This Year's Model

Another solid Elvis Costello album; I'm starting to figure out how good he is. Still, I wasn't completely blown away like I was with his debut album. I even went back to the other one to see why I liked it so much. Maybe they're pretty equal and both are worth a 4; I'm not sure this is a 5. I really liked side one, especially the 4-song sequence from No Action to Pump it Up. Side two wasn't as good, but still plenty of energetic fun and great lyrics. I know Chelsea is a big favorite (it's solid) but the track I liked best on side two was Living in Paradise (or maybe Lip Service). I still don't know how to characterize his sound (rockabilly punk?) but I think that's a good thing. It's one-of-a-kind and good.

Really digging Elvis Costello. I enjoyed this album a lot but I'm giving it a 4 rather than a 5 because most of the songs aren't sticking with me (except for Pump It Up, which is a major ear worm). But I definitely want to listen more and dig deeper into his catalog. Good stuff. Favorite tracks - Pump It Up (I knew this song previously but didn't know it was Elvis Costello. Excellent song - really fun), No Action (great start to the album), This Year's Girl (Love the start of the song - I notice a lot of similarity to the Cars, who were contemporaries), Little Triggers (nice laid back tune - I really like his singing style), I Don't Want to Go to Chelsea (this one caught my attention every time I listened even when not paying close attention. Cool track).

The Attractions are amazing, groovy base and drum lines, very fun to listen to. 5 stars. Elvis was fine; odd singing style and very repetetive at times. 3 stars. Averaged out to 4.

Original and groovy

Love this punk!

It's absolutely insane that this relatively mediocre man has nearly 1% of all the albums on this list. That being said, this is easily his best album. If any of his albums deserve to be here, it's this one. The whole thing is pretty light and breezy with some good riffs throughout. Just what ya want in a rock n roll.

This is my 246th album I must hear before I die, and already the 5th Elvis Costello one. Entire genres seem to have been overlooked thus far, but at this rate I'm guessing Costello's entire repertoire has made it onto the list. Now, this might need some culling because not all of them really have the importance or musical need to be there, but at least keep this one on the list. This might just be Elvis Costello's best. Costello, who proves again he's a sort of mix between Graucho Marx and Woody Allen creates razor-sharp songs with rhythm, with a vibe and a sneer here and there. And that sneering clever anger in his lyrics is where his voice lends itself really well for. It's an album that still sounds fresh, even though it's over 40 years old.

Declan stendur ávallt fyrir sínu. Ég velti því fyrir mér hvort það sé nokkurt listafólk annað sem hefur haldið nánast sama sándi gegnum áratugalangan feril sinn.

Didn’t really know what to expect here. (I expect that to be a theme in general here.) Kind of feels like proto-punk almost. I’m a little surprised by the swagger in the vocals. I’m not crazy about the organs, but the songs were mostly pretty slick. Standouts: No Action, Pump It Up, Little Triggers, You Belong to Me

This is better than the other Costello albums on here. I'm still not a fan, but I'm beginning to understand why people like him.

elvis costello - this years model (1978) notes - this albums production has held up super well, sounds great - everything is very clear, direct, punchy - elvis costello has a very specific vocal delivery that i actually enjoyed - short and sweet songs! fav - the beat - i really like the organ in the verses - and the distorted vocals sound really good over this song least fav - little triggers - not a fan of the repeating lyrics or instrumental 4.5/5

Elvis Costello kills. Apparently a lot of people have commented on this album as an influence on the punk genre which was still just starting in the late 70s. I can definitely see; the band is on adrenaline throughout the entire album. Elvis Costello's voice slightly annoys me at times, but his music is good enough to overlook it.

This album came out in 1978 at the advent of new wave which is where I would mostly place this album. It clearly takes a lot from punk but has a great sense of melody that smooths it out a bit. The lyrics focus on disillusion and center in voyeuristic objects giving added significance to the cover art. This album was hugely influential on new wave music and ranks among Costello’s best.

Great listen.

Really good, poppy but punky but groovy. I REALLY need to get better headphones

Great set of tunes, punky/spikey music, great lyrics. This was Costello at his peak.

3.5/5. Best Elvis Costello album I've listened to so far. It's kind of fun, light and enjoyable.

I've only ever listened to My Aim Is True, which is a great album. This just feels like an even better album. From what I read, My Aim Is True was solely Elvis Costello. When the Attractions entered the picture, it really changed the game of what Elvis Costello could create. This had me go down the rabbit hole of reading about Backing Bands, and it totally makes sense how the backing band can open up opportunities for the otherwise solo artist.

Quite a few excellent songs on here. No self-indulgent noodling or overproduction.

Dva puta prošo album, dobar je, sviđa mi se, lako ga je slušat, ritmičan je i feel good nekako i catchy. Taman jedna četvorka ide.

The Beat rules! I don't want to go to Chelsea is classic. Great album overall but not sure I can listen to the whole album at once. Would love to hear any of these songs in mixes though.

I will always give a listen to something new (to me) from Elvis Costello & The Attractions. I usually like at least some of the tracks, even if the whole album doesn't get on my list for a full re-listen. This Year's Model felt more consistent than some of Elvis Costello's other albums. Every track on This Year's Model was at least okay, and most were potential tracks to come back to for a re-listen. I knew the singles "Pump I Up" (my favorite track) and "(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea", but "Lip Service" and "No Action" were tracks that I added to my personal play-list. I could come back to this album for a re-listen.

