Reviews (page 4 of 12)
Classic album cover in my living room growing up. This album pumps. No pun intended on pump.
Beguiling pop punk/art pop from a master. These little gems are growing on my after a second listen. I saw him in concert this year, for the first time, and sadly his voice is so shot it was a painful listening experience, tho he was quite witty in banter with the audience. I appreciate diving into his catalog to hear peak Costello.
Hmmm, I kinda couldn’t be bothered but it was really good, as ever with Elvis Costello I guess
Fun album, good pop rock.
I bought this a long time ago, haven't really relistened a lot. Punchy poppy smart. 4 Heard before? Yes Owned: Yes: 22/1001, 22/88 (25%) Will I get? Already have
This music seems so urgent and yearning, someone who doesn't have the social skills to express the strong emotions they are feeling. I kinda feel bad for it but I also like the music it created.
This is why I’m doing this challenge - to discover albums like this I’d never heard! This is a BRILLIANT album and I’ll be listening again to it for sure. I can’t even describe it’s genre, it kind of defies it. The less said the better, the more played the better! 4.5
Like the Beatles and the Arctic monkeys
perfect for eating men pussy one of the better examples of ‘1001 albums you must hear before you die core’ 4.5
Pretty good. I appreciate good bass playing and Bruce Thomas of The Attractions was great. The bass playing is definitely a highlight of this record for me. Standout songs: No Action, Pump It Up, Lip Service. I wish I could give half-stars, because I'd rate it 3.5 stars, but I'll round up to a 4 because of the bass.
2 Elvis Costello’s in one week. This one a year earlier than the last. Similar sounds but a little more punk and a little less pop. I really liked this one, too, and actually recognized the Pump It Up song. Another 4 stars for me, but I vote we move on the Counting Crows. 😉
I enjoyed it. I have heard of Elvis Costello many times but did not recognize any of his music. It was rocking!
A very good album produced by Nick Lowe. Such a well produced album but certainly with a Nick Lowe influence. Not my favorite Elvis and the Attractions album but a very good one.
Enjoyed this more than I thought! Catchy hooks, voice was a little annoying but I got over it by the middle of the album. 3.5 rounded to 4
No good notes. Likes the songs.
74/100. This Year's Model by Elvis Costello & The Attractions is a good new wave record that’s sharp, punchy, and effortlessly listenable. With its tight songwriting and clean production, it’s easy on the ears and flows smoothly from track to track. A solid and accessible album that holds up well.
Heared about Elvis Costello but never heared his music before The way his voice sounds like 90s alternative, but back in 70s gave me some kind of uncanney valley effect Nothing groundbreaking for me, but enjoyable and engaging power pop, I had fun listening to this album
Need to go back and relisten to this one!!
i think i like the album, it has a pretty interesting combination of different sorts of instrumentals like ska in "(i don't want to go to) chelsea" and kind of a rockabillish theme in other songs. Not going to lie, don't really understand much of the lyrics. What does "they call her natasha when she looks like elsie mean?" Also the opening lines of the "lip service" confusing as well. I think this album works best as just a decent bop. I don't know if he's playing a character of some voyeruristic observer or something in "living in paradise". Quite enjoyable and would see myself listening to it again. Would give 3.5 stars but since cant will give 4 stars. Also "lipstick vogue" slaps-those driving bass and drums are great. The political notes for the most part in "Night Rally" hit as well.
Well well didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did - listened whilst running and it was a real mood booster! Thanks Elvis
This is fun. At times I find his music to be a bit pretentious (takes one to know one) and inaccessible. But this is fun.
The tension is high; he’s angry, but not mad and the band just lets it rip when compared to other more polished records. One loves the menacingly bleeping organs and sharp, almost aggressive guitar riffs (e.g., on “Chelsea”). "Living in Paradise" and "Lipstick Vogue" are seriously underrated entries in a most impressive catalog. Just solid from top to bottom, with universally high quality throughout. Another commenter nailed it: “Perfect balance of pub and punk.”
Good album, songs are clearly well written and performed but they're all of a sameness. Good but not great.
Low 4? I liked the first costello record that popped up for me more but this one is fun
I literally just saw Elvis Costello play live last night, so GREAT timing. This album is an absolute classic. His early era stuff is pretty unassailable. It's an easy 9.5/10. Banger after banger.
This is heeeeat. Better than the other Elvis Costello I listened to on here, a lot I’ll come back to
I had avoided this Elvis my entire life, I think because I thought his look and vibe were corny. Well, maybe they are, but I shouldn’t have closed my ears to his music. This album is great. Makes me want to research Vampire Weekend’s influences.
Good stuff.
77/1001 :: Elvis Costello & the Atrractions - This Year’s Model Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Pump It Up, You Belong to Me They said it couldn’t be done… but I found an Elvis Costello album I actually liked. I love this project for that reason. The songs on This Years Model and cool but also catchy. Still having a tough time with the voice but thought the way he was using his voice on this album added a fun element to the songs. Not sure how much I’ll revisit this but I might so I’ll give it the nod. Lastly, great cover art.
It's good
Costello once said you spend 17 or 18 years writing your first album, which is why it can be so personal and powerful. This was his first album, and the one I most appreciate.
Fantastic album. Love Elvis Costello
The second Elvis Costello I've had as part of this project and such a big step up from his debut. Whilst not every track is a killer, there's a lot of really great stuff on this. Costello's band has a real energy that makes the more upbeat tracks really infectious.
If My Aim is True was Elvis Costello looking up at the world with a scowl, then This Year's Model is Elvis obtaining a new perspective on it, while maintaining his now trademark acerbic nature. Grabbing whatever sonic diversions available and rendering it in their image, the Attractions remain the backbone to Elvis' call-it-as-he-sees-it viewpoint on the characters and settings that paint his songs and This Year's Model benefits from that scenery. A real one-two punch that Elvis' has never bettered since. Favorites: No Action, This Year's Girl, Pump It Up, Little Triggers, Hand in Hand, (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea, Lip Service, Lipstick Vogue, Radio Radio.
