Reviews (page 6 of 12)
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Eh
I really do like the thought and ideas Costello put into this album and some of his other albums (but mainly this one.) But I just can't seem to jive with him other than a song here and there. I'm not completely sure what it is, I think it's the way he sings the lyrics (not the voice) are what I don't like. Also just a lot of the tracks are underwhelming, and lack any substance for me. This is my second listen of this album (first listen was a year and a half ago/before I started the generator.) Second listen didn't help it's case, I can't get with some of his other albums, so I might simply just not like music of his. Oh well, at least "Pump It Up" is an amazing song. Highlight Song/s: "Pump It Up"
This is a strange one for me, because I can tell the music is good, I can tell Elvis Costello is a solid songwriter and vocalist with a backing band playing a great album, and I listen to a healthy enough lump of Costello that I'm neither unfamiliar with his work or actively not a fan of him. This all seems to point towards a favourable review. Tragically, I just didn't click with this album. I can't even put my finger on anything specific, there was just no spark. Good musicianship, just lyrics, good songs, dare I say good album overall. It pains me to give what-I'm-deeming an objectively good album a middling score of 3, but the lack of personal connection on this one... I can't compute it, it just didn't work for me. I've seen plenty of people leave 1 star reviews for the same reason, I'm not going to be that cruel, it just, as so many people have said before about so many different things, wasn't for me. Sorry Elvis.
While I can see the influence this album has and some songs were really good. This album as a whole wasn’t mind blowing, but I will return to a good chunk of songs.
I feel like I could listen to it again? It’s alright. I feel like a lot of these albums are just meh
I don't quite love it but I certainly didn't mind listening
Solid power pop album with plenty of hits. Loses a bit of steam towards the middle, but finds back to old form in the second half. Oh, and I accidentally found out what They Might Be Giants must have listened to when they wrote "They'll need a crane" ... spoiler: It's "Hand In Hand".
All elvis Costello sounds the same to me
If Television time traveled and also became the get up kids
'Radio, Radio' is an all-time banger. This isn't my favorite album of his, but still a wonderful, bop-filled listen.
Elvis Costello's redemption
Crazy that this was made in the year it was I can appreciate the expression in his voice But idk. It was surprisingly fun sounding though
Surprised how modern this album sounded! Incredible bass tones and really locked in performance by the whole band. It's funny his name is Elvis bc he sounds a little like Elvis. Clearly an influence on [[The New Pornographers]] and other indie hybrid synth/rockers. I'd give this album a 4 but I felt the underlying gender tension was uncomfortable. It seems there's been a lot of discussion about whether this album is misogynistic or at least adversarial towards women or whether he's simply assuming that persona/viewpoint as a chacter sketch (supported by the album cover). Either way it's something that might make me less likely to revisit what was otherwise a great album.
Pourquoi pas C'est assez entraînant J'aime bien l'idée C'est assez répétitif quoi 3
Great Songs: No Action, Pump It Up Good Songs: Tiny Steps, This Year's Girl, You Belong To Me, Hand In Hand, Lip Service, Lipstick Vogue, Radio, Radio, Mid Songs: The Beat, Little Triggers, (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea, Living In Paradise, Night Rally, Big Tears Bad Songs:
I'm digging this one. Not the biggest Elvis Costello fan, but I'm coming around. There's some fun stuff on here. It's interesting hearing this and knowing when it was released. You can hear how this style began to permeate throughout the 80s in particular. Dig it.
Nee, dit is nog niet het laatste album van Elvis Costello dat we voor onze kiezen krijgen! Zes albums heeft de man erin staan, en euhm ja, waarom eigenlijk? Ik vind het wel aardige muziek, maar zo speciaal is het nou ook weer niet. Ik bedoel, wat staat er op deze plaat? Een zuurstokorgel, een ripoff van The last time van de Stones, en het typische neuzelstemgeluid van de man zelf natuurlijk. Hier is echt helemaal niks bijzonders aan. Zonde, want hier had ook gewoon nóg een plaat van Morissey kunnen staan. Hm, nu ik het over deze snoblieveling heb, wanneer krijgen we dáár weer eens een album van? (Kijkt naar het album van morgen) Oh ja...
