Reviews (page 4 of 7)
It was alright
Definitely a good album; anyone altogether refusing to engage because they don't like his voice is missing out. (I'm aware of my hypocrisy; at times I won't engage with rap or screaming 😇) I don't really like his voice either, as it happens, but I do like the way he constructs deceptively simple pop songs, through which to convey all sorts of aspects of the human condition via clever, thoughtful lyrics. I'm aware we get lots of Elvis C on this list; this is at least our third, and I think it's a pretty good one. He's a good songwriter I think. It's not entirely for me, but it's pretty good.
It all sounds the same to me
I admire many things about this album. The songwriting is good, the approach was really cool, and the sound is a nice return to form. But, the songs, they are too long and a little boring. I don't really care about them and they kind of fall away for me.
This is reminiscent of a good Elvis Costello album, but it isn't one. Blue Chair is excellent, though, and I'm always happy to listen to an album produced by Nick Lowe, since he's otherwise not on the list, grrr. Give me Imperial Bedroom soon, please.
I know this is famous, but I feel he has better records.
I don't have as much or an aversion to Costello as most of the reviewers clearly have. A lot of this felt quite raw and emotional and not necessarily 'polished' and I quite like that about it.
Costello is a great writer but I just can’t get into it no matter how I try. His vocal range is limited and it feels forced on this record. A couple have a Boss sound, a few Wilco types, but really it sounds a lot like Loud Bob Dylan and that doesn’t do enough for me. To each their own.
Elvis Costello is boring. 3
I don't have many Elvis Costello albums in my music collection. This was my first listen for this album and I was pleasantly surprised and while I may not pick up the album, I will download a couple of these songs.
It sounds like something I've already been listening to, like the Talking heads or more modern rock bands like Semisonic or Weezer. But considering I just discovered it in 2025 and it came out in 1986 makes me realize it was probably pioneering in some ways back then. I'm not the biggest fan of it but still having mostly a good time listening.
3.5/5 This was kinda fun but I just found out there are like 20 more albums of this artist coming and well... this would have been enough for me. Fav- Tokyo Storm Warning
Pretty standard Elvis Costello fare. But TIL that Elvis Costello coined the moniker "Napoleon Dynamite". #themoreyouknow
I don’t hate it, but also don’t love it
This "challenge" has given me a much deeper understanding of the genres of music I like and the ones I don't. I like a lot of things about this album and the blend of genres Elvis Costello is playing in (Garage, punk, pop), but the overriding pastiche of "Rock And Roll" the genre from the late 40s and early 50s with capital Rs and a fully spelled out "and" is a quality that doesn't connect with me. It makes sense that an artist feels a connection to the music of their parents generation, but it holds no special place in my heart (or ears).
kolejny dzien zdychanko, nawet pan elvis costello z wdziekowa banda nie pomogl sie podniesc, czuje jakbym sluchal takiej mniej zgrabnej wersji brutal youth, bo sklad chyba podobny muzycznie, tylko lirycznie jakos nie czuje tej krwi i czekolady, ma momenty, ale tez momenty zapychajace, moze kiedys na swiezo dam jeszcze raz szanse, a jako najbardziej plejkowy trak plyty dodam i want you
I knew the name and had heard some snippets but never a full song on purpose let alone an album. Very listenable. No one song stood out in a good or bad way. Would probably like it more on the second listen.
It was a poetry slam
Pretty good
Pretty good
Hits hard at start of first song with a ton of treble. After that the songs are well performed and produced but some are too long. Sounds like this could border on indulgent pretty quickly but it never gets there. Glad that I listened. Might seek it out again.
It was fine. I didn’t know any of the songs.
Thoughts before listening: So I know Elvis Costello has had a prolific recording career for 40+ years, but I have only ever considered a handful of his albums as essential: My Aim is True, This Year's Model, armed forces maybe Imperial Bedroom. I am pretty surprised to see this album on here although I have definitely seen the reviews and comments in Reddit forums complaining about the amount of EC albums on this list. Review: Yeah, not really my favorite from Elvis. Its less pop-oriented than the albums I think of as his classics and more angry as well. Maybe this is an attempt to get back to his punk roots or something? Ultimately this is a bit of a mixed bag, with some of the power pop songs like "I Hope You're Happy Now" being petty good, and I really like "I Want You" as well. Ultimately though I find that this album lacks the hits that draw me to EC's best. 3-stars
There are two potential ratings for an Elvis Costello album; 4 stars when I'm listening and investing, and 2 stars when I have it playing but I'm busy elsewhere I was working on a case for half the album and taking a rest from said work for the other half
Старина попробовал сделать как по старинке, но запал уже не тот
This was my first Elvis Costello album on this list … but reading the reviews I can see I should expect a few more 😂 Luckily I”m a fan, but I wasn’t familiar with this one. It was fine … I’m looking forward to Spike 👍
Not what I expected from other albums of his that I have heard. Not sure if that is an endorsement or not. Maybe with more listens I would rate higher.
Not his best record. Relatively enjoyable, though.
I don't really like Elvis Costello and wasn't looking forward to listening to this album. However much to my surprise I actually enjoyed it
Costello is angry and urgent. This feels much more like his new wave peak, but lacks some of the melodic hooks. Not bad though.
At this point, I may be a bit over-Costelloed, but I did like this album. It seems less needlessly wordy than the others I’ve had. I particularly enjoyed “I want you”.
The guitar on Next Time Round sounds a lot like Stand by REM. This is enjoyable, but I don’t think it’s quite as good as his first three albums. Favorites were Tokyo Storm Warning, I Want You, and Battered Old Bird.
Please no more Costello i beg you. I'm on my knees.
A great return to form for Elvis and The Attractions.