Iconic and super cool, this album epitomises a whole genre. Tracks are mainly upbeat RnR pop with a smattering of slower tracks that later characterised Elvis's songwriting. Intelligent lyrics and inspired keyboard from Nieve.

I enjoyed this album quite a bit. After the first few songs, I thought I'd get tired of Costello's voice and the energetic cynical lyrics. And while I was not huge on the second through fifth songs, I found the latter half of the album grabbed my attention much more. This isn't my favorite representation of New Wave, but I look forward to hearing more from Costello and other artists like this. (3.5 leaning towards 4 stars)

Pretty interesting to hear inspiration for music I like. Can’t stand his voice.

Apart genre, en ook een nummer met wat nostalgische waarde voor mij

Pretty good. Did not age at all

Always enjoy his music

Good stuff.

Similar to his debut, with some more keyboard thrown in

I never knew he was English, there you go. Still doesn't increase my rating though, albeit I'm being generous as he's a great songwriter, and occasionally his voice carries it off, but too much averageness.

Seriously, how could anyone listen to current popular music and not think, “How did we get from Elvis Costello to One Direction.” It just boggles the mind. (7/10) FT: Little Triggers

The songs are upbeat, driving and have a sense of purpose. Pump It Up is a killer hit. (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea is a good showcase of brit punk/pop. Great album, will need to revisit

This was a great album, lots of hits but also lots of gold in the album tracks. Sounds like a band that has been playing for 20 years, tight and talented.

I've never really listened to Elvis Costello ever. This site has introduced me to a bunch of work, and Honestly It's pretty good.

This is mighty fine. Pump it Up and Radio Radio are both killer tunes but the whole album is solid.

Elvis still had a lot of gas left in the tank when he made this album. There are a number of catchy melodies, he mixes up the styles a fair bit and The Attractions have a nice punchy sound. Overall he was way ahead of most of the "punk bands" around that time, lyrically for sure. I agree with MC in that Lipstick Vogue and Chelsea are highlights. My co-judge can't figure out why Pump It Up was such a hit.

I think Elvis Costello's best work appeared on his first three albums. His debut album is my fav but his second album - This year's model features some real bangers with sweet hooks: This year's girl, The Beat, Pump it up, I don't want to go to Chelsea, Lipstick Vogue and Radio Radio. These songs were veritable anthems in the pop-punk era.

For Pump It Up and Radio, Radio alone I would be 4 stars, have always been on my playlists, I want to say 3.5 for the album but I can't so I rounded up to 4.

Great album - I’d forgotten just how good a songwriter he is. Really enjoyed revisiting this.

Listened to on 5/30/22 4/5 Favorite song: this year’s model, radio radio Elvis Costello continues to be a bop but this album felt a bit more scattered and the end of the songs were repetitive but I would listen again for sure

I think this is his best album. I love how he samples so many types of music in one album but it just doesn't pop like I want it to

Eli is Costello is my guy

A bop and a jam

Solid album all the way through.

It sounds totally out of time, in a good sense! The opening song is like 00s and then you see 1974. Stunning!

Yes

Sneaky good. I'd never guess this is 44 years old. Curious why this guy didn't have a bigger career...

Solid album

I love all things Elvis. I've often wondered if he was handsome whether he would have been more famous. I real the 33 1/3 for Armed Forces and was surprised to learn he had a racist/xenophobic streak in his past. Great music though. Someday I have to do a deep dive on the whole library.

Now I get why Weezer exists

My favourite Elvis.

This album has a small soundstage, but lots of energy. Full of dancey tracks and pop melodies, it sounds a lot like an indie rock record that would have been released in the 2010's. It didn't really blow me away, but it is a very positive listening experience. The record has a super consistent sound and flows well track-to-track. Fave tracks: No Action, Pump It Up, (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea

Wonderful post-punk. I'd forgotten how many of these songs I'd heard independently before and enjoyed so to hear them collected with the rest of the album was great

Liked this one! Pretty fun songs.

Nearly a year into this generator with my first Elvis Costello album. I hear there's a ton. This exceeds my expectations. Costello manages to condense 14 tracks in a single album, at an average length of 3 minutes each. The production is incredibly polished. Everyone is so clear, I'd be willing to just listen to the instrumental. Yet Costello is such an entertaining vocalist, never boring me for a second. This is one of those albums you can hear the transition from punk to New Wave. Not just the direct vocals and forward lyrics, but in the rhythmic, rapid drumming and the guitar controlled yet full of personality. But there's plenty of other genres fused in, like the power pop of "Little Triggers" and "Hand in Hand." It's a very accessible album, easy on the ears, plenty of hooks, and unique synths and other techniques that make each song stand out for one reason or another. And if you don't like one? Easy, just waiting a minute or two and you get something entirely new. Favorites: No Action, The Beat, Pump It, Chelsea, Lip Service, Living in Paradise, Lipstick Vogue

Doesn't have the hooks or the moments of brilliance of My Aim is True or Armed Forces, but makes up for it in sheer consistency. No filler, just consistently good songs.

A very Elvis Costello album. I dig it. I used to think his voice was too whiny, but I guess I've finally aged out of that tone that bothers young people but not old people. It's a solid album--but even more solid in the first half.

