Reviews (page 8 of 13)
One of the all-time greatest debut albums.
Toujours pas le bon Elvis
I never really 'got' Elvis Costello - rockabilly but not rockabilly, punk but not punk, kind of stuck in the middle. If you heard this in the midst of a lot of the '77 stuff, this would probably be a breath of fresh air. He can obviously write a good song, and Alison's a classic, but I always feel like the songs don't go anywhere. An odd complaint given his contemporaries, but you know what? It's fine - short, punchy power pop doesn't need to go anywhere. I think I gotta give it a 4 even though I don't love it, just because it is really solid.
Dare I say he's the better Elvis in my books
What special torture is this. MORE Elvis Costello?? The one blessing is that it means one less to go I suppose. Albumfest has introduced me to many new artists to love - and also this guy to hate. We start with an ode to capitalism and while it is Monday here, this didn't exactly get me raring to go. idk what it is that makes me so angry about this mediocre white guy and his guitar but so help me I could not care less about his red shoes. Probably the most palatable of the lot so far but I am too aggravated at getting Elvis Costello again to be appeased. I even consulted my parents to ask what the deal was. They also don't know why he's on this list
Pretty average
Fine I guess
Un album honnête, qui ne réinvente pas le rock, mais ne boude pas son plaisir non plus
A true masterpiece 10/10
High 3 All the songs have something to offer Good guitar play This album deserves to be here and gets a bad rep because of all the other Costello on the list
For a debut this is very impressive. I dig the punk influences, it's just pretty samey
I think people are a little overzealous in their reviews of Elvis Costello on both ends of the spectrum. The people that love him, praise every aspect of this album, call it a classic, gold, one of the best debuts of all time. The people that hate it, trash it as unoriginal and uninteresting. I think it's a fine album. I did get the constant feeling that it reminded me of something I'd heard before, and I don't think the spin he put on it was as original as people give it credit for. But, he did take a sort of classic 50s or 60s rock sounds and put a more modern twist on it, even including various genres such as the blues in "Blame It on Cain" and reggae in "Watching the Detectives." Even when I did feel the sound was kind of derivative, I always enjoyed when his guitar solos came in. All in all, I'm very much in the middle ground on Elvis Costello. This was enjoyable, easily digestible music without breaking any barriers. I'd definitely give more of his stuff a listen but I'm not going to hail him as a rock and roll great.
When this LP was released, it caught everyone's attention. A unique sound, voice, and nerdy look was so different from the other music that was out there in the ether of 1977. You can hear producer Nick Lowe all over it (a good thing). Got a ton of airplay in Boston and on my turntable, and, despite its importance at the time, not every song maintained its reputation. Best songs looking at it and listening to it now? - Alison - Welcome To The Working Week - (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes - Watching The Detectives ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ________________________________ 🎧 LPs reviewed: 74 🎧 LPs left to review: 927 🎧 LPs I found great/relevant enough to be mandatory listens (5): 17 🎧 LPs I *might* include in my own list (4): 19 🎧 LPs I will certainly *not* include in mine (1-2): 20
Återigen ett album som jag tycker är lite spretigt. Det mesta är bra men föredrar de mer blues-iga låtarna framför de som är mer rock'n'roll/hårdrock. 3 av 5
<3
Ok x
mjfe
good
Nice
I asked a witty classmate what he thought of New Wave? He replied, "Old hat." He was wrong.
Not bad. The vocal style becomes a little tiresome. And too much of this is just okay. Average.
Is there anyone in popular music now to compare with Elvis Costello or is songwriting like this dead? 'I don't know how much more of this I can take She's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake' 'The detectives come to check if you belong to the parents Who are ready to hear the worst about their daughter's disappearance' 'Watching The Detectives' is an absolute classic, one of the best songs of the time. So striking and evocative, very film noir, with a cool reggae backdrop and threatening atmosphere. A big influence on The Specials and more. I got into this fairly young, along with 'Oliver's Army', 'Shipbuilding' and the rest. In a totally different way 'Alison' is just as good. He wrote some of the very best songs of the 70s and 80s. Aside from those two this album is fairly average though. I'm glad I saw him in '89, he was a force to be reckoned with.
His voice annoys me so much
Pretty good. Not much more to say
One thing I've found out through this journey is that so many albums have songs that just blend in together, and don't differ much. Again, another three-star album for this reason. Favorite Track: "My Aim Is True".
It's an ok album. Fun enough but not mind blowing. Not sure why this is an album that I have to listen to before I die.
Trochę późnego Elvisa, trochę wczesnego Springsteena. Przejściowy album pomiędzy amerykańskim rock&rollem, a późniejszą piosenką autorską. Fajny album, ale jeden z tych, które przemknęły bez zostawienia po sobie wyrazistego śladu. Dzień po podwójnym przesłuchaniu nie jestem w stanie zbyt dużo sobie przypomnieć poza umiarkowanie przyjemnym wrażeniem ze słuchania spoko muzyki.
Fun times with nostalgic feel. Still it feels like it gives something more to the style from the past and not just recreating it.
so apparently this is costello's debut. Def has some punk influence, but more bluesy if you ask me. I enjoyed this one, nice to finally hear his music
decent album, but I grew a little tired of it. Probably won't come back to it.
In Melody Maker, Allan Jones wrote that "hell, you can dance to it, swoon and romance with it, smooch and romance to it".
Elvis Costello is cool. But kind of boring. 3
My sort of Elvis C. Love the band sound, the interesting songs. Thoughtful, creative, with a punk vibe.
Love the singles, found the rest a bit yawn.
Infectiously fun.
I definitely see the vision he's going for, and I think he executed on it decently well. It just felt inauthentic, and it got a bit tiresome listening to a full album of Costello playing this miserable character. Still enjoyed some of the songs however. Favorite Track: Waiting for the End of the World
no
4/5
Nowadays, “pub rock” brings to mind an overweight bloke in a too-tight t-shirt belting out semi-intelligible Stones covers. But in the early-to-mid '70s, it was a back-to-basics movement, a reaction against prog rock’s excesses and glam’s theatricality—a return to tight, no-frills rock & roll. On My Aim Is True, pub rock becomes a launchpad for something sharper and more literate. Without The Attractions yet by his side, Costello tightens the genre’s raw energy with biting lyrics and a taut, nervy intensity. "Less Than Zero" snarls with political venom over a sharp, circular riff, "Blame It on Cain" swings with a rolling, almost Sun Records-style rhythm, and "I'm Not Angry" crackles with staccato guitar work and a relentless, pummeling drive. Then there’s "Alison", a ballad that lingers between tenderness and creeping menace, carried by its slow, soulful sway and Costello’s weary, near-whispered delivery. The production, handled by Nick Lowe, is raw yet crisp, keeping the guitars punchy and the rhythm section tight, with occasional splashes of country and rockabilly creeping into the mix. Even in this early phase, Costello’s lyrics cut deep. "I would rather be anywhere else than here today," he spits on "Less Than Zero", a line that drips with both contempt and world-weariness. His voice is sharp, nasally, aggressive—somewhere between Dylan’s phrasing and Buddy Holly’s hiccupy delivery, wrapped around dense, poetic, and razor-sharp lyricism. If Dylan made rock more literary, Costello made it fast and venomous. My Aim Is True is rawer and looser than what came next, but its impact is undeniable. Its DNA runs through Julian Casablancas’ sneering, rhythmic vocal delivery, Brandon Flowers' literary lyrics, and even Wilco’s alt-country sensibility and stylistic shifts. There’s a thread from here to Fountains of Wayne’s power-pop wit, proving just how far Costello’s influence stretches. Later reissues include "Watching the Detectives", but it never feels like a hit tacked on for sales. Instead, it’s the perfect closer, pulling together sinister lyricism, reggae-inflected tension, and cinematic storytelling—a preview of the songwriting ambition that would define Costello’s next moves. This is the sound of punk’s attitude meeting pop craftsmanship, a key blueprint for new wave’s rise. It lacks the sonic bite of his later work, but its energy, wit, and sheer songwriting brilliance make it an essential debut.
nix besonderes, wird nicht besser mit mehr Alben
In tackling this list, I have listened to more Elvis Costello than I have before. I knew him as an artist but never really delved into his catalog. I like his music well enough, but it is not really a standout.
never bad but i also will never think about it ever again
Pretty good.
