Reviews (page 6 of 13)
En tiiä miks tästä tulee jotenkin jouluinen fiilis mulle. Muutenkin tulee jotenkin lämmin hyvä fiilis tästä. Oon alkanut kanssa lämpenemään Elvis Costellon musiikille, sitä on aika paljon tällä listalla. Tää on sen debyytti. Hyvää rokkia, voiko muuta sanoa. Parhaat: Alison, No Dancing
This is a fun one. Songs and total play length are nice and tight and the vibe is energetic and upbeat. Elvis's voice is an acquired taste that I've acquired. Saves the best song for last
почему половина песен про то как ему изменяет девушка с богатым мужиком
Why is there so much Elvis Costello on this list
He's so great
I like Elvis Costello, but I'm not sure if it's just the few songs I've heard or what. This album was fine, I wouldn't pick it again
Not my favorite so far but didn’t dislike it in any sense. Pretty good.
Alison was definitely my favorite.
i think these ones are boring and kibda old for me
Another album by Elvis Costello. I hope he doesn't release too many more in this project. I'm not particularly fond of the music. I didn't listen to it very closely, but when I did, I noticed that I don't like Elvis's voice. 2/5
Some good, some mid, rangly jangly, I couldn't remember anything from this album and I just listened to it
Definitely in top 100. Musicians songs arrangements all stunning. Songs still fresh. Classics including at least 2 best ever.
I also enjoy gin and cocaine!
Rock and roll. A lil bit Bruce Springsteen, a lil bit Randy Newman, a tiny bit Elvis, and also a bit its own thing
liked it
Listens: 2 Standout Tracks: Welcome To the Working Week, Allison This album honestly just felt like more of the same, as I have just recently listened to This Year's Model. This debut album and the other one were released only one year apart, and you could have slammed the two albums together and had a entirely cohesive sound, even if the subject matter differed. It feels like a smattering of genres, without really having its own identity. I don't hate it, but I'm not particularly in enamored with it either. It sort of just exists for me. In one ear an out the other, leaving very little imprint on me.
8.23/10 liked! 4/5 Favs: blame it on cain and less than zero
Pretty great!
This has some good ones. And some less good ones.
Ikke helt min greie, men var helt ok.
Technically sound but it wasn't for me.
Cool!
This guy is good at many different genres it was like a love letter to music
A collection of pretty good rock songs that borrow heavily from 50s rock and roll and pop. Judging without any historical context, it's great but I didn't find it particularly interesting or memorable.
This is a cool mix of power pop and 50s rock, it feels like it could be playing at a diner in an old movie despite obviously sounding more modern than that. Costello's voice really sells the songs and his cutting lyrics. I've never quite understood Costello's reputation as a lyricist though. As far as I can tell, he's just really sarcastic and make a lot of sexual innuendos on this one. There are some great lines ("there's no such thing as an original sin"), but it wears thin by the end, especially on "Mystery Dance." It wouldn't matter as much if there was more musical variety, but as much as I like the style the actual songs are fairly straightforward. And a lot are pretty similar; "Sneaky Feelings" and "Pay it Back" are almost identical. Some songs sound a bit different, in a good way ("Alison") or a bad way ("I'm Not Angry"). A fun enough listen, but in the end there aren't enough surprises.
Elvis Costello was before my time of listening to music, for the most part. Plus, he was kind of all over the place musically. Was he punk? Was he new wave? Was he rockabilly? Was he just old-time rock ‘n’ roll? He was kind of everything. On his debut album, My Aim Is True, his backup band was a country-rock band named Clover. The bad news for Clover is that they appeared in London during the punk movement, so they looked like everything punk was against over there, hippies. But they could play some rock ‘n’ roll. I think Elvis Costello’s aim wasn’t to be punk or hip or anything, I think he just wanted to play the kind of music he grew up on, which was 50’s rock’n’ roll. In 1977, you had disco, big arena rock bands and the youngsters just wanted simple rock ‘n’ roll, hence punk. Unlike most punk bands, Costello could write great songs with catchy lyrics, and with the Clovers, they could play the songs well. I had quite a few of the songs stick in my head and bubble up throughout the day. You could see Costello was going to be someone pretty important because he had what some people like to call “it.” A song called Mystery Dance is on the album, and its just a minute and a half long, but it’s got more packed into it than anything on the Guided By Voices album that still haunts me. I’m excited to check out more Costello as the 1,001 list continues. My favorite songs on the album are Mystery Dance, Welcome To the Working Week, Sneaky Feelings, Less Than Zero, and probably the best song is Watching the Detectives. It’s mostly a reggae song, and I dislike reggae, so you know it must be good. But truly, all the tracks are good, as it's just good old rock ‘n’ roll with catchy hooks and great lyrics. This album was a real treat after GBV and Frank.
I am now basing my scores entirely on how much I enjoy that first (or first few) listens. As such, this gets an easy 5. Great, immediate, catchy rock - pop songs. Starts off with a bang and Alison is beautiful
A masterclass in sardonic songwriting. Elvis is king.
I knew a couple of the tracks but reminds me how good he is as a singer
Great!
Elvis is King!
Oh there's some songwriting going on here. Alison and Watching the Detectives on the same album! The filler is very high quality - check out Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes.
Wow! This was the first time I've ever played this whole album through – I knew the hits but not the others, and this was a great album start to finish. Honestly surprised it's from 1977 – it feels very modern and fresh.
Dårlig å kalle seg Elvis når man ikke er Elvis
Greit nok det her, kan se for meg at det var ganske fett i 1977. Hørt i dag så blir det ikke så spesielt, men plager meg ikke liksom. 2/5
Sikkert nyskapende for sin tid, men nå var det litt kjedelig
nice but nothing special. Would give 3.5/5 (I did particularly like I'm not angry!)
Hell yeah. What a great Album
I enjoyed this album. Not a classic but solid.
Oh goody. ANOTHER Elvis Costello Album. That said, Watching the Detectives remains a great song. "She's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake"
A couple of well known songs to enjoy, and Elvis is creative and highly productive, with elements of Pop and Punk and Country and Rock but I don't hugely enjoy it, and making me listen to 5283278930 of his albums in this book isn't going to change that.
Solid classic alternative.
Rather boring.
Most of the album feels like something you'd hear on Jools Holland's Hootenanny. It's quite honky tonk at times, and 50s doo-woop the rest of the time. Not that that's a negative thing necessarily. "Watching the Detectives" is the outlier, feeling something more like ska at times. Definitely the most interesting song on the album. Overall quite enjoyable, with some very catchy tunes.
this is definitely the best i heard from him, there’s more emotion and creativity used in this, i might have to listen to it again, it was a funky record, so much of this guy on this list though, i enjoyed it
Interesting album but not really my vibe.