One of the best from Costello. Great blend of genres, interesting lyrics and fun songs. Some hits, plenty of reissues that makes it difficult to see what the original album was. There even is a Spanish version of the album released a few years ago! While I have listened to some Elvis Costello over the last few years, not sure if I am a big fan.
4.5 A lot of great songs (this years girl), although I am particularly tired of hearing I dont want to go to Chelsea, (used to one of my favorites but I think im over it. Its not you, its me, sorta thing).
Fun listen. I like Elvis Costello a lot more than would be expected because I don’t listen to him much. I always like his music when I hear it though. A unique musician (although Joe Jackson sounds a little like him).
Do we really need this much Elvis Costello? Luckily this was by far the best on the list. Still not the biggest fan of his vocals but some bangers on here including I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea.
Fun, punchy, kind of punk rock - ahead of its time! I was bopping my head throughout, highly enjoyable.
If your a fan of the very stripped down garage band sound this will probably be to your liking. The second half of the album was in my opinion much more memorable than the first half. Starting at track 7 my level of enjoyment increased. Track 8 "Chelsea" had a nice percussive pace to it kind of felt a little Chili Pepper / No doubt ish with its kinda reggae sound. The album closes out on high not with the track 14 "Radio". I was only slightly familia with Elvis Costello, mainly being introduce to him in 1983 with his international hit "Everyday I write the Book", but beyond that I really couldn't tell you the title of another of his records. But all in all it was an interesting listen.
So far, this album is much better than other Elvis Costello stuff I’ve listened to. It’s glam rock to the max. Great production, big band sound, very over the top and theatrical which is the Elvis Costello way but yet still simple song structure. More punk vibes on this one which I also love. Considering his other work I’ve found to be a huge slog, this one is a breath of fresh air. 4/5
4/7
Imperial Bedroom is my favorite Elvis album, but this is a must album too.
bom, é melhor que o "my aim is true". acho o the attractions bem bons de serviço. as letra são besta. mas é new wave até o cu fazer bico né, como pode. dá pra ouvir até algumas bandas br de new wave nesse disco aqui, que bizarro bom, eu até que gosto desse aqui. pó me processar, foda-se
Not my favorite by Elvis Costello but a fine album
Had a couple of thoughts about this album. First, it was hard to place the time annd era of it. Sounded like something that could’ve come out last year and frankly was surprising that it’s from the late 70s. Second, there was inconsistency among the songs. Some were pretty amazing and others pretty boring. Overall, it was a good listen.
Fun album. Definitely heard many influences in this like the Beatles, Bowie, Stones, etc.
# Album Name: This years model # Artist: Elvis Costello # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: I waas surprised with this. i wasnt sure what i was expecting. Good listen. Quite pop rocky. I liked it. # Top Tunes: Pump it up / chelsea / big tears / radio radio # Would I listen to it again? Yes
Already listened many times. 7/10
9/10
This felt like 90s ska revival, then it felt like new wave, then it felt like a bunch of other stuff, the album was good. Ahead of its time even.
This album felt very ahead of its time, and yet very influenced by the twenty years that came before it. A lot of fun, even if Costello has some weird views about women in some of these lyrics.
This is probably the music that springs to mind when I think of Elvis Costello. Seems crazily ahead of its time. 1978 😳. Somewhat overwrought lyricism in places, though maybe that's part of the appeal.
I've never listened to much Costello outside of his singles. This is a fun and careening pop album. I can see where fans dig into his sounds and lyrics. Not sure that I'm fully a fan yet, but I appreciate what this album has going on.
great
slight pop and punk rock, not just slightly misogynistic but very, feels a bit mid but still outstanding, funny but also tender "No action"/"Lip service"/"Radio, radio"
Elvis Costello has long interested me, but I'd only really checked out My Aim is True and a handful of other tracks prior to this one. I can't say I've been totally swept off my feet by him like I may have hoped, but I do really enjoy the company of his tunes and I'm open to taking things slowly to see where they go. This album felt sort of like my feelings towards a number of King Gizzard albums: I quite enjoy the overall sound and approach, the musical gifts are evident, and pretty much every song is at least kind of good, but almost none of them really struck me as GREAT. At least not upon a single listen. Not all music needs to do that to be great, though, and I've realized relatively recently that I'm definitely a big power pop guy, so I'll be sticking around with Mr. Costello to see where it takes me for sure.
43/1001 Elvis Costello and the Attractions - This Year's Model Heard before? ✅ Revisit? ✅ Of all the Costello albums on this list, this is the one I'd definitely keep here. It perfectly crosses the pub rock styling with punk, with his oftentimes snarky commentary. The music sometimes feels as though it's going to become too chaotic considering how much is thrown at it, but never does. An album that you can see influence New Wave, 80s indie and to a certain extent the likes of the Police.
Quite fun album, and one which benefits from reminding yourself when it was made to properly appreciate the influence it has
This is the definitive Elvis Costello album. If New Wave had stopped right here, I would like it better. No Action is a good leadoff but by The Beat, it is losing me. Pump It Up is probably his biggest hit, great song. I like this for the most part. Living in Paradise is a good song, catchy.
Mainly listened to pump it up and radio. I preferred radio because of the message but it’s quite stereotypical rebel stuff.
Though repetitive, this is a really catchy and enjoyable pop album.
This is prime Elvis Costello... at least for me. I understand some of his bigger hits are on other albums, but this is the vibe I expect when I want to put on some of his music. Radio, Radio is one of my all time favorites and the album was just delightful throughout.
Très "feels good" comme album. Honnêtement y'a pas un seul skip; j'adore sa voix et ses paroles, y'a plein de mixups surprenants sur l'instrumental avec des sick ass bass lines. Vraiment surpris de jamais avoir entendu parler de cet artiste.
Elvis Costello paytas-hacmon Specific rating - 4.1 Fav song - pump it up Least fav - (I don’t want to go to )Chelsea
Really really liked this album. Had to double check when it was made cause it could have easily been a modern album. Shocked that I've never listened to an Elvis Costello album before, and very happy (having read the reviews complaining about it) to learn that I have more Elvis Costello albums coming my way! Also Pump It Up clearly inspired the guitar in Brutal by Olivia Rodrigo, which is fun! Favourite song: Hand in Hand (or Lip Service or Living in Paradise) Least: Little Triggers
I like this man's music more and more. Great basslines. And after reconsidering and knowing Elvis Costello's music even more, I really love this man's art.