I've always been pretty Elvis agnostic, this was better than I remember it being, but I'm still not sold.
Did Elvis Costello invent the 90th rock in 1977 or did everyone in the 90th just steal from Elvis Costello?
it's ok
I like this
Enjoyable
It's alright
Reminds me of my mum!
I’ve known of Elvis costelllo forever but never listened to any of his stuff. Really enjoyed this — sounded like Ted Leo before there was a Ted Leo.
Already one of my favourite albums of all time. Brilliant.
Really enjoyed it, recommend it😊
Hrrrm. Only ever knew that one big Elvis Costello song prior to this - never loved that one, and don’t really love this. Feels like he’s filling a boomer-sized hole long left vacant by Buddy Holly and soon-to-be-recently left vacant by The King (who died basically right after this album released, coincidence???) and while I love both of *them*… this nostalgia fuel is… not my thing. Highlight: The melody in Alison’s chorus when he goes “Alisooooon, I know- this world- is kill-ing you.” I like the way it sounds.
Hetzelfde nummer, maar dan 13 nummers lang, maar toch vibe ik het wel? Het is wel minder goed dan het andere Elvis Costello album. Vind ook nog steeds de zang het grootste minpunt van het album, het leunt echt veel meer op de beat en de instrumentals. Ook voelt het allemaal een beetje als heel erg gericht op nostalgie? Totdat ik er achter kwam dat dit album uit 1977 kwam, nevermind! Het is dus gewoon een redelijk modern klinkend, maar ook tijdsgeest pakkend, album uit 1977. Ik vind het vooral best goed te pruimen, niet elk nummer hit, maar als het hit dan vermaak ik me echt dikke prima hiermee. Had ik dit perse moeten luisteren voor mn dood? Mwah, ik denk dat 1 Elvis Costello album zat zou zijn, maar volgens mij zitten er nog een aantal in... FAVO: Alison, Sneaky Feelings, i'm not angry, Watching the detectives
I could never quite get why Elvis Costello had some albums with The Attractions, and some that weren't. They were all intermingled. But I digress... My Aim Is True came out just as the New Wave/Punk movement was making headway into the mainstream. Punk had started in NYC, made its way to London, and was heading out to L.A. in 1977. Even in a year of crowded albums by The Ramones, Blondie, The Clash, and Talking Heads, My Aim Is True stood out. It wasn't just fast and loud, or kitschy, or artsy. It was all that but also bittersweet (Allison), literary (Watching the Detectives), socially conscience (Welcome to the Working Week, and just fun (The Angels Want to Wear My) Red Shoes. There's so much going on, but the album is cohesive. Costello's popularity has never been about his voice, which is marginal though original. It has never been about his guitar playing, which is fine but not exceptional. His main attraction (see what I did there) is his songwriting and My Aim Is True is a tour de force of songwriting.
Really not sure what I make of this. Feels quite backwards looking for a 70s rock record. Some decent tracks scattered across it (such as 'Waiting for the End of the World') but doesn't feel like its really deserving of a spot on this list outside of being Costello's debut
6/10. Some good songs. 2 added to the playlist, but a little surprised this made the list.
Favourite song - Welcome to the working week
This was an awesome album! I've never listened to much Elvis Costello but this was a cool album and I enjoyed it a lot! It was very boppy it moved along and I didn't feel like it got stagnant!
Pleasant enough, but didn't do a lot for me
Nice, but pretty short.
Elvis Costello – My Aim Is True (1977) ist das Debütalbum des britischen Singer-Songwriters Elvis Costello. Aufgenommen wurde es in den Eden Studios in London mit dem Produzenten Nick Lowe. Das Album vereint Elemente aus Rock, Punk und New Wave und zeigt Costellos charakteristische Mischung aus scharfsinnigem Texten und eingängigen Melodien. Die musikalische Umsetzung ist direkt und prägnant, ohne sich in überladenen Arrangements zu verlieren. Die prominente Begleitband, die Attraction, spielt einen wichtigen Teil bei der Erzeugung des kraftvollen und zugleich klaren Sounds. Zu den herausragenden Songs zählen „Alison“, ein emotionales Liebeslied, und „Red Shoes“, das mit einem markanten Gitarrenriff aufwartet. Auch „Less Than Zero“ sticht durch seine energische Darbietung und politische Message hervor. Das Album etabliert Costello als wichtigen Künstler der britischen Musikszene der späten 70er-Jahre und zeigt bereits die Vielseitigkeit, die ihn auch auf seinen späteren Alben auszeichnen sollte. Es ist ein solides, gut produziertes Werk, das die Grundlagen für seine weitere Karriere legt. My Aim Is True ist ein gelungener Auftakt in eine erfolgreiche Karriere, der Elvis Costello als talentierten Songwriter und Musiker vorstellt, der es versteht, eingängige Melodien mit tiefgründigen Texten zu verbinden. Es gehört zu den wichtigen Alben der späten 70er-Jahre und bildet einen guten Einstieg in sein Schaffen.
Elvis Costello kicks ass. A unique sound, and extremely well done. Always loved his work.
Inte så bra som jag mindes den. Tre plus
Some songs would be okay songs if his voice was even remotely listenable. Some songs are horrific AND he sounds bad
Liked this more than I thought I would; throwback vibes and strong songwriting.
When I got this album yesterday I laughed out loud. I know that Elvis Costello is kind of the villain of this project for many people; he’s got like eight albums on this list. I’ve been doing this for over a year and still hadn’t gotten a single one of his albums and was starting to wonder when I’d see him. And here he was, AND, it was his very first album. Here’s the thing - I LOVE Elvis Costello!!! Now, I don’t love every single album he’s made. But I love A LOT of them. So I was absolutely tickled to get this one yesterday. Perfect songs, perfectly short (I blasted through this album like three times yesterday). I love Costello’s voice, the lyrics are cheeky and smart. Hooks are there. This is truly a perfect album! Here’s to 7 more Costello albums!
Шляпа какая-то, не нравится
This was actually very decent
Great album to listen to during a work week. Dude literally invented The Police with Watching The Detectives. So many great tracks and a good cover to boot. It would be an honor to be compared to this guy.
This is Costello's debut album. Very strong for a debut, and possibly his best album yet that I've heard on this generator. This was before his downward spiral into fucking new wave and shit. On this album, he has bits of country, rockabilly, 50's rock and roll, pub rock, and punk. A pretty solid power pop record. I'm impressed. Typically I hate Costello, but I can get behind this album. Favourite songs: Waiting for the End of the World, Mystery Dance, Pay It Back, Blame it on Cain, I'm Not Angry, Alison, Sneaky Feelings, Miracle Man Least favourite songs: Less Than Zero 4/5
8/10 Elvis Costello at his most Elvis Costello. Alison is one of my favorite songs period. This has a bunch of singles that are great as well. This is my favorite Elvis Costello album.