Elvis Costello is undeniably brilliant, and I was excited to revisit Blood and Chocolate today after not hearing it for quite some time. While this album has its moments, I wouldn’t rank it among Costello & The Attractions' strongest work. Albums like This Year’s Model and Armed Forces are far more impactful in terms of songwriting and overall energy. Blood and Chocolate feels a bit uneven in comparison. That said, there are some standout tracks—“I Want You” is darkly mesmerizing, and “Blue Chair” is a real highlight with its melodic flair. However, the album lacks a few truly unforgettable songs that would elevate it from good to great. Favourite songs: “I Want You” and “Blue Chair” Least favourite: “Home Is Where You Hang Your Head” felt somewhat forgettable. Album artwork: The cover is striking and intriguing, though I’m not entirely sure what’s going on. Still, it has a cool, chaotic charm that suits the album’s tone. Overall, Blood and Chocolate is a solid listen, but it doesn't quite reach the heights of Costello's best work.
5.5 / 10 - Some good songs like tokyo storm warning, can be quite a dull listen in parts though
Got the band back together. Nick produced. Good stuff, not great.
War alright aber ist nicht hängen geblieben
A fine record, but nothing really here blew my mind like some of his other stuff.
Really decent album. Might not be up there with Aim Is True, This Year’s Model, or Armed Forces but definitely has a handful of gems. Recaptures a bit of the raw energy of his first two albums. I like it. Might give it four stars but hard to give it the same rating for me as the above albums mentioned.
pjesma "tokyo storm warning" bila fora, ostalo bezveze. 2 ili 3? ne znam, ajde tri
Tiny Costello album with some catchy tunes.
Honestly, this album was fine. It didn't grip me personally, I found it a tad bit boring, but I appreciated hearing a version of Elvis Costello I hadn't heard before, and also loved how clearly you could hear his influence on Elliott Smith in this album.
Burde sikkert høre mer på Costello, men han er best live.
This is another case of the artist's voice not working with me. His voice comes across as if he is parodying someone, but it is clear that's just his voice.
I feel like this is one of those albums that exists and is perfectly good, but I'm really scrambling for ideas for what I can even talk about in a review.
Never heard this - fun for Elvis fans
I guess I've been kinda lucky so far, 534 albums and I am just now getting my first (out of 6) Elvis Costello albums. Or maybe I am unlucky because they are all going to be concentrated towards the end. Now the only band that has a lot of albums on this list that I haven't gotten yet is Sonic Youth (which I love). Anyways, this album is fine. I feel like if I had 3 or more Elvis Costello albums before this I would be writing a long rant, but that will have to wait. I have no idea why I Want You is the "hit" of this album, I think it was one of the more boring ones. I will never understand why he got 6 albums. We didn't even get Magical Mystery Tour. Low 3.
Sounds like Elvis Costello to me. I find it very comforting that Elvis Costello is generally pretty consistent with his quality of output. Even if the musical style changes a little, Costello's vocal delivery is the north star. That said, this the weirdest Costello record I've heard so far. Perfectly enjoyable, though, probably the least essential Elvis Costello album so far.
5/10…power pop / pup rock
I've had enough of Elvis Costello. Sounds a bit like Tom Petty though, tbh. Low 3
This is a good rock n' roll album.
I wonder how many more Elvis Costello albums I'll get in this project. It's okay, but they all sound the same to me.
Me gustó mucho el álbum No conocía a Elvis Costello, la verdad Le doy un 6/10
I like this album. I wouldn't rank it in the top Costello records - the back half sags a bit, but he's just a brilliant wordsmith. Good, not great.
A few good songs but not a great album. Lacks the energy expected from Elvis.
I like Elvis Costello. This is not really an issue. I think in some cases, some days, some time periods we ebb and flow, and I don't want to undersell the idea that I am an Elvis Costello fan, yet here I am thinking that this album was OK but I was not particularly moved by it. It could be a mood thing, it could be a timing thing, or maybe it could be that this was not among my favorite albums of his. It is still Elvis Costello and still has that signature sound and all that, I just didn't get super into it for some reason. Maybe someday I will be annoyed with what I missed?
Favorite songs: Honey Are You Straight or Are You Blind, I Hope You're Happy Now, Blue Chair, Uncomplicated, Tokyo Storm Warning Least favorite songs: I Want You 3/5
Enjoyable sound, nothing really stands out enough to relisten to though.
Pretty solid bit of 80s pop rock with a 60s sheen on it, though nothing especially special.
Nothing strong to say about this one. It is definitely an Elvis Costello album. There are some good songs and some I didn't like. I don't think I would listen again, but I didn't dislike it.
Pretty good
Uncomplicated - 2/5 I Hope You're Happy Now - 4/5 Tokyo Storm Warning - 3/5 Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head - 3/5 I Want You - 4/5 Honey Are You Straight Or Are You Blind - 3/5 Blue Chair - 4/5 Battered Old Bird - 3/5 Crimes Of Paris - 3/5 Poor Napoleon - 3/5 Next Time Round - 3/5 Average score: 3.2/5
Great A side and a decent B side. I Want You is a real standout here, but a few of the tracks run a little too standard for me to really fall for this album.
This is definitely one of the albums of all time.
I have never enjoyed costello's music. It's competent; I don't find it interesting at all.
Easily in my top-800 albums I've listened to. Not even kidding, it's the best Elvis Costello album so far. Looking forward to hearing him again in 100 days
Pretty decent. I have no idea why Elvis Costello isn't more popular. He has alot of the same appeal as his contemporaries like Tom Petty. Not bad, but I probably wont revisit.
I Want You is a stand out, everything else is fairly average
Ok I could see why people wouldn't like it after getting 15 Elvis records, but as my first album of his it was pretty good. Nothing crazy or innovative but enjoyable with a couple of standouts
I've grown to enjoy Elvis Costello's music during this project and this album does not change that. Saying that, this isn't up to the level of This Year's Model and Imperial Bedroom. The songs here are just not as strong as the tracks on those albums. I enjoyed this album but Costello can do better and has done better. Some of the songs dragged, even the good ones. Songs I could recommend are: I Want You Uncomplicated I Hope You're Happy Now Honey Are You Straight or Are you Blind Blue Chair Crimes of Paris
I hear some nice touches and decent tunes here, especially on second listen on the headphones. But there is something overall that just does not appeal to me or make me want to listen again. And like everyone else I am baffled as to why he has so many on this thing. 2.5
Cool
This list has helped me learn that, while Elvis Costello is good, there is only so much I can take
it was nice
I liked this enough, but probably won't revisit it. Also, that "I Want You" song gives me the heebie jeebies.