Really enjoyed it much more a variety in genres than I expected. On Spotify squeeze started playing after which I enjoyed more 😂
22
Lipstick vogue is an all time track
4.2 Stars "Pump It Up" is a straightforward yet underrated song. He's got a unique sound. Sometimes spooky rock. The Vox organ stands out in some tracks. Sometimes cheesy late 70's 80's sounds: "Lip Service" Best Song: "(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea"
Yeah draw those syllables out why don’t you !
not sure what to think but i like it
This is my second Elvis Costello record and I really enjoyed it. I love the variety of musical styles and appreciated how clean everything sounds.
I'm not sure what I thought Elvis Costello was like, but it wasn't this. I liked it. I'll have to check out more. "Pump it up" gave me "Outlaw -Wild Wild West" vibes, which considering when they came out i guess is the other way around. It's the best song on the album, imo and will go on the 1001 playlist. +1 star because I was pleasantly surprised.
Good times!
Fun
Yessss. Nice mood booster today.
4 stars, I like the vibe overall. I woudl enjoy if it’s on, and a few songs stood out to me as classics. I can see where it influenced the generations after, the melodies and all are great. Some good guitar and bass work
Surprisingly dope
Not bad
I really like the early elvis costello, pump it up and radio radio are some good songs. Not really sure why he was considered punk, maybe there is some british thing I'm missing. I forgot how good lipstick vogue and little triggers are.
Love Elvis
This is the perfect cross between The Clash and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Great collection of new wave tracks. Well written and performed.
Credit where credit is due: witty, snappy, angry, nasty -- all rolled up into one album
buen álbum, no muy intenso pero tampoco demasiado blando, aunque quizás poco original
There is a sense that **Elvis Costello** didn’t quite fit into any singular mold of the late 70s or early 80s music scene. His work straddled several musical worlds, blending punk, new wave, pop, and classic rock influences, but always with his own distinctive twist. In that sense, he was both part of the moment and apart from it. This is the perfect example of how he had a way of blending angular, raw energy with more traditional elements of rock, pop, and even soul, which allowed him to transcend the short-lived trends of the era - to such an extent that this album almost feels like it could’ve been made at any time in rock’s history. This album has a sense of urgency and edge that wouldn't be out of place now. Even the production has aged well. It's almost **Weezer**-esque. "Pump It Up” is simply an all-timer. It's one of those songs that instantly grabs you and doesn’t let go. Because Costello's style and output is so eclectic I'm not sure he gets the credit he deserves.
Fun album. An artist that I didn't know that I knew.
Obviously Pump It Up is the major hot from this album, but the whole thing is full of bangers. Not necessarily something I'll revisit, but I wouldn't be mad if this came on. Great party music
++: This Year's Girl, The Beat, Pump It Up, Lip Service, Lipstick Vogue, Night Rally +: No Action, Little Triggers, (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea, Living in Paradise +-: You Belong to Me, Hand in Hand 7,2/10
i like the spunkiness/jazziness interesting baseline sound quality is kind of fuzzy so far i like it
Listened to this album recently as part of my 2025 resolution to listen to at least one new album per week. Wrote the following note for it on my spreadsheet: "I can totally see why BEE is so obsessed w this guy lol" (BEE = Bret Easton Ellis; he has certainly piqued my interest in Mr. Costello, but I've only dipped my toes in so far) Previously listened to 1 song (Pump It Up) Favorite Song: Pump It Up
Good stuff! I need to listen to more Elvis Costello. 4/5 #97
another Elvis Costello album. And another time for me to go, damn….why don’t I listen to more Elvis Costello? Every song was great. Awesome album.
It’s good
Peak Costello is achieved Fun late-70s cheerful new wave songs to groove eccentrically to
Classic Elvis Costello. Every song was enjoyable.
Неплохо, не лучший его альбом, но Костелло имеет свой стиль узнаваемый
Pretty good overall! I’d never actually listened to Elvis Costello but knew of him and how he was pretty popular and influential. So it was cool actually hearing that music. Some parts of it feel dated to that specific era, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
cool
First song best. Good mixing throughout
Boys and gals, this is the end. No, not of the entire list, but of the massive, insurmountable 6(!!!!!!) Elvis Costello albums included in the list - for reasons unknown. This Year's Model is Costello's second album, and it's a great new wave/power pop record with catchy melodies and an overall energetic attitude. Wait what? There must be some Stockholm Syndrome kicking in at this point. The lyrics still leave something wanting, but at least Costello does not insist on forcing his voice into uncomfortable and annoying places on This Year's Model. Average Costello rating across 6 albums: 2.8. Significantly higher than I anticipated, but did we really need to listen to 6 more-or-less average records from the same guy?
So this is it. We’ve come to an end (for Costello-albums at least). There is absolute no need to throw 6 of his albums in our faces, but I can’t argue with the fact that he should probably have one or two records on here - and This Year’s Model is one of those.
The only song from Costello that I knew was Oliver’s Army and I always thought he’d be of the punk genre like the Clash but this album seems more Ska to me due to the reggae influences in it. Wasn’t expecting to like this but I did. A lot more upbeat than I expected
3.5 Let’s round it up!
This is the one. I enjoyed this from the beginning to end. Just a classic sound by way of the 70s.
Exceeded my expectations. A great little collection of catchy hooks.
Quite good actually, very varied to keep you entertained & solid album
Classic
Very good!
Хороший такой альбом, хотя сначала не понравился. Не понял хейта в сторону Челси :/
The first of many Elvis Costello albums to come. Pump It Up was a known banger, but I have to admit that the rest of the album really landed for me as well. Weirdly felt a lot of Green Day in this album, I wonder if there was any influence there? Either way, this was good.
Very good
Verge of being a 5, 4.45
Good, didn’t make me go stupid go crazy tho.
I’m not very familiar with Elvis Costello. This was a fun, well performed album with catchy songs. I liked this better than any Elvis Presley works as I find The King over rated.