Lekkere up-tempo popmuziek, beetje punk- of ska-achtig. Doet me ook af en toe denken aan een Engelse "Doe Maar". Favorieten zijn het openingsnummer "No Action" en "Chelsea". ****

Lively rock, with Costello's distinctive voice decorating the music nicely

Some belting tracks - the singles in particular. Tight band and some novel organ parts.

enjoyable nerd rock

Rating: 3.5/5 Playlist track: Pump It Up Date listened: 08/04/22 Surprisingly energetic and rocky. I enjoyed this a lot. A couple of songs I knew, but had no idea they were Elvis Costello. Love a bit of mellotron.

There was plenty of energy, some decent songwriting, catchy arrangements and great vocals.

Great lyrics and arrangements, there's evidently much talent at work here

A really nice album. Worth listening to twice.

Elvis never does anything remarkably innovative, but he repackages all the great elements of rock and pop of the 50s and 60s, with a bit of that 70s punk edge, never failing to produce a great album.

Just an overall good album, classic rock and roll mixed with some new influences and outcomes an album that keeps a good pace and quality throughout its 40 minutes runtime. Costello doesn't amaze but he never disappoints

Great pop album

Bril

Elvis Costello is another one of those artists I just never listened to. I've heard about him my entire life and may have heard a song of his here and there but never investigated. I regret not doing it earlier. This is great music. Nothing much more to say. The vocals really fit with the music and listening to the 2021 remaster, the production sounds really fresh and great. I know there are more Elvis Costello albums on this list but I might go search them out myself. Also a personal touch is that he lives in my home town and my mother has seem and his wife shopping at the local grocery store numerous times. She's interacted with them a little bit since she is a huge Diana Krall fan and

absolutely loved it.

Forgot how much I loved this album and their music..listened twice was so rocking’

Muito bom.

I love this record. We own it. I listen to it 3-4 times a year. My favorite time listening was just after new year's in the early moments of a year at a party we were hosting a few years ago. I put this record on and the party that was waning picked up. I saw my friend's Dan and Iris making out in the room by the record player. I guess they like this record too. Elvis Costello has so much spunk. And he fits so many damn lyrics into a single 3-minute song.

Elvis Costello is cool, man. Like in a timeless way. Any of his stuff could have been released at just about any point in time and been just far enough outside the mainstream to be recognizable and relevant, but also way different and cooler than everything else.

Housework music lol

This was a fun listen. None of the songs stood out to me, but none of them were uninteresting

My second EC album on the list and this one different than his later Imperial Bedroom - definitely a more raw approach which I think he had for his first ~3/4 albums. Major point: I love Costello's bass playing; I thought that warranted more credit than I ever remember hearing - it really drives all of these songs and it's hot in the mix. Overall this album is catchy as hell, with "Pump It Up" always being a radio favourite of mine and the US versions of this album always contained "Radio Radio" which is another classic 70s pop rock tune. One detailed semi-negative -> I do like his early material far more than after e.g. first 4 albums but in retrospect I sometimes grow tired of that organ. It's definitely a *sound* and in a lot of ways that's a great thing for an artist to have; to me it is distinctly Elvis/The Attractions, but just something a bit droning at times. Anyways - a fun album that doesn't necessarily give me chills but it's quality driving late 70s raw rock and I'll always enjoy hearing it. 7/10 4 stars.

pretty fun stuff as usual

This is the most Elvis Costello I have listen to in one sitting. Loved it!

Great rock album Very groovy Easy listening

I'm discovering I've got a thing for punk rock bands with keyboards.

I liked most of the tracks on this album, not all of them. But it's not hard to see the significance this album has had on albums in the future.

A few familiar tracks. Very of its time, clearly influential.

-"The Beat," "Pump It Up," "(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea," "Lipstick Vogue," and "Radio, Radio" are all quite good songs -"Lipstick Vogue" has an awesome drug intro and sweet bass throughout -Solid rock album, I like the bass throughout it

Elvis for sure has a unique sound. This one had a couple I've heard before, they are great, but overall the album is solid.

Pretty good. 7/10. Not as strong as my other 4s but better than the 3s.

Elvis Costello is one of those musicians that I've never really listened to, but that I've always been curious about. This was certainly the right album for me to listen to to get into him. It's poppy, but still innovative. You can tell right away from listening to this album that it influenced a lot of music that came after it. Solid 4/5, and I could see this being 5/5 with repeated listens

I know Elvis C. isn’t everyone’s favorite. But this is a great album! 4.5

loved it.

Enjoyed this more than My Aim Is True, maybe because of the addition of the Attractions which gives the sound more power, Pump It Up the best track

Like

Ik mag die Elvis wel

Eindelijk eens een Costello plaatje dat ik wel echt tof vind.

Goed album!

I think I gave it this score last time

Good Elvis C

Fun and upbeat

Excellent album. Hard to believe it's only his second album - it sounds much more mature than that. 4 stars.

So many classics; and the furious energy of the band.

I groaned when I saw another Elvis Costello album pop up, but that was a mistake. In my opinion, this is much better than the others. Good Rock n Roll energy throughout all the tracks. Vocals seemed more immediate, and was musically just all around better/good. Standouts: “Pump it Up” and “Radio Radio” ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Rounding up.

Maybe this is blasphemy, but this gave me some poor-man's Spingsteen vibes? Just with a lot less Jersey. This Costello album explains why he should be on the list and has good vibes. Still strongly believe blood and chocolate needs to be removed from the list for excessive mediocrity.