It was okay. Nothing notable.
Nice work Elvis
Elvis' typical guitar pop
This album feels a little less consistent than This Year's Model, but still a pretty good album overall. 3/5
I enjoyed this one. It has some stuff that reminds me of the earlier albums (of course) and I enjoyed those ones the most. That being said, it's probably my least favorite of what I've heard from him. 3/5
Nice album, a few reslly good ones but sometimes his voice can get boring. 3.5
Generellt ett sound jag har svårt att ta på allvar, men när viben blir lite mer normal skiner en hel del balla idéer igenom och stundtals genialiskt flow i dynamiken och Costellos sång.
Visst!
Regular
I've always said Elvis Costello is an artist I respect but don't care much for. This was the first album I've heard of his. It was alright. Some good songs. Bit long. His voice ia mildly annoying but I like him more now.
Pretty good
3.5
I'm so tired of hearing Elvis Costello. The album was ok, I even liked a couple songs, but it doesn't need to be on this list. Only like 100 more Costello albums to go...
Kinda better than This Year's Model.
Pretty cool, the songs all kind of blue together but a great post-punk album. Will definitely go back and listen to more Elvis Costello in the future
Ok album. Det är typ allt jag kan säga. Det finns ingen lätt som sticker ut. Det är samma lunk i alla låtar, inte dåligt men inte särskilt bra alls. Så egentligen är det mindre bra. För det är musik som inte orsakar nåt i kroppen. Jag kändes så här efter att ha lyssnat typ två gånger, "jaha".
Har man hört en skiva av Elvis Costello så känns det som att man har hört allt. Det är inte dåligt, hyfsat melodiöst och trallvänligt, men lyfter aldrig till några rejäla höjder. Så puttrar det på, på exakt samma förutsägbara sätt genom hela skivan.
Is Elvis Costello undergoing radioactive decay? It seems like with every new record he puts out, it’s about half as good as its predecessor. Once again, it just feels like Costello and The Attractions are only capable of making one (1) album, and they proceeded to spend 15ish years remaking that album, with each new attempt only being about half as good as the last attempt. For me, as someone who started with This Year’s Model and is working backwards now thanks to this generator, this is a strange experience. Yes, Blood and Chocolate is a million times better than Brutal Youth, but that doesn’t mean it’s good. I really have been trying to sit with this record, because I think there are some okay qualities on display here. I like a couple of the songs, or at least their choruses. I have “I Want You” stuck in my head, even though I don’t think I really enjoy that song that much. I like the story-telling of “Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head.” I do sincerely like “Crimes of Paris” and “Poor Napoleon,” especially the latter’s rhythm section. I can listen to Blood and Chocolate all the way through without pulling my hair out. But it’s a drag of an experience. That’s in large part because almost every song only has about 3.5 minutes worth of material, but was stretched out to be around 5 minutes. On the other hand, every song that’s 3.5 minutes long or less feels underdeveloped. This alone sets up a huge issue, and really ruins any potential enjoyment I could have, even if this is just a This Year’s Model redux. But on top of the slow pacing that makes me feel like I’m losing track of time in a sensory deprivation tank, there’s still more issues. For one, I kind of hate the choices The Attractions seem to make. They always seem so dead-set on dodging expectations with a bob and weave, but it typically ends them up in places that sound like the wrong notes, and I mean that literally. I think this is most obvious to my ears on the first 3 tracks. Additionally, the production feels…wrong? Reading up on it, it seems like the intention was to sound lo-fi and gritty, but that’s not what’s going on here at all. In practice, it mostly just sounds like the soundscape is misplaced and out of wack; elements that should be in the forefront are background, and vice versa. The whole thing feels like it’s peaking; it’s not in the red à la Californication, but it is heavily in the yellow. That’s not an aesthetic choice, that’s just a wrong choice. Costello isn’t the worst thing you can listen to, but the more time I spend with his late-era Attractions records, the less interested I become in his music overall. It’s a strange point of comparison, but it reminds me of my feelings around Fall Out Boy, and Blood and Chocolate is like Folie à Deux. I don’t just say that because “Battered Old Bird” sounds like “What A Catch, Donnie.” In general, Fall Out Boy seemed to try so hard as they went on to not be a pop-punk emo band, even though they kept just writing the same songs, so by the time of Folie à Deux, it just felt tired. It’s no surprise that Costello is an obvious influence on that band, because that’s about how I feel about him, too. Blood and Chocolate feels like a tired record, one where the audience knows the jig is up, yet the band soldiers on away, to their own detriment. Still, because it resembles something closer to that original magic than the truly awful shit that followed, people like to give it a positive reassessment, even when it doesn’t deserve it. I don’t see what value anyone can get out of Blood and Chocolate on the whole. There’s a few good songs, and it’s not the worst, but it’s not great, either. On a worse day with less patience, I would hate it more. This is a fan album, and if you’re a fan, this is probably where you should (and will) get off the bandwagon. But even as a fan, you might be better off living in blissful ignorance if you avoid this one.
kinda annoying kinda boring kinda meh
Descent album I could probably listen to again. 3.5/5
This album feels like most of his albums, I like it, but nothing sticks out and most of the songs sound the same.
Biased, I'm a know who listened on vinyl
Had a great voice. I just want taken by these songs.