I always thought it was a weird coincidence that there was a second Elvis that got famous making music, but learning that he just started going by Elvis because there already was a famous Elvis makes Costello's music make much more sense. Nothing here is bad, and the album is a pretty good listen, but nothing is particularly interesting or unique either.
I think it’s official. I’m just not an Elvis Costello guy. This dude could be singing the greatest song of all time and I’d hate it- I can’t get past his voice. He sounds like a cartoon dog. His voice would probably work better if his songs were less Pop. But they are not. I actually enjoy the backing band. But like I said- I can’t get past the voice. TWO STARS
4.1
Solid Elvis Costello, I think his most classic sound
Loved it!
просто хорошая музыка, ничего особенного для себя не нашла
He must have been aiming for fairly average.
Every artist has a moment when they are at the height of their powers. For some it's a singular album, for others it's a period. Sometimes it's an aberration in an otherwise lackluster career and sometimes it's like the tallest peak of a vast mountain range. This album for me is the very point at the top of Elvis Costello's Mount Everest hovering just above "This Year's Model."
Particularly enjoyed Welcome to the Working Week, Sneaky Feelings and the storytelling in Watching the Detectives. Generally enjoyed this album but can’t see myself listening to it multiple times.
I enjoyed this. It was some fun kind of pop rock and roll. I don't really understand why it's in the 1001 albums list though? Was tossing up between 3 and 4 stars but gave it 4 because I really liked Watching The Defectives.
2,5/5 Some songs were nice, others a bit bland to my taste. I was a bit bored of him repeating the same line over and over again at the end of multiple songs until the song faded. It was just repetitive to me. I was pleasantly surprised by 'blame it on cain'. I discovered the storyline of Abel and Cain from the bible. I'm not religious but am interested how people interpret different lessons from these stories. over-all I had some vibes but it wasn't my cup of tea. favorites: Alison, Watching The Detectives and (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes.
I hate to be down on somebody’s body of work - but just not my thing. For me lacks complexity and not music that I can find an occasion for where I may be able to warm to it more.
i feel like all the songs are lowkey the same.. no distinguishing factors my favs are alison, mystery dance, pay it back, im not angry and watching the detectives
Was ok, not gonna be on my list
I enjoyed this. A little different but well done.
Try as I may, I've never been able to give a shit about Costello
I liked this one way more than This Year’s Model. It just seemed more fun and a little more varied and interesting. Still not something I’d keep coming back to but not bad.
Ziemlich gut, hat mir gefallen
Honestly really great. Looks to the older rock tradition with the likes of Buddy Holly (someone he's somewhat aping with his look and the music.)
50’s rock and roll mixed with late 70’s feel.
Suena viejo incluso para su época. Pero con power, que se yo. Nota: 2.7
*would give this a 4.5 if I could *liked the sound and feel of this record
I remember when this album came out though I never had it on vinyl. I suppose if punk was a reaction to heavy and art rock this was a reaction to punk. Clear clean sound, more traditional rifts. Not a bad track on the album. What's not to like?
Absolutely one of the best debut albums there ever was. Not a bad song in the bunch, and served as a great launchpad into Costello's initial period of great pop albums. Perhaps he's been full of himself all along, but with a catalog like his, he has a right to be. Not every album is as good as this one, but that's okay with me.
Blame it on Cains a bit of a bopper—dig it, dont remember paying attention to it before this project. Alison might be a top 100 all time for me. Sneaky Feelings has Billy Joel energy for me Angels Red Shoes is Watching the Detectives? Less then Zero, interesting lyrics—had to look up Oswald Pay it Back—catchy hook! Im not Angry Anymore—still sound pretty angry; love the contrast. Guitar riff is siick, drums too—floor tom has a jungle vibe. Really like it Watching Detectives, love the storytelling. Love the bouncy keyboard and the contrast to the lyrics No Action “telephone junky..” sounds like something from Angels Red Shoes? Elvis def has some honky tonk influences, comes thru on a couple songs, incl Living in Paradise
Decent album
I was really surprised to see that this was Elvis Costello’s debut album. It already sounds so sharp and fully formed, like he had been at it for years. If pop-punk had existed in the 70s, this record would have been a perfect fit. Some of the songs don’t even sound tied to that era—they feel way ahead of their time. “Blame It on Cain,” “I’m Not Angry,” and “Waiting for the End of the World” all stood out as highlights. “Waiting for the End of the World” especially caught my ear, with guitar and drum parts that felt like a throwback to the psychedelic rock of the late 60s. It gave the record some extra texture without losing its punch. Overall, My Aim Is True is a killer debut that set the stage for Costello’s career. Fast, clever, and packed with energy, it feels just as fresh today as it must have back then. Favorite song: Waiting for the End of the World
I've never listened to this album (22). Solid debut, but if I want to listen to Elvis Costello I'll always go to This Year's Model.
Enjoyed this album from Costello.
ELVIS COSTELLO
Elvis Costello bores me to tears, and the list creator's obsession with him is downright pathetic.
A very timeless album. A rare album to have no bad songs.
Elvis Costello has been in my life a long time, since this debut was released and I saw him perform "Watching The Detectives" on BBC TVs Top Of The Pops. I was twelve years old and punk was morphing into New Wave. In truth Elvis Costello was neither of these things. Incidentally, "Watching The Detectives" wasn't on the original UK release of "My Aim Is True", which is a quite wonderful debut album. The songs are concise and memorable. The hallmarks of Costello's best work are present in this debut; lyrical wit, a distinctive vocal delivery and great melodies. The production and mix holds up well for a 48 year old album. The standout track is "Alison" a song that Costello has said was inspired by a beautiful checkout girl he saw at a supermarket. He imagined her past as being full of promise and her present as being trapped in a disappointing life with a "ruffian who told her convenient lies." "My Aim Is True" is a clear five star album for me. For those interested; Costello's run of albums, from this release up to "Imperial Bedroom" in 1981 are quite stunning, and there more delights to be found, across his catalogue, beyond those run of releases, right up to the present day. Side one 1. "Welcome to the Working Week" – (5/5) 2. "Miracle Man" – (5/5) 3. "No Dancing" – (4/5) 4. "Blame It on Cain" – (5/5) 5. "Alison" – (5/5) 6. "Sneaky Feelings" – (4/5) Side two 1. "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" – (5/5) 2. "Less Than Zero" – (5/5) 3. "Mystery Dance" – (4/5) 4. "Pay It Back" – (4/5) 5. "I'm Not Angry" – (4/5) 6. "Waiting for the End of the World" – (5/5) 7. "Watching The Detectives" - (5/5) Total - 60 Average - 4.62 110/1001
Alison always makes me think of the critically acclaimed 2001 film, Get Over It. The album sounds familiar - guessing it was played at homr while I was growing up.
