This Year's Model

Weird winking and wild ❤️

Love the early Elvis Costello and this album is probably my favorite or at least the one I listen to the most. It has the fun of 50's rock but sounds new and fresh. Just great.

I love this album. Just a classic.

People think that Costello has too many albums on this list, and that might be true. But his first three albums are all deserving and should be on the list. This is an easy 5 star.

Fucking love it

I've grown to love this album more and more over the years. I think this listen I found new things to appreciate. The walking bass on I Don't Want to Go to Chelsea, the frantic double time drums on Lipstick Vogue, the keys on Radio Radio. Elvis has such great song writing, tight beats with a lot of depth.

BIG FUN

I loved that so so much

Fantastic stuff, great album, 5 stars.

Top 10 Albums of all Time PREFS : TOUT MOINS PREF : RIEN

It’s brilliant. Concept, music, lyrics, cover image for the album. I know a lot of people feel Elvis Costello is over represented on this list, and maybe he is, but I just love his whole schtick and I’ll take it any way I can get it. I love the brazen oddball-ity of him, I love the witty turns of phrase in his lyrics, I even love his strangely cloying and affected but endearing vocals. And this is peak Costello. If you need to zero in on his most accomplished moments, this would be the high watermark of his career. This and My Aim is True are perfect summations of him as an artist and creative entity. Love love love. Fuck yeah.

This is one of my favorite albums of all time. I got really into this album in college, it has such a consistent tightly wound sound, and overflowing with energy. The Attractions go hard throughout the entire affair, but maybe the best exemplified on “Lipstick Vogue”. Costello’s lyrics are visceral and biting.

Classic

First Elvis Costello album I’ve really liked

Fantastic pop rock. This blows away Imperial Bedroom, which came up earlier on this list. Almost every song is great. I have and will continue to keep coming back to this from time to time. 1 - bad 2 - average 3 - good 4 - great 5 - outstanding

Outstanding album. The new wave and punk elements here make this even more appealing to me than most other Elvis Costello projects, which I tend to enjoy anyway. The combination of the vocals and instrumentals works perfectly. Favorite track: Radio, Radio

5 The soundtrack of the 80's dorm room.

Still sounds great.

Jumpin

There's a nasty streak to EC that endlessly delights me. He's such an eloquent, overeducated, cynical little punk - and I love him for it. So much venom flowing through these tight little songs. He brings an angry, almost punk energy to sophisticated pop song craft (rather than the other way around). The band has a furious precision to their playing and they seem to hold nothing back. Full force from start to finish, even on the slower numbers. It's like a perfectly balanced pint of beer: full bodied and rich without being too heavy, a hint of sweetness, and just the right amount of bitterness to make it interesting.

Really really good

Elvis Costello is one of those artists I listen to quite infrequently and wonder every time I do why I don't listen to him more. I've enjoyed damn near everything of his I've ever heard, yet I've never owned any of his albums on LP or CD (digitally the only one I've ever owned is the one with The Roots, because The Roots.) This is a cover-to-cover banger through and through. Infusing power pop with a solid dose of new wave, punk rock and whip-smart lyrics makes for a timeless ass-rocker here.

This is the literal foundation for indie bands in the 2010s and no one can convince me otherwise. Love this album front to back and it's so apparent how influential it was on music to come. Also, I'll never be over Costello's pure sexy vibes.

9/10 Elvis “The King” Costello

"Don't act like you're above me, just look at your shoes." There are some doozies in This Year's Model, but for some reason that line stood out to me today. My other favorite one is "Sometimes, I think that love is just a tumor/You've got to cut it out." I think the lyrics encompass what some people don’t like about Elvis Costello. The songs are biting, mean spirited at times even. Sometimes he speaks in innuendo and ironies, and you can't immediately tell if he’s smitten or embittered (or both). That's what makes these songs so great. There's a built-in prickliness and tension both lyrically and musically that is so compelling to hear. Costello's confrontational, yet emotionally expressive vocals pull you right in and keep you interested from front to back. And the band complements that tension beautifully, shifting readily from jaunty to frantic as each song requires. This is a crisply moving whirlwind of an album, with half the songs clocking in under 3 minutes. This is all underpinned with a pop sensibility and ear for songcraft that few other artists can touch. When I play this album, which I do quite a bit, I never listen to it just once. It's one of those albums I can have on all day and not get tired of it. Costello has a really deep catalogue and it's full of gems. But for my money, the work he did with Attractions is his best work. This Year's Model is their masterpiece. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite, including extra tracks): (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea; Pump It Up; Radio, Radio; Little Triggers; Big Tears; Lipstick Vogue; The Beat; No Action; This Year's Girl; Living in Paradise; You Belong to Me; Lip Service; Night Rally; Hand in Hand

I was a huge fan of My Aim is True when it was released in 1977. This album, released less than a year later, upped the ante considerably. The same great songwriting and clever word play was present, but the use of The Attractions as his backing band added an edge which was not present on the first album. The twangy guitar was largely replaced by Steve Nieve's keyboards. Add to that tracks like Pump It Up which seem to spring forth from the drum and bass playing. Elvis Costello sounds angry throughout in the best possible way. He has attempted many styles through his long career, but this album may be the best he ever made. Magnificent.

No sophomore slump here. Enough classics to almost make this one a greatest hits records. One of his very best albums.

Excellent from start to finish. My favorites are The Beat, (I don’t want to) Go to Chelsea, and Little Triggers. It still sounds modern while retaining the same base in 50s and 60s rock found in the debut album, which if on here will be getting a 5 from me too.

Pete Thomas is one of the greatest drummers I have ever heard

This and “My Aim Is True” are two of the great rock albums of all time.

One of the best LPs of its time. There's not a bad track on this.

Went through a big Elvis Costello phase about 10 years ago. I never actually heard this album whole way through though- more rock than some of his other stuff. Love the energy on this record especially on tunes like Lipstick Vogue. Radio Radio is great. The attractions were a great band -Bruce Thomas is actually one of my favorite rock bass players his lines always add so much to the tunes.

Elvis Costello has had a very varied and eclectic career with many highs, but goddamn if there ain’t a strong argument for this being his best album.

Although there are a lot (maybe too many) Costello albums on the list, this one should certainly on it with Chelsea and Pump it up

Love, love, love this. Fun, bouncy music with cutting lyrics. And that organ!

Good music. I like it. Pump it up.

A really great album. Could listen to this quite a few times over.

This is stellar. Amazing how tight and smart this music is. There's also an underlying bite or anger in the way lyrics are delivered that increase the energy. Also impressed at how varied the song approaches are. Radio Radio is drop dead awesome, but songs like Living in Paradise and Chelsea just show how interesting the songs can be.