Bisschen anstrengend aber ok
Nothing very exciting but nothing too offensive either, maybe the most milquetoast album in a while. It's sorta catchy but I really don't know if there is much from this album that I would want to save to a playlist. Costello has a voice that feels like it would get annoying at first but is actually pretty easy to get used to, I'm looking forward to getting more of his well received albums
Tbh before this list and even going into this album I knew every little about Elvis Costello so I did some research about him, his music and his significance. His father, Ross MacManus, was a singer in the Joe Loss Orchestra and even sang on a popular R. White’s Lemonade commercial in the UK. Paul Kagame and his government have faced numerous allegations over the years, including: Political Repression & Assassinations Targeting Opponents: Opposition leaders, journalists, and former allies who criticize the government have been jailed, exiled, or even assassinated. Notable Cases: Former intelligence chief Patrick Karegeya was found strangled in South Africa (2014). Exiled general Kayumba Nyamwasa survived multiple assassination attempts. Opposition politician André Kagwa Rwisereka was found murdered in Rwanda (2010). His Real Name Isn't Elvis Costello He was born Declan Patrick MacManus in 1954. He took "Elvis" from Elvis Presley and "Costello" from his great-grandmother’s surname. Crackdown on Press & Free Speech Independent media in Rwanda is heavily restricted, with journalists being arrested or fleeing the country. Some Rwandan exiled journalists have been killed or disappeared under mysterious circumstances. On tour, Costello has sometimes performed as an opening act under an alias, playing different styles before his main set. Human Rights Abuses & Forced Disappearances Human rights groups report that Kagame’s government uses torture, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings to maintain control. Suspected critics and dissenters often go missing or are later found dead. He Was Almost in the Beatles' Movie "Yellow Submarine" Costello was considered for the voice of a character in the animated film but ultimately wasn’t included. Role in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Conflicts Kagame’s government has been accused of supporting armed groups in eastern Congo, leading to mass violence and instability. The M23 rebel group, accused of atrocities, has been linked to Rwanda’s military. UN reports have implicated Kagame in resource exploitation and human rights violations in the region. He Got Banned from "Saturday Night Live" In 1977, he was booked on SNL and was supposed to play "Less Than Zero," but he abruptly stopped mid-song and launched into "Radio, Radio"—a protest song against corporate media. NBC banned him for 12 years! Election Rigging & Lifetime Presidency Kagame has been in power since 2000 and has won elections with over 90% of the vote, raising suspicions of fraud. In 2015, a constitutional change allowed him to potentially rule until 2034. Wow what an interesting guy, the album is alright I guess, I really enjoyed, Tokyo Storm Warning, Battered Old Bird and I want you 7/10
Some of the songs on here make me think that maybe Mr Costello should have considered a career as a novelist or a poet rather than a singer? Tokyo Storm Warning could have done with like 70% fewer words and it would have been a stellar track. I guess whoever the producer was on this album gave him the same message as the next two songs on side A are less verbose and tighter overall (I Want You drags but it's the end of this side and I have always loved this song). This album doesn't have any bad songs on it, but I did find myself having to rewind tracks as sometimes they kind of flew by me. On a repeat ACTIVE listen (i.e., not listening to this while writing a report at work) the clever lyrics elevate the music and you can appreciate the instrumentation a lot more. All that said, I didn't walk away from Imperial Bedroom as a stark raving Evlis Costello fan, and despite this containing my favourite song of his I don't see myself coming back to listen to this whole thing anytime soon but there are certainly songs that will make it into my rotation of dadslop. Minus points for Crimes of Paris not mentioning two guys mugging you at knifepoint on the Paris leg of your post-university solo holiday to Europe :) Highlights: Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head, I Want You, Battered Old Bird
Album cover is cool Classic pop rock, nothing stunning 3
Not bad.
I think they added the Costello albums when they were still doing 1001 discographies
aka "I Want You and Other Assorted Okay Songs"
"I Want Yoh" is a great song, the. Rest is okay, but not mind blowing. 3.5 stars
Nice raw enervated feel in places. There are some neat melodic twists and turns and also some cool lux instrumental textures. Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head is pretty rich sounding and kinda reminds me of Windfall Island. In terms of songs though there are no other absolute favourites and as it drags on it does get more samey. Too much blood, too much chocolate and no other magic third ingredient. Costello’s voice does seem to be more forced, contorted and annoying even more than usual as well. 3.5 stars.
Found it pretty ‘samey’ and gave up about half way. I enjoyed ‘Armed Forces’ so much more.
Not awesome, but much better than everyone thinks. Story telling paired with rock/ post punk musical styles. Better than Bob Dylan or Morrissey. Perfectly good. Three stars.
Some pleasant songs
Keskinkertaista, ei huonoa, ei erikoista. Elviksellä parempiakin levyjä. Jotkut kappaleet vähän ärsyttävän junnaavia. Parhaat: Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head, Blue Chair
Goes many places. Can’t say I like it much but feels very earnest and dorky (positive)
I don't think any amount of albums will get me to like Elvis Costello. The instrumentals are fun, but his voice just doesn't do it for me. Overall a decent album, but not my cup of tea.
Elvis is the Bob Dylan of the garage-pop genre. A truly amazing song-writer. He’s not a tremendous vocalist but he’s better than many and the passion he has fir his characters is obvious and endearing. This album lacks the recognizable hits on many of his albums — but he’s channeling Roy Orbison, REM, and others into his world of loveable ruffians. It’s a 3, but might be a 4 on a second listen.
Never listened to a full Costello album, but I know for a fact he has better stuff than this. Still solid showing I suppose, also can tell that they might be giants were very much influenced by him, so that’s a plus.
A third Elvis Costello is just dumb. No offense to Mr. Costello. Must be filler for this list. Without even hearing this I bet I can think of a thousand other records that deserve to be listened to. I listened and there were a couple good tunes but I didn’t need to hear this - I don’t think the Costello catalogue is so diverse or essential that this needs to be here. Stones, Beatles, Bowie yes they deserve multiple listings. My mistake. This is the freaking fourth Elvis Costello record. List lost some credibility.
I didn't love it, but this was solid. Probably the most I've ever enjoyed Elvis Costello. 3.4
3.5 - kinda liked it more than I expected
Good artist. Good music. Not his best album, but ok.
The surprising thing is that it's an Elvis Costello and I didn't hate it.