I had higher hopes for this, hadn’t heard it in ages. The “hits” are still great, but the other tracks aren’t that memorable/catchy. When he started using The Attractions as his backing band on his next album, “This Year’s Model” that’s when things started to look up for EC (even though I gave that a 3 as well). And as I’ve mentioned before, Imperial Bedroom is his best and is still to come in the 1,001.
“Less than zero” and especially “Alison” were my jams in college. Haven’t been impressed by any Costello album on this list yet, but this is my favorite of his.
4/5 I actually liked this a lot more than I was expecting. It's a pretty simple sound and all 12 songs are a solid execution of that style. It could honestly be a little higher but the production just gave me a headache, it felt really tight and at times tinny/screechy. Other than that, the insturmentals and atmosphere is fun and the songs are generally well written. I had fun with it.
Sharp lyrics, distinctive voice. Good listen. Alison is the standout track, and it's interesting to learn that it's not a love song as much as a song of pity and regret for unrequited love.
Like the mix of some pop and some more rock and roll
A retro vibe and strong songcraft.
5/5. This is a great album, I checked this one out after listening to his second one and I've slowly grown to like this album maybe not as much as the 2nd one but still a fantastic one. Punk with a Buddy Holly vibe, with intelligent lyrics about someone I would never want to meet. It's angry to a point that it feels a little incel but it also rides the line of sarcasm and satire that is hard to tell, and that's pretty punk. If this was the first time I was hearing this album it would be a 3 at best but it definitely takes a few listens to appreciate. Best Song: Miracle Man, Blame It On Cain, Alison, Less Than Zero, Waiting To The Working Week
The Album feels like a warm hug from my mother. It feels nostalgic and also new. I have never heard any music from Elvis Costello this Album has opened my eyes/ears to Elvis Great music!
Lacks maybe the pep of his subsequent albums, but still a fun listen.
This was a pleasant uptick from the mania of the ministry album but it’s the kind of music that has a ceiling to it. My main thought on listening was, he’s the kind of music star you wouldn’t mind too much if your adult offspring started dating and took them home to meet you.
Bit dated for me but for it's time has a cool feel and seemed to blend styles which presumably was innovative. Not compelling enough for me. 2/3
A weird album that seems like it comes from a decade before it was made. Its anachronistic sound is juxtaposed with lyrics contemporaneous to the late seventies. It's a set of fairly average, if well constructed, songs with a few absolute gems thrown in. "Watching the Detectives" is a rare example of the perfect pop song to close the album. If only the rest lived up to that high standard.
Fun enough
My songs are clue....d into my brain; lovely wordsmith.
Nice spin on elvis to the new era at the time,some stinkers in here but also some absolute bangers.Overall pretty all over the place but enjoyable 7
Late 70s pop rock with new wave vibes. One of his best albums. Voice and delivery aren't my fave.
2.5 - Meh
kinda neat idk
Fresquito y disfruton Sr Costello
Whew, cleanses my palate after yesterday's 1976 entry--interesting lyrics, stripped down musicality, direct presentation, love it. Garage banded Watching the Detectives, but could have done any of these songs joyfully. How much of this album is embedded in your brain, invitations to sing along to the words emphatically? Great.
Great tunes. I was re-watching an episode of the West Wing the other day and Jimmy Smits playing Santos was singing Alison. It was such a lovely reminder of what genuinely talented guy. I know watching the detectives was only on the reissue but that is a fantastic tune.
Elvis Costello is often brilliant, and when he's not, he still better than most. This album has some very high points, a couple of classics, and a few tunes that aren't quite filler, but don't rise to the excellence of the very best stuff on here. A prolific and inventive artist, this is a snapshot of Costello in a great era of his songcraft.
I was traveling yesterday and couldn't listen to this one. But no worries, I know this album well. It's a great debut and things would get even greater on the next one. Instead of listening, though, I wound up going down a Wikipedia rabbit hole researching his backing band, Clover. Pretty cool to see how many other artists they worked with over the years. Anyway, thumb's up. Not sure if it's a 5 but it's a solid 4.
Surprised me that this came out in 1977. I thought it was more in the mid 80s. What a first album! I love this. No one hits a vibrato that makes the hair on my arms stand straight up quite like Elvis.
I have never disliked Elvis Costello- it’s just not something I would listen to on purpose.
Great Songs: Miracle Man, Alison Good Songs: Welcome to the Working Week, No Dancing, Blame it on Cain, (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes, Less Than Zero, Pay It Back, I'm Not Angry, Waiting For The End of the World, Watching The Detectives Mid Songs: Sneaky Feelings Bad Songs:
Excellent debut from Elvis Costello. What if Buddy Holly was a cool nerd (ok he was)? Who also listened to punk, and had an early new wave flair? That is this album.
6 Pretty good. Some songs a bit samey u know. Watching the detectives a big banger
Meh. Watching the Detectives was okay.
All of Elvis Costello’s music sounds the same to me. I enjoyed it, though.
never much liked his stuff. Alison and Watching the detectives are the hits, very different songs but heard them a lot. I actually like The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes. but a lot of the album was very samey. like Van Morrison at 128BPM with an offset guitar,
I don't care what ya'll say I love this little dork. 8/10
It’s a fine album. Costello stretches his musical Coors and tries some different styles and genres, which typically work well.
Pretty fun record! So e days I really like Elvis Costello, other days I really don't... But today I liked it! Core band songwriting is great, feels like a cohesive album, Allison and Watching the Detectives are highlights.
Interesting.
Day 37, 6th record I own (seems like the first US pressing as "Watching the Detectives" comes at the end of side A) along with every other 70s and 80s Elvis Costello record on this list. My dad and I rode a train down to Miami* to catch him perform early songs for supposedly the last time. It was a killer show and Elvis was having a great time. Never realized this was released shortly after the passing of Elvis Presley. *Probably Iggy Pop was backstage as the two gents of rock n roll are buds and Iggy lives in Miami.