I liked it a lot! It felt like a precursor in a way for college Rock and some 90s stuff (I was hearing some Weezer at times weirdly) and not everything hit but a lot of it did.
One of two EC albums I enjoy. I like the punchy pop punk of this one, and I was actually quite surprised to find that I liked it. It’s maybe not as accessible as My Aim Is True but I think on the whole this is a better album. The songwriting is great, I like his pathos and balance of the social and the personal. The music is fun, and catchy. I liked it a lot. Definitely will listen again and should be included on the list because it has influenced a lot.
Gode melodier. Fantastisk bass.
Хороший исполнитель, но в настроение в этот раз не так сильно попал
A little harder edge than My Aim Is True, and a little less accessible. The songs are catchy but not with the same punch as some other stuff. Good solid punk
An absolute vibe, seemed like this has inspired a lot of others, a thoroughly enjoyable listen
Hadn’t listened to this before, but was such a bop. Have saved for future listens!
Very fun and catchy. I'll listen to it again.
Wanted to go 4.5, because there's a little filler here, but the heights are so very very good.
I have heard about the man but not the band. Never listened to him before I think. Nice pop-punk album and a few songs that really stand out. An artist I think I will look up and listen more to After this.
I quite like this geeza, propa lad
Che bel rock, mi gasa un sacco. Poi è JoJo reference.
Pump It Up (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea Lipstick Vogue Radio
Wow! I actually thought this one wasn’t all that bad. The album is upbeat, catchy, and melodic. The keyboards brought out a distinctive new wave flavor that was colorful and a little quirky. Hopefully, moving forward, I’ll find more Elvis Costello albums I like. So far, the ones I heard before this would have been better off without Elvis Costello’s vocals in the first place.
Actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
Driving grinding charging. Is it the drums? And good heavens Craig Finn owes his career so hard.
I liked it , songs all sounded pretty similar
Really enjoyable listen, I think my recent enjoyment of power-pop type artists such as Todd Rundgren and XTC has really widened my horizons as far as revisiting artists I never cared for with surprising results. Elvis Costello is another whom I never sought out, and really didn't find myself gravitating towards the sound whenever I did hear anything of his. This is a really solid album and I definitely feel like I "get it" a lot more than before. Good, hooky songs, slight bit of a punk attitude with driving instruments, and certainly not cookie cutter pop sensibilities. Will have to explore his catalog further!
Pretty solid album. Some really good lyrics too. This year's girl "you want her broken with her mouth wide open" wow, what a line. Tragic
Not bad. If I was a few years younger this might be too old for me and be like the beatles
Brzmi to trochę jak britrock z wczesnych 2000’. Maniera wokalu nieco irytuje, a w utworach jest coś powtarzalnego, ale i tak mi się podoba. Ma swój klimat i jest bardzo określone. Mam poczucie, że kreacja sceniczna jest przemyślana i całkiem trafiona. Kojarzy mi się trochę z Arctic Monkeys, the Vamps, the Kooks… Prosty, młodzieżowy, nieco buntowniczy klimat. 7.5/10
Really enjoyed this, much more than I expected to. There's really something special about Elvis Costello's charisma which comes through very clearly on the tracks
Starting to like Elvis Costello a little bit
There are some great songs on here. Definitely some standouts on initial listen, and this feels like one where the ones that didn't initially stand out would reveal themselves on subsequent listens.
Pretty cool record. I don't know how to describe it exactly. It was giving me the vibes of a precursor to punk-pop Green Day types of bands, but I'm not even sure if that's accurate. Either way, it was a dope record and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Stylistically, I just don't know if I'll return to it much, but that is more of my preferences and not the quality of the music.
Really good again. 4.5
BigNewWave fan, Good and solid Costello, not my fave but the Attractions give him oomph.
this year's model? more like this year's fourth elvis costello album. i've been doing this for just over a year somehow have already had four elvis costello albums, three coming in the last month. there is nothing inherently wrong with this album, it's good, but i'm so tired of elvis costello. he's wildly over-represented with six albums on the list while countless other artists and genres were completely snubbed. that said, his work with the attractions is miles better than his solo work.
Solid album. Fun songs and lots of energy
Good but he always sounds the same to me
I can understand the Elvis hate, but this is the album that belongs on this list. Standing on the edge of new wave and post punk This Year's Model is a near masterpiece. Three hit songs that see radio airplay still to this day and plenty of others that fit the bill. 4/5
This was overall enjoyable, and I hadn't listened to it before, though I had heard Pump It Up from somewhere before. I think his voice is sort of annoying but overall this was better than expected.
Is Pump It Up the inspiration for Wild Wild West by Escape Club? Sure sounds like it because I can sing “I love your eyes and your wild wild hair, dance to the beat that we like best, heading for the 90’s, living in the wild Wild West” right on top of it. Production throughout is cool and modern. Does every song hit? Of course not. Overall, I like it though.
Another nice album to listen to while at work. I remember first hearing Elvis Costello in the 80s and not liking the music at all, but I'm not sure what it was about it that I didn't like. Weird how musical tastes change.
Thoughts before listening: I have seen a lot of people complaining about the number of Elvis Costello albums on this list, but I personally love this early era of his career. Catchy power pop that came out in the era of punk rock, but was more focused on tunefulness and melody than vitriol. Review: Yeah its great. There are some classic songs on this album, with "Lipstick Vogue" being one of my favorites from Elvis. If I have learned anything from doing this project, its that I love a good, well crafted pop rock song...and Elvis is one of the best at those. producing I also love that not only was Elvis doing power pop in the era of punk rock he was also sticking to a simple formula of guitars, bass, drums, and keys when his contemporaries were highlighting synthesizers over everything else. 4-stars
Favorite Track: (I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea
I have always enjoyed Elvis. This album has his usual sound and songs that poke fun at various things in life.
Great album. I had heard his music before and it’s solid so this album just proved again that he’s a great artist
Really solid. Very punk feeling. Like the energy of the songs and the instrumentation. Lyrics were solid. I'm on the fence about whether or not I like his voice but it was okay on this album.