Pretty good. Highlights include: “Tokyo Storm Warning” “I Want You” “Blue Chair” “Poor Napoleon”
I just can't deal with Elvis Costello. Even the songs I like bother me in some way. "I Hope You're Happy Now," "Blue Chair," and "Next Time Round" are probably my favorite songs, with the latter being the reason this is getting a 3 and not a 2. But I'm not sure if it's his voice or what, but even when I like Elvis Costello, he grates on me. There definitely is no good reason for him to have so many albums on this list, though. That's for sure.
Not the best effort on this one for my tastes.
The music is pretty good. But there was nothing that really caught me and I am trying to recalibrate my ratings as I feel I have been getting more and more generous with my stars. I can't see myself coming across this album in the future and thinking, "You know what, I could really use some Blood and Chocolate this afternoon." So 3 stars it is.
First didn’t get it at all 5th track got me going though Don’t think it’s one of the greatest albums for me, but I can def listen to it without getting mad
so far the best one of them
Yup. That’s Elvis Costello alright.
Hmm. This was okay. It seems like there is a lot of Elvis Costello on this list. I feel like he really honed his specific style and sound, and it seems like he stayed within that. This is quite similar to the other stuff I've heard from him.
Wow what an album cover. It's striking. It's got a... face for radio? "I Want You" is the biggest song on this album but as I'm listening I'm really thrown off by the mix.. or maybe a compressor on his voice. He's just so loud compared to the rest of the band and it sounds like some mistaken settings on a compressor. Like his softest moments in the vocals are louder than a snare drum, which doesn't feel right. I either have to crank my speakers (and then his voice is booming and too loud), or I lower the volume and hardly hear the band. Big let down here. What a beautiful song though. By the end I was totally enthralled and surprised by how heartfelt and desperate he sounds. The topic of "wanting" or "unrequited love" has always been very interesting to me despite personally being in a long term relationship. Love and all of it's forms is generally the one umbrella reason for why humans make art in any medium and these desperation ones always grab me hard. By the time this track is over I just want to sit in silence for a bit and contemplate. I've had a tough week and this song has made me think about love, like how fortunate I am to have my relationship, and I'm so happy to be moved by this piece. I'm also so happy to have the patience today to have given this song a good listen beyond the first few minutes when I was frustrated by a production element. This really ended up being a nice listen for me. 3.4 ish.
Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Blood And Chocolate First introduction to Elvis Costello and honestly, his music is great. Reminded me of that one iconic song from toy story, but in a good way. This feel so much fun to listen and that's what i mainly appreciate it for, also that it does offer really catchy hooks and riffs and all. Overall, this is good! 1.- Uncomplicated = 9/10 2.- I Hope You're Happy Now = 7/10 3.- Tokyo Storm Warning = 8/10 4.- Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head = 8/10 5.- I Want You = 6/10 6.- Honey Are You Straight Or Are You Blind = 7/10 7.- Blue Chair = 8/10 8.- Battered Old Bird = 8/10 9.- Crimes Of Paris = 8/10 10.- Poor Napoleon = 7/10 11.- Next Time Round = 9/10 FINAL SCORE: 7.7/10
Not bad but not his best
Favorite Track: I Want You
Great album. Can't really say anything wrong about it other than Costello is not in my normal rotation.
Costello's one of the biggest reasons I might actually go read the book. Why is he on here so much
Listened to it
Not bad but not something I’d listen to with free will.
It's mild good. Mild, but it's enjoyable, good.
first listen it's alright
There is a ton of Elvis Costello on this list and while I think his sound and style is unique and deserves an album on this list, the four or five albums are not equal. This would probably be a 3.5 for me.
Genuine question: Is Elvis Costello anyone’s favorite artist? He’s on the same level as Coldplay to me. I can not and will not care about him.
When Elvis Costello tries something new (“Uncomplicated”, “Battered Old Bird”), it sucks. Otherwise, this is exactly the same as Armed Forces. It’s fine, but there’s nothing about C-tier Costello that I’d consider “essential”.
Mid
nervige stimm bueb!! jo find uncomplicated chli nervig iwie haha I hope you're happy now di di het wieder charme dur d nervigkeit, de costello isch anigs rifach es zweischniidigs schwert hahahah ah und blood and chocolate isch en insane name au tokyo storm warning isch sooo weird und iwie hetsmi zerst gstört und aber denn nachane wieder gfalle hahahah I AANT YOU LIEB ICH UND HASS ICH costello dini stimm muss nöd ih mim ohr sii demit ich dich ghör bro er spricht sache mengisch so komisch us? han scho mehrmals "nazi" ide lieder ghöre, derbii heter jz gseit "did not see" hmm jaa ich würd 3.5 geh, will nüt isch eürkli hangeblibe aber s het doch sache geh wo ich cool gfunde han guets 3?
I’m ok with this one.
The album opens with a brick wall of sound, irascible and scornful – songs of endurance and bitterness. Later songs develop through classic early Beat Group to Beatle-esque, all with the hallmark of Costello’s layered wordplay
3.5 leaning towards 4
Meh
Perushyvä
Ihan ok, mut ei eeityisesti tunteita herättänyt
Wow, this list-maker really likes Elvis Costello. Like his other entries here, this was a solid if unspectacular album.
Get another album that I had heard singles from but never the album in its entirety. Greatly enjoyed it nice to have in the collection
This is the same as all the other Elvis Costello albums. I just don't get the appeal. He's an ok singer/songwriter but it isn't worthy of the admiration he draws.
Elvis Costello was, is, and shall be one of Britain's finest songwriters. Focusing on themes of love and loss (a well much travelled to and from down the years), he and his band wrest some fine tunes and make this an engaging part of their oeuvre. I'm docking myself a star for the use of the word 'oeuvre'. This one gets a 3 from me.
Not enough in these songs to really hook me, although I can see the artistry and talent.
Not my favourite by them
It was nice
A génerous store as was hesitating over a 2. Lots of song I hated but a few reasonable ones
Like every Costello album, I like about 75% of it. Still a good album though!