Po raz kolejny, na przekór wszystkim, kocham Elvisa Costello. Nie wiem po co tu tyle jego płyt ani dlaczego wcześniej o nim nie słyszałam, ale nie narzekam. Jest w nim coś teatralnego. Filmowego. Jak ścieżka dźwiękowa do filmu dla nastolatek z lat 80. 8/10
This was great. The mix of different rock genres works great on this album, with elements of rockabilly, punk, and classic 60s style rock. Elvis Costello has a damn good voice for this and the instrumentation is on point.
kinda boop, but probably wont go back
I enjoyed this - it's like early ska
JAKO DOBARRRR iskreno 5⭐️ bas mi je bia dobar pre jebeno groovy i zabavan vrh
This is such an easy album to listen to. What a debut! Every song is so energetic it almost sounds like a live album instead of the collection of studio recordings. "Miracle Man" is so catchy and could really exist in any time period of modern music. "No Dancing" sounds exactly like it was released 20 years before this album came out. It's timeless. Then "Blame it On Cain" is straight blues rock. Strangely, my least favorite song is Alison but I know everyone loves it.
Never consciously listened to Costello before. Like it.
Has some classics on, Alison is one of the best songs of Costello's career. Welcome To The Working Week is a banger. Watching The Detectives is great. Most of the other songs are decent enough, but he would get much stronger in the coming years with the attractions. Still a good album and worth listening to. 7/10
Best one from him yet though still not likely to pull me back later...
its alright
I've always heard about Elvis Costello, but had never listened to him. This was okay, but I'm not sure why it's vital or how it spawned his career...?
I was just thinking about EC yesterday so I'm really happy to see this today! He takes me all the way back to high-school.
Elvis, you are no Elvis! But you try on some songs. You also try to be a bluesman, a punker. Makes me wonder, can you just be you? Feels like a cover artist with original material, but still trying to sound like others. IT doesn't work for me. Not horrible, but I might change the station if it came on the radio. 2.25 rounded down to 2.
Ain't that fresh. From the get-go you feel like it's going to be a quality work, and it doesn't disappoint. The vibes, the artistry, the music, the lyrics. My first time hearing about this guy, and what a beautiful debut, even though it's almost fifty years old!
Welcome To The Working Week - 8.5/10 Miracle Man - 9/10 No Dancing - 8/10 Blame It On Cain - 8/10 Allison - 8.5/10 Sneaky Feelings - 7.5/10 (The angels wear my) Red Shoes - 7/10 Less than zero - 7.5/10 Mystery Dance - 8/10 Pay it back - 7/10 I’m not angry - 7.5/10 Waiting for the end of the world - 9/10 79/100
I've listened to several albums now, and I still don't like Elvis Costello.
I'll be damned, this wasn't too bad. The first Elvis Costello album where I didn't feel like he was trying too hard. It's simple and poppy still, but it's okay to listen to.
Ths one was decent. The other Costello had me apprehensive but it seems like in the beginning his arrangements and vocals were better
Bad album cover. Singing is a bit off for me. He can sing but he sounds a bit too deliberate. Less mask would be better. Music is just ok. Relaxed. Short album. Nice vibe. Just happened that I know one Alison, but it doesn’t mean my aim is true ..
There’s just something so corny about Costello that I can’t really get over. I disliked the entire album except for the last two songs. Maybe it’s the genre hop to ska that sold me on Watching the Detectives but I actually enjoyed that song and felt like his style and guitar playing worked better in that space. It felt less preachy and less showboaty. I think my reoccurring issue with him is that it feels like he’s trying so hard to be hip and cool and deep at the same time. A lot of people are cool because they put it all out there and don’t care what people think, and some people are cool because they out none of it out there because they care what people think. He both cares what others think and puts it all out there, and I think it’s just a corny combination. When he tries less I like him more. He wants to be Billy Joel and Bob Dylan at the same time but isn’t being the charm of either.
This Costello album seemed less gimmicky than previous ones. Probably the most palatable in my opinion. Or, maybe we’ve had some real stinkers this week with the recent surge of New Wave and this was a needed break. Either way… it was aight
I think Alison is a good song, I’m just sick of Elvis Costello at this point. What is the point of a solo project when it doesn’t sound any different from the band? Please tell me there’s only five of his appearances on this list.
Yep. That's more Elvis Costello.
3.5 stars I first heard this album 21 years ago and I’ve been a sucker for it for years. It’s not the best of his first few records, but it’s a great start. The songwriting is varied where it doesn’t feel like there are any throw away tracks, even if there are weaker ones. I’m trying to honor the spirit of the premise for this generator, which is that we are basing this on the original release from the original country. “Watching the Detectives” would be the best song on the album, but it’s not truly from this album. It was recorded 3 months after the album was released and features a different band (the Attractions). I approve of it being added on the US version, but I don’t credit that as the album itself.
I like. 4/5
Starts well, but failed to set my world alight. Solid but unremarkable
Perfectly listenable to without being in any way outstanding. I’m familiar with Costello rather than being a fan. I quite enjoy most of what I’ve heard, and this is no exception. But he rarely sets my life on fire. Listened multiple times which is a good sign. The Springsteen/Young notes were interesting. On the whole, pretty decent.
Molto divertente
This album sounds like an SNL skit, but is this fella's serious tunes. Like a well produced band that played the prom on the Saved By The Bell Graduation show that Zach Attack lip synced to. Glad it wasn't a long listen
Definitely not for me. I’m glad I explored the kind of music I would otherwise never intentionally listen to, but I didn’t enjoy it. Maybe it’s because I was looking to find what I like instead of examining it on its own. Maybe I should not be judgemental and put labels onto things. Be more open minded. Good exercise to be more open minded.
Some good songs
Pretty good debut. But why is he considered punk? I’ve always been confused by that. 4 stars
First time listening to him. Not bad. Intrigued enough to hear more.
1 y I know. Alison, the rest ehhhh
Still probably my favourite Elvis Costello album, his debut predates the Attractions, the backing band being Clover, a country rock band who featured, a pre-News, Huey Lewis, but contains stunning songs. Costello’s vocals are at their most biting and snarling, the lyrics spat out. Even on “Alison”, one of his very best ballads, there a bitterness, about the loss of a dream love to the mundanity of life and marriage (perhaps?). The album never lets up starting with “Welcome to the Working Week” and through “Miracle Man”, “(The Angels Wanna Wear) My Red Shoes”, “Less Than Zero”, “Mystery Dance”, all classics. Every time I listen to the album I hear something new. This time the backing vocals on “No Dancing” really jumped out and the bridge section in “Waiting For the End of the World” (“and then the bride, the groom…) over an excellent slide guitar. The music is steeped in the pub rock from which Costello and producer Nick Lowe had just emerged and there is rock and roll, country, doo-wop, Spector-like beats, and other influences all thrown into the angry melting point. “Watching the Detectives”, which was not part of the original album but was added to the US release, features Steve Nieve’s organ and points to the Attractions who would back Costello on the rest of his ‘70s and early ‘80s output. But My Aim is True stands on its own merits and is the equal of anything which followed.
Alright album, nothing stood out. Felt like a classic rock album my dad would play, but no bangers.