I like Elvis. yes, some of his songs follow same pattern but enjoy this thoughts & commentary on life without all the angst/negetivity of lot of other punk/new wave scene.
7/10 Best track: (I don't want to go to) Chelsea
Don’t come at me! I liked this album a lot. The sound is full and interesting. It’s my favorite Elvis Costello album so far and it’s one I will listen to again.
Ah, Elvis Costello. This is one of his most enduring and enjoyable albums. Well worth a listen.
I feel like artic monkeys could have been inspired by this - lipstick vogue reminds me of d is for dangerous
Chelsea a highlight, whole album catchy and got me feeling dancy
Really cool rock n roll. The kind of thing I'd listen to as I'm eating a cheese burger and milkshake at a diner while checking my hair in the mirror, on my way to watch a drive through movie
Nice rock, 8/10.
My process of listening to this was initially thinking I'd give it a 3, halfway through struggling between 3 and 4, and by the end thinking I'd end up giving it a 5, but honestly don't think I can put it on the same level as an Abbey Road or TPAB, but it's a fun as hell record. If a greaser from the 50's traveled forward to 1978 and made hipster new wave music. Some of best 80's pop rock I've ever heard, and the record was made in 78. Never really been a fan of male fronted new wave music, but this just hits right. Great pop songs, Costello's got a fantastic voice. What I imagine truly cool/hip music from that time sounds. Hilariously I've only heard one Costello song prior to listening to this, Pump It Up (on Rock Band), and honestly that's probably the weakest song on the album. Don't even think I can pick highlights, whole record is class.
Love this weird little man
Loved this and it sent me down a bit of an Elvis costello rabbit hole. Would relisten
Love the frenzied punk energy.
This is a hell of a lot better than the other album I got by them, Imperial something. Good songs. Good sound. Production is okay. I love “The Beat” and “Pump it Up.” I’m still skeptical of Costello overall but I think this is the album to hit up if you’re curious. ML #93.
this is such a fun album - pulling in elements of indie alternative, proto-pop-punk, even some emo-type vibes, along with Costello's somewhat pretentious but very deep lyricism makes for a fun listen.
Maybe my favorite Elvis Costello album.
Really enjoyed this! Didn't realize Elvis Costello was a 70s artist. Pump It Up is a classic bob but there's a ton of other strong songs on this New Wave classic album.
There was a moment where Elvis Costello was sort of a personal hero, which is a bit dangerous, because the dude had a real rough go early on and was not the greatest dude to be around. Still, it made for some incredible music, including this punk-adjacent cynical vision of late 50s rock and early 60s British Invasion. Costello’s a master of matching pop sensibilities with bitterly acid lyrics, and everything he touches on this album feels on edge, ready to unleash wrath at any moment. Only Costello does it with his words more than his music, though the mix of organ and guitar feels sneering and sinister. While this lacking the raw energy of his debut and the refined songwriting of later albums, this album shows a master iconoclast at the peak of his powers, and a hell of a backing band. And it rocks, so that’s always a plus.
straight up bangers. a great time
Dieses Album hat einen coolen Sound. Hatte den Namen nicht auf dem Schirm, aber fand eigentlich jedes Lied cool - 4 Sterne
My previous Costello album was his debut and this is his second so it's nice that I'm getting them in order so far. In comparison to his first album, this is infinitely better in every way. The songwriting is better, it's a lot more of a fun listen, there are a lot more ear worms and it's catchier overall. His debut got very samey and a bit boring, whereas there's a lot more variety here. This is loaded with little riffs throughout. '(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea' is very cool sounding and 'Living In Paradise' is a spritely and unusual riff, but again, very appealing to the ear. It sounds almost like a video game type sound. 'Lipstick Vogue' is fast, punky and is vocally a highlight, and 'Pump It Up' is a classic with a solid, riff driving the song forward. I'm still unsure how I feel about Costello's voice. There are times I like it, and times I find it a bit silly parody-esque. But overall I lean more towards like than dislike. A much improved second offering from Elvis Costello. Let's hope he keeps on improving!
Surprisingly fun
I first listened to Elvis Costello right before I saw him open for Bob Dylan around 2008 when I was in college. I’d heard of him, of course, but didn’t know any songs apart from one song that my roommates and I played on Rock Band, which was Pump It Up from this album. Elvis played a killer set of songs with just himself and an acoustic guitar, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Elvis’ second album and first with The Attractions is a fantastic set of songs, and like most of his discography is a great listen from beginning to end. He’s one of the most remarkably consistent rock artists of all time. This Year’s Model is great, maybe not one of my personal top 3 or 5 Costello albums, but it’s a great sounding album and must have been a good introduction to him for a lot of people. It doesn’t have too many standout tracks - Pump It Up hits the nostalgia button for me, and I think Little Triggers is fantastic. Otherwise it’s a series of good, solid songs and an album that’s easy to put on with no skips.
Really enjoyed this, not really listened to any old school costello and it was way more lively than I thought it would do for the time. Low 4.
Remaster 2021 : nice pre punk influences
This is the first of the Elvis Costello albums I’ve gotten on this challenge that I found decently entertaining. Maybe it’s the New Wave influence, but this was a much needed improvement to their sound. I’ve had a rough week of picks, so this was a pleasant surprise.
Pretty good album, early punk with some ska influences, but mostly sounds like old rock meets punk.
I’m not really an Elvis Costello fan but I like this album quite a bit. This Year’s Girl, Pump It Up, and Radio, Radio are all standout tracks.
Love me some Elvis.
Elvis Costello doesn’t miss. Makes me want to go watch The Duece again
So much better than the other one, which I was not expecting, just musically feels more together than the rock n roll instrumentals which the last one had. I still think his voice can be bit annoying, but it definitely works perfectly with a few songs. Favourite songs: This years girl, the beat, pump it up. Overall around 7/10
Good, I think I preferred "My Aim Is True", but I really enjoyed this :)
Wild - this was NOT what I expected it to be. Sounds like 2000s indy/pop/punk/rock.
Very good very nice
Full embrace of punk, lots of energy, and intensity like a shot of espresso
Didn't love it as much as "my aim is true" but still a rad album.
Punchy album, has a pretty clear identity and was a fun listen that definitely feels ahead of it's time.