This is where the rot began. If people hadn't bought this record, let it be the abject failure it should have been, then maybe, just maybe, we wouldn't have been cursed with more content by Mr Costello. This is the saddest, retro-pop from one of the most exciting times in music. It's like Billy Joel and Buddy Holly got together and produced the blandest collection of awful music, pretending the last twenty years hadn't happened. The Wikipedia article has punk as one of the genres for this, but I couldn't hear anything remotely punk about it, just fake. There was a Rockabilly revival coming round the corner, with Shakin' Stevens and The Stray Cats among other bands who jumped on the bandwagon in the early 80s. I remember how truly awful they all were, but I still hold Elvis Costello as one of the originals, exhuming something that should have remained dead.
Perhaps the most tolerable Elvis Costello album? Not a ringing endorsement by any means. Still not a fan.
A nice debut record. His voice does tend to drag on a tad
2 hours is a lot to listen, but it was helpful to listen as I worked on some reports. Mello/chill vibes.
For some reason I wasn't that excited to get this one and am getting around to it about a month late. But I was a fool, it's very good and at least 4.5 stars. I'm rounding up.
I really enjoyed this, although, I did get a bit tired of his voice. But that happens a lot when I listen to a whole album.
Loved it. Great beats, ska vibes, interesting songs - absolutely classic!
Really enjoyed this album and will be looking into more of Elvis Costello's work! Keep the good tunes coming.
Was kinda forgettable the first go around but liked it more on 2nd listen. "Alison" probably being the highlight. Can clearly hear the influence he gave musicians that came after him. Also can hear the influence from Buddy Holly which was made obvious due to our recent listen of his.
This is really good. Lots of energetic storytelling. Punk sensibilities with a relatability that sucks you in. The rhythm, the playing and the song craft are all top notch
was nice
Muy buen rock'n'roll. No había escuchado nada de Elvis Costello y me ha sorprendido gratamente. Es una modernización de sonidos rockeros clásicos con un toque de agresividad, cercano al Garage que surgiría más adelante. Un álbum divertido e influyente, lo volveré a escuchar seguro.
he's got better songs but iunno if he's got a better album. great musicianship from Clover and spunky production from Nick Lowe. two cost'lo records down, only four to go.
4/5
It's such a cliche to like Elvis Costello, I hate it.
This was a solid first effort for Elvis. Liked Songs Added: Blame It On Cain Alison (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes Watching The Detectives
It can honestly be kind of frustrating that some of the hardest albums for me to write about are the ones that are among my favorites of all time. For real, this album is one of those that I describe as being "entrenched in my soul," alongside stuff like Pink Floyd's THE WALL, The Beatles' ABBEY ROAD, and Weird Al's ALPOCALYPSE. It was one of the first two albums I ever picked up on vinyl. It's been pretty much always one of my first choices whenever I just wanna throw on a random album. Heck, I've barely listened to any other Elvis Costello album outside of a few songs simply because they just don't hit me in the same way that this one does. And the whole time, I've hardly thought about **why** — and I never even really wanted to. I was just happy to accept it as one of my all-time favorites without reason or question. So, like, I'm not even sure exactly what I wanna say here. But you didn't stumble across this review expecting no opinion, so if I could take a stab at it... I think it's because this album is kind of nerdy. Not in the way that, like, They Might Be Giants is nerdy, but more like... I mean, just look at him on that album cover. Scrawny. Bit of an awkward pose. And with the **Buddy Holly glasses**... This man is not cool. If he was in a high school movie, the jocks would be pushing him around. Heck, even at a regular corporate job, the guys who used to be jocks would be doing the same thing. But he is **smart**. He knows his way around words and then some. And it's not even particularly deep poetry; it's just good words, about life and love and all that. And as for the music, well, he was never gonna make it as an absolute rocker, so instead he makes this New Wave pub punk power pop... And gawddamn, he's **so good** at it, and it's so perfect for his voice... And you gotta look at his smirk on the cover, too: he might not be traditionally cool, but hell if he cares. This is the music he wanted to make, and dammit, he's happy with it. I gotta throw a shout-out to The Clovers (the band who backed Costello on this album), too. I think part of the reason why I never really 100% gelled with Costello's later albums is that he switched to being backed by The Attractions, and while they are a good band, don't get me wrong, they're just... A little more forceful than I'd like Costello's music to be. The Clovers, from what I've read, were a country band, so they're a little looser, a little more relaxed... And, I'unno, I just think they're perfect for the material here. They probably couldn't do "Radio, Radio" all too well, but for stuff like "Allison", "Miracle Man", "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes)" and "Less Than Zero", I couldn't imagine them being performed any differently. This is subdued rocking, but it's still rocking nonetheless. And those, hopefully, were the right words to explain why I was always gonna give this album a perfect 5. 'Coz, don't me wrong, I do believe in those words, but... I'unno. Just like any other album that's truly been entrenched in my soul, I don't know if words alone could completely express how I truly feel for them. Short of listening to this music through my ears, through my perspective, there's no better job I could realistically do. I suppose that's true of all opinions and trying to relay them, really, so... I'unno. Take it or leave it. Just know that whatever I type, without a doubt, my aim is true.
New wave at its simplest (and greatest, potentially). 4.5 bumped up to 5.
I’m at a 4.5 that I’ll bump down to a 4. It’s a good album – certainly a much better one than “Brutal Youth” was for me, and for a while, I was at a 5. However, I think the album does sort of stagnate to the point where even though the individual tracks are good, it does become… not “boring” per se, but there is an impatience & a desire for something that feels different, which slowly grew for me to the point where all the nitpicks started to add up, and the entire album suffered because of it. I do like every single track here; there’s not a bad one at all, and for the most part, I think there’s a strong harmony between the lyrics, vocals, and instrumental, even if it’s occasionally skewed to be a bit cheesy in one of those 3 aspects. However, my ear became especially attentive towards the general structure of each track, and that’s where the impatience grew – Elvis Costello’s criminal sin on this album is that every single track, for the most part, has the exact same structure, down to the outro. Verse / Chorus / Verse / Chorus / Verse / Outro (with one repeating line for about 30-45 seconds). At some point, my attentive ears couldn’t ignore it, and it just became the thing I noticed on every track. Does that mean it’s a bad structure? No, not at all – realistically, almost every modern pop / rock song has this sort of structure. It’s all about how you disguise it & make it sound entertaining, and for as good as the instrumental/vocals/lyrics are on this album, I don’t think it’s disguised enough, nor is it quite entertaining enough (i.e., full harmony of the 3) in a way that keeps each track as fresh as it could be, hence my slow, boiling impatience for something different, because I gave it a lot of leeway before it finally bit at me. With that said, the album is still remarkably good, and honestly, I wish I could leave it at a 4.5, because I don’t think the repetitive structure is *that* big of a boon on the album. It is, however, enough to stop me from giving this a full 5. I’ll still give it a lot of praise – for 1977, this does feel like a great showcase of both the past and what was to come in the 80s & arguably the 90s; I hear a lot of Rob Thomas in Elvis Costello, and Matchbox 20’s general soundscape is something I’ve been waiting for throughout this entire stretch. This album did get remarkably close to that, in a 70s form, and I think it does a great job of making hybrids between rock / pop & everything inbetween, even though I do wish it leaned a bit more into the full blown rock side of it. I liked this a lot – if it weren’t for the structure thing, I’d be at a 5, but it’s just too prevalent an issue for me to ignore, hence the 4. A very very good 4, though.