Personal and political angst wrapped in a classic 50s rock & roll package.
I've always heard of Elvis Costello but never listened to any of his albums. I loved it. It's so modern, I can't believe it came out in 1977. Just so fun and smart and punky and yeah. So great. So many blends of genres and yet still so distinctive. I really really enjoyed this! A hidden gem find for me.
A personal favorite .
Nice Friday afternoon album!
My first full Elvis Costello album -I'm a fan. This was a great listen.
5,5/10
3+ Stars (9/15)
Bra attityd, bra låtar
Den här snubben är en riktigt kool katt.
Very good. I didn’t know what Elvis Costello sounded like. I thought this would be cornier (like a whole album of mystery dance, which I wouldn’t enjoy), but it sounded pretty great. This is probably an offensive comment, but this is what I expect Bruce Springsteen to sound like, although I feel like when I listen to Bruce I end up disappointed. This was not disappointing
I wish someone could explain to me the appeal of Elvis Costello. The only thing I can think of is he is a nostalgia act for boomers who were teens in the 50s. He’s a hack who had to copy another man’s style and name to become popular.
I started this album pretty sure I wasn't going to enjoy it but it won me over by the middle. That was his aim all along.
Highlight Song/s: Miracle Man, (The Angles Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes and I'm Not Angry 1/6 Elvis Costello albums. Costello's music is quite difficult to understand and to get into. I don't know if his singing on this album is natural of its forced, I feel that's the biggest hurdle for me at the moment. I know he modeled his look after Buddy Holly, so maybe he decided to also add a twang to his voice like Buddy had? I don't even know, but it feels a bit forced. I'm not a hater of him (at least at this point in time,) I am a fan of Radio Radio and Pump It Up, but that's just his singles not the deep album tracks.
Good!
I'm so torn on this. Like, there is no denying Elvis's contributions, and I enjoy his music overall, but this album feels so middle-of-the-road nowadays…
It's ok
Прямой как стрела. Резкий как понос. Человек направил всё, что было у него внутри, чтоб выпалить такой сфокусированный, стремительный и дивно харизматичный релиз. Грязный класс.
There’s 35 years between Buddy Holly and Buddy Holly by Weezer. And bang in the middle of that – 17 and a half years either side, give or take – there’s Elvis Costello’s debut album. “My Aim is True” straddles many an equatorial line. New wave/old tricks; day the music died/“A day in the life”; goofiness/sincerity. This is a very good, very well honed album. Amongst the dozen or so pop songs here it’s probably fair to say there’s something for everyone. And yet there’s also something of a debut halo about it, too. An indisputable energy that isn’t necessarily rawness; a charisma that hasn’t had time to be contrived; a leaping off whatever medium (digital radio via streaming for me) that tries to contain it. A pugnacious charm that makes the idea of this record being featured on a Sunset Boulevard billboard feel less bewilderingly weird. 17.5 years after Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” we got Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” – proof if ever needed that music – like any form, phenomena or corpus – doesn’t “progress” over time. (Teleology cannot survive Adam Levine.) My Aim is True survives as the middle of so many moments; it figures that it created its own.
7/10 One thing that has struck me listening to all these albums is how poor a lot of artists are at knowing when to STOP. When those 18 tracks should have been 12 or that 6mins35 track shoulda been a punchy 3mins 20. Elvis gets this and that's what makes him a great songwriter. There is no flab here, no guff or padding. Ok, so the songs lack the impact they may have originally, but he gets a lot of credit for being a master of the trade.
Good stuff! Never really listened to Elvis Costello before but I liked the sound and upbeat tempo.
Debut isn’t as good as the next one (I think), but alas they get the same store. Cause Elvis Costello is firmly in that eh this is fine, bassinet more interesting, occasionally less, but doesn’t really struck with me. And I occasionally revisit thinking I’ll find something more but leave with that feeling of fineness. Still the nerdy, anxious, hooky, slightly-punky sound…but with a country band this time? Probably not the best backing band for Costello, but the integration of a bit of a country sound sometimes makes unique results. A bit lyrically overstuffed in the end - decent songs and decent hooks, but nothing that really wowed me here.
Fun, energetic, reminiscent of classic rock and roll. Enjoyable album.
“No, I'm not angry, just disappointed.” Stephen Lynn, Brief Encounter (1945) On Lil’ Beethoven, Sparks asked: What Are All These Bands So Angry About? They were thinking of Limp Bizkit, Korn, Puddle of Mudd - nu-metal acts raging in pre‑9/11 America, where plenty of young millionaires were breaking things in the supposed “End of History.” By contrast, the British punks of the 70s had plenty of reason to be angry. Declan McManus was trying to ignite a career in an unstable Britain: the Three-Day Week, the looming Winter of Discontent, and the constant shadow of the Troubles, which touched his own family in Dungannon. But McManus wasn’t exactly a punk, and by his own admission, he wasn’t even angry. He told Nick Kent that the motivation for the songs on My Aim Is True were “guilt and revenge.” But that's not strictly true either. Although he would go on to cheat on his first wife, Mary Burgoyne, he hadn't done so at this point – he's hardly a stud; he looks like me, as Dave Lee Roth might observe. And nor was he notorious enough to have made any significant enemies, despite the little black book of lying journalists he told Kent he kept. It was good copy though. Proof that the 22 year-old Costello had spent more time reading rock magazines than philandering or conspiring. We tend to think of guilt and revenge as the feelings of the small man, but they are the luxuries of the pampered king who has enough time to ruminate and scheme. Up until now, Elvis – his own shot at the title of king – had been messing about in useless bands (Flip City!) and working for a cosmetics company (“Spent all my time in a vanity factory”): guilt and revenge are just fantasies and he's not angry, he's disappointed. Frustrated that he isn’t a rock star, that he isn’t yet a professional musician like his father, that he’s stuck in a dull job and a young marriage. For Costello, frustration proved just as combustible as anger Costello knew better than most what the life of a working musician meant. His father, Ross McManus, was a professional singer, as were his grandfather and great‑grandfather before him. He understood music as a job, but still a more desirable job than Elizabeth Arden’s offices. When he walked out for good on July 9, 1977, weeks before the album’s release, My Aim Is True bore the sound of someone forcing open the door to that career, equal parts defiance and desperation. Welcome to the Working Week makes this all very plain: the person whose photo is being rhythmically admired, whether glamour model or some celebrity wanker, still has to put in the hours and, in time, the thrill will go and death will approach. What is the difference between a page-three girl and the shop girl that inspired Alison? Both disappointed in their own ways. Everyone has to punch the clock. With this personal insight, why does he want it so much? And why does he want “anyone that (he) ever desired”? It's a compulsion and an occupational hazard. One might imagine that financial and critical success might satisfy you, but look at what charts and at how journalists lie. The trick, then, is to find some artistic satisfaction between the press junkets and the tour