I enjoyed this one, wouldn’t have thought it was as old as it was - sounded a lot more up to date

Yeah pretty solid stuff

Classic.

Pretty cool shit.

Nice

Cool and classy.

Enjoyed this more than I was expecting to. Good pace and interesting songs throughout.

Really enjoyed this album.

4/5 very enjoyable listen. Would listen again

Instrumentally and vocally felt like a precursor to modern pop punk. Already sold. 4/5

Pretty fun an album, nowhere near Budokan but I liked this enough to check out Elvis Costello for his voice and sound. Maybe a few songs that aren't as exciting as the rest, but I vibe to this big time. 4+/5

Costello’s best album. The band sounds great together. I love the stab of the organ over the punchy rhythm section and Costello’s breathless vocals. Classic tracks throughout.

good album

It was a ride loved it

Really liked this. Cool voice and playing was good. Not a song I would skip.

Ganska bra faktiskt

Very cool album. Costello always sounds modern to me. Crazy.

Another day, another Elvis Costello album. However, unlike yesterday's middling Brutal Youth, this was excellent. His band The Attractions are super-tight particularly on the jerkier, New Wave tracks (Pump It Up is close to perfect), and I can understand the credit Costello gets as a talented songwriter/lyricist. The production is much crisper than Brutal Youth too, everything sounds clear and sharp rather than the slightly muddy mastering of the later album - really brings out the way the band fit together so perfectly. Didn't tire after a few listens today, will return in the future. It also introduced me to their infamous fuck-you SNL performance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD_24nDzkeo Top Tracks: Pump It Up, (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea, Lipstick Vogue

годно, мне зашло. Особенно вместе с фактом того, что это 78-й год. Мне кажется, это вот как раз переломный момент, когда совсем уж обскурная поп-музыка 60х-70х приобрела плюс-минус современные очертания (которые тоже уже уступили место новым трендам, но которые мне хотя бы полностью понятны). На самом деле это очень добротный поп-рок альбом, который вполне спокойно мог выйти и в 90-х и даже, может быть, в начале нулевых, если сдобрить его щепоткой эмо-стайла по принципу Фолаут Бой. Не сказать, что все песни прямо запали, но мотивы прикольные, теперь я понимаю, кем вдохновлялись, например, Weezer. Место среди обязательных к прослушиванию альбомов, на мой взгляд, имеет право занимать. За хорошее настроение поставлю даже 8

I enjoyed this one a lot, fun and well made new wave

Very into this.

I feel mostly good things about this album. I like all the songs and it has a really cool energetic rocky vibe. The singer is pretty over the top with how he expresses himself, and sometimes his lyrics seem a bit weird and problematic. Will take more time to appreciate this, but overall I really dig these jams.

Better than I thought.

Tuttu nimi, mutta ei ollut käryä musiikista. Yllättävän toimivaa tavaraa ja menevää rytkettä.

Olis varmaan pitänyt arvostella sillon kun oli kuunnellut. No, muistaakseni mietin et ihan neloskamaa suhteessa aiempiin. Et mennään sillä. :D

Enpä muista että olisi koskaan aiemmin tullut tätä Elvistä kuunneltua, olisi varmaan pitänyt... Mielikuva oli, että Elvis Costello soittaisi jotain nyyhkymusaa keski-ikäisille mammoille. Kaikkea muuta! Menevää musaa tämä levy, melkein kuin punkkia. Lipstick Voguen bassokuviot olisin voinut kuvitella vaikka johonkin Rancidin biisiin.

Pretty good

Another pretty good album. Around a 7 or an 8.

This was a cool record, solid follow up to my aim is true. I can see how a lot of rock derived from this in the 80s.

“This Year’s Model” by Elvis Costello & The Attractions (1978) Now here’s some music with a real message: Clever, well-informed anger, with compositional features to match. Costello gets it. He puts the rock in rock & roll (and, of course, ‘rolling’ into it plenty of obscene innuendo). I hope serious listeners of the 21st century will not be misled by his dismissive and sarcastic denunciations of everything that brings power and pleasure to the definers (owners) of culture. Beneath his neo-prophetic blast is a mind seeking the good, the true, and the beautiful. He pisses off all the right people with extreme prejudice. Musically, Costello is fond of the compositional device of ‘bending’ classic rock & roll sonic tropes toward the irrational. It’s more sophisticated than mere mockery. It reflects a redemptive abandonment of mid-60s popular culture’s self inflicted illusion of hopefulness. It’s a musical expression of the reason why a question mark is curvy and an exclamation point is straight. Now, Costello’s voice is so-so, and he overuses cocky stylings to compensate (It would be interesting to hear Henry Rollins cover Costello tunes). But his band, The Attractions, is great, and his own guitar work is more than competent. Given the 1978 date of this album, I think it can be seen as a precursor to intelligent punk and grunge. This album is definitely worth a listen, and probably worth some thoughtful reflection. Unless you’re already familiar with the Book of Jeremiah. 4/5

Still Elvis Costello, still pretty good. I think I liked it a tad less than the other one but not very significantly. 8

A solid, early new wave record with some surprising instrumentation. STANDOUTS: -The Beat -Pump It Up -Hand in Hand -(I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea -Lip Service -Living in Paradise -Lipstick Vogue -Radio, Radio

Very nice

Finally been getting into Elvis recently and I like this one a lot. The guitar tone is so great to my ears. Jazzmasters for everyone!