I liked it in theory but something didn’t click for me on an emotional level
Not my favorite Elvis Costello album.
Good, but something about his style always picks at me. Can totally see the allure though.
One of his better albums vocally. I still don’t get why you would need to listen to this much Elvis Costello in one lifetime. His songwriting really isn’t that impressive. Almost done with him for this list - and maybe for good?
It was Elvis Costello 👍
i like elvis costello
80’er rock, et par god numre indeimellem, men ikke noget vildt
Not bad, but overrated right?.
First Elvis Costello album nearly 400 in. Judging by the other reviews I have more to come! Fortunately I quite like him, although this isn't his best. I did really enjoy a few tracks in the first half, Tokyo Storm Warning and I Want You notably show what a great lyricist he is. It sounds a bit samey after a while so 3*
Not great
I've heard a lot about this guy. 1st one at #387
More cheeky tunes from Elvis - I'd never heard any of these songs before. This was fun but not urgent for me. I think with more listens I could get more into it, his wordplay and attitude are always fun.
Kind of like this album for the energy and freshness of the tracks. It is not fantastic, but quite good still
Kraftvolle und interessante Stimme.
A fun jangly album with some highlights such as Next Time Round and Tokyo Storm Warning.
Not their best album but not bad
I hear echoes of this in just about every band from the 90s I grew up loving, so you won’t hear any denials of the impact and long tail on this one from me, just not my thing these days.
solid and so consistent, costello is such a natural songwriter
-I read about this album in a book and it’s definitely interesting, though think I prefer the other Elvis Costello album on here. The lyricism and vocal style is really cool, but the songs do definitely blend together and go on really long at some points -Favorites are I Hope You’re Happy Now and I Want You
Songwriting is pretty good, but I'm not sure he has the voice for this
Have heard his name often, and I'm sure I've heard more of his music, but this was just ok.
This was a bit more raw for Elvis Costello, especially that first track. Didn't read the wiki yet, but I'm assuming this was one of his earliest albums. Great but not at his best. Still had some growing into his style to do.
I had an ok time listening to this. Never really got the appeal of elvis costello - always felt a little like someone cosplaying rock n roll to me. But there were some kind of cool moments and vibes. Really didnt like his singing on battered old bird
Love Elvis Costello. This is a good album, just not one of my favorite of his. But, an "okay" EC album is still better than most.
Tried to get into Elvis Costello and never really managed to. In this one the singing sounds a bit like They Might Be Giants.
I have had very little exposure to Elvis Costello. Years ago I purchased a best of CD that was released in 1994, but only listened to it a couple of times because it just didn’t grab me. Needless to say, my expectations were not very high for this album. However, for the most part I enjoyed it and may give it another listen. It isn’t anything that I would purchase, but it exceeded my expectations…not too bad.
Highlights: I Want You, Tokyo Storm Warning, Battered Old Bird, that delightful drawing of Napoleon. 3.5 stars. Probably just one more killer track away from me rounding up, but I still think it’s a strong set of songs that I’m pleased enough to have heard before I die.
I know this is good but his singing style just annoys me
Unspektakulären und in Ansätzen langweiliges Album mit viel Schumm Schumn und kaum Highlights. Es strahlt ein wenig Ruhe aus und ist musikalisch grundsolide.
My first Elvis Costello on here. Spoilers his first three albums will be 5 stars. But I’ve never really listened beyond those three. What I’ve heard was always mixed. So giving this a fair shot is fun! It’s! Mixed! I like the opener and Blue Chair a lot. The album sounds great. But. BUT. Tokyo Storm Warning and I Want are INTERMINABLY LONG. Nothing changes with them, at least nothing interesting and they’re just these slogs I keep begging to end. I think I like Elvis when he’s doing fun energetic stuff, not a bunch of slower LONG songs. A very disappointing 3.
Lite trist
It’s ok but now I don’t want to hear another one. I could go for a best of and be happy I guess.
You have to like the music and the singing to not automatically fall asleep.
Propper Rock from the 80's.
He doesn’t sound as nasally as he looks.. I liked this more than I thought but I don’t know if any individual tracks stood out, just the general vibe
I like the straightforward sound of this album, as it fits Costello, like his debut album. Sessions were recorded in one room with a kind of stage setup. The music is somewhat raw and simple but has a kind of charm to it. I can listen to Costello occasionally, but he's no artist I deliberately seek out when looking for music.
Not amazing, but not terrible. I don’t really get it, but it’s not grating.
I sort of feel the amount of EC on this list does him a disservice in a way. This is my fourth, from under 250 albums so far, and I can’t see much discernible evolution in his sound, there’s a lot of overlap and while it’s all good, there’s plenty that’s just that, and not enough that’s great. Not sure how many more times he’ll appear but it’s getting harder to be objective when I see his name appear. Again. I did really like Uncomplicated though.
Was better than I was expecting
His best days were well behind him by the time this album came out.
3.5☆/5 08.01.2024
Cansino.
It’s a solid middle of the road three. A couple of the songs seemed to ramble a bit.
Well well well here we are again Elvis. It's been about 150 albums since we last encountered you. This is the 5th of 6th albums of his. Honestly I kinda dug this one. Now did he need 6 albums on here? Absolutely not. Probably 2 would have been fine. 3 would be pushing it but 6? no.... 3.5/5
I figured I was done with Costello, but at the beginning of the record I was questioning my feelings on him: was he that bad? The answer is no, but it's more like... he's a puzzle piece from a different box. He just doesn't click with me. I was initially swayed by the rawer production on this record, but it slowly lost it's luster. Still doesn't click, but I don't outright hate him, I guess. Favorite tracks: "Uncomplicated", "Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head"
sounds like the ice cream flavour would taste mmm ice cream brb
Cansino.
It is an Elvis Costello album.
My attitude towards elvis Costello and the attractions changes with the wind. I love them as much as I find them irritating. 2.5
An entirely average Elvis Costello album. I fail to see why I need to hear this before I died.
Good
Not even close to EC's best record but still very good.