No private session used for Spotify. Elvis Costello is the only Elvis. I have my own best of Elvis Costello play list, there are a couple of songs from this album of it, so of course I like it, though I do prefer my best of rather than listening to this album on it's own.
Great to hear the singles in the context of the whole album. I’ve always liked Declan and still do, great tunes and the attractions really rock on this one, good stuff.
Elvis hat es drauf
*Surely* this 6th album marks the end of my Elvis Costello generator odyssey…? It’s been a journey of highs, lows, and mostly mids, but we’re ending as we started: on a high. There are the usual 3 or 4 standout tracks but the rest are elevated by a winning combination of snarling punk bite and organ-fuelled pop sensibilities. The punchy production sounds excellent for 1978 - it really comes alive played loud through headphones. Well, thanks for everything Elvis. It’s been alright on the whole, hasn’t it?
Really cool record, super energetic and catchy. Enjoyed quite a few tunes but personally took a few listens to properly get into it. Great drum sounds and the recordings sound nice and clean. You can see how it laid the foundations for future bands, i feel like i can definitely hear some remnants of this style in some 00s bands. Can definitely see some influence of Elvis in Miles Kane. Wicked basslines too, the attractions sound great and are really tight. They definitely make the record feel really coherent throughout, providing a strong backbone to Elvis' raw vocals. Overall everything feels pretty dry and raw actually which is a good thing, it lends itself to the record feeling really punchy and effective. The vocals are upfront and overall the mixing is spot on.
I don’t know if I was in a good mood or he hit the opposite of a sophomore slump but this was great! He’s still got a dorky voice though.
Surprisingly good.
An absent possessive apostrophe on the cover notwithstanding – YES. This is such a great record. “The Beat”; “Lipstick Vogue”; “Big Tears” (and the ones I’ve heard before) … it’s just tune after tune. Musically it feels so in conversation with its influences – punk, reggae, Beatles – while also, somehow, knowingly portentous (is all of pop punk contained in that first song?); perhaps easier to just say ‘a musician who loves music’. The best part of 50 years after it was released, it still sounds so fresh and immediate.
Hihetetlen hogy ez 1978-as. Olyan mint valami midwestern emo zene.
Cool and sharp.
Very solid Elvis album! It's so consistently good and the Attractions really shine here along with the songwriting. Liked Songs Added: Pump It Up Lipstick Vogue Radio, Radio
Ive heard the name so many times over the years and didn’t know why he was famous. This was a geeat album
82% Best: The Beat; Pump It Up; (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea; Living In Paradise Must-Hear? Almost
This album is terrific. Loads of topnotch songs that are energetic, danceable, and offer more to think about than just sex and drugs. Every track is strong. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-this-years-model-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
This is a pretty typical Elvis Costello album. Tim: "It's everything I love about Elvis Costello."
Fantastic album.
Ik ben echt een sucker voor lekkere beats, dus The Beat is right up my alley. De up-tempo nummers zijn zo ongelooflijk veel beter dan de ballads(Little Triggers klinkt echt niet goed) en ik ben er nog niet helemaal uit wat ik nou van de zanger vind. Hij klinkt als een soort overdreven versie van zichzelf? Als dat ergens op slaat? Sowieso vind ik de instrumenten en de beats echt de ster van dit album, de zang is vermakelijk maar instrumentaal is het album echt top. Soort van funky of is dat weer new wave? Geen idee, misschien ben ik stiekem een new wave fan, goed om te weten. FAVO: The beat, Pump it Up, i dont wanna go to Chelsea
Great song writing and really catchy spiky tunes - my only negative is his vocal delivery which just don't really do it for me. A high 4.
Rating: 8/10 A fun and catchy album, instrumentally very strong and good enough vocally to be enjoyable all the way through. The bass lines are especially incredible.
7/10 This is my third EC album so far, I’m finding the list’s obsession with him surprising. Is he responsible for at least 0.3% of the most notable albums ever? Having said that, enjoyed this one. Punky power pop with excellent production. Maybe doesn’t have enough variation to really grab me, but you can clearly hear its influence on a lot of things that came later Best: Pump it Up
整體舒服、可以聽完的感覺，但沒有特別突出的地方。電吉他的、其他樂器的搭配很喜歡，尤其是「chelsea」。
Last year’s model.
8/10…proto punk / power pop
Radio Radio 10/10. Kan rigtig godt lide lyden på det her album
Lyder så lækkert! Taber pusten lidt på side B, ellers havde det sgu været en 5er
I wouldn't guess 1978 as release date, the sound feels recent. 3.5->4
Pretty good.
3.5 the clash solista
Es un 7, pero por ser elvis costello, vamos a acercarlo al 8.
Fun album, easy to listen to
Pretty good. A couple 5 star songs. Although EC might be another example of an artist who might be better represented by a best of compilation on this 1,001 list instead of multiple albums that each have a couple classic songs.
We appear to be entering the Elvis Costello phase of the generator. This is very good, but does not have that same something that My Aim Is True has. I wonder if this album is suffering from us listening to them both so close together and my comparison between the two. Would this get a 5 if it were first? No way to tell. (Probably not)
A bit more masculine and far more refined, the second album from Elvis really shows off this talents as a writer, player, and musician finder. The Attractions elevate his sound from My Aim is True without turning it into something too complicated. It's packed with energy and complexity. One of his best
Great rock album. Standouts: Lip Service, Pump It Up, No Action, This Year's Girl.
Probably my favorite Elvis Costello record so far!
Really groovy. I ended up liking the second half a lot better than the first, but it's all around pretty good. Costello's expression in his songs are really a standout here. Love the use of instrumentation and the audio balance was fantastic. Favorites were Lip Service and Lipstick Vogue
I liked it more than I thought I would
Elvis Costello and the Attractions really threaded the needle between New Wave, Punk, and Pop while always being accessible to a wide crowd. The music puts me into the mind frame of the era it came out, it captures the feel and pulse of the its' time.