Great melodies! Still iffy on Costello’s voice though.

THIS IS GOOOD

This was far better than I expected. It felt like this could have been released today.

Theres some real early signs of punk rock here, and according to the internet that is exactly what it is. My mum has always gone on about Elvis Costello and I just assumed he was some buddy holly type that wouldn't be up my street; however this was a surprise winner for me. I really enjoyed the guitar, synth and punky voice, plus I never knew "Pump It Up" was such an early song, it sounds like something from the 1990/2000s

I always forget that I like Elvis Costello. Peppy and fun, nerdy yet also dumb. Pump It Up is one of my fave pop songs I think?

7

Very good.

I think I finally get him now! He's a punk!

Pretty good! Wasn't sure how to classify it.

Aight

I like this, usually find his voice annoying, but it's not too affected on this record. Some good, fun tunes.

The stride is hit in track four when the production switches to something vampy enough to blend with Costello's vocal affect. This is exemplary of the punk side of new wave, with a few references to other genres: I caught country and hard rock on a not-too-careful listen. The attitude is sneering, which is appropriate for the year and genre (I think new wave now is best melancholy). If there's any lack, it's in the relative simplicity of the arrangements. Melodies are spread out nicely across the band: Neither bass nor keyboard nor voice dominates the record.

this is not really my type of music but once i opened my heart to it it wasn't bad! i'm not even being funny but i genuinely feel like i would like this vibe better if i was a man. not bad tho. 3.25/5?

3.7 idk. i really cant push it to 4 though

I liked it and hated it at the same time. Rounding up from a 2.5/5.

Better than the last Elvis Costello album we had but still not great. This had a bit more influence on the music world and the song writing was more consistent and concise, but I just don’t find Elvis that interesting even if he makes listenable music. Favorite songs: -The Beat -Pump it Up -Lipstick Vogue Rating 6/10

The album wasn’t as good as my other Elvis Costello album I had There’s a handful of standout tracks but nothing is crazy impressive here Favorites: pump it up, you belong to me, lip service, I don’t want to go to Chelsea 2.5 or 3/5

Favorite Song: (I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea Least Favorite: Big Tears

Можливо після того як прочитав в книзі про 2 tone, що Костелло зпродюсував видатний дебютний альбом The Specials в мене думка про нього десь на підсвідомості змінилася на краще. Або цей альбом просто кращий порівняно з тим, де слони на обкладинці. Вистачає хороший пісень, цікава гітара багато де, досить хітові шматки є. Мені все ще не дуже імпонує його подача в багатьох місцях, але й вже так вухо сильно не ріже. Такий приємний павер-поп/рок альбомчик

"Елвіс Костелло це загадка для мене. Багато разів я намагався слухати, але так і не зміг зрозуміти прикол цієї музики. Звісно ж це не є поганий альбом або щось таке, але і зрозуміти в чому суть я не можу." [3] Але тут мені сподобалась пісня Lipstick Vogue

Can't deny that there are some fantastic catchy hooks on this record, and for the most part it's a fun listen. Pump It Up is the obvious highlight, but there are 3-4 other tracks that feel memorable & very well put together. The record just feels like it's missing something for me though - almost like it needs a little more variety or a bit more soul in the delivery. I'll go for a 7/10 - a good listen, really fun in parts, but somehow still lacking for a higher score.

Elvis Costello just isn’t for me, but of all his albums from 1001, this is probably the one I’d pick as the one I disliked the least. Doesn’t overstay its welcome, enjoyed the music itself, just don’t care for Costello’s voice

Standouts Pump It Up Lipstick Vogue

Couldn’t get through the whole thing

It's 3.5

Unfortunately, I grew up in an anti-Elvis Costello household, so I came into this one pretty biased. After giving this album a shot, I can't say I hated it, but it didn't really impress me either. His voice kind of gets on my nerves (I would love to try to hear Elvis say an "ee" sound just once in his life), and the lyrical content of some of the songs was a bit creepy in a way I didn't love. Instrumentals were okay but the whiny synth really isn't my favorite either. Overall a very middling album. Favorite tracks: The Beat, Pump It Up

Good overall. A new artist exploration for me. While vaguely familiar with EC, I have never dove in. I might explore a bit more. Not exactly my favorite music style to sit with for very long but good nonetheless.

Dang... I sort of liked this. I'd call it middling rock music that doesn't sound like what I think Elvis Costello sounds like. I think I give too many 4s, but this is definitely 3.5 material at a minimum.

Not really my style, a bit too much vocal theatrics for my taste — art for the times I guess, but I want more raw feeling. Fun energy though. "Pump It Up" was a highlight, sounds like it belongs in an early-2000s movie. Rest of the tracks didn't grab me and wouldn't put this on for myself, but it's solid.

Se hace entretenido de escuchar pero no hay nada que realmente me atrape. Canción fav: pump it up. No tendría problema de volver a escucharlo pero no creo que suceda.

Was not the type of rock I was anticipating, enjoyed

Im not even 200 albums deep in this project and this is my 4th Elvis Costelo album, please make it stop. It sounds exactly like his other albums but somehow the singing is even more shit here. Its honestly almost impressive. Ill give it a 3 because its not the worst thing but it could very much be a 2 too. Almost over with this guy/5

achei gostoso de ouvir porém bagunçado. as partes em espanhol eu achei criativas e num geral o álbum me empolgou, mas não sei se ouviria novamente.