Very good easy listening
I know there are 600 more Elvis Costello albums on this list, and so far this is only my second. I am betting that after I’m done this will remain my pick for the best of the lot.
Me gusto mucho lps instrumentales y la voz, quiero revisar más albumes
go girl give us nothing
Ok rock
One of the greatest debut albums of all time! This is the best example of “Pub Rock”. I imagine patrons sitting around the bar and having a few beers while Elvis Costello is playing his original songs and being blown away.
Deze deed me niks
ja didnt know what to expect maar was eigenlijk best wel vrolijke vibe, ging er wel goed op. 3,5e, paar nummers opgeslagen
I enjoyed this album. Nothing fancy, just fun rock/pop kinda vibes. Some good guitaring too.
Good, classic
Not bad early rock
Absolutely blew me away. I've never listened to any Elvis Costello before (though obviously I've heard of him) but I had a rollicking good time listening to this one.
rockzinho leve, animado e gostoso de ouvir
Haven't listened to this album in full before but love Elvis Costello
A few songs on this sound just a bit like they were recorded on a potato, but the boppery shines through.
It was ok. Was expecting a bit more but some really good songs on this one, Alison being the favorite.
I think I have been an Elvis Costello can all my life and just have not realized it. Love the tight songwriting that has an edge yet retains its pop sensibilities.
Surprisingly solid.
"Blame It On Cain" was the first song I cared about. I was not impressed by the previous ones, which made me wonder why this album is even here (it is not bad, but it's not remarkable either). Sounds like a mix of Ween and Billy Joel. "Alison" is pretty. "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" was fun, kind of groovy. The vocals in "Less Than Zero" annoyed me a bit. "Mystery Dance" was way too Elvis-y; I don't think it fit. Also that ending was whack. "Pay It Back" is fun and groovy too, but a bit too 'silly'. "I'm Not Angry" is probably the best song so far. I like the epic rock style (with the synth and the whispers), I think it fits the silliness better—it's not so much out there. "Waiting For The End Of The World" is sick, especially the clav and the drums. "Watching The Detectives" was fine, but a weird way to end the album [?]. Overall, even though I see how this could have been influential or popular at the time, most of the songs sounded quite boring, dated and forgettable. I wouldn't mind listening to it, but I also don't want to listen to it again—honestly could've died without this one. Maybe the best songs could become guilty pleasures, but probably nothing more than that. "one of the best debut albums in music history" ?!
Pretty average sounding album with some heavy 50's / rockabilly influence. Also, why do like half of these tracks end with the fade-out-to-silence? Feels like lazy songwriting.
Welcome To The Working Week - Still struggling with this man's voice arghhhh but the song's alright. Miracle Man – alright, pretty boring. No Dancing – pretty good. Old school. Love the end-of-chorus key change. Blame It On Cain – not bad but bit B A S I C. Alison – quite sweet. Sneaky Feelings – not bad. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes – I like the call and response. Less Than Zero – the best so far. Mystery Dance – very Time Warp. Not bad but pretty formulaic/tune-less. Pay It Back – alright – I like the key changes. I’m Not Angry – I like the opening – reminds me of the Beatles I’m Happy Just to Dance With You. “I got you talking with your hands, got you smiling with your legs” is great. Waiting For The End Of The World – banal enough. Watching The Detectives – very cool and love the harmonies and reggae style but if ONLY HE DIDN’T SING THAT STYLISED WAY.
7/10
bem distante de ser ruim, mas achei que ficou faltando um tempero
fico feliz que veio literalmente o primeiro dele pra começa, visto que ele tem varios na lista. new wave né galera. é bom. tem uma pegada nerd (?) desajustado e meio rebelde. é bacana, tem umas pedrada. eh um bom debut!
Classic. What’s not to love
Some timeless songs. More like a 4.5 than a 4
Unmemorable. The opposite of love isn't hatred, but indifference. Pay It Back was the strongest of the set, but bloodless nevertheless.
Shout out to Randy in the group who introduced me to Elvis Costello's greatest hits at a young age. I loved this album and re-listened to several songs. I don't think My Aim Is True was meant to upend the musical world with some sort of artistic breakthrough so much as modernize and elevate music from the 50s and 60s. But that intention works well in this album (which I felt was generally pretty tight) and for me in terms of my personal taste. Probably would give this a 4.5, but averaging up to a 5.
This is a really good album, one I've listened to quite a bit. What keeps it from being 5 stars for me is the lack of variation — the songs largely sound pretty similar to each other, given the pretty narrow sonic and stylistic range on offer. But I'm a fan.
Fun stuff but didn't blow be away
All of the songs sound like Welcome to the Working Week, but the good news is that I really like that song. Nostalgic and delightful.
The music was fine, but the album art is an atrocity against eyeballs everywhere.
Just not a fan of this.
I liked this quite a bit. It's hard to pin down what this kind of music is. It's definitely not rock and it doesn't feel like punk to me. If different music was food this would be American gastropub. It's bold and punchy without being too far from the norm. Alison is great. 4 stars
This is better than the last Elvis Costello album we got and actually kind of ok. I think this could come out today and people would accept it; it might be niche but the production value is high and the songs are catchy and happy enough to be popular. I wasn't super impressed by it or anything but I got through the whole thing and it stood out to me for it's ease of listen if that's a thing? Decent background music for a party or something. Not bad.
Guys, I think I like Elvis Costello. Its upbeat and catchy. Fells like he beat the 80's by 3 years. Solid.
This list isn’t as varied as I thought or hoped. I like Elvis C, have a couple of his albums but I mean wiki says he has 6 spots, fucking 6, Elvis middling Costello 6 -( give him a couple of spots and use the other 4 for greater variety, don’t think these guys have actually listened to everything to make this list just their own record collections). Just was hoping for a wider range and variation of artists to increase my listening scope, rather than that, Oh well that kinda sucks. Rant over. So to the album, it’s ok, it’s pleasant enough. He writes a good hook. He for this, like most of his career kind of took the American sounds of earlier times, writes his take on it and brings it to what at the time is contemporary, in this case the new wave movement. I had already heard it, it is an example of the new wave movement after punk, so ok I guess 3 stars - it’s ok.
Yet again another Elvis Costello record. Why? No really, why?
3.5
I found this to be a really interesting snapshot in time. By no means is this punk, and it's clear that Elvis Costello takes a lot of influence from the rock and roll of the past. But there's this sort of acknowledgement that punk is here, and it feels that just a dash of it is sprinkled here. It's punchy, it's poppy, it's clever, and sounds really well-formed for a debut. Fav tracks: Welcome to the Working Week, No Dancing, Alison, (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes, Less Than Zero, Watching the Detectives
Didn't quite like it. Feels repetitive. I think I'd use it for doing chores if anything. Maybe I'll give it another go in the future.
It had some phenomenal songs but also some duds. Less than zero and watching the detectives were the stand out tracks
Yikes
You can tell this is the in-between of like 50s rock and the later 80s/90s rock. Sounds like it should be from the early 60s rather than the 70s imo. 2
Welcome to the working week ... like he has non-working weeks? Can't compute. Also does anyone else think this guy sounds like he really wants to be cool but is kinda a loser? 2
Theres some very clear Elvis Prestly influence here and just in general the whole album is full of a bunch of different genre influences so it's kinda hard to describe as one thing or another. I enjoyed it, but I wasn't mesmerized Standouts Welcome To The Working Week Mystery Dance 3/5
Late 70’s. I’ve heard this called pop-punk which i disagree with. It’s catchy but not pop music. It’s angst filled sardonic vocals but enough to want to pick you up and let you go dancing. Not disco dancing but a nerdy guy letting loose and doing what feels right 3/5
Love this album. One of my favorites.