Fresh, dynamic, urgent and no track over 4 minutes. Mr Costello is on fine form supported by a great backing group. Some memorable songs - Lip Service, Chelsea, Radio, Pump it Up. Superb

One of the greatest image/attitude/music look at me launches in music history. The Attractions replace Clover and the music is instantly more varied, textured and interesting - still anchored by Costello's brutal lyrics and sneer, and brilliant way with a melody. Two albums into his Imperial Period.

Parents had on record have always loved

What a pleasant surprise in the rotation! I forgot how many songs of these I know and love

amazing!

Tight, rollicking and sharp-edged, this is classic EC. Every song works, the sound is well unified, with the organ bleeping and swirliing making strong links and all sorts of nifty, biting guitar licks ("Chelsea" especially). There are almost too many highlights to name – “No Action,” “This Year’s Girl” "The Beat" "Don't ... Chelsea," “Lipstick Vogue” "Radio Radio." This was an artist moving from strength to strength and staying at the top of the game.

Really nice album. Lyrics, voice, style - easy A for me

What an incredible top 10 for me for sure. One great tune after another. And the Attractions COOK! Favorite songs; The Beat, lipstick Vogue, This Year's Girl. 5 BIG STARS

Classic rock classic. Full of banger and instrumental nuance. Love it

Wonderful. So many great tracks.

All the hits! A little formulaic and not as much fun as the live recordings, but great a great record.

Consistently great album Surprised by how many songs I knew Will repay repeated listens I think

I think this is the best Elvis Costello album that know well, though to be honest I don’t know much past the 80s. It has my tied for first favorite song of his, Lipstick Vogue, and even his worse tendencies (having the persona of a mopey, whiney lover with a pretentious voice, both in the literal and authorial senses) are displayed to at their best here in songs like Chelsea.

So good!

Right up my alley!

Had not listened to this album for at least a decade or so but it still great as expected (and I am not a major Elvis Costello fan, only know his late 70s - mid 80s output). Makes me want to finish his 2016 memoir. I also recommend to have a look at his list of "500 Must-Have Albums" on Vanity Fair - lots of interesting music recommendations.

Happy to be reintroduced to Elvis Costello. Awesome album. Tons of fun

Excellent work, awesome energy and snarling, snarky attitude. I do prefer his 80s stuff, more complex and developed but it was cool to listen to this as a ‘basic’ 4 piece- the organ adding that extra dimension. While I enjoyed everything on here, they do get kind of similar, but I still listened twice in the day and didn’t lose interest for a second.

All time favorite

Great record! Never knew I liked Elvis Costello

Excelente disco

Revenge of the Nerd. Costello comes out swinging on his second album. Spiky punk/new wave with bitter nasty lyrics. It's probably not healthy if you recognise elements of your self within. Best Tracks: No Action; Pump It Up; (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea

This is a second 5 stars in a row using this project and again it's an album that I knew just by the name before and never gets the necessary incentive to listen to it. This was a great experience. The only drawback here is the short length of the album. I'll sure listen to it again.

What an incredible top 10 for me for sure. One great tune after another. And the Attractions COOK! Favorite songs; The Beat, lipstick Vogue, This Year's Girl. 5 BIG STARS

Really nice, good vibes. Can listen to in a lot of situations!

Loved it

Good álbum

9. good stuff again i liked it about as much as the last one. honestly if i liked his voice more it could be a 10.

I don’t personally like this one as much as My Aim Is True, but still - it’s Elvis Costello at the peak of his powers and it’s great.

tosi hyvä! tykkään! This year's girl oli The Deuce sarjassa ja on ihan huippu ja koko levy on pitkälti samaa settiä

Absolutely amazing start to finish

This album was excellent. Not a single bad song on the record and I honestly liked how it made me feel.

Really fun listen. Subtle hints of punk/jazz

Early Elvis Costello is great. 70s power pop played with punk urgency.

I liked this way more than Brutal Youth.

Heerlijk catchy poppy nummers die duidelijk meer diepte hebben dan ik op 2 keer luisteren kan bevatten. Dit is een album waar ik met plezier vaak naar wil luisteren om die dieptes te ontdekken.

I like the tempo and energy of a lot of these. I might return to this again at some point to give the lyrics a bit more time to grow on me Standouts No Action This Year's Girl Pump It Up 4/5

good but not as good as my aim is true.

No action - solid enough This years girl - The beat - pretty good, no idea what this guy is talking about Pump it up - real good, almost beach rock esque Little triggers - woah now elvis watch ur mouth You belong to me - sounds like ducktales Hand in hand - hand in hand hand in hand in hand in hand in (I don't want to go to) chelsea - i like this guys vocals, like a 70s brandon flowers Lip service - groovy Living in paradise - not very remarkable Lipstick vogue - real quick Night rally - didn't really like this one Radio, radio - kind of strange but enjoyable Overall: fun little album of show tunes, elvis costello is an enjoyable vocalist and I can see his influence just through his voice, had some clear skips but was groovy enough to keep me enjoying it the whole time

Струйка и холка бобра

Costello takes himself *way* too seriously. That being said, I still really enjoyed this album.

Elvis Costello gets a lot of grief here. But if you like New Wave and punk-influenced sounds, how can you resist him? Why would you want to? Stellar songs. Smartly performed. Hell if an album.

Yeah this was great! Much better than I thought it was going to be!

Still the superior Elvis, even if this isn't as good as My Aim Is True. Really cool songs and riffs, even if they all blur together after a point. Some tracks sound like the were recorded at the carnival, The Beat has strong waltzers vibes. This Year's Girl, I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea, Night Rally, and Radio, Radio are the hits. Just slightly repetitive, knocking a point off for me.

purr

Undeniably cool.

Fun upbeat the kind of music I like - also a family favorite

Somehow, I've never heard Elvis Costello & The Attractions before today. I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed This Year's Model. "Pump It Up" has to be my favorite track.

I thought I knew this album well and it was a nailed on 5 star. On registering, maybe there's a few songs that don't quite match up to the rest, including the overrated Pump It Up. The underrated The Beat might be my favourite EC song.

That rhythm section, GODDAMN, ELVIS!

This is such a fun, high energy opener Definitely kept hearing "Odysseus Girl" instead of "This Year's Girl" which made for very weird listening Pump it up has really fun music. I enjoyed this quite a bit!

I enjoyed this much more than his first album. Apparently, the Attractions make the difference. Cynical lyrics but upbeat tunes. Very listenable.

Some classic Elvis Costello songs on this one - Great production and awesome band.