3.5

It wasn't my type, but it was good enough.

I feel like I should really like this guy… but I don’t. He’s fine. There’s nothing that really stands out to me apart from the singles. That’s not a fantastic sign.

Sounds like Elvis Costello. The singles bring back memories but the rest is kinda similar and not quite as memorable.

he just does not excite me. It's nice I guess

Ei parasta Costelloa imo.

This is one I’m familiar enough with already to know it’s going to get a 3 star rating from me (though I will still listen to it again just to be sure my feelings haven’t changed). I will always love Pump It Up and Radio, Radio but the album as a whole does not hold my interest in any meaningful way.

Stabilt album. Catchy och trevligt att lyssna på. Starka låtar rakt igenom även om jag inte har någon direkt favorit.

Klinkt als een 90s/2000s album lol

Soooo much Costello on here, this is the 4th one I review? Surely they're not all worthy of the list. He still has that ooga booga voice that's kind of obnoxious, but the instrumentals themselves I enjoyed more. 3* Highlights: chelsea, radio radio

Standard Elvis Costello produce. Not as bad as 'Blood and Chocolate' but not as good as 'My aim is true'.

Pump it Up is great, but not much on this suggests I should end my 50+ year streak of largely ignoring this dude.

Pretty good so far i would probably think 3/5 so far. 6/10 "No Action" 6.5/10 "This Year's Girl" 6/10 "The Beat""Pump It Up" 5/10 got a little repetitive "Little Triggers" 5/10 "You Belong to Me" 5.5/10 "Hand in Hand" - dont even remember "(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea" 7/10 "Lip Service" 6/10 "Living in Paradise" 6/10 "Lipstick Vogue" 7/10 uptempo goodness I go back and forth on not liking his voice, but the instrumentation is pretty spot on in this.

Buen album, muy entretenido de escuchar.

Pump it up obviously great, rest is fine

Seis discos de Elvis Costello no livro?! Um exagero para a um discografia irregular e sem nenhum álbum de merecido destaque. Dos 4 ouvidos até agora, este é o melhor. 3,5* no RYM.

p401. 1978. 3 stars. Late 70s self loathing. Lyrically as sharp as a razor, some real highlights that were singles, and Steve Nieve and The attractions are on top form. Set against that, there is a lot of filler, and Costello has a dreadful habit of strangling his vocals - he and Kevin Rowland share the same voice coach :(

Well produced, very groovy, but annoying vocals and a lack of identity or themes. That pretty much sums up my opinion on this, but other than I noted the drumming and bass being really good, both fitting really well into their pockets whilst adding some really interesting fills and extras. On the vocals though, I don't know if I've just listened to too much instrumental music, but I just feel like they don't really add much to the music especially when his voice is a bit boring and the lyrics don't really do anything interesting. It was also pretty same-y but it's alright because the musicians were good.

Ok; didn't enjoy it as much as his one that came up for me earlier, but not bad

It was pretty good, sounds ahead of its time, I thought it was 90’s, was surprised when I saw 1978, the songs were good tho and I could really feel the soul of the music if ykwim but I don’t have much to say, nothing really jumped out at me or stood out too much

Still finishing the album. Will get back to you.

Weird, but alright at the same time?

I feel like Elvis Costello would take about how great paintings of soup cans are. 2.8

I probably need to stop listening to these albums while I work. I lose too much of the album to the background. Anyway, I remember enjoying this but can’t bring it back to my brain enough to give a cogent review. 6/10 Pretty Good

Critics like Elvis Costello because they look like Elvis Costello.

One of those albums where when I'm done listening, I think to myself: "This must have been the beginning of or influence of something better later on".

Fun music but I didn’t like his voice

Costello, at his best, can pump you up and bring a lot of energy to the party, with tracks like “The Beat,” “Radio, Radio,” and, well, “Pump It Up.” But the rest of the time he just seems like a guy whining about his ex-girlfriends.

I listened to this earlier this year! I really want to like elvis costello because he was in Austin Powers. I love the guitar, and the melodies are unique, and there's no doubt he's super talented... but I feel like the music would be that much better if there was a different singer.

None of these songs really grabbed my attention.

Tom petty vibes

Ok

Surprised by how many songs I already knew, I just had no idea they were Elvis Costello. 3.5

Sound’s surprisingly new

good vibes

This was actually a really fun album. Kind of had a 60s vibe, but could tell it was late 70s.

Real lackluster compared to his other stuff I've heard

maior elvis da historia

Steady eddy, EC's just a perennial 3 for me. Easy, enjoyable, not overly cooked, but nothing super special.

This one didn’t hit right away, but eventually I started kinda digging the vibes. At times it almost reminded me of The Who with a different sort of flair. Pretty good, but not something I’d add to the rotation. 3.5

Not bad. Good energy.

High 3. Enjoyable. I’d peg this for an 80s album, so it sounds a bit fresher than its age. I don’t think I’ve ever listened to any Elvis Costello really, so this was a nice intro.

Never got super into Elvis Costello- much to my dad’s chagrin. Listening now, it’s fine but something about the “Elvis Costello” persona just doesn’t click with me. Not bad vibes per se, but strange vibes - like “I’m so kooky and weird” while being neither lmao

Stark trea

Rätt bra ju!