bus and the chart failures. McManus has the advantage over this father that, not only is he a singer, but a songwriter. It's much easier to ignore the drawbacks of the business, if you can trust your artistic vision – if your aim is true. My Aim is True was a moderate success in the UK and invisible in the US. Obviously, enough of the songs have stayed in Costello's setlist over the decades that they must represent something of a success for him. There are several he would be a fool to deny: Red Shoes and Less Than Zero are essential works. Alison, of course, was covered shortly after recording by Linda Ronstadt, which confirmed Costello as a successful songwriter. However, the record does not confirm him, yet, as a rock star. Nick Lowe's production is thin and the decision to include those background whispers on I'm Not Angry was a horrible mistake. Sneaky Feelings and Pay It Back are weak writing efforts, while Mystery Dance, Miracle Man, and No Dancing are too indebted to Costello's early influence from Bruce Springsteen. Partially, we can attribute this to Clover, the backing band brought in to support him. Despite John McFee's now timeless guitar parts on Alison and Red Shoes, the band settles on a generic rockabilly shuffle for most of the album. Of course, Costello will make a career of genre exercises, exploring the wide range and depth of his interests. Yet, it never sounds like mere weekending. His encyclopedic knowledge and avaricious appetites are the qualities that allow him to source his artistic satisfactions – the satisfaction is in trying everything! On this record, Costello isn’t exploring his full range - he’s constrained. The sessions were quick, with musicians who barely knew him, and what they shared was a common vocabulary of country, rockabilly, and roots. It works, but Costello would refine it, and do it better, later. Indeed, he will do everything better later. The signs are there in I'm Not Angry. The toms and keyboards in the pre-chorus sound like something the Attractions might do only a year later. However, when that band starts playing live, they will elongate and distort that song, taking it from just under three minutes in length to six minutes – even while they are increasing the tempo on everything and ending shows after twenty five minutes. In performance, Costello teases the title, but rarely finishes: “I'm not... I'm not...” he sings. The press were calling him an Angry Young Man, but he doesn't even have to dignify that by concluding: “I'm not angry anymore.” He's over it. By that point, on the second album, he was a rock star. He probably wasn't disappointed by it yet, but he hadn't really got his bearings. In the song, the protagonist is left downstairs listening to another man's success with a woman above. Now Costello is the man upstairs and the rest of us are the ones listening. He would, as the title promised, find his aim. But on his debut, he is still the ruffian on the stair, steadying his sights, figuring out how to break into the room. Not angry. Just disappointed. And all the more dangerous for it. 3 There are at least half a dozen terrific songs on Elvis Costello's debut. That, along with the fact that he arrived on record fully formed as a confident and distinctive singer, are the thrills of this album. That's nearly enough to be honest, shouldn't I just take my head out of the gift horse's mouth? Well I have no idea how highly I would have thought of this album in 1977, but knowing that the Attractions are coming rather inclines me to harshness on the band that play here. Honestly it is all sound, energetic accompaniment but it does consist of comparatively undistinguished musical gestures - the colour and detail that the Attractions would bring with them is conspicuously absent. The production, raw and often live-sounding, adds to the sense of a phenomenon that isnt quite realised yet; like a Beatles Cavern Club recording. So to an extent the album feels like a series of pencil sketches - all impressive and some exquisite (Welcome…, Alison, Red Shoes, Less than Zero). Knowing the oil on canvas that was coming though it's difficult to look back on it and say honestly that My Aim is True is a truly great album. I'm glad we discounted Watching the Detectives here as well. All weekend I listened to it in sequence every time of course (how could i resist?) but listening analytically i was struck more than before that it truly doesn't belong here. Sure Andrew Bodnar and Steve Goulding aren't the Attractions either but their playing is still far, far too exciting (and the recording too careful and intimate) for that track to sit comfortably alongside the rest of My Aim is True. 3/5
This guy made a career out of writing and recording slop that all sounds almost identical to the rest of his discography, and hacks like Colin Larkin (author of the 1001 Albums book) looked glisteningly into the trough. "Eat up, little piggy, and I may just bless you with some more Britpop", Colin says to us.
>get this album over the weekend >decide to listen on Monday morning >Mr Costello wishes me a welcome to the working week What a polite man, I wish I was a little more into this one as it starts off pretty strong. Unfortunately this front loading fades away and it becomes pretty standard and familiar ground with other Costello albums I've listened to. Not sure if this one really is as good as I'm saying or if regular exposure is starting to make me actually like this guy
My least hated Smelvis album so far. Actually enjoyed probably a good 2/3rds of this album but at a certain point it just wore out its welcome altogether.
A few good tracks here but i really despise this safe shit that you would definitely here in the background of a whetherspoons. 5/10
Two big hits and a bunch of very bitter, well-written tunes. It's a tight 36 minutes and while all of the songs here don't reach the highs of the highlights, it's a consistently good album. I wouldn't come back to a lot of these songs outside of a full album listen. But hell if I won't listen to Watching the Detectives until I get sick of it entirely. Only for about a week then I'm back to listening to it on repeat again. I love this fucking song SO much. Reminds me of one of the most irresponsible times of my life in the best way possible. Overall, it's great but I can't give it a 5 just because it has an absolute belter of a closer. Highlights: Welcome to the Working Week, Alison, Watching the Detectives
Yeah it's alright, I see why people like it. Not my bag, though.
I don't know it didn't speak to me
this is what every 70s Capital R Rock band wishes they sounded like. It gets 4 because Elvis did it even better
For someone as popular as him, I don't meet many who mention him. Fine album, just not what I'm looking for really.
Piano rock is so much better without piano
This guy again?!
Fun, catchy, bar band roots rock - it’s a collection of mostly simple but catchy rock songs that boogie, swing, twang, and groove. It is for sure not high art, and Elvis Costello’s songwriting would get substantially more sophisticated in the albums that would follow, and the performance would have more bite with the addition of the Attractions. But this is a great and fun introduction to one of the great songwriters of the late 70s and 80s.
Solid album with rage, rock, county. Will have to relisten to it.
2.75
Nah
My least favorite album I've listened to so far. Although the sound isn't terrible it doesn't feel very special to me. A lot of forgettable tracks and gives the vibe of those one moment kids movie songs you hear once, but never again. My top 3 songs from this album are Alison, Welcome To The Working Week, and Sneaky Feelings.
Not for me.
Groovy
Cuteee
I find EC's voice a little grating sometimes, to be honest. He was kind enough to take a picture with my mom when we ran into him once at a music festival, though, so I can't help but be a little fond of him.