Meh. I would have felt different if I first heard it in the 70's, though. I can understand how it was important to the scene back then.
I respect Elvis Costello as an artist and I respect anyone who enjoys his music however I personally do not like his stuff. His vocals just kinda annoy me I don't know. Upon relistening to this album my opinion on it remained consistent. I think it's easy enough to sit through thanks to how short it is and some of the songs like "Alison" are alright. This is about as positive as I can feel for an Elvis Costello album. I just realized that Costello has 6 albums on this list which is just wild to me... I feel like 2 or 3 would've been fine but 6?? I better mentally prepare myself for listening to that much Elvis Costello music. Favorite track: Alison
A lot of Elvis Costello on this list and I can’t pretend I’m getting any fonder of his voice There’s some well constructed songs but I cannot see myself wanting to revisit any of them
actually my favourite album yet, such a fun beat and groovy lyrics- watching the detectives, mystery dance and red shoes were some favs
I’m going start off by saying something nice about Elvis Costello, because in my previous reviews I’ve refered to him as “the pied piper of shitty records” and made allusion to hoping that he gets mauled by a lion. I think it’s only fair to pay him a compliment, because, honestly…those were kind of shitty things to say about a guy whose only real crime is writing some not-so-hot songs. So, without further adieu, a compliment for Elvis Costello: Elvis Costello plays a Fender Jazzmaster and I think that makes him pretty cool. Now, with that out of the way, I’ve got some shitty things to say about Elvis Costello. Just kidding. For me, Elvis Costello is an artist whose work became more and more conceited as his career went on. In other words, he started off pretty strong and it all went downhill from there. “My Aim is True” is a solid slab of power pop. It doesn’t get bogged down in self-importance or have lofty ambitions. It’s just a straight forward rock record: concise and with a set of songs that are all pretty good. His later albums would become a little too big for their britches, if you will, but here, he is in fine form.
I'll admit that I'm a big Elvis Costello fan so of course I love this. A really fantastic debut. "Welcome to the Working Week" might be the most perfect 90 seconds in rock.
Great album, maybe not my favourite Costello one but has the recognisable sound I quite like. Good songwriting - I'd almost give this a 5 just because of Allison.
Rock and roll with a lot of older influences. Wasn’t bad but not really my thing.
Pretty plain I thought. Nothing particularly good or bad. Probably hit harder in '77 when it came out.
ate down
Enjoyed this one 👌 but then I like Elvis Costello already especially Alison.
Really liked it honestly
Good but for every great song with unique interesting songwriting structures which there were quite a few, there was a very formulaic one which brings the album down for me
¿Cuántos álbumes de Elvis Costello hay en esta lista?¿Todos? Este debe ser el tercero o cuarto que escucho. Empieza bien "Welcome to the working week". Fin. Otro que me aburre, suena bien, se deja escuchar, pero nada especial al menos para mí y en 2025.
Sounds very skilled but not really interesting. Like Fleetwood mac b sides and throwback rock and roll
Very Groovy guitars accompanying a traipsing Costello modulated crooning
4.5 - This really snapped me to attention and it actually has so much character. Enjoyed a lot, second album that's surprised me of his
I think this is the third Elvis C album. That's too many, for sure. But this one might actually be my favourite. Fave Tracks: Welcome to the Working Week, Alison 3.4/5
Lots of storytelling - sorta like a country song
Хороший стиль, интеллигентно и энергично
Well, if Elvis Costello’s My Aim is True was truly aiming for something, it sure missed the mark with me. I’m beginning to suspect that the only thing true all these Elvis Costello Albums on this list is to test my patience to its limits. In conclusion, if you’re looking for an album that will both make you ponder the meaning of life and drive you to question your life choices, then My Aim is True is a fine choice. For the rest of us, it’s like attending a party where everyone’s too cool to have fun, and you’re left wondering why you didn’t just stay home.
Super groovy, big fan. Nice easy listen. Feels to me somewhere inbetween Dire Straits and Talking Heads. Would defintely re-listen.
4/10
Kinda lame lol Like a bad version of Billy Joel?
First time I heard this album I was hooked. Like nothing I had heard of before
Disfrutable, sencillo de escuchar, muy dinámico, te deja con deseos de escuchar más de este maravilloso cantante y compositor.
Elvis Costello is an acquired taste that I have not yet acquired. Watching the Detectives was decent though.
Quirky early rock and roll aesthetic
3.5
Top ten desert island album for me. Live this dusk front to back. I distinctly remember my first listen and how enthralled I was at the time.
Fantastic Debut, just listen to those choruses! Power pop and new wave at its best, Costello's mean streak sets him apart I do think he raises his level once he's backed by the attractions, and there's a few songs like red shoes and pay it back that i'm not crazy about, so this will only be a 4 stars, but still a great album
4.5
If I have to listen to a Costello album, at least make it short!
Fun album
A very enjoyable and diverse album, especially for just 36 minutes.
Never have been a big fan, but this album was okay.
This is my first real exposure to Elvis Costello and it’s one of those things where you say to yourself “why hasn’t anybody told me about this guy?!” This album is amazing. He’s like a mix between Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Buddy Holly. Quality songwriting, different styles and grooves, varied themes, all around amazing stuff, I love it.
I liked this album a lot more than the other Costello I listened to. It feels like the guy I had come to know as a great musician and storyteller
I’ve attempted to listen to This Year’s Model several times in the past and it never really did it for me, but wow, My Aim Is True is right up my alley. Very satisfying.
Great
this is very billy joel... but just a bit more dull still quite good i reckon but just not my type of music very produced
Overall: 7/10 I'm a huge Elvis Costello fan already. I think I would like this album more if the quality of his music didn't improve as much as I feel it did in the future. The songs are catchy and fun but nothing really sticks out to me as exceptional. Still, it's a great introduction to Costello's music and a pretty good album overall! Fav Song: Less Than Zero Least Fav Song: Mystery Dance
Never heard the album before. Another mid effort from Elvis Costello, another album that shouldn't be on this list. Alison and Watching The Detectives are the standouts and the rest of the album are not. And is it just me who thinks all of his lyrics are creepy? Soft 3 stars
consistently the worst fucker on this list. screw you elvis, see you later for your next 1-2/5
Good stuff. Lots of great tunes and crams and many words in as is humanly possibly. Love his voice.
some good and some bad, most instrumentals are the same and singing is quite annoying. Guitar riffs are cool though. Favorite songs: blame it on cain, alison, I'm not angry. Overall around 5/10
Great songs throughout and I really like his voice. After reading I understand that he is quite big with the older generation. I think I have heard the name before but couldn't name a song he made. After this listen through I will definitely listen to his songs again!
I wish someone’s aim was true. They could put a bullet in my brain so I didn’t have to listen to his adenoid-addled voice
Great album. Yes, he’s is very well represented on this list, but we’re not taking his debut off. My mum listened to a lot of Elvis when I was growing up (I fucking hated him for years) and I wonder if it plays a small part in making me the cynical bastard I am today? The fact this album is rather short and a few songs are pretty similar did make me consider four stars for a while. I think the addition of Watching the Detectives pushes it to Five because it shows how talented and varied has the potential to be.