Tycker ändå den här är klart sämre än den första. Finns bättre skivor från Elvis! Men ah, det är ju bra.

Känns lite som ett mellanalbum va.

This album is fine. It is not Costello’s best, both musically and lyrics-wise, but I’ll say his voice annoyed me less in this one than it has in others. His songwriting has always impressed me. His playfulness with genres has always amused me, but this was a little more sedated. Which ultimately made it safer, but not as interesting.

It was ok but not really for me.

i would say that sonically this album was exactly like i thought it would be. i can describe it by saying that it would be a perfect fit for a teen movie taking place in the fall, as well as a b class comedy, if you know what i mean. four songs especially caught my eye, including „this year’s girl”. overall, the listening experience was fine but it’s not something i will come back to

eh

Not a big fan but it's an influential record and fine

Just like the last Elvis Costello album I got, this is mostly uninteresting tracks and I still don't like his voice. This time there are 2 or 3 actually good tracks where I don't mind the vocals so much because the music is good. 3.5

This Year’s Model ist für mich ein typisches „so lala“-Album: bissig, nervös, voller Costellos Energie – aber nicht immer treffsicher. Die Attractions spielen scharf und kantig, doch vieles rauscht eher vorbei, als dass es wirklich hängen bleibt.

Honestly, I found this one just okay. Didn’t really click for me.

i have never been an Elvis Costello fan so this one doesnt really do anything for me.

It was a solid album liked the beat and instrument 5.8/10

I don't get the fascination with Elvis Costello.

This guy has an extensive history in music which is interesting! Music is ok but don’t feel the urge to save on any playlists 3/5

Really enjoyed this. Production doesn't make it sound 45 years old which gave it certain feel. Definitely give this another listen.

solid album with a consistent sound and theme, enjoyed listening to the whole thing as a project, with a few good songs i liked individually

Today is a great day. That was the last Elvis Costello album I am required to listen to. This one was comparatively not as bad, but I'm still thrilled nonetheless.

This was a decent album, nothing stood out in a good or bad way for me.

Highlights: No Action, This Year's Girl, The Beat, Pump It Up, Chelsea, Lipstick Vogue, Radio, Radio The album started off strong with a lot of energy and a good vibe, but it honestly got a bit tiring by the end. Some of the later tracks sort of blend together sonically and don't stand out as much or aren't as fun to listen to. Considering that I liked about half of the tracks, the album gets a solid average rating.

It was fine Too far behind to say anything more

Radio, Radio is a good one I’ve heard before. Pump it up was also good. A decent upbeat album all around.

It's sharp, it's well-played and passionately sung... but nothing held my attention here.

Струйка и холка бобра

Better than the last Evil Costello I heard but still wasn’t too impressed.

There were some early hints of new wave, punk rock and alternative rock in this album which were fun, but something about his voice just annoys me. This was a fine album, but just not my favorite.

Nett aber unspektakulär

Some nice drum bits. Otherwise, it felt like the like a proto version of ‘music that’s not for me’

Costello har fått med sex album i boken, vilket är omotiverat många. Inte för att det är uselt, men har man hört ett har man hört alla. Bäst på den här skivan är garagerockiga Pump it up och soulballaden Little triggers. Blir samma betyg som My aim is true, men i en svagare variant.

Har bara hunnit slölyssna. Lät mer bra än dåligt.

Ett bra Costello-album. Ett gediget hantverk utan att vara fantastiskt. Finfint trumspel I No action.

That has to be enough EC now, though he has grown on me a little bit. He feels a little bit ahead of his time in pop rock terms but at the same time much older from the themes. Why's he banging on about girls at the prom and that (or similar, can't remember the exact content)? I think that I quite like the first song or two but the schtick wears out fast because it's very similar. I think lipstick vogue and/or night rally were the best of them. Will be generous and say 2.5/3.

5th Elvis Costello album we've had so far, I don't mind him, but I would say that's perhaps too many Elvis Costello albums! Enjoyed it again. That riff on pump it up must've been used loads as it feels very familiar, but I don't think it's from the original that I recognise it. Maybe an advert? I knew (I don't want to) go to Chelsea too, which is good. My favourite album of his we've had is still the first one we had (blood and chocolate), and every passing album of his we have which doesn't live up to it, dilutes my opinion of him. We'll always have blood & chocolate Elvis 3.5

7/10

Prima

Ik keek zo op tegen deze maar dit is gelukkig aanzienlijk beter dan 'My Aim Is True'. Nog steeds geen artiest waar ik zelf naar terug zou komen.

Это хорошо, не выбесило и на этом спасибо

3.25-ish. It’s nice.

Pov : je suis Marty McFly au bal de fin d’année ; un peu mysogyne et le bro arrive pas à articuler for the Life of him.

Better than I thought. I'll listen to it again.

6- / 10

Ok, so this is similar to how I felt about the first album I got to listen from this list from mr. Costello - pretty aight, 3 stars but not more

One of my favorite parts of this exercise is trying to imagine the album of the day in the context of when it was released. Trying to imagine what it must have felt like to take each album home - not knowing what was hidden in the record grooves and exploring the record, the sounds, the textures for the first time. I never understood why or how Elvis Costello was/is considered punk. It’s power pop. Pure, straightforward, pop.