Previously rated: Armed Forces (3/5) My Aim Is True (4/5) Imperial Bedroom (2/5) This Year's Model (4/5) **************************** Not even halfway done with the list and five Elvis Costello albums already? How many Elvis Presley albums? 0 Elvis C. is hit-or-miss for me. This one is in between, just average. Nothing stood out too much. Favorite track: Next Time Round
Classic Costello. Great if you like that sort of thing.
Hilarious that the whole Elvis Costello is an important artist phase of music journalism passed so many of you kids by. Weird one to nitpick on, he sings plays and writes really well. I (US born and raised) was introduced to him by my dad in HS and developed a taste. not sure what you chuckleheads are up to crying about him being on the list so many times. That said, this ones mostly just OK. I want you is an ominous asst atmospheric crusher though.
Blood And Chocolate is alright, I've always liked Elvis Costello's voice and general style but none of it lasts, it's just a standard easy listen without giving me something to take away. Given that I use 2 for albums that disappointed me and 3 for ones I liked to varying degrees, it's a low 3, he's done better work than this.
Cansino.
Probably should listen to again. Was decent though
carino, niente di speciale, tre stelle da dimenticatoio
Meh. Considerando che questo è il secondo album di Elvis Costello che mi capita, il mio meh diventa un grande meh. Dò 3/5 perché oggi sono molto buona.
Bah
extremely mediocre 🥱
Some good songs
I can never decide if i like Costello. This is the third album of his that I've gotten. He sounds so dorky. But the tracks are good
Yep, this is definitely another Elvis Costello album.
Started off pretty rough but got better as I progressed. Solid production, interesting vocals, and not bad for an album with a rough start. Definitely took at least two listens to warm up to Elvis' voice but after that it started to enjoy the album more. It's one of those album where you just gotta listen to it more than once to appreciate it. I wouldn't place it high but it was not bad at all. Best - I Hope You're Are Happy Now, Tokyo Storm Warning, I Want You, and Blue Chair Worst - Uncomplicated and Battered Old Bird 3.25-3.50/5
It seems that the Attractions have returned with Blood And Chocolate, and just like This Year's Model, This album is fine. It does have it's moments but isn't really the most interesting thing in the world. The songs generally did have pretty high energy which i liked and i do prefer the production style here more than This Year's Model's production since i just like the more 80s sounding new wave sound present here rather than This Year's Model's more basic one. Beyond that, i really don't have too much more to say about this album. It is fine but nothing all too special. Best Song: Poor Napoleon Worst Song: Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head
I like the basketball opera sound. sounds just like the other album I got from him but quite liked I Want You
Good lyrics. Some songs I don’t really care for the music though.
Enjoyable 3.5
Muito legal. Me surpreendeu. A voz do elvis eh muito boa e a forma dele cantar também. É diferente de tudo. Compensa a ouvida
Elvis Costello is prolific, but so much of it just runs together for me. Also, don't love the nasal voice.
Maybe you had to be there to fully appreciate Elvis Costello, but he seems really overrated. The kind of artist to you really just need the greatest hits album. This particular album came after his greatest hits album and there’s nothing on it to indicate a great hit.
Music sounds like things I love (XTC, nostalgic 80s pop like Cleaners from Venus), I just really don't like how Elvis Costello himself sounds... not sure if that's just bad vibes from what I know about him. I want you is an AMAZING song, but midway through i wished i was listening to the fiona apple version instead. Songs go on way too long, every time i think wow this one is GREAT midway through I wish it was over.
Very middle of the road, inoffensive and not particularly stirring
There were moments where I was quite enjoying the music, and then moments where Costello's voice ruined it for me. Six albums has been more than enough. Are we done now?
And this is different/new compared to the other EC albums how? I just do not get it.
You guys. Enough already with the Elvis Costello. Tokyo Storm Warning is super catchy and I love it. But the rest is just more of the same. Why so many?
Did I need a SIXTH Elvis Costello album? No. Because it is the sixth, I am tempted to give this a two because it was tiresome in the way I find a lot of Elvis Costello’s albums. I guess that wouldn’t really be fair maybe, so it’s another three but I really don’t see any need to return to this again. Please tell me we are done now because I believe we passed “overrepresented” an album or two ago. The album cover was interesting though.
I enjoyed Tokyo Storm Warning. I Want You is uncomfortable. Battered Old Bird is a good song. Couple of enjoyable songs, but I'm not taking this one on the island.
Not my favourite Elvis Costello album, but has some good tracks. I Want You is interesting, I think it is a fantastic song, but I would be reluctant to recommend it to anyone, as it is also quite creepy
Blood and chocolate Elvis Costello This album seems like an intentional mess, which despite itself created some good stuff, it you can wade through side A. Like an angry group of kids who can't get on told " hand something in, anything, to pass my class. ". Fine. We will! And the angry work begins. .... It takes 4 tracks of utter crap to get good. It sounded worse on headphones than on my smartphone. Tinny lo fi is the vibe The hand painted crap cover of a brown sheep (with Afro?) named Napoleon Dynamite, Costello's pseudonym for himself.....this should have been called “the blood and shit of my defiant self destruction’ I hear eviscerated pain. It might be my cramping guts. Or is this album giving me cramps? And then on track 5 something works. Tender. Calm. Longing and pain.. So there is relief and a good track in " I want you" Track 6. Doesn't get past a build up....but good Battered old Bird. Finally something is coming out from that place of pain. It's quite a performance. A beautiful jangly mess that barely deserves to be listened to or to be on an album. But some good bits. It's pain for the fans to endure watching the destruction played out ....? Autobiographical documented self slaughter. ? It's interesting but hard to love.
Very interesting. Also really liked the some recommended based on the album
Cansino.
Typical Elvis album some good some overdrawn
I much more enjoyed the other releases of the band I got on the list, even though they do the exact kind of music for me. Maybe after so many albums, I'm becoming more eclectic and enjoying less the basic rock that made my mind in the past.