"My Aim Is True" is the debut album by English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello. Wiki lumps it in the musical genres of new wave, pub rock, punk rock and power pop with elements of R&B and rockabilly. The album was recorded at London's Pathway Studios over a six-hour session with country rock band Clover as the backing band and Nick Lowe as the producer. The lyrics are motivated with guit and revenge descrbing relationship struggles, politically charged situations and misogynistic characters. The album received rave reviews with some labeling it as one of the debut albums of all time. Commercially, it hit #14 in the UK and #32 in the US. "Welcome to the Working Week" opens the album. 50's doo-wop backing vocals and handclaps. A fast beat definitely in the new wave and power pop categories. Costello is expressing frustration at the ruthlessness of business. "Miracle Man" gets more of a guitar groove going. Costello's vocals are more biting and cutting as a man is dominated by his girlfriend. A melancholy guitar opens the ballad "Allison." Soulful. Costello is after a supermarket checkout girl who's in a poor marriage. "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" is another song with a melodic guitar open. Lyrically, it's a harder take on "Allison." A heartless woman may persecute men but she's also a victim. A woman seeking freedom (red shoes) but is blocked (angels). "Less than Zero" was Costello's first single. More a 60's rocker. It's about 1920's British fascist leader Oswald Mosley. I'd have to read more to say anything intelligent here. Was he that guy in "Peaky Blinders? "Worth mentioning, "Watching the Dectives" was released on the US album version. A mysterious spy-like guitar and reggae beat. A lover who rather watch tv than....? One of my favorite Costello songs. This album flies by with short, catchy songs. He does cover multiple genres: 50/60's pop, new wave, rock, blues, punk. As with mostly all the Costello albums ive heard, the lyrics are sarcastic, cynical, touching at times and brilliant. I might like his next few albums better but this one is still great. Even today, I still hear all six songs mentioned above fairly regularly on US rock radio.
Not to find off 70s punk but okay
Welcome To The Working Week: Love the tempo and the background vocals here hell yes. Wow what a great song right off the bat, I WISH IT WAS LONGER. This was a great song. Miracle Man: Love his vocal riffs (idk anything about music but I think I used that correctly) I love this attitude. Great lyrics. Guitar solooooooooo. Ya this is great, I’m loving this vibe or I’m just loving the 70’s, you tell me. This is another great song, back to back. The last song should have been 3 minutes long as well! No Dancing: Omfg these vocals are so good. Wow I’m just loving sitting back and listening to his lyrics and just how much fun these songs are so far. Great pacing in this song. Great song! Blame It On Cain: Damn the soul in this song, classic 70’s. Great voice, this is such a fun song. BLAME IT ON THE CAIN, DONT BLAME IT ON MEHEEEE!!! Love the bridge. Wow this is another great song. Alison: First major tempo change on the album, and it sounds like he knows what he’s doing. OH ALISON, MY AIM IS TRUE (ALBUM TITLE DROPPPPP!). I’m halfway through the song and I totally know why this is one of his most popular songs, so so so so good! Sneaky Feelings: Love the chorus here, great instrumentals, they are fun and light but punchy, which is complimented so well on those emphasized notes within the lyrics. I love those like cymbal high hats oh ya. I STILL GOT A LONG WAY TO GO. Great freaking song brother. (The Angels Want To Wear My) Red Shoes: Woah that harmonization. This just feels so timeless I love the sound of this song. This is great, no other comments. Less Than Zero: This song is the first time I kind of thought back of his style throughout the album and I’ve realized how good of a story teller he is. I feel like it’s so hard to tell a good story, even a non linear one while having a comprehensive chorus and he seems to kill it. EVERYTHING MEANS LESS THAN ZERO HEY. Great song! Mystery Dance: OH SHIT JAILHOUSE ROCK TYPE SHI. OH YAAAAA STANKY LEGG. I know I’d get down to this down at the sock hop omfgggggggg. GUITARRRRRRRR SOLOOOOOOO. I want to know about the mystery dance. This song was so good it needs to be longerrrrrr. So good! Pay It Back: ONE OF THESE DAYS IM GUNNA PAY IT BACK PAY IT BACK ONE OF THESE DAYS. Jeez idek what to say anymore, I mean this is so good. He ain’t paying it back any time soon I know that. I’m Not Angry: WOAH… jeez these instrumentals. So strong and rich. When he brings down his voice and starts to build I’m so interested because I know it leads to a satisfying drop into a reliable chorus. Wow they going crazy on the guitar. What a great song!! Waiting For The End Of The World: More story telling on Costello’s part. Super compelling and fun. Ya this is such a fun song, really good. Watching The Detectives: Woah love the bass here, and then the guitar, hell ya. Ya even better story telling on this one, great instrumental and lyrical effects. SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT. Great song! No Action: Woah these drums and the build up. This usually isn’t my thing but I really like this. Not my favorite track on the album but still super good. Living In Paradise: He seems to use a more toned back use in his voice on this track, and it’s super smooth and I like it for the story he’s telling here. HERE WE ARE LIVING IN PARADISE. Ya this is great, I have nothing to add. Radio Sweetheart - Outtake: Love the guitars but LOVE THOSE SWELLING BACKGROUND VOCALS YES. And then back into that swing he brings, so well put together. PLAY ONE MORE FOR MY RADIO SWEETHEART! Great song! Love the call and response, so fun! Jeez why was this thing an outtake?? Stranger In The House - Outtake: Love that piano with his voice, so simple and calming. Love the story telling here, I can’t believe this thing is an outtake, I mean it’s great. And those like chill country like instrumentals are so fitting. This was great! FINALLY IMPRESSIONS: I can’t believe I have not listened to Elvis Costello until now. I’ve always known his name (mainly because of my parents) and I may have heard one or maybe two of his songs before, but I know nothing about him. I love his style and the way he fits into rock, it’s just so catchy and cool. If I had to describe this album using one word I would literally use the word “fun.” This album is just so fun, and it sounds like he’s having fun with it as well. Costello’s story telling also got stronger as the album went on and I even found myself gravitating towards his two outtakes, which were actually flawless tracks. You know your album is good when your outtakes are flawless. I usually have to play a game or do something while listening to an album, not this one though. I just chilled in my bed and listened and it was great. This album had absolutely 0 skips, and was such a fun listen. I could not have died without listening to this album.
Solid album. Not a huge fan of the genre but it's easily palitable for the ears.
Elvis pop punk? Feels swangy in a good way. Doesn't take itself seriously just gets to the music.. Nice... Would relisten I appreciate this album
Elvis Costello is one of those musicians that is going to be controversial. Not so much for his politics or lyrics or message, but because I have the feeling, based on bands and musicians I love and hate, that his voice is either going to please someone or turn them off. He also has a certain quality within his music that is unique, also likely polarizing, and thus, while I really like and always have liked, his vibe, I am not sure he is "for everyone." With that said, if you get taken in by this album, you will be an Elvis Costello fan for life. It is probably worth a listen just to find out, although it is likely some of the songs will stick with you even if you are not sure what to think.
Ehh it was alright
Didn't do anything for me. I'm sure it's well written and musically sound. But it was all just very forgettable to me.
The more I have listened to Elvis Castello the more it seems he tried to be Bruce Springsteen. The songwriting is there but the song quality has always been lacking.
Not my jam but not terrible
Yeah yummy music in my noise mouths
Looks like a dork who I'd lunch money from but the music was alright
Some fun little tunes, but nothing that blew me away. Apparently he’s got some really good stuff
Bit of an odd duck, but not bad
I didn’t like any of this.
I like Elvis Costello, but something holds me back from loving him. Is the that his sound is dated and locked in time? Is it his affectation and attitude? Is it the fact that he talks a lot and seems to say very little? I don’t know. But it’s something. Once I shirk those critiques, I find myself enjoying myself when listening to him. I especially enjoyed “watching the detectives”.