Ok pero no para mí

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

As with Imperial Bedroom, I feel like I'd like most of these songs significantly more if they were being sung by anyone other than Elvis Costello. I found more to like here than on IB though, but it's still a straight down the middle pick for my tastes. When it's great, it's great. When it grates, I'm in hell.

besser als sein solo zeug aber immer noch langweilig

reminds me of my parents. its crazy how timeless some of it sounds. i never noticed before but christopher owens has almost the same voice as elvis costello. they both kinda sound like they have a cold (in a good way). i don't love most of the songs though and the beat remains the best one on this album

Compared to Chocolate & Blood this is the best album of all time - ergo a 3

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

New wave power pop with 60s and punk influence. The sound is defined by his voice and the keyboards. The best songs are the more edgy ones (Pump it Up and I Don't Wanna Go to Chelsea). The more pop songs are so so and drive the overall album rating down. Some songs sound like his others with his cadence.

The album was mostly good, the Attractions are a nice band, I want to rip Elvis Costello's vocal cords, out with my bare hands.

Inoffensive but a lot of it sounds like pink being played in the house next door

Oh, well, he has done much better later. I'm not a big fan of his early stuff.

Also a cozzy album i would play as background if I owned a coffee shop.

Another album that probably didn't have the right set or setting for me to sit and appreciate properly. This felt a bit busy and all over the place but if I had the space to listen to this more carefully I might appreciate it more. I feel like all the pieces are there for me to like Elvis Costello, but without more familiarity I can't say I really got this album.

Easy listening sing-along tunes, some great hits.

Reminded me of that clash album, but better

Nothing to particularly write home about but not wholly unpleasant. Fine.

All the right Costello ingredients, just didn’t quite hit on first listen but will revisit. Spanish version muchos intriguing.

Fun, catchy as hell, cool to have such an influential album come up that might stay in my rotation

O cara tem uma voz de bêbado bem característica de alguns outros que a gente já ouviu. Pior que achei bem chatinha, repetitivo, a voz cansa. É animado, voz contagia, mas ao mesmo tempo enjoa. Vou dar 3 na dúvida.

Rate: 7/10.

This is probably my favorite Elvis Costello album. It's weird how low the guitars are mixed. Pump it up is a good song. I don't think I like Elvis Costello.

'78-'83 is the Elvis Costello era I like. What's interesting tho is each album from this period is a mixed bag. Some great songs, some meh songs. There was a Best Of put out in 1985. That thing I played to death when I was a kid. My fav Elvis Costello songs are not on this record. The goodies from this one: The Beat, Pump It Up, Chelsea, Radio Radio, Lipstick Vogue, You Belong to Me

This was the best of the Elvis Costello albums but that isnt saying much because it’s still Elvis Costello

Nunca lo habia escuchado y me parecio bastante divertido

Didn’t have high expectations for this one, the last Elvis Costello album I got was terrible. This one though, it’s not bad. Some of the songs sounded like they were made for a 90’s rom com montage, but on the whole this album is enjoyable. It’s still in the vein of mainstream non offensive “rock” but there’s something there for sure

A few songs I like and the rest of the album pretty average. I don't think this is an album that I would revisit.

I'm sorry that I am unable to appreciate Elvis Costello more than this.

This is the only Elvis I will listen to. I like the sound of his music.

This is probably the best Elvis Costello album I’ve had so far. He’s mostly not for me but I do really like Pump It Up!

This one here is a classic Elvis Costello album. Much is said about the large number of inclusions of its discography but for once and deservedly so, this album is a worthy addition. 8/10 [KEEP]

reminded me of will woods ngl dunno why, prolly cuz of the vocals, so far it's aight, smth I could listen to if anyone put it on I can imagine that this artist was influential in a way during his time

Retro charm meets modern energy

Elvis Costello has a fun and unique sound along with some hits I recognized from growing up, but I wasn’t in the mood for a full album of it today.

I feel like Elvis Costello can get a bit of a bad rap these days. Sure, his stuff was a bit overplayed in the late 70s, and maybe having 5 albums of his on this list is... well okay yeah he's not THAT good. But on This Year's Model in particular, I feel like Costello's style of New Wave-inspired Pop Punk ends up working pretty well! I especially like how Steve Nieve's keyboard sounds on a lot of the tracks such as "You Belong To Me" and "This Year's Girl". A bit dated, maybe, but still really nice to listen to. Costello's vocals are. Well. About as much as you can expect from Costello, although I do like how he sounds on "No Action" a good bit. For an Elvis Costello album, this is well-above the rest. Sadly that bar wasn't exactly high to cross in the first place.

Solid.

3.25 - I liked it more than the last time I tried it.

Ni slabo

He's got his own unique sound, a few good songs on here.

Elvis Costellos poppy sounds are always a fun listen, but the sequence of short and lively songs left little impressions. A fun listen, but not one I'm not going to revisit

I don't particularly enjoy Elvis Costello's vocals or his music overall. It can be repetitive and grandiose at times, which I feel is why Pump it Up is one of his only hits, given that it has an easy hook and simple rhythm. That said, his music sounds ahead of its time and I can see why it found popularity in a time without much competition among the genre.

I couldn't really get into his voice, but the instrumentals and music itself was very good. You can clearly hear how much this album has meant for later genres that I really enjoy so it gets points for that.

Not exactly a grating voice, but it gets a little annoying after so many songs. The album feels very modern for the year it was released, it's timeless. Sadly, aside from Pump It Up, it wasn't that interesting to me.