Solid. 4
the catchiest songs you've ever heard about the worst guy you've ever met. I was fully unprepared for the sheer amount of anger that Elvis Costello radiates on these songs, much of it directed towards women! rock music and misogyny are no strangers to each other, of course, but with this album, I think Costello and The Attractions approach the subject with a satirical angle that's not immediately apparent on the surface. Costello's vocals, particularly on this album's most bitter songs like "Little Triggers" and "Hand in Hand", sneer and simmer with a barely contained rage... and yet The Attractions always make you want to dance! their music acts as a foil to Costello, deflating his rhetoric and turning it back on himself. this is a deeply unsympathetic portrayal of Costello as a man and a human being, and I think he's fully aware of that. hence, this album is an absolute ball. punk rock energy with powerful hooks, all tied together by that kooky organ. decent 8/10.
Very nice - definitely my favourite Elvis Costello that I've heard. I've listened to it twice today, and enjoyed it in two quite different ways. The second time I found it quite moving in parts and lyrically fascinating.
Pretty darn good. I always overlook the Elvis'
Mainio levy! Erittäin hyvää poprokkia. My Aim is True on biisien osalta lähempänä meikän herttaa, mutta ei tää kauas jää. Annetaan nyt neljä tähtee. 4/5
Tästä costellon levystä jopa ihan tykkäsin! Sopivan ironista vinkunaa. 4/5
Gotta love some Elvis Costello
Pretty good album! I liked “Radio Radio” quite a bit.
My favorite Elvis Costello album.
A fun, upbeat album. Really liked the sound on this one.
Probably his best album. Power pop with attitude
Оч мне этот очкарик понравился, спасибо этому сайту за открытия такие. А то слушаю одно говно электронное
This Year’s Model rips, there are some soft moments but it mostly rips from start to finish. The Attractions are fantastic, especially drummer Peter Thomas. Lyrically edgy, sexual (I’m surprised he hasn’t been cancelled yet) Costello always seems to toe the line of just the right amount of subtle melody. This is a great punk rock album 8.8/10
Thoroughly enjoyed this, the influence on early Blur quite apparent. Mostly cracking tunes, highlights being This Year's Girl, Pump It Up (obvs), Chelsea (why on earth was this substituted on the US LP) and Living in Paradise, the latter having a stonking bassline. I'm not usually one for punk, but this is melodic and has the right amount of spike. Definitely one to add to the collection!
I have always been a fan of Elvis Costello and was introduced sometime in the mid 80's to his music. Now this fact made it so my working assumption was always that he was from "around then." Turns out this is a much older album and my mind is blown! This stuff is STILL ahead of its time in a way. Clearly I see this as a huge deal because that means he had to put himself out there and dare to step up; an honestly very difficult thing to do! But there it was. And here we are. I would probably give this a solid three star rating, I don't think it is his best album. However a one star boost is absolutely deserved in consideration of when he put this timeless album out!
The Beat I Dont Want To Go To Chelsea
This Year's Model carries the same sharp lyricism from Costello's first album, but with a more pop-refined approach to songwriting that makes it more appealing to wider audiences. This is best exemplified by Pump It Up and (I Don't Want to Go To) Chelsea, both songs utilizing a strong driving rhythm to sell Costello's excellent new wave hooks. One of the few Costello albums that earns it's place on the list.
A really good album with a lot of great songs. My favorites were Pump It Up and (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea.
This has the perfect dose of 70’s tongue in cheek cringe, but all the tracks absolutely slap. I love the production, and Elvis Costello has definitely grown a ton on me since first listening to this project. There’s no denying the catchiness of these songs, and that this is perhaps his most rounded record I’ve heard so far.
Pretty fun album. Enjoyed it. Standout songs: Little Triggers Lip Service Night Rally
Some really strong singles and hits and some less entertaining tracks. Elvis Costello is far too represented on the list but this one does definitely feel like it belongs here.
New wave pioneers
fun sound, didn't expect to know as many songs as i did.
Best of the Elvis Costello albums so far. I could listen to this.
People who I admire musically always love Elvis, but I've always struggled to get into it. That being said, this was a really good album!
So good
One of a couple out of the 7 or 8 Elvis Costello records I have zero issues with being in the book. Brilliant.
Hm, this does not sound like '78. Way ahead of its time. Sounds 90s to me. And alot of the others more like late 80s I actually didn't hate this one. And will give it 4 stars.
I feel like if you want to take a serious dive into the history of music, much of Elvis Costello's work is a right of passage. As this album shows, he is very much an artist with his own voice, but you can hear the influences as he wears his heart on his sleeve; taking the sounds that influence and interest him and concocting his own experiment out of them. This is definitely one of his better works. Lyrically, Costello is more angry here than usual. Reflecting on a very materialistic society through songs like 'This Year's Girl', 'Pump It Up', and (I don't Want To Go To) Chelsea. Reflections on the struggles of early manhood in 'The Beat'. Dealing with alienation in 'Lipstick Vogue'. And voicing strong criticism while portraying a fear of the far right in 'Night Rally'. This is all packed onto music that is energetic, catchy, with a raw punk attitude; but also feels extremely well produced. He takes elements of punk, channels them through a slick filter, and you can almost hear every pop punk band of the late 90's/early 2000's owing much of their sound and ideas to Costello. Personal highlights: 'This Year's Girl', 'The Beat', 'You Belong To Me', (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea, 'Lip Service', 'Living In Paradise', and 'Night Rally'. It's a pretty packed album with only a couple of songs letting it down a smidge. But otherwise, this is pretty prime Elvis Costello. 4/5
Another singer I know but none of the songs.
9/13/24. Fun, good energy rock album with a lot of pop elements.
An early mix of jazz with pop. Found again Elvis Costello thanks to this.
I do have a soft spot for Elvis Costello. Thoughtful and articulate lyrics, even if a bit obscure at times. Notable songs on this album are "Pump it Up", "I Don't Want to Go to Chelsea" and "Radio, Radio".
Nerding out so cool With an energetic sway Slickly delivered
divertido jazzy y tirando como a blues, I like that 7/10
4/5
My Elvis Costello listening has always only been the more famous tracks and then not really many listens of those. So I was intrigued when this popped up as an album to listen too. And… I really enjoyed it… will defo listen to more of this.