Amphetamines.

Not quite at the level of My Aim Is True but still very good in my opinion. 4 stars or B+.

Great albums with great songs

Surprisingly enjoyable

Still not on board for Elvis as a lead singer, but this is definitely his best set of jams

El tipazo siempre mete un buen álbum. A veces cumplidor, a veces genial, pero no falla. Este me gustó. Quizás falto de mucha originalidad para 1978, pero me sigue pareciendo por encima de la media de muchos. 7/10

Someone once told me Elvis Costello is their favorite artist of all time. This person spoke about Bowie and The Beatles as GOAT artists, etc... So I've always listened to Costello with incredibly high expectations. When I first listened another one of his other album ("My Aim is True"), I thought, "what the fuck was my friend saying?" I saved one song from that album, and it grew on me more than expected, so I realized that he's maybe the kind of artist that needs to marinade a bit. However, immediately with this album I enjoyed the first few songs without needing any marinade. I can't say I love this guy's voice that much... But I can say that each song feels distinct, with him not relying too much on one style, which is very important to me. I like how his verse melodies are a little unpredictable; although his choruses often aren't, which is very common in music. Many of the songs rely heavily on the vocal being tightly coupled with the rhythm, like his voice is another percussive instrument (kinda...?), not sure how to explain it, but it gives them a very upbeat feel. Sort of sounds like Talking Heads, maybe with a bit of Billy Joel and the Clash. I found myself saving a lot of the songs for a second listen.

Very solid overall in addition to the hits … clear how he influenced a ton of artists with his style. 4

Another Costello album. In a perfect world, Costello would have a Rap & Nu Metal release...but this not a perfect world. First Listen, No Action was a fun opening track with the two tracks following continuing that energy well. Out of the first three, The Beat was my favourite with a very funny keyboard performance that almost didn't get annoying. Still fun. I'm really enjoying this pop-rock and new-wave sound dominating these tracks. Pump It Up, which may end up as my favourite, represents another aspect of my enjoyment with the album; the fact that I'm able to perfectly hear every instrument. Hear every part they provide in the overall performance. It's usually something I have trouble with with, no surprise, bass performances flying over my head most of the time. Not here, I feel it's presence perfectly. Little Triggers making me raise an eyebrow as I'm reminded of Oliver's Army. There's a lot of verses and chorus moments that I found really addicting to listen to. The track Lipstick Vogue has a really great beginning to the start of it that I find it always gripping my attention towards it. A lot of the album has this addicting/gripping nature to it. Highlight of the Album, Pump It Up is my favourite in the album as it exemplifies what the album offers to a T. Has the rhythm and energy I've enjoyed thus far and has that addicting keyboard chorus I can't get out of my head. Overall, this album is better than his following album Armed Forces. I really enjoyed tempo and chorus of many of the tracks. Though, the end of the album didn't really vibe with me I did find the ending track wrapping up the album nicely. Again, I want Costello to sing Nu & Rap Metal. It would be so funny. T3: Pump It Up, No Action, Lipstick Vogue

Elvis Costello’s debut album My Aim is True was a solid start, but it was on this one where he recruited The Attractions as a backing band that he really knocked it out of the park. This came out in 1978 at the tail end of punk in the UK and was one of the first examples of what would be termed New Wave, although most of the songs were written in 1977. He combined sneering punk cynicism with the sensibilities of a 50s Buddy Holly lookalike with killer tunes. Some of the lyrics don’t quite hold up in retrospect - he did have a habit of throwing in lines like ‘They call her Natasha when she looks like Elsie’ which come across as misogynistic and stop this from being a five star album for me. Pump it Up and Radio, Radio are the real bangers here with a special mention to the utterly thrilling keyboards of Steve Nieve.

Wow - I underestimated this man. This album kicks - high energy coupled with great lyrics.

звучит достаточно свежо для 78го года, ну и мне нравится brutal от olivia rodrigo, так что 4

Not heard this one for a while, loved the album when it came out in 1978, bought it, went to see Elvis in 1979 on the albums tour - can’t remember a lot about it tbf, lol. Good to play this again last night.

Classic costello -

Pump It Up // Lip Service // Living In Paradise // Lipstick Vogue //

A.K.A. *A Portrait of the Artist As a Young Walking Erection*. Teenage me was enamored with Costello's frustrated libidinousness; he spoke my language. Middle-aged me has a lot less patience for his needy bullshit while simultaneously being able to appreciate his songcraft. "Sometimes I almost feel just like a human being," he sings on "Lipstick Vogue," and yeah, that's what being an obsessive creep feels like. It's sort of disgusting how much he gets away with - pays to be charming and talented, I guess ("Pump It Up," "(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea").

Good revival rock and roll.

I enjoyed this, great length of an album, good pop and punk energy and it rattles along without dipping in quality. I know he gets a lot of hate in these parts, due to his ubiquitousness. But this was worth listening to and I'd happily listen again. 4 stars.

Of the Elvis Costello albums I've heard, this is my favorite. It's full of short, tight songs that get straight to the point and are stripped of pretty much all embellishments. They're consistently catchy, full of hooks and often bouncy. While there's not a ton of variety, the writing is strong enough and the album brief enough that you barely notice it. Costello still baffles me a bit as a lyricist; I catch the sarcasm but his lyrics are too clever or too obtuse for me to always be able to decode. Still, with songs as great as "The Beat" and "(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea" the lyrics are only a secondary concern here.

I'd heard of Elvis Costello before, but had no idea what genre I was getting into. This was such a pleasant surprise. I can't name a single skip on this record, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It's accessible pop rock from the late 70s with good variety all throughout it supported by the fitting instrumentation skills. I mean it's not the most genius thing I've ever heard, nor were there any songs that made my ears perk up (although the middle stretch was outstanding), but this was a great listen.

This is from the 70s? If you played me the opening track, and told me it was from 2004, I would have wholeheartedly believed you. I don’t think I’ve heard an album sound so incongruent with the year of its release - the mix is crisp, the instrumentals are clean and plucky, and Costello’s voice is characteristically pitching with spunky anguish. I’m sort of astounded by this album.

A brilliant album with Pump It and Radio Radio being just some of the highlights. Not quite enough to be a five star but maybe I'm being harsh.

Pretty good, slow start, but great second half, big tears and radio, radio are the highlights of the album

This guy looks like a dork but his music is actually very good.

More upbeat

8/10

Tight and fast-moving, no filler. Lots of sneering. Great Elvis.

quick easy listen, 4/5

I enjoyed this quite a bit. I will be listening again.

