello's unique vocals and it sounds almost like a 50s Americana revival album. The biggest hits that I am aware of on this album are (Angels wanna wear my) Red Shoes" and "Watching the detectives". Both of which I could listen to again and again. I think this will be one of my go to albums in future. (4.250)
Not bad
Love this album, such great talent and different sort of songs on it. Amazing. 1. Alison 2. Welcome To The Working Week 3. Less Than Zero
(Light to Mid 8/10) Super good record! The songwriting is superb, this thing is packed with awesome melodies and hooks, the guitar playing especially is surprisingly intricate and full of personality. "Miracle Man", "Allison" and "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" are the highlights for me. Especially "Allison", it's soft rock perfection, the guitar on this song is the secret weapon to this song's effectiveness. I didn't expect to like that one as much as I did. Honestly, there's never really a super weak moment for me on this album aside from "Mystery Dance". It's a tongue-in-cheek rockabilly song that's short enough not to be terribly annoying. I just think it sticks out in the track list in kind of an awkward way. Other than that song though I thoroughly enjoy every song here and I will be coming back to this album next time I need good music for a good time.
Expected to be indifferent at best to this, but Elvis Costello solo is definitely more enjoyable than Elvis Costello & The Attractions. “Welcome To The Working Week,” “Blame It On Cain,” “Alison,” and “I’m Not Angry” were my favorite songs. The album loses a little steam with the last few tracks, but overall it’s a really solid album and my favorite Elvis Costello so far.
i liked it, nothing memorable but actually rlly liked it
Alison & some other good ones
Just some fun rock'n'roll with nice variation in the song styles. Favorite Songs: No Dancing ; Blame it on Cain ;
I’m convinced that the only two records of Elvis Costello worth listening to are this and This Years Model. The rest are fucking slogs.
irado
Fun 60s vibe very energizing. Imagine a diner filled with a good burger on Route 66. Drink wise it’s like an espresso pour over onto a chocolate milksha. 7.93/10
Pretty comfy four. Enjoyed it more than expected. 4/5.
Gøy, fengende og kul.
Alt med Elvis Castello e terningkast fire. Aldri dårlig, men heller aldri skikkelig bra. Allison e en schlæger da. Runde opp til firer
This was probably peak Elvis Costello album for me, it's got nice variety, it's fun, it's not too much of a vibe like he's trying to talk my ear off at a party
lots of good tunes on this, but Alison stands head and shoulders above
Pretty great for a debut and immediately hooks you in with his gift for melody and lyrics on a trio of great tracks right out of the gates. Alison is the star of the album I think but Watching the Detectives and Red Shoes are also stellar songs. I'm not sure this is really revolutionary from a music standpoint but is a good blend of sort of 50s rock and roll with a punk aesthetic. Quite good overall.
Very pop-rock album. Did not him and really enjoyed it. Gets a bit repetitive in the middle with the same song structure, repeating and fade-away ending, but overall very good considering first album. Definitely enjoyed it.
Muy bien
Elvis always surprises me. I enjoyed this endeavor into his catalogue. The suggested list following was also nice.
Haven't listened to much Elvis Castello before, but I dig the album.
- Most of this album is some just straight up rock & roll and it's awesome - There's some softer songs and even some reggae, which I was not expecting. It was a nice surprise for sure. - I loved the track "Mystery Dance" it's literally a minute and a half of high energy rock. It's badass. - "I'm not angry" is another standout song. Paints the picture of a cheating girlfriend with awesome guitar riffs and backing vocals whispering "ANGRY". It's super catchy and I was singing along before the end. - Never paid much attention to Elvis Costello before. I'm grateful for this hearing this album, it definitely surprised me and I had a good time WAITING FOR THE END OF THE WORLD.
It's a very good album
⭐⭐⭐⭐+ Albumet har en viss punkig attityd men mycket musikaliskt och hämtar från många genres vilket gör albummet varierat men i slutändan är det ett perfekt powerpop album. Och dessutom en debut. Det är ett kul album med lite quirky texter och jag blir glad av att lyssna. Det får bli en stark 4a. Bäst är Welcome to the working week, Blame it on Cane, Alison, Red shoes och Warching the detectives.
Overall Rating - 3.50/5 (7.00/10) Pretty much the whole album had me dancing in my chair while I was listening.
good but not something i usually listen to
My first Elvis Costello Album from back in the day #MusicSky #AlbumSky #MusicChallenge
gostei demais desse álbum me pasaa uma give divertida, algo meio rockabilly, mt bom
Mom listened to it a lot on the radio! Fun!