Elvis Costello seems curiously untrendy among modern bands and listeners to the point where he’s almost underrated in the British rock canon. This is an excellent debut that has touches of rock n’ roll, ska and punk, though it feels more traditional and digestible than other punk of the era.
Yeah, good album. That's as far as I'm going. Sounded like a really big deal in 77 though.
Da vibes elvis presley, antiguo roquero🤟🏻
This is about my 17th Elvis Costello album so far (did Dimery confuse him with the real Elvis!) Either my expectations are now so low that's anything listenable by Costello is a pleasant surprise, or this is actually a decent record. Nothing mind-blowing or anything, but catchy rock and roll delivered with a little bit of an attitude/snarl that got me tapping the steering wheel like a dad. Only the last track is a mis-steps. Maybe he was warning listeners of the disappointments that lie ahead?
Ehhh it's pretty dorky but some of the tracks have a fun rockabilly sound
Good stuff.
Solid debut, built from here too
Pretty good record.
I don't like being so reductive but... Sad boomer music.
I dig it.
А вот это прям хорошоооооо! Ну вот отлично! Хорошо прям!!!
Meh
Funky/nice for in the background but no Song truly spoke to me
I liked the 'tude of this album, a lotta good 'tude.
This was probably his best I've heard, which unfortunately is still slightly below average.
Hard to believe this was his first album. Every track is excellent. It was great when I first heard it in high school and has aged brilliantly.
Great debut
It’s ok
Had to look at other reviews to make sure I wasn't hearing wrong...im sure it was groundbreaking and genre defining at the time, but it's just mid now and all the songs sound the same. Not sure I needed to hear this before I die, plus he called Ray Charles the n word lol
Gear: ZMF Bokeh Artwork: ♟️🟨😵💫 Production: 🙄🤔🤷 Music: 🎸🤠🧸 Rating: 🪑(🪑)/5
This album sits proudly in my collection of vinyl records. He would quickly go on to record better albums, but this is a striking debut. It's interesting how this straddles the line between contemporary pop rock and punky new wave.
iha ok
Listening more carefully for this project, it's so obviously a debut: a mix of different styles to see what comes across best. But it's still brilliant.
Yeah that was enjoyable
It was fine
This was fairly solid. I’m not super familiar with Elvis Costello but I did enjoy this. It dragged a little but it was an enjoyable listen
liked: alison (before hearing lyrics lmao) red shoes watching the detectives fun and groovy album
Really liked some songs, some were very okay
Elvis Costello's debut is not that dissimilar from his next two album (at least), but it does sound more a bit on the younger and inexperienced side. The quality, however, is already the same as it would be throughout the entire career (or at least the albums I have heard). And no, I'm not really a big Costello fan. Key tracks: Alison
4/5
Everyone's favourite overrepresented artist on the list is back with his debut! I think Alison and Red Shoes are fantastic songs although I don't love this as much as This Year's Model - his more new-wave sound with The Attractions has a bit more bounce and fun vibe. This is a decent album but not that exciting beyond a few songs, with better to come from Declan
This album makes me wonder if the list really needed to be over 1000 albums long. 1,5
Elvis Costello. A name from the past. So am I. A good album and nice vocal.
#664. I looked, and it seems there are 6 of his albums on this list. So now that I've listened to this sixth and last of his albums here, I can go back to never listening to Elvis Costello ever again. Which I am thankful for. 2/5: nope
Prometía mucho y ha cumplido. Estupendo comienzo
It’s okay enough, not as good as I remember but better than the last EC album that came up.
When did Elvis 2 drop?
03/08/2025 It wasn't my favourite thing ever. But it wasn't bad.
Quite enjoyed this more so than the other one but still dragged a little towards the end and only some was memorable.
I haven’t listened to Elvis Costello in years, I forgot how much I enjoy this album. Man 1977 was a good year for music.
I like the style of this record, it sounds crisp. I prefer it to other of his we reviewed. I think it does get a bit samey in the middle though, but then it isn't too long and therefore is alright. Watching the detectives is a great finisher. I can only assume it wasn't on the original album... Hold on... No, just the American release. Classic. It's good, but it's not mind blowing.
Great!
Quite revolutionary for that time, a pleasant listening 2/5
I don't know if this style of music was some game changer or completely new thing back in 1977, but to me it sounds way older lol. Like it's the year when AC/DC made Let There Be Rock and this guy is putting on some Marty McFly performance. The only thing I can say about this album is that it wasn't bad. It was just a bunch of objectivly enjoyable songs. Yes and that cover is making me feel like I need glasses. Favourite song - Alison
My intro to one of my absolute favorite artists!
I really enjoyed Elvis Costello and the Attractions (pump it up etc). I don’t know what about it is better than this seeing as he has the same voice which is my fundamental issue with this album. It sounds like someone doing an impression of Randy Newman. Really didn’t like this album
Annoying ass Big Bang Theory theme song type music
fyrsta plata hans. nýbylgjurokk, mjög gott. 4,5.
This was really nice -- this is a perfect example of why I wish we could do half star ratings on this site. Total perfect example of a 3.5 for me. It's really good. Not one I'd return to super often, but fun and easy listening. Not much else to say. Fave songs: - Welcome To The Working Week - Miracle Man - Blame It On Cain - Alison - (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes - Pay It Back - I'm Not Angry - Watching The Detectives
I was kinda disappointed when it’s this album. Or maybe it’s just how I feel about Costello in general, I’m always just alittle underwhelmed. I don’t love his voice but I do love that he essentially just rights old school rock n roll. But he doesn’t quite have the pipes to make the music pop and explode like it should. But I will say I do love this album instrumentally. The old RnR sound is super nostalgic for me but it kinda just makes me want to listen to other bands as opposed to more of his music. That being said the diamond in the rough for this album is “mystery dance”. The song is super silly and that makes it really endearing to me, as well as being the only song I saved off the album. Make of that what you will.
Steve Buscemi once said in a reddit AMA that his favorite artist is Elvis Costello so I guess I can't hate the guy's music
Funsies
Typical Costello.
Haven't heard this album before. Second album I've ever heard from Costello and I'm convinced he's incapable of creating engaging music. He's like if somebody gave Billy Joel a guitar instead of a piano and took away all his creative variety. Most songs on this album sound nearly identical 2/5
Great album, peters off a bit towards the end.
Fanboy here. Sorry not sorry. Elvis Costello is right up there with the greatest songwriters of all time. Zappa, Dylan, McCartney Pop/Rock icons that EC belongs in the conversation with
elvis lives!
So this is the king of rock and roll eh?