I wasn't familiar with the artist or the music that much, but I was very positively surprised by it. It was generally pretty upbeat and the singer's voice took some getting used to, but in the end was also pretty pleasant to listen to. It just missed the exclamation mark for the full points. 4/5

Pretty fly album.

The first Elvis Costello album I got, I only really noted for two things: a white dude saying the N-word and how goofy Goon Squad was. So I'm happy that This Year's Model was noticeably better. The singles, Pump It Up and Radio Radio, were noticeably the best part of the album. But the rest is solid. The Beat was pretty good, Lip Service was neat, and something about (I Don't Want to Go To) Chelsea was pretty funny. If the rest of Elvis Costello's stuff is like this, then it'll be much more enjoyable to go through.

Classic

I have to listen to this one again because I was doing some other stuff while it was on, but I heard enough to know it's at least a 3.5 that I'd round up to 4. This is now the second Elvis Costello album I've gotten, both 4s. I think I'm going to have to do a deep dive

Good and very talented

There are a lot of reviews on here whining about there being too much Elvis Costello. If anything there's not enough. Radio Radio is a damned killer song, and the rest of the album is nearly as good.

Het is elke keer een verrassing wat de man levert. Het is deze keer vrij toegankelijk, soms gaat het richting de latere festival-rock, soms richting radio-pop. Echt onderscheidend is dit album dus niet, maar het luistert prettig. Dat is ook wat waard natuurlijk.

Nummer 5 als ik goed tel, hierna nog 1 te gaan. Ondanks mijn aversie tegen Elvis Costello vind ik dit misschien wel zijn beste album. Het is lekker uptempo, er zit een fijne bas in en er staat een hitje op. Misschien dat ik dit album wel zelfs 4 sterren durf te geven.

Love this album and especially Pump It Up.

Actually pretty good! I was skeptical given how much this guy's been on the list but this one was enjoyable.

Love this. Light punk / new wave is right up my alley. Light punk in that the music is more complex than more punky punk, but snappy and energetic.

Reminds me a bit of no doubt - curious if Elvis C was an influence on them. Great bass lines.

Will definitely revisit this.

It just could never feel right if someone asked you who your favorite band was and you say Elvis Costello. Like there really isn’t a single “cool” feel to this guy. It’s like Billy Joel. Always losing sounding. Soooooo I’m not sure who is really responsible for the sound of this album. Did the Attractions bring relevance to Elvis or was it The other way . around? Pump It Up sounds like that’s non rap Wild Wild West song. Despite my assumptions on this album, I’m impressed. I don’t doubt that Elvis became pussified as the years went on and is stuck in adult contemporary but I guess there was a time when he had fun.

definitely his best work but i don’t know why there’s like 100 of his albums on this list

Best Elvis Costello album so far

Elvis Costello is so weird. Some of his stuff is so painful to get through. And some is great. Luckily for me today, this one falls in the latter category.

The best Elvis Costello album. Some absolutely classic guitar pop.

Loved this album. Not a bad song. Can’t wait to listen again.

No Action. I like the irony of the lyrics. 2 songs in, I can see why listeners hear misogyny. First side is pretty good. Listening, it's more like a dude who's going through a heartbreak, and he's working through his emotions. Can't say I've ever really listened to Elvis Costello before. I like it. Pretty abrupt way to end an album.

This made me realize that I like Elvis Costello maybe only in small doses. Lots of good songs though.

I am a vocalist. Something I get asked from time to time is if I have any tips on how to sing well. I don't--most of my experience comes from singing along to Mike Patton in my car. The one tip I could provide, if any, is to really put your back into it. Embody the words. Invest in what you're saying. Even if you're a "bad singer" you can find the right people as long as you're presenting confidence. I have never heard any of Elvis Costello's music before, but obviously, the first thing that struck me was his voice. He's a fine singer, but his enthusiasm is what got to me. I found it very easy to get over the obstacle of thinking "why does he sound like that?" and just appreciate it. Then came the impeccable drumming. Then came the savvy, nimble basslines. One by one, every piece came together, and each song sticks to your brain like peanut butter. Side A runs through the listener like a freight train, and while side B slows things down, all the tracks still have the minutiae that make them distinct and satisfying.

Great album cover

Enjoyed this. Thought the performances from the drummer and bassist were top tier. 4

I thought Elvis Costello was olderschool than this, this sounds like Weezer. 78, huh!

Second Costello album this week, apparently there are more to come. Liked this significantly more than the elephant album the other day. Tighter, more focused, more tolerable lyrics and songwork.

I love Elvis Costello. Is this his best album? no, but his first 4 or so albums were perfection. This one is up there.

bitter, lowkey misogynistic, and unfortunately really good. but just so we are abundantly clear Elvis, women don't owe you anything boss 🫩 Fav Song: Hand in Hand Least Fav: You Belong to Me

Holds up.

I have heard of Elvis Costello I had not listened to This year's Model I had heard the singles. Pretty good. Pop punk might the the best description I can think of. Tighter and cleaner than punk, but has pop sensibilities. I liked it.

Punchy! Sounds different enough from other 70’s rock on this list that it kept my interest all the way through. Solid 3.5.

4/7

Dope

they really knocked this one out of the park. so many great moments here, both from Elvis (lyrically + vocally) and the band (melodic bass lines, rhythm guitar that charges forward with the drums, the occasional sprinkle of organ). the four songs that kick this off are outstanding ("Pump It Up" is such a jam), and you gotta give props to whoever was responsible for the sequencing of the tracks across this LP. the slower songs never stand in the way of the momentum or feel out-of-place. I have to imagine these songs were fun as hell to play live with this group.

Reminded me A LOT of Spoon.

This was great!! Kinda gives vibes similar to the cars, so that's right up my alley. 8/10

Quite fun, catchy. Don't looove his voice but it's okay. Band is really tight. Don't like the cover. 7,5/10

Love this nerd. He’s a gem

Album 11 3/15/26 I know the first two Elvis Costello albums well, saved the weekend album for Sunday. I think that the full reissue tracklist is the definitive version, with both I Don't Want to Go to Chelsea and Radio Radio. B side Big Tears I'm indifferent to. I don't actually listen to Elvis Costello albums often but have a lot of his music in my playlists, because I'm indifferent to so many of the songs. My Last Year's Model listening experience was overall positive. The album explores a few different styles and tempos without changing instrumentation. I'm a sucker for combo organs so no complaints there. The skill of the whole backing band is too good to single out any one member. Elvis as a songwriting force has hits and misses but a lot of his best work not written for the debut is on this record. Aforementioned I Don't Want to Go to Chelsea and Radio Radio are outstanding tracks. Some of the lines from the latter about anesthetizing the way that you feel will always stick with me. The busy drumming and bass on Chelsea are matched by Lipstick Vogue, another personal all time favorite. Pump it Up and No Action round out my top 5. The main issue with this album is that even though this wasn't my first listen and I just completed it, after the top 5, my memory of all the other tracks blends together. The quality control just wasn't that great, but there aren't any stinkers here in my opinion. The all around strength of Radio Radio, the fun of the faster tunes, and my love for Nick Lowe productions is what propels the album to a light 4 for me.