I don't know if I should be happy to see the yet ANOTHER Costello record on this list, because that means we can only have but SO many more before the end of this list, or angry because holy shit, we only have 1,001 albums here Bobby. There are more artists out there than Elvis god damn Costello. That said, I have to give it to Blood and Chocolate. It's the best EC record on this list (so far), if even just for I Want You.
Fun enough
3-
Fine album but it seems it's lacking the meat and substance of his early stuff. Album get's a bit old and dull.
After changing my expectations I liked this more. It’s a different Elvis. Still a good one, but different from the Elvis I usually want to hear.
It was ok. Didn't really connect for me like his first 3 albums.
This was OK but didn't really set my world on fire. I needed to drive 3 hours each way and only listen to it once.
Fine, and weirdly Christmassy. Favourite track: Tokyo Storm Warning.
I enjoyed it. My favourite song was probably I want you. I found his voice a little annoying to be honest, and also a little too warbly. I don't know, I understand that the music was good, however, it wasn't really my cup of tea. It was quite good to listen to while doing revision. I think the main point problem is that I'd listened to doggystyle and bossanova the day before and there was no way it could ever compare. Point is, I didn't hate it, might listen to it again but I'm not tripping over myself.
Alight
I love Blood and Chocolates production, it’s so loud and clear. This is what every record should sound like. I love Costello’s urgency, the clatter and noise. Side A is fantastic but side B drags a bit. 7.0/10
A pleasant surprise. Not Imperial Elvis (first six albums, a proper golden run, not counting inessential Almost Blue) but a first-rate second tier Elvis. Tails off a bit towards the end and EC is not a six-minute man, but really this is a strong three stars.
Clearly has merit, but I find Costello's voice to grate a little over the course of an album.
This listener’s second album by Elvis Costello & The Attractions. Lively and upbeat, this pop rock album is loud and energetic. While there isn’t anything bad about these tracks, there’s not much commendable either - inoffensive but unmemorable.
Good.
Cansino.
Some of this was great and then some of it felt like filler.
Not my favorite Elvis Costello album. After you’ve heard a few, they all start to sound the same. This one has a jangly grunge approach while incorporating folk and rockabilly which is interesting, but it just didn’t grab me.
It‘s good - but I would not buy it.
Not my favorite EC album, but still like me some Elvis.
Singer-songwriter is not our favorite genre, hut among the ones we listened to so far, this is the best. It still sounds pretty same-y though.
I'm a fan of Costello, and this is a fine listen but nothing special. It's hard as a songwriter to belt out record after record year after year and remain fresh and interesting
Not awful, but not great. Reminds me of an album of bob dylan b-sides if Dylan were the frontman for a garage band. There were some catchy tunes, but not enough to bring me back.
Repetitive rock music after the fashion of Dylan, but without his charm and folk influence. Costello makes interesting hooks and sometimes interesting lyrical one-liners, but fails to strongly differentiate between songs, and seems to try to cram as many words as possible into each track. There’s a couple stand out spots in this album when things slow and soften, with some genuinely bluesy flavor, but by and large it’s full of decent-yet-forgettable music. Stand out tracks include “Tokyo Storm Warning”, “Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head”, “Battered Old Bird”, and “Next Time Round”.
Not a bad album to be honest- there are other earlier albums though that I think are better. There's a couple of decent tracks but again I just ended up playing earlier album tracks. Not a standout album for me.
Never hard any of these songs and it’s still a pretty good album.
This kinda feels like a bunch of kids from middle school made a group project for music class and one of them asked their dad to sing, but he was high on coke? It's not bad, 3/5
I like noisy stuff. It's pretty unique and catchy but noise can't just be your whole thing without another gimmick. Also what's up with the sound mixing????
I did not enjoy this as much as the previous Costello
This was a fine album, I enjoyed the energy and lyrics of songs such as "Tokyo Storm Warning" although the vocals grate a bit, and I enjoyed the sound of songs like "Uncomplicated." Unfortunately none of the songs 100% came together for me.
3.5/5
Always liked their sound. No hits on this one but still enjoyed.
Sounds kind of flat.
I wish I could un-hear that album opener. It got better, though, and “I Want You” is definitely one of the top stalker songs of all time.
Tolerable
Boring
Sounds like EC..refreshing to hear
Honestly his voice sounds a little bit like Lenny Kravitz.
Fun stuff. Costello usually is. Witty lyrics, engaging melodies, and a tight band behind him. I found the album to be consistent sonically. While each song sounded different (something I haven’t been able to say of other albums lately), they also had a certain Costello weirdness and quirkiness about them that just makes them feel like his stuff. Standout tracks: Uncomplicated, I Hope You’re Happy Now, Tokyo Storm Warning, I Want You, Blue Chair
I thought this must be a repeat because I swear I had heard this a few weeks ago but I think all the albums from Elvis Costello and the attractions sound the same
# 162 : Nothing was awful about this album, but nothing felt special. Might need a few more listens to grow on me. shrug. Fave Track : Tokyo Storm Warning
Demands a closer listen than I was able to give it today. Really good. Will give it another spin
Although I don't listen to him anymore, I used to, and I still like a lot of his music.
"i want you" saved. rest were boring.
listened 2x -- 3.1/5
This was fine. It probably deserves higher but I’m so tired of listening to Elvis Costello.
A little more palatable than almost every other of his albums on here since some of the hooks are decent and he’s not always really annoying sounding, but I still dislike Costello’s music with a passion. 5/10
Some catchy vibes, but not my bag, baby.
I like his schtick and energy. His voice can get a little annoying but it's a fun album
Another solid 3. Blue Chair was my favorite track. None of the songs were familiar to me.
Not as familiar with this since it came out when Maggie was a bit over one year old. A fairly plodding set of songs, not as distinctive or melodious as earlier albums (see Imperial Bedroom).
Lyrically inventive, when I'm able to focus on the words. "Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head" and "I Want You" particularly caught my attention. But musically so-so, and his voice really makes me tune out.
Quite a solid effort from Costello, nice melodies and arrangements. Strong 3
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