One of the many great Elvis Costello albums
What a fun album. Costello is a heck of a lyricist and composer. I don't know much about him, his career, or more than a few of his singles. Most of what I know is from this album. I was surprised that it was released this early. It seems more advanced than a lot of what was available musically at the time.
I came to this one expecting nothing, I left quite pleased, pretty good album
Loved it !
rock, 1978 -> 3
No my thing, won’t be re-listening.
Very good 4.2/5
just generally good vibes
Something about Elvis Costello just doesn't gel with me. I respect him enough as a musician and seems like a stand up person but his music is mostly very lifeless feeling. This record I will say is better than any of the records with the attractions that I've listened to. Allison is an amazing song. Welcome to the working week is fun albeit very jaunty and short.
4-5
much preferred over this years model
How is this guy more popular than Joe Jackson? It’s that same new wave pop style, just nowhere near as good. It’s not really a bad album per se, but I didn’t find it particularly inspiring. I think my main complaint is that I don’t really care for Elvis Costellos voice. He’s a pretty good lyricist, the music is well written, the instrumentation is perfectly fine, but nothing here blows me away. There’s feeling, but it only ever feels skin deep. I guess that perceived shallowness is my second main complaint. Not something I really care to listen to again. 2*.
Ha. Right after saying it’s a bit hard to hear Buddy Holly’s influence on popular music when listening to yesterday's album, we get one where the Buddy Holly influence couldn’t be more obvious. Even his image on the album art seems like an intentional nod to Buddy Holly. There are quite a few other obvious influences on this record - I hear Motown in “No Dancing”, soul in the beautiful central ballad “Alison”, reggae on “Watching the Detectives” and a healthy dose of new wave throughout. The synthesis of genres is very fun to listen to and very unique. While the musical style takes root in those from 15-20 years before its release, the lyrics are decidedly modern (for 1977) and interesting. I quite like the contrast between the two. I liked this a lot more than I expected. “Miracle Man”, “Alison”, and “Less Than Zero” were my favorites. “Mystery Dance” fell a bit flat for me but I don’t really have any other complaints about this album and will definitely listen to it again. Strong 4 ⭐️, 9/10.
So many Elvis Costello albums on this list lol. I struggle to see the appeal really
I did not like this album. Singing was very irritating and difficult to listen past
I thought a lot of this was classy and catchy. Just not good enough to warrant the full 4 stars
What a debut! Costello came out of the gate running. Pure anger, spitting power pop. BT: Welcome To The Working Week, Alison, (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes 4⭐️
elvis costello.
Finally a good Elvis Costello album :)
His aim is low
I hate it. I hate him. I sometimes also hate this list.
Being around music for his entire young life, it should be no wonder why his freshman album is so well written and full of classics. It’s stil an impressive feat.
No me gusta demasiado rockabilly
i did not really like this. but because of that one new years eve party film elvis costello has a special place in my coolness heart?
Sehr abwechslungsreicher Pop
I've still got 2 more albums to catch up on. This one is felt kind of average but then I realised it's a debut and does set a pretty high bar. Unfortunately, for me, Watching The Detectives is just such a standout track it kind of takes away from the rest of the album. Other fave: Alison
My final Costello album - he's very overrepresented on the list, but that's Dimery's fault, not Costello's, so I won't hold it agains the album. Once again, it's solid pop rock - and very impressive for a debut made while holding down a data entry job! It's a nice trip through a selection of rock sub-genres. Kinda want to bump my review of "Blood and Chocolate" up to a 5 to signify I like it more than his other stuff... Fave tracks - "Watching the Detectives" is like an order of magnitude better than everything else, but arguably it's a bonus track. "Alison", and "I'm Not Angry" from the other tracks. Liked the straight ahead rock n roll of "Mystery Dance", too...
That was fine. My favourite was probably I'm Not Angry.
Know the name, hadn't listened to him before. Super solid. Favorite might be Waiting for the End of the World? it's definitely the one that made me stop and pay attention each time through the album.
Not my direct taste, I can appreciate the work.
The only Elvis that matters.
Among the best debuts in rock history, played in a day and featuring a fully mature voice, rich in subtle harmonics and laced with biting and hilarious lyrics.
Favorite Track: Welcome To The Working Week
4.5
Well... every time I listen to Elvis Costello, his material always feels like something I should really get into, I just don't all that much. That being said this is actually one I enjoyed pretty well. It's just shy of a 4 for me, but it will get a 4 on the app. Some of my favorites were "Blame It On Cain", "I'm Not Angry", and although it technically doesn't count, "Watching The Detectives" (7.75) ★★★½
Have heard this a long time ago, but upon relisten my rating is still 4 stars. A bit uneven, but the best songs are absolutely magnificent.
Really cool pub rock classic. Highlights are "Alison", "Mystery Dance", "The Angels Wanna Wear My Red Shoes" and "Watching the Detectives". 4.5 stars
His aim is decent. It’s not exactly his grand masterwork (that would be either Armed Forces a few years later or Painted From Memory with Burt Bacharach in 1998) but this is a good debut and introduction to Costello with pockets of sharp shooting, snarly brilliance from the off like Welcome To The Working Week and other tuneful highlights such as Alison, Red Shoes and I’m Not Angry. And reggae-rific best song Watching The Detectives which was originally a non-album single. Light 4.
Such a good album. Going to listen to it a lot more
I can imagine Elvis Costello ending up in my “controversial artists” list, but for a good reason. It’s not that the quality of his work is ever poor. It’s that Elvis is not afraid to explore different musical genres according to his personal interest over the years. I have seen him several times in concert, some were “amazing!” and some were “meh” to me, because the musical styles were very different. Sometimes he and I are not on the same wavelength. Not the case with this album though! This is his 5 star album for me. He truly hit the target with this one.
I never really enjoyed any of the Elvis Costello I listened to in the past. Apparently, I needed to go further back in his catalogue bc I enjoyed this.
In keeping with the theme where I listen to the same 10 artists or songs over and over like a continuous stim, I once again have never heard an Elvis Costello album in full. In fact, I'd go so far to say the only EC song I know is Alison thanks to it's continuous playing on Smooth Radio. Notwithstanding, I have heard of Elvis Costello. And normally with praise. So I was quite excited to get an EC album, maybe add an 11th artist to my rotation. What in god's green earth was this? The second Welcome to the Working Week kicked in, I knew we were not in for a good time. It felt the same but weirdly inconsistent at the same time. The lyrics were poor. Was he meant to be an Elvis Presley tribute act? I didn't get it. I was going to give it 2 stars on the basis that I could listen to Alison again (again thanks to Smooth Radio) but, after flicking back through to write the review, I got annoyed by it all over again so downgraded. This was not a good album.
I ALREADY LOVE THIS ALBUM
A cool, early take on punk music
this album kind of sounds like something your captors would play on repeat as psychological torture because it gets stuck in your head - which means, on first listen, it's pretty catchy!
Another that's okay for background music while working but not something I'd opt to listen to otherwise.
Welcome to 1977 where punk is already becoming post punk and we get a new wave of artists such as Elvis Costello and Talking Heads. I used to wonder what the fuss was about. This is what the fuss is about. Elvis Costello’s sound and style would shift and vary and mature, but this debut album is potent. It’s fun, varied, and energetic. Enjoy!
Aim might be true, but this record is boring.
Good one that I own.