4.5

If there is a case i've ever made that I should absolutely love this artist this is the album. There are some there is quite a bit that I really dig about this I like his melodic illusion to 60s pop music but filtered through late 70s Post Punk. I absolutely adore the energy of this album. And one thing I noticed while listening to this one is how much The Cars basically lifted Costello's post punk oddities and filtered it through a radio ready power pop drive. I should absolutely love this album. If I had a lick of sense this would be a solid 10/five stars. But I don't . For some reason I still feel a bit at arm's reach from his sound and I've never been able to really put my finger on it. As far as for specific thoughts on this album side one is definitely the hotter side. Between "No Action", "This Year's Girl" and "Pump It Up", that side has the post punk grit I usually eat up. (For some reason, until now, I never realized how much The Escape Club's "WWW" stole the groove and melodic verses from "PIU"). But to me the one song that I truly loved on that side was little triggers which to me had a great '60s balladry to it. The second side had its moments but nothing as immediate or in your face as side one period. The only other song I would want to mention from the album is the bonus track "Radio Radio" which has a fkin killer groove and a song that I always feel like I should like a lot more than I actually do, especially given the SNL lore behind it. I'm going to stick in an 8.4 for the album but this is definitely one that I should revisit from time to time cuz if there is a key that will actually unlock my hidden Elvis Costello fandom it would be this album (8.4) ★★★★

Good melodic songwriting, and a very cool energetic approach. 4.5 stars

Great album. Pretty much picks up where his debut left off but with a tighter band. Highlights for me are "No Action", "Pump it Up", "I Don't Want to Go to Chelsea", and "Lip Service". Would be a easy 5 if "Big Tears" and "Radio Radio" were part of the official tracklist, but as it is, 4.5 stars.

Anok Yai is apparently this year’s model. Kendall Jenner last year’s. This one has the odd excellent jam like Pump It Up and I Don’t Want To Go To Chelsea (as a fellow Liverpool fan I can relate. Such a horrible plastic club) but overall is not quite as poppy or as glorious as the immediate follow-up Armed Forces and doesn’t hold a candle to the smooth sophisticated lounge masterpiece that is his collaboration album Painted From Memory with Burt Bacharach which should surely be a priority for the book ahead of this one. Low 4.

My favourite of his albums so far, some great pop songs with catchy riffs

8/10

This is easily the best Costello album I've properly listened to. The musicality of the album appeals more than his others. Interesting, original songs, and feels a bit less gimmicky. I still don't completely connect to his sound, but this is a very good album.

Et album jeg har hørt på før, men aldri gitt en ordentlig sjans. En god blanding av new wave og power pop. Kan høre at artister som Weezer og Jeff Rosenstock har tatt inspirasjon av dette. Det bør derfor ikke være noen overraskele at dette også er bra. Costello har en sentimentalitet i stemmen sin som er veldig effektiv. Top 3: The Beat, (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea, Lipstick Vogue

Alright

8/10 poprock de los 90 hecho en 1978. Canción destacada: (I don't want to go to) Chelesa

231/1089 my first Elvis Costello record! i really enjoyed this actually, i was a little apprehensive going in but it’s consistently pretty good and has some highs and no glaring lowss, though i don’t want to go to chelsea felt SO long i can’t believe it was only 3 mins faves: The Beat, Lipstick Vogue, Night Rally, Radio, Radio 72/100

Izvrstan debi

loved this one

I know this is a classic. I didn't feel like the first tracks are that special but then it got really better. Very good. Pump it up is a really cool song.

Growing up there was a friends dog named Elvis Costello and I didn't know the reference until I was older. A great listen! An amazing album full of hits. Need to get this on vinyl.

I audibly groaned when I got another Elvis Costello record today. I'm still put off by his irritating voice, but the songs are so well put together and catchy that I eventually wasn't as bothered by his whiny vocals. Songs are snappy and don't get enough time to stagnate. You get pulled in by the hooks and it's time to move onto the next track. Costello wears his influences on his sleeves and you hear his love for early Beatles mixed into powerpop sound. The bass in particular had many moments that reminded me of Paul McCartney. You can see how new wave bands were influenced by the music found on here. The opening guitar riff of 'Lip Service' lays out the blueprint for great Smiths song. Costello's backing band were another high point for me, with the organ playing being the cherry on top. 'Pump It Up' and 'You Belong To Me' wouldn't be as infectious as they are without the drive that the organ brings to the songs. After having a terrible time with Brutal Youth, I'm very pleased and surprised that I actually enjoyed this.

This was a solid listen for me. Not every song hit, but overall I had a good listening experience. 3.5/5 rounding up to 4

very poppy. feels weirdly ahead of its time, with this 90's-2000's cheesiness to it. still very catchy stuff though. favorite song is Living in Paradise (love the bloopy keyboard), also love The Beat

Yesterday I didn't have the energy to review it track by track, but it's such a great one. Elvis really began his career with a series of great projects (the best one will be the masterful Imperial Bedroom). This one contains mostly short, fiery, funky tracks. A few ballads. The band is incredible,  vocal work is maybe my favorite of any elvis album. You have to admire the ability of this man to write great songs It's a legit classic of one of the greats. A very solid 4

Album- This Years Model (1971) Favorite song from album- The Beat Album Rating- 7.5/10 1 Song added to playlist

Not sure how many more Elvis Costello albums are on this list, this was my second and it’s gonna be hard to beat. The first one I had was just ok, but this one has got to be his best.

Random thoughts: * I think I figured out 1001's obsession with Elvis Costello. I'm guessing this first album was so cool and different when it came out that Elvis Costello just got a lifetime pass for people that experienced that firsthand. I'm definitely guilty of that with other bands where I find one of their albums so good they get a forever pass onto my listening radar. Which brings me to this album... * This is a really good album with great songs and sound throughout. * Pump It Up and Radio, Radio are still banger today. That SNL clip is iconic and Pump It Up is still reverberating. Just go listen to Olivia Rodrigo's "Brutal". It's not a direct rip off of the riff but damn close. * Plus the Elvis look of being a cool/punk version of Buddy Holly. He's nerdy cool. Right? * I could see this one cracking my pantheon if I was steeped in this one longer.