Elvis Costello has a kind of ageless appeal that will always be cool--or maybe I just think that because I was an 80s kid.
Another awesome debut. So solid, especially for the time it came out.
Coolest!
nice
Almost a 3 but won me over by the end, fun times ahoy
This album is fun
4/5 Overall good musical ability to make most tracks feel special and worthwhile to listen to.
You can't complain about an album all sounding the same and then not appreciate when there is an album with several different sounds and feeling. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would. When the less well known tracks hold my attention more than the well know tracks then I've got to rate that highly.
Ended up enjoying this a lot more than I thought I would! Some fun and creative songs. Saved songs: Miracle Man, Blame it on Cain, (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes, & Watching the Detectives A generous 4 stars
CONTAGIOUSLY FUN. I love this stuff. High 4
I actually liked this album, lots of good songs I liked.
Very good album (though I think I prefer This Year's Model). Some songs reminded me of Springsteen (Blame it on Cain or Sneaky Feelings). Some favourite tracks: Alison, No Dancing, Less Than Zero, (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes, or Waiting for the End of the World.
man i love elvis (costello)
A great debut album but not his best album (Spike). An extra star for going on SNL and getting banned for not playing what the record company wanted to him to play. Watching Loren Michaels giving him the finger in live TV was worth it.
That’s was better than I was expecting tbh
4/5 https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/elvis-costello/my-aim-is-true/ Never really listened to this guy, but I should have! Some very nice songs on this! Not all equally exciting, but some really stand out.
My first Costello album on this list. It seems everyone comes away from this challenge with noting but hatred for him. Then again, I don’t agree with a lot of takes I see in the reviews on this site. This album was very good, nothing bad or particularly boring, I liked a good chunk of the ideas on here. The songwriting is really strong, I like the fusion of more classic music styles with modern (at the time) styles. The band is consistently great. This is Elvis Costello’s highest rated album on here, so I suppose it’s all downhill from here. 4/5
Gotta love the “other Elvis!” Heard the singles on the radio; the rest of the album was entertaining.
Late 70's power pop from one of the very best. Snappy, energetic songs including some of his very best with "Alison," "Watching the Detectives", "Angels Wanna Wear My red Shoes " etc. I like him best in this format with the Attractions and production by Nick Lowe. Not quite 5 star, a few filler songs, but one of the best debuts ever.
This is the best Elvis Costello that I've heard, which is especially impressive given it was his first. Punk and rockabilly come together perfectly on it, and I've talked smack about Costello before, but the man really knows how to write an insanely catchy hook. Just can't beat an album that has Alison, Less Than Zero, and Watching the Detectives, songs that stay stuck in my head for weeks after hearing them.
Pretty classic Costello album, always enjoyable.
very good, he is a great musician
Saw quite a few negative comments about the list containing too much Elvis Costello and was expecting to struggle through this but it is a good album with memorable tracks and strong songwriting.
this can comfort many people
Elvis Costello is another artist I find a bit overrepresented on the 1001 Albums list. That said, listening to My Aim Is True this morning was probably the most fun I’ve had with a Costello record since starting this project. There’s an extra spark here—an energy that feels more immediate and palpable than anything else I’ve heard from his catalog so far. It also helped that I already knew three songs on the album: “Alison,” “Watching the Detectives,” and the lesser-known “Mystery Dance,” which I recognized from the opening credits of Zero Effect. That realization alone made me want to revisit it, since it’s probably been fifteen years since I last watched it. Film detour aside, Costello’s debut—at least compared with the other five of his albums on the list—felt genuinely important to hear, and worthy of experiencing before I die.
Another strong 4 for Elvis. Before this project I had never listened to his work but he’s pretty good and consistently so.
Solid Elvis Costello. I think he's a bit over-represented on the list, but I've come to like his music.
Very enjoyable mellow sound.
es como Billy Joel y no está mal
sensational debut album from Elvis; really unique sound mixing several genres. Incredible mixing from Nick Lowe. Pretty dumb to put "Watching the Detectives" at the end of side 2; should have been placed at end of side 1.
I really enjoyed this album. It's fun and interesting.