Album 514 of 1001 Elvis Costello & The Attractions - This Year's Model Rating : 4.5 / 5 I like most from him I hear but there is always something keeping from putting him over the top. Like listening but I don't think I would ever be craving to hear something from him.
I was hoping that on another listen through, different songs would stand out to me than the last time I heard it, but that didn't quite happen. The same songs that I got hooked on last time were the standouts again, and all on the first ~1/2 of the album. I think the album gets pretty repetitive by the end, and even the songs themselves are a bit repetitive by the end of their runtime. Though it was a bit tedious by the end when listening to it together as a complete body of work, I think that most of these songs would stand out to me as fun and interesting if they were mixed in with other artists' songs, so I still really enjoy this album overall.
Solid album with multiple hits. Will listen to it again.
Poppy sounding Elvis Costello
Best album we’ve have from EC.
This was a fantastic new wave album. Catchy, experimental grooves throughout and a lot of fun to listen to. Notable Tracks: - Pump It Up - Hand In Hand - (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea - Lip Service - Big Tears - Radio, Radio 8/10
A few good solid songs on there, but not an album's worth.
First time listening to this album. Pop punk with distinctive guard dog like vocals. Many of the songs I've known and enjoy when they are played, but there were a couple of new to me songs that caught my attention like "Lip Service" and "Lipstick Vogue". "Everybody else is overwhelmed by indifference and the promise of an early bed".
Wow...amazing debut album. Will listen to it again.
I'm not the biggest EC fan, but like his songwriting. This album is deceptively inventive without any real hits (I had only heard Pump It Up before). Some cool rhythm changes and details here--reminds me of early Springsteen.
Although I know there are far too many Elvis Costello albums in this collection, I'd definitely vote for this one to remain in a more-reasonable 1001 albums collection, and would be perfectly fine if this were the only one, honestly. There's a lot of great energy and variety in the tracks, and I enjoyed the songs I'd never heard before as much as the hits on this album. (And what great (early) videos/promo films for "Pump it up", "(I don't want to) go to Chelsea", and "Radio radio", although I feared for Elvis' poor ankles throughout.) I also enjoyed reading that Costello managed to piss off Lorne Michaels of SNL by playing "Radio radio" instead of what they agreed to, and got banned for 10 years from SNL. And while the Wikpedia entry for this album is at least twice as long as it should be, I appreciated how it captured how the album was received when it first appeared, as it's often hard to get a feel for what a nearly 50-year-old album sounded like when it was just born. And I completely agree that the Attractions really don't get their due as one of the great backing bands. It makes me curious to listen to the recent version of this album, "Spanish Model", with all lyrics sung by Spanish-speaking singers (but the Attractions remain).
i dont know why none of these 70s albums are hitting for me. i thought this was fine but i wouldnt save any of the songs .. sigh
With 6 songs I liked I'm giving this 4 stars even though there were 7 other songs that I was indifferent to. My faves include: The Beat, the commercialized Pump It Up, (I Don't Want to Go To) Chelsea, Lip Service, Living in Paradise, and Lipstick Vogue. There's a lot of energy here and even in my driving listen I picked up on the mysogyny talked about by the many reviewers in the Wikipedia article for this album. But then you also learn that The Rolling Stones Aftermath was a major influence on this album and you understand. It's art. It doesn't mean that Elvis Costello wants to be a woman-hater. Anyway, there's a lot of good stuff here and then some other stuff that's just kind of here, but the good stuff is really good stuff hence the 4 stats.
The energy of fantastically smart punk, but with a much more colorful sonic pallette, and a much more interesting range of subject matter. Not every song on here is a winner, but there’s a solid selection of bangers. A little ‘80s new wave preview too! Excellent.
Probably only my fourth favorite Costello record and somehow still on the verge of 5 stars. Just wonderfully performed and written. 4.5/5
I’ve never been all in on Costello but I needed to hear something with songs and new wave after a procession of average albums so he gets marked up.
Really fun album. This Elvis guy knows how to make a banging tune - even better than his namesake! Best Track: The Beat Worst Track: Big Tears
Best Song: Pump it up Worst Song: Night Rally
83/100
My favorite Elvis Costello record. So many good tunes. The B side has a few misses. But you can’t ever go wrong with Radio Radio.
I have said a few times that there are too many Elvis Costello albums on this list. This one, however, absolutely deserves to be here. A fantastic and energetic new-wave-and-kind-of-a-bit-of-everything-else record with really fun lyrics and some great musicianship (especially highlighted on Lipstick Vogue)
# Playlist Track - The Beat # Notes - First time listening to Elvis Costello. - Is there some SKA in this thing? I ended up listening to it a few times. A bit more annoyed at first, then got more used to it, and then actually thought it was really cool. - It sounds modern at times. It's fun, but there are a few downers, so I'm taking a start out.
Quite good. Not my normal taste but enjoyed it
Lots to love about this album. For me, it’s mostly the attitude in the lyrics. Costello set the standard that later “pop punks” tried and often fell short of achieving. Certainly not their fault since that’s such a fine line to tread. Fun fact: I first learned of Elvis Costello from a Marvel Comics “team up” issue in 1981 when Spider Man was singing “Oliver’s Army.” Hard to get more pop punk than that!
I have always wanted to like Elvis’ work, but the songs I have heard have not caught my interest (except for the hit “Veronica”). Clearly I have never heard this album. It’s good and catchy; I liked it even better the second time. Probably a 3.5, but I’ll round up to a 4 because it was startlingly not strange.
The more I listen to Elvis and the older I get, the more I like him.
YAYAY
Wow! I actually thought this one wasn’t all that bad. The album is upbeat, catchy, and melodic. The keyboards brought out a distinctive new wave flavor that was colorful and a little quirky. Hopefully, moving forward, I’ll find more Elvis Costello albums I like. So far, the ones I heard before this would have been better off without Elvis Costello’s vocals in the first place.
Probably the best one from him. I mean, if there weren’t five others from him, I think this album would have better reviews.
Was never a huge fan, but this album was good!
Awesome album
I had fun the whole time
The songs were well-written and exciting! I just don't fully vibe with the style of the album.