No Action - 3.5/5 This Year's Girl - 3/5 The Beat - 4/5 Pump It Up - 4/5 Little Triggers - 3/5 You Belong to Me - 3.5/5 Hand in Hand - 3.5/5 (I Don't Want to Go To) Chelsea - 4/5 Lip Service - 3.5/5 Living in Paradise - 3/5 Lipstick Vogue - 3.5/5 Night Rally - 3.5/5 I understand the hate for Elvis Costello for having a whopping 6 (!) albums on the list. It seems this is one of his best, and I can understand why this one in particular made it. I can definitely hear the influences it made for other albums and was generally a good listen. The best song from this was "Radio, Radio" even though it wasn't included in the primary release. Realistically a 3.5* for me but I'll bump it up to a 4 just because this will probably be the last time I like EC. Overall: 4/5 Favorites: The Beat, Pump It Up, (I Don't Want to Go To) Chelsea

Son of the best songs ever recorded but there’s some that don’t cut it. But he was 24.

Something very satisfying to me about Costello’s songwriting. Can see where people make the pop punk comparisons, melody wise.

Took me 47 years to grow to like Elvis Costello. This is a very good collection of jaggy, rhythmic, smart new wave tunes. Great songwriting. Can’t deny it. God damn. Best: the singles Worst: the one with the shuffle beat

Love me some Elvis. Years of listening to the Greatest Hits has made me forget there's lots of worthy cuts I don't know even if they're not "hits."

Yea, I get this

Bro, es muy muy muy bueno. Me encanta la simplicidad y aún así se siente masivo. Lipstick Vogue es un TE MAZO. No es un 4, es un 4.5. Le falta ese medio puntito porque a veces es repetitivo.

I liked this album more than I previously remember being interested in this artist. Maybe I enjoy it in the full context. Fun !

4 1/2. Excellent album.

A classic album. He writes such tight sharp memorable songs, and the attractions deliver. His sound is unique, and there are great hits like Pump it up.

me encanto. me guarde muchos temas, los instrumentos sonaban muy bien. creo que mucho de como iniciaban los temas con la bateria me cautivaban. Al principio pense que me iba a pasar un poco desapercibido

Turns out I'm an Elvis Costello fan

4.5

Elvis Costello has grown on me a lot over the last year

Never listened to him before even though I’ve heard his name so much. Definitely good! I’ll need to listen to him more. Felt much newer than 78. I can definitely hear that it inspired MANY future artists

Another enjoyable EC album. 4 days apart from the last one. I liked this one more. Had a couple of the more well known songs like Pump It Up and Radio Radio.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ett album som jag lyssnat mycket på tidigare. tycker det är ett non-scip album men eftersom jag tillbringat så mycket tid med det känns det inte lika spännande längre som det gjorde när jag först upptäckte Elvis Costello. Det är dock ett homogent, jämt album med med bra driv och punkig attityd.

Damn, way before his time. Doesn't sound like a '70s album, at all.

Fun from start to finish. Timeless sound, learned about it from the SNL 30

Enjoyed this. Good, varied instrumentation with interesting hooks. 4/5

I really like Elvis Costello, and since this is one of the five albums I own, safe to say it is one of my favorites.

Æ vet ikke om æ kjenne til noen sanger av Elvis Costello, sjøl om det føles som æ har visst om han bestandig? Det her va hverken avskrekkanes eller veldig sånt som traff mæ, så det va helt ok.

Liked this a lot. Elvis Costello I didn’t know your game!

I'm a fan of Elvis Costello, but I don't think we need a half-dozen albums of his on the list. I know it's a common complaint. That being said, this is one that I would leave in place, being his first with The Attractions.

Love his voice and the vibes. Radio, Radio and This Year’s Girl were highlights. Some of the songs got a little annoying, such as Hand In Hand, but overall it was a joy.

It’s urgent, tightly arranged and performed with an amphetamine energy apropos of the times, a mix of power pop, new wave and punk featuring some great songs.

Great songs. Loved it.

Album 14/1001. Listened 1/30/2026. Knew more songs than I thought I did, and enjoyed quite a few. Not my favorite but I can listen to it.

Knew more of this album than I expected.

I love this so much. Went on a massive Costello binge around 2019 and this was my favourite of his. Probably just short of a 5, but not far off.

Great hits and solid tracks in between. Elvis Costello is a constant favorite of mine.

I've tried to get into Elvis Costello a few times. But every time I listen to him I think, this is a good song that would be immeasurably better if performed by someone else.

I don’t know why I already knew this album but I did and I liked it.

Excellent as always from the maestro

ในที่สุดก็รันเพลง pop (ใช่มั้ยวะ😂) มาให้ ซาวน์มันดูสมัยใหม่กว่า 1978 มาก เอาจริงๆเพลงยังแปลกๆอยู่ ไม่ได้ไม่ชอบนะแต่เนื้อเพลงกับเสียงมันยังไม่ใช่อะไม่รู้ทำไม (เนื้อเพลงดูเลี่ยนมาก555555) พึ่งจะมารู้สึกดีตอนเพลง hand in hand ก็คือท้ายๆบั้ม อีกแล้ว555555

Again, good vibes. Listening to it with the morning coffee was a very good choice.

Loved this. Knew the singles of course… version I listened to was remastered in 2021 but sounded incredibly fresh.

This is now my fifth Elvis Costello record on this list, and once again, it didn't disappoint. Sounds so modern to my ears. Also, the drummer slams. Favourite tracks: No Action, This Year's Girl, The Beat, Pump It Up, (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea.

This was good. Somehow I don't think I'd listened to this before, even though I've seen it referenced many times and know some of the songs.

I'm returning to this for a first full listen in many years. I remember not enjoying this much when I first listened; however, returning to this now, I enjoy it a lot more. Outside of the songs that stood out to me initially (No Action, Pump It Up, I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea), there are some excellent tunes here, with The Beat probably one of my favourites off the album. Do think it slightly tails off towards the back end, but other than that it's fantastic.

Some fabulous songs! Overall great!