Asjalik rokk meeldejäävate meloodiate ja käikudega. Seda plaati saaks küll korduvalt kuulata ja ma kujutan ette, et Elvis Costello oli hea peo-esineja. 3.5/5
I don't think I've ever actually sat down and listened to an Elvis Costello song before, let alone a whole album. Pretty bouncy and energetic, even in the slower songs. No Dancing, Allison and I'm Not Angry are all pretty solid.
I couldn't get into Elvis Costello when all my cool-kid friends in high school were quoting lyrics, but coming to him later in life is pretty fun too. Savage lyrics, Elvis Presley rock and pop craft, with snarly angry punk fuck-offery. A brilliant debut.
Love the smart sardonic quality in Elvis Costello. I feel like he’s a beloved hip, curmudgeonly uncle.
The songwriting is definitely sharp, and the jangly post-punk sound here is also sharp. It's an economical set of energetic, appealing songs.
Es mas de mi estilo, encuentro que the weezer se parece mucho a ellos, tiene un toque de rock tranquilo
Super upbeat fun album. Some real bangers in there
Finally! The last of the seemingly interminable number of Elvis Costello albums, and it seems fitting to end on his debut (sans Attractions, at least in the studio (and band name)). I'm a little bummed that this collection overloaded so much on Elvis Costello, because as much as I enjoy his music, at this point I'm not sure I need to listen to him recreationally for quite a while. As for the album, it's a really strong debut, so much so that I find it hard to even try to imagine how people must have thought when they heard Costello for the first time. And while he definitely hadn't hit his stride either style- or lyrics-wise (perhaps in part because he apparently kept his day-job as a data-entry clerk while recording the album, plus not great chemistry with Huey Lewis' Clover band members in the studio), there are some fun tracks on here, mainly "Blame it on Cain", the perennial classic and album-title-toting "Alison", "Less than zero" and of course the bonus/single classic "Watching the detectives" (avec Attractions, sort of). It's probably not the best overall from Costello, but as a debut album it soars.
Exceptional power pop. Every song is single-worthy. Just snappy, brisk, and catchy punk influenced jams. A necessary building block in the early days creating the indie aesthetic.
Nice pub rock album. Good mix of punk and ‘50/60’s doo-wop style songs.
Great album, I’m a big fan. Some instant classics on this album including Alison, The Angels Want to Wear My Red Shoes, and Watching the Detectives. All the songs are good, some are great.
7/10
Greta Guitars and voice tone, not my stile but very good
Gefällt mir recht gut, schön und abwechslungsreich
I like more this album
More rockabilly sounding than his next punky stuff. Really good
This was my first exposure to Elvis Costello, and I cannot believe this album was recorded in the 70s. It sounds like an indie record from a decade ago, but more fresh and authentic. Song after song with hooks, great production, and a wild range of styles. Favorites: Blame it on Cain, Alison. I don't come back to it as much as I expected, but when I do I enjoy the hell out of it. Initial Rating: 4 Revised Rating: 4
Welcome to the working week: what an opener. Every time I put this album on, I’m immediately drawn into its strange mélange of dodgy characters and sticky hooks. Aside from some rather mediocre songs in the second half (the overly Elvis-leaning “Mystery Dance,” the honky-tonk-driven “Pay It Back,” and the rather uninspired guitar-solo rock pastiche “I’m Not Angry”), this still stands as one of the best debut albums of all time. Even the songs that aren’t perfect already showcase that undeniable chorus/post-chorus magic that Elvis Costello mastered like no other. It sounds simple, but it seems damn hard to replicate — even after all these years. 4.5… so close to a 5.
Outstanding album carried by the classic “Alison.” Only reason not five stars is I didn’t love any of the other songs, but definitely liked them all.
4 - I’d be hoppy if Elvis played at my prom. A real vibe - play on a spotify song playlist and see what happens.
Best Elvis Costello album so far (had 3). Close to a 5. I'd rate it 4.5/5
Бодро зашло
Punchy pop punk, proto-new wave and power pop beautifully blended together. The album's title is very apropos. Each track is solid and hits the mark perfectly. Great album.
nooo dancing 💃🕺
Interesting music. Not my usual but very high energy music!
What a fun record! I've never listened to this before and really not much Elvis Costello, so it was a good listen. Some good riffs throughout, nice grooves, just generally enjoyable.
His first record is also his best. What an audacious debut album. In general, I find Costello’s songs too wordy, and they’re definitely pushing that line here, but there are enough hooks to keep my toes tapping.
Not his best but memorable.
Replay yes
Better then expected