Welcome To The Working Week // No Dancing // Blame It On Cain // Alison // Sneaky Feelings //
This woulda been just ok if it came out like 10 years earlier. I'm simply not impressed. Bland, bland, bland.
Nothing especially groovy, but there's still a fun energy to this one.
Same as the Cocteau Twins album i just listened to, I feel like this guy's music should be right up my alley, but it always comes across to me as just "good". Nothing more. Catchy tunes on here though.
So I I think I like the music, but not his voice. The longer this album goes the more I like it. The album finished strong. I really like what can on auto play player “every day I write the book”.
Listened to this while cleaning and honestly it was great for jamming during that
Very strong 4, almost a 5
Hell yeah love this album
Not much that really connected on this one. Too much Costello on this list as it is too
Nice lil rocker from Elvis Costello. "Allsion" and Welcome to the Working Week" are the highlights here. This albums has been one of the most consistent records I've heard so far. Edit: Who am I kidding, this is actually great.
It's Elvis Costello. He's always gonna be pretty good. Some classics on here.
A real treat
Ca
7.5/10 Another decent EC album. My expectation was that this would be quite punk, in fact this felt like a tour of 50s-70s American rock, done with British attitude and power pop/new wave edges Really interesting mix, from straight rock songs to those that were a little more adventurous in style. I preferred the latter. Best: Watching the Detectives
I absolutely loved this album It's a brilliant debut, songwriting is great, I've seen the term power-pop used. It's a meld of so many genres and honestly blew me away. I knew I enjoyed Costello before this but hadn't done an album in full.
Wonderful! I was surprised to read that this album produced no hit singles yet three of Costello's best loved songs are on hear. Alison is just a great ballad and Red Shoes is another brilliant song and on the American release the album included Watching the Detectives which I rate almost as highly as Olivers Army. As a debut album they don't come much better than this
I bopped along with this. Watching The Detectives was the standout, due to familiarity, but I quite enjoyed the rest of the album especially considering it was his debut. Not enough to put it into 4 star status, but it’s a high 3.
Spiky, well-written songs, with much more of a country/pub rock vibe than it's punk reputation.
Having seen Elvis Costello play an acoustic show recently I was very excited to listen to this album again! I started to play this album on Monday morning at 9:30 and welcome to the working week came on loud!, great song, and a great welcome to another week. So many good songs on this album, I love Blame it on Cain, Alison, and the angels wanna wear my red shoes. This is just a fun pop album that is easy to listen to. Favourite song: The entire album is superb Least favourite: There is not a bad song on the album Album artwork: Cool cover
Okay, so this is a shock, to receive two Elvis Costello albums back to back (One was an attractions album so i guess there is kinda a difference but i still see it as the same) Now with My Aim Is True. And to be honest, it is probably my favorite album that Elvis Costello worked on. It has all the elements from all the attractions albums that i liked but here the guitars are far more prevalent and do sound really good. The melodies here were also great and that Elvis Costello cheesiness is still there but a bit toned back. This album actually turned out to be a really solid one and definitely my favorite Elvis Costello album. Best Song: Waiting For The End Of The World Worst Song: Mystery Dance
best one of the Billion Elvis Costello albums on this list
Pretty solid but not my favorite elvis costello album
lots of songs that all kind of sound the same . Im sure there’s some better elvis costello out there, but i don't know what it is yet. 1.5
One of the most accomplished debut albums of all time, and one of my favorite songwriters. Truly terrific.
This has always been a favorite of mine and this listen was great.
Ahh. We’ve had some time apart, but he’s back again. I really did try to be open-minded, but this was the same old Elvis Costello schtick, and it just doesn’t do anything for me.
not the biggest costello fan. it’s listenable, but nothing special
I listened to this a few days ago, guess I didn't rate it. Thought it was good, dont think I'll listen to a ton of the songs outside of this
5/10 - It was an album from the 70s
He's so painfully mediocre and has so many albums on this list that just don't deserve to be here I just do not get it
solid
An OK album. I quite like the upbeat melodies and the guitar riffs but quite dislike the singer's voice. In my opinion, the album feels its age, meaning it has this overall dated feel and tone to it that just doesn't last well over the years. Overall, most songs were quite forgettable and I don't know if it merits a place on a "must listen before you die" list. I probably wouldn't listen to it again.
Hey I was named after this guy. I’ve already listened to This Year’s Model, which I liked. I think this albulm has higher high points, but is sometimes grating and sometimes boring. Overall good. Best song: No Dancing Worst song: Sneaky Feelings
Takes me back 👌
I managed to avoid the inevitable obstacle that is Elvis Costello’s presence for as long as possible. Well over a year is a pretty solid record too. I have a feeling I am going to be seeing his name pop up a lot more soon. I don’t have anything in particular against the guy. His music has just never appealed to me, and taking up six spaces on the list with his records is maybe too much. But again, this is where that bias comes into play. Costello is another English musician. And a well respected one at that. He is credited as bringing back the lyrical wizardry of Bob Dylan and putting it through the various punk concepts that were evolving at the time. I can admire some of his writing here. But I don’t think it’s anything on the level of Dylan or Van Morrison, who he is also often attached to. I’ve just never really understood the hype behind him. Every once in a while I’ll see a really positive review pop up for This Year's Model, and I still wonder why people like it so much. I also wonder if maybe I missed the point, and owe myself a reassessment of that album. Either way, this is about his debut. Which is one of the only records he ever put out that wouldn’t feature the group which would be known as The Attractions. Much like what I’ve heard from him in the past, this album is bringing together a varied selection of sounds from different time periods. The basis of this is rooted in that classic rock & roll sound that artists like Little Richard and Elvis Presley popularized. But, since this is still the late 70s, Costello brings in the layered punk-esque new wave sounds that were also growing in popularity at the time to spice things up. And it’s actually not a terrible combination. I won’t disagree that he is a competent musician. I just have yet to be shown something that really impresses me. Now, it’s been a long time while since I heard This Year’s Model, but I think I enjoyed this one slightly more. Rating: 6/10
Alison is probably my favorite Costello song and damn its always good to hear. The rest is pretty okay. If you like his particular style then great, its a little too disjointed for me (I'm Not Angry for example) but overall its fine.
Alison and Less Than Zero are great! The rest is just typical Costello Buddy Holly cosplay
I wasn't really impressed, I listened in the car, maybe I missed some details because of that.
Quite liked the sound though it’s very samey. Alison got stuck in my head. I can see why they added Watching the Detectives, that felt like it had a more distinctive sound.
I found this a strange mixture of genres. I quite liked some of it. The Deluxe Edition is crazy with 48 tracks most of them repeats. Too much!
Another great opening track and another artist whose singles I know well but I've never heard an album. This was a bit up and down in terms of quality I thought. The man can write a fantastic single but I found some tracks to be a bit middle of the road. Another 'Best Of' artist for me.
I like Elvis Costello and I like his voice and style but it turns out not enough for a whole album. For me it didn’t flow that well. Alison and Watching the Detectives (the hits) stood out.
An impressive debut with some great songs (including some stone cold classics like Alison and Watching the Detectives). I think he went on to do better things though.
I think this album suffered being given to us on a Monday. I listened to a bit of it again this morning (Tuesday) and it sounded a lot better. So it was originally a 2 for me but it just snagged a 3 as i was quite enjoying it upon a 2nd listen.
Elvis Costello welcoming us to a somewhat dreary and cold Monday working week. What a brilliant opener. It wasn't for me. Couldn't place it well and it all sounded a bit crispy to me. His slower stuff is quite nice.
aou aou aou what a terrible performance! I wanted to live the show early! 2