This Year’s Model is sharp, bitter, and relentlessly wired, an album that barely pauses to breathe. It is powered by frustration and sarcasm, firing off tightly wound songs with precision and intent. Everything feels lean and immediate, like it was designed to hit hard and move on before you have time to get comfortable. What really makes it work is how perfectly the music matches the mood. The Attractions play with a tense, jittery energy that keeps the songs on edge, while Elvis Costello’s lyrics drip with cynicism, resentment, and dark humour. The bitterness is the point, and it is delivered with such wit and control that it never feels lazy or one-note. Even when the tone is abrasive, it is compelling rather than off-putting. It stops just short of a full five because that intensity rarely lets up. The album is brilliant in bursts, but the constant pressure can feel exhausting across the full runtime

people say that every 20 years a glasses spotting quirked up white boy appears in western popular music and kinda changed a lot of things. in 1950s we had buddy holly, there's rivers cuomo as the 1990s representative, and in the 2000s and 2010s neil cicierega singlehandedly created half of the modern internet culture (although will wood or will toledo are also worthy representatives). and also not the last and also not the least, we have elvis costello representing the glasses wearing quirked up white boy of the 70s. I haven’t thought of a good way to continue but lemme tell you one thing: he indeed have that quirked up charisma in his songs. Some of the melody might be a bit all over the place but it’s a really good power pop album. 4/5

Fun

I can see how this record clearly influenced musicians across genres. It's diverse and well-written. Costello sings in ways that are both catchy and dynamic and the music is superb. A very good record that is well-deserving of the long-term accolades.

Really liked this album. Seems like i have had a string of 2 and 3 stars lately and it was refreshing to get something that really resonated with me

Quite a few good songs! Pump It Up has alway been a fave. One of the most unique voices out there.

Real solid album. My personal preferred Elvis, ha. "Pump It Up" seems less interesting over time, but "I don't wanna go to Chelsea" remains a banger.

A good album my first introduction to Costello and The Attractions, this also doubles as my introduction to alternative music in the 70’s and classic punk. I surprisingly enjoyed the album as I haven’t delved into any music aside from Bowie and more permanente fixtures like the Smiths , Blondie, Talking Heads and the Cure. The first two tracks, No Action and This Years Girl are my favorite tracks in the album as they set the groovy and partly abrasive tone the following tracks use. However my gripe is that a lot of them sounded quite similar with Costolloes vocals and synths being in a similar key. That being said Radio, Radio is a good ending track!! (05.01.2026) GEMV

very futuristic album for the time, i love it

Definitely was that Year’s Model. No sophomore's jinx with this record.

Cool album from '78.

8.0/10

Although I am a little surprised by the sheer number of Elvis Costello albums on this list, the songwriting is solid enough that I guess it makes sense to me. Like every other EC album, I feel like it's exactly a 7: pretty darn good, nothing overly special. Fave tracks: - This Year's Girl - The Beat - Pump It Up - Little Triggers - You Belong To Me - Hand In Hand - Lip Service - Living In Paradise - Lipstick Vogue - Radio, Radio

5/6 costello records down.

I wasn't convinced in the first few songs but it grew on me fast and I bought it. Not a ton I anticipate returning to but it was very fun top to bottom. Does NOT sound 1978 at all. A 4 might be too much but a 3 feels disingenuous Favorite Songs: The Beat, Living in Paradise.

This Year’s Model is fast, tight, and genuinely fun. What really stands out is how much the band drives the record. The bass lines are active and melodic, constantly pushing the songs forward, and the organ parts are crisp and syncopated, adding punch and momentum rather than atmosphere. Everything feels locked in and purposeful. “Pump It Up” is a deserved classic, and tracks like “The Beat” keep the energy high without feeling sloppy or dumb. The album moves quickly, with a sense of confidence and propulsion that makes it easy to enjoy even when Costello’s lyrical snark is front and center. The playing is sharp, economical, and groove-aware in a way that rewards repeated listens. I wouldn’t put this in five-star territory, mainly because the relentlessness can start to feel a bit uniform over the full runtime. But that same intensity is also what makes the album work as well as it does. This lands as a strong four for me: energetic, well-played, and consistently engaging, with enough musical muscle underneath the attitude to give it real staying power.

I love the energy, I love the lyrics. I understand why other's have rated it lower but I am exactly the audience this was written for.

First time listening to an album by this gent. Pretty groovy. But what I want to know is, how did Austin powers know who he was ?!?

Very solid album.

This is a funky jukebox although I feel his vocals could be a little stronger. Ahead of its time though

There are a few tracks on this record that I've always liked, especially "[I Don't Want to Go to] Chelsea." Catchy tunes, cleverly rhymed lyrics. There are a couple duds, though, and the subject matter is pretty repetitive. And I'm a little sick of "Radio, Radio." Despite those complaints, I seem to be tapping my foot anyway - the beat is pretty irresistible. I'm leaning around 3.5 for this one, but I think I'll bump it up to 4 because I really do like "[I Don't Want to Go to] Chelsea."

Just plain enjoyable. Obviously i knew Pump it up, This year’s girl and (i dont want to go to) Chelsea, but this album offers far more depth with every track of a good quality in its own right. I’d always considered myself as liking Elvis Costello but this process is making me realise how much.

More Elvis Costello - we're up to album number 3 - and this one has my largest "already know this song" ratio so far. Admittedly I only found out afterwards, I listened to the 2021 remaster which added Radio Radio, but I also already knew (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea, This Year's Girl and Pump It Up. I genuinely had to check that Elvis wasn't singing "big cheese" at one point during this album (this may be due to it being Boxing Day and therefore our house being fairly full of various cheeses). I really like Elvis Costello. Every album of his I've heard so far has reaffirmed that. 4/5

Good!

Full of bangers, love Elvis Costello. 5 stars all day long.

I liked the first track and other songs.

а по-моему очень даже хороший альбом, веселенький, музыкальный, пролетел незаметно

Franchement c'était bien

Relistened to this. Luxuriated in it. So awesome. Just rockin the suburbs in the best way. Having seen videos of him performing live does help this album out a bunch. I wanna say strong 4.5.

It sounds like its straighy out of a 70's teen drama movie and I love it.

melodiöser 70er-rock mit attitüde und kantiger note. gefällt!

4.1/5 A-

Good songwriter. The Clash, Red Hot Chili Peppers and so many others can be heard here before they even existed. The bass player, Bruce Thomas, must be mentioned.

There's something about Elvis Costello that I still can't connect with, but I did enjoy this album.

This is my favourite EC album. Clever punk(?) with great lyrics and melodies. I think every song is great on this one - can't say the same for later ones. I saw Elvis a year or two ago and it was among the worst gigs I'd seen - as a result (maybe unfairly) this may have been a 5 star album. Its a 4 now.