Ska
honestly Alison used to be one of my fav songs.. i am still really undecided on mr costello but he has some really great tracks and also some other ones that make me wanna kill myself <3
Damn it. It’s excellent. So well mixed, so well written. No wonder Diana got with him.
Overrated. His next album is better.
Some good beats and Melodies, but nothing that really stood out to me
A good album by a very influential artist. You can certainly here how his work has permeated alt-rock for generations now.
This is not nearly as obnoxious as the previous Elvis Costello album I listened to. It's still not my favorite, but it's having it's moments.
Grande Elvis Costello. Bel sound tradizionale.
Dope
it’s alright.
I thought this a bit uninspiring. Fairly plain 12 bar blues and rock and roll pastiche.
More to my liking. Words I can understand and music that allows me to tap my fingers or feet to play along. Haven't listened closely to words yet but will. Typical life and love situations in the songs. Must admit I never really listened to him but I will now. A feel good album for me and my first 5 stars
Enjoyed the rockabilly mlore than I expected
Hans debutalbum som blev taget rigtig godt imod. Det er en blanding af punk og new wave 50'er inspireret. Det siger ikke mig så meget personligt, men tror også det kræver at man dykker ned i teksterne. Det lyder som om de er skrevet smart og ift at han kun var 22 er det rimelig vildt.
All Time Class
this definitely had some catchy moments and i enjoyed listening to this but overall not that interesting
Great album and a good start to explore Elvis.
Pretty damn good for a debut album but not perfect. The singles from this album ("Zero"/"Alison"/"Red Shoes") plus "Welcome To The Working Week", "Mystery Dance" and "Waiting For The End Of The World" are all knockout punches, full of stunning wordplay and inventive song structures. However, the also-rans on this album (like "No Dancing" and "I'm Not Angry") are shadows of other, better EC tunes and can be skipped without missing out on much.
Not as annoying as some of his others, but I just don't understand what's so special about him
Classic.
I think I liked this better than the other Elvis Costello album I had before this. The short songs are great- the album goes by quick and it’s all quite catchy how it just flows through. This was decent!
Elvis is unique as a singer and the writing on this and his other works is creative and interesting. I bought this album back in the days when I couldn't afford it.
Found the vocals annoying
I prefer This Year's Model quite a bit, but this is good too
Für mich ein normales Rock-Album aus den 70ern. Klingt ok, aber nicht besonders aufregend. 2/5
My favorite cut is Less Than Zero. All are great
Shoot, I was hoping it was the other Elvis.
When I was a kid, my parents had a mix tape with "Alison" on it, and I absolutely loved that song. Later, I would sing it at my friend Allison to annoy her, even though she had never heard the song. Years later, I had completely forgotten all about "Alison", Allison, and Elvis Costello, who was one of those artists I knew of on the peripherally, but had never really explored. This is exactly what I love about this site and this project; if this album hadn't come up, I'd probably continue my life only knowing Elvis Costello for "Alison", and man, would I be missing out. This album rocks, and reminds me a lot of the music my parents would play for me when we went on road trips. I don't think many songs on here really jumped out to me except for "Welcome To The Working Week" and "Watching The Detectives" (and "Alison") of course, but I didn't really feel the need to skip any of the songs on here either. In baseball, there's a running joke about players belonging in the "Hall of Fame", and players who belong in the "Hall of Very Good". This album belongs in the "Hall of Very Good".
I see another reviewer surmised that the creator of this site must have lost their virginity to Elvis Costello, because why else would there be 3+ of his albums on this list... safe to say I wasn't exactly wow'd by 'Brutal Youth' or 'Armed Forces'. However, I will admit I got a modicum of enjoyment out of this one. Ignoring the fact that Mr. Costello has a glaringly obvious songwriting style (and rarely strays from it) there is in fact a bit of variety across this album, and "Allison" is IMO a genuinely lovely tune.
Great.
Amo a Elvis Costello. Amo su versatilidad y como logra hacer que cada canción en sus discos se escuche diferente a todo lo que ha hecho. Esperen maratón Costello pronto, el tipo siempre me sorprende y me encanta todo lo que hace.
Solid. Fun.
A classic album for those who are Costello fans. 3/5 for me though.
I really try to like Elvis because he's such an outlier, and I want to support those artists. Sadly, his sound just doesn't work for me.
Great pop rock record! Always loved how the drums sound.
My fave Elvis record.
Almost 500 days in, somehow this is only the second Elvis Costello album I got. I’m kind of middle of the road on his music, I never dislike it but it doesn’t really pull me in. This one was pretty fun, the album and the songs were all pretty short and it sounded quite ahead of its time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1001 ALBUMS- # 68 The Aim Is Slightly Off Costello… Although I do prefer early Elvis Costello, this release is just not as punchy without those Attractions behind him. However, with this debut, its one of the most compelling and intelligent first albums in rock history. Released in 1977 during the rise of punk and new wave, it immediately set Costello apart—not just as a provocateur, but as a literary songwriter with a venomous wit and a soft spot for pop hooks. The songwriting is where this album truly shines. Costello blends bitterness, longing, political outrage, and self-deprecation into compact, quotable verses. Whether he’s lamenting lost love or skewering right-wing politics, his lyrics are dense with meaning but never feel overworked. 🎧 Classic Track: Alison 🎧 Deep Cut Gem: Mystery Dance 🎧 My Personal Favorite: Less Than Zero Nick Lowe’s lo-fi, no-nonsense production is a defining characteristic. The album sounds like it was recorded in a hurry—and it was—but that immediacy contributes to its urgency and charm. This is not a polished debut. It’s a deliberate explosion of intent. 🖼️ Album Artwork: Rockin’ Costello’in While later albums like This Year’s Model and Armed Forces show Costello at his most aggressive and sonically ambitious, My Aim Is True holds a unique place. It’s raw but calculated, angry but articulate, funny but bruised. It’s one of the most literate and emotionally complex debuts in rock history.
Just classic. Every song listenable.
fun upbeat pub rock proto new wave album.
I think this means I'm finally coming to the end of the Elvis Costello tunnel. I'm honestly so sick of this man. There's 3 good songs on here IMO: Alison, Less Than Zero, and Watching the Detectives. The rest is painfully mid.
Costello holds high stature in many circles, and many artists and friends whose opinions I respect love him. Not for me.
Cool
What can I say, it’s great. Elvis’ energy and attitude still hits as hard as it ever did.
High 3/low 4, a time travelling album
This one is a good album, enjoyable, but just that. It's nothing really special, but something nice to listen to.
This is is my favorite of the five Elvis Costello albums we've had so far. Several great songs on here. Maybe just sneaks into a five for me.