This album was played over and over again when I was younger and I have not listened to it in a while. It was so refreshing listening to it again. So many great songs and there are very few bad ones. Chelsea is always a standout song. I would like to own this album. It is very close to a 5 star album. 4.5 at least

I was 7 years old when Elvis Presley died. At that point I was vaguely aware of Elvis Costello. Like, I had heard his name but that's it. But to my underdeveloped brain I just heard Elvis. So when the King died, I thought "well there's still that other Elvis. He can take over" as if it really was a title. Maybe they chose another Elvis like choosing a new Pope. But I think I heard a little Elvis Costello at the time and thought "that's not Blue Suede Shoes!" I wish I had had more exposure to rock like this in the late 70s. But that would have been an uphill battle. I come from the Midwest, classic rock country! And country. Elvis Costello wore glasses , dressed like a nerd and there were no guitar solos. I get nostalgic for the 70s often however this was way off my radar. This gives me nostalgia for a part of the 1970s that I never knew. I've only explored Costello's catalog in the last 10 years or so. The front to back listen was really rewarding. This guy has the catchiest writing, especially for the late 70s. I can understand its heavy influence on alt rock. Y'know I wrote all of that just to say that this was a fucking great album.

This could be a greatest hits collection. Elvis is an English national treasure. Maybe his best work.

Great album of Power Pop gems. Songwriting is off the charts, great vocals, band is tight and tons of energy.

Topnotch lyricism, prolific multi genre album. Elvis Costello and The Attraction is so diverse. Love it

Dosta kul album, pustim si neke stvari s njega svako malo, baš mi paše nekako. Zanimljiv je, plesni, iako možda kvalitetom nije najbolje šta si mogu pustiti. Nagradit ću ga jednom finom 4/5, 7/10

Strong 3,5

Highlights: No Action, (I Don't Want Go To) Chelsea, Lipstick Vogue, Pump It Up, Lip Service. In a nutshell: this year's new wave model. All Elvis needed to level up in the 70s was change bands. Clover was serviceable for Elvis at the time. The Attractions were a better fit. It gave the songs that punk rock bite. Pete Thomas is a fantastic drummer and I am appalled that his name is not regularly mentioned in music critics "best drummers of all time" lists. What needs to be said is this: criticism about Costello's lyrics wil be a sticking point for his whole career. What some listeners interpret as offensive, others will see as satirical observations. Case in point on this album: This Year's Girl. If you pulled any of the later albums from Costello's discography first, the generator did you dirty. Any of the first three albums are the better introduction to his work. Overall: 7/10

Really good album. No wonder he had so many hits.

The bass player on this album was coooookin. Good old pop rock n roll. Not listened to much Elvis Costello before, maybe I should! 4.0/5.0 Best Song: Pump It Up

This is my fourth Elvis Costello album on thus list. Despite never loving one of those previous albums they've all gained a 3. I feel like this was the best of the set. It's going to have to get a 4 on the basis of being superior to his others alone!

Elvis Costello is another artist that is just plain fun. He doesn't have the biggest hits, he isn't the most influential artist, but he is a great time. Perfect artist for this list and the perfect album of Elvis's to include. Influence 3. Hits 4. Intangibles 4. Quality 4. I can dig it 3.

Loved this pop punk treat. I have other Elvis Costello records--later ones. This was great to discover.

The tracks on this album are catchier than on other Costello records and there's a good pop sensibility about it which ties everything together. My old band used to cover "Pump It Up", too, so there's something extra enjoyable about this for me.

Love me some EC....4/5

It’s been a little while since I’ve had one of those albums that I can hear the influence on so many other artists or bands. I don’t know that this is a perfect album, but it really does some interesting experimenting with songwriting in terms of length, instrumentation, and lyrics. I don’t think I would seek this album out again, but I’d certainly listen again, and I’d recommend it to others just to round out their musical understanding.

Fun album.

Vraiment cool. Meilleur que l'autre qu'on avait écouté. Musicalement très bon bien que ça se répète un peu entre les sons.

Très cool

Elvis costelllo has a timeless sound. Listening to this I had to check to see if the album was 2004 and not 1968

Rockin’ good tunes. Will be listening to again

It sounds very modern, like last year's release from a new indie rock band. You can dance to it, or just listen to it in the car. You can even play it for a regular girl, and she won't think you're crazy. 4 out of 5

Unique sound and voice

ok Mr. Costello, I'll give it up. this was pretty good..... youre still annoying tho 3.75- 4.00/5

Dude is the real thing. This was a fantastic LP

Feeds on its own nervous energy, it’s angry but fun, teetering on the edge of control. Basically, a riot, in more ways than one.

Album No. 0059 on my list. Nice album! I didn’t know any of the tracks before, but I liked many of them. Cool lyrics, cool vibe, cool songs. “No Action”, “Pump it Up”, and “(I Don’t Wanna Go To) Chelsea” are my favorites. Solid album, will definitely listen to it again. 4/5 stars!

These early Elvis Costello albums produced by Nick Lowe are magical. The raw "Basher" production suits these songs. This is the scrappy, street-smart Elvis singing pub rock power pop. Lots of musical hooks and searing, sarcastic, yet poetic lyrics. The album seems to get better with each listen. Bruce Thomas' bass playing is absoutely killer. A great sophomore record that reinforced Elvis as a great songwriter. Favorite song: Lipstick Vogue. It's a tour de force!

This album stands out because, unlike artists who just lift riffs and call them their own, Costello and The Attractions are open about the sources that inspired them - they use them as a foundation and build something new. Some of the comparisons in reviews feel like a stretch; people try to label it as everything from new wave to punk to even heavy metal. But really, it’s just a sharp, energetic pop-rock record. It’s catchy, focused, and confident - the sound of a band that knows exactly what it’s doing without needing to fit into any trend.

A solid 4/5 from me.

4/5

A lot more pop than punk. Even Pump It Up wasn’t as frantic as I remembered it. Album rattles along at a good pace though with tight arrangements. I like his voice. 3.5

I like a bit of Elvis. Although peak Elvis is always when he is his most vitriolic in my opinion (Blood And Chocolate one of my fav albums ever) A little too poppy in places here but Pump It Up is class.

I wasn't overly excited about the number of Costello albums on here but Spotify did tell me Pump It Up was my most played song of '23 so this was the one I was most looking forward to..and...it's good...especially.enjoyed the keyboards. It looks as though he recently released a Spanish language version of this too, so will be checking this out too.

Being of the knowledge that there are multiple Elvis Costello albums on this list and that it is seen as a pretty divisive and unjustified selection, I was a little bit skeptical diving into this as I’m not that familiar with his work. I had no need to be, it’s a banger of an album, I’d be happy to listen to it again, and again.

Yeah, that was good.

Already got it

3 von 5 kein Banger

4/5

Listened to this before as a dive into a previous EC album; loved it just as much 2nd go-round.

it's not bad. last one by Elvis I think