This is pretty good. I’m a bit of an Elvis Costello fan. I probably wouldn’t own a copy of this but it’s probably better than The Black Album.
It was fun but forgettable
Another ok album. Another not my style.
Finally, the last Costello album on this list. And all sound the same, somehow. This is his second album, so a bit more on the lower end.
Álbum divertido, dinamico. Así muy especial? No lo sé, se parece a muchas cosas que he oído. Pero eso no le quita lo divertido
Excellent album. A 3,8
Siento que es un indie ochentoso, podrían ser tranquilamente temas de los strokes o arctic monkeys pero con un toque ochentoso. Me hizo acordar a the kooks ni bien sonó el primer tema.
How is it possible that Elvis Costello is English and David Byrne is American? I could never figure that one out.
Good
Certainly one of the better of this legion of albums by Elvis Costello. I think this is as high as he goes…
Gun
Cookie-cutter /5
#88/1001 🇬🇧 I like the earlier era Elvis much more than his later stuff. This is punchy, up beat record with some sharp lyrics and a great backing band. I think that its Best tracks: (I don't want to go to) Chelsea, Little Triggers, Pump it Up.
Classic
5/10 Best songs: You Belong to Me, Lip Service, Lipstick Vogue First time listening to Elvis Costello and my big takeaway is that his vocal affectation and pared back music give big pop-punk vibes, albeit 20 years too early. I'm of the opinion that this would be a good album if it were sung by someone else (who didn't do the specific pretentious affectation Elvis does). It's not exactly bad, and a few songs are pretty good, but I sure don't think I'll ever willingly listen to this album again.
I enjoyed some of the ska sounds and guitar riffs Saved song was The Beat and (I Don't Want to go to) Chelsea
All sort of sounded the same but there was nothing actually terrible
Pump It Up = classic. Also familiar with Radio, Radio. The rest of this is alright. Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. Different sound, unique to Elvis Costello. (3)
I didn't love or dislike this, and I look forward to not loving or disliking all of his other albums.
I was listening to Little Triggers and I got concerned since I know how Oliver's Army goes. Was he going to say it again? Anyways, this is where my love for Elvis Costello begins to subside and I begin to hear why a lot of you can't stand him. There's points where his voice becomes too much, like he's doing an SNL impression of himself. My Aim Is True is solid, but I didn't expect to not really love the two Attractions albums I've gotten. There are great songs on both that are on albums with other songs that I don't care for. Out of any new songs I could've found, I will admit that Lipstick Vogue is a great one. Oh, Elvis, you'll get that one and Radio Radio and Accidents Will Happen...and I Hope You're Happy Now. Shoutout Bruce Thomas on bass (6/10, 3/5 on this scale)
Nothing to bad or good. Feels like 2000s rock in some songs. Low 3
Fav- you belong to me 3/5
Es más o menos equilibrado aunque mucha de su música parece por momentos usar la misma pista o que tienen arreglos muy muy similares fuera de eso para una tarde entretenida y descubrir variedad está bien
Buen álbum, con mucha energía
I genuinely thought this album was from the early 2000s, ahead of its time Favourite track: Living in Paradise
Had some good songs, overall quite listenable
Это было интересно! Обязательно переслушать!
His sound is fine. But really isn't something I'd go seek out to listen to, more just something milquetoast to have on in the background. Standout is "Pump It Up"
No era necesario poner más discos de Elvis Costello. Me gusta pero prefiero descubrir nuevas cosas. En su línea
Reasonable
"Pump It Up" is such an all-time bop. Patrick Stump has to be a Costello fan.
This was a nice listen. The blend of new wave and punk, paired with lyrics exploring objectification, angst, and desire, makes it a good way to start the day. The downside is that the first half is far more memorable, while the second half feels a bit padded. Some of those tracks could have done more on the instrumental side, and the vocal performance occasionally slips into autopilot. I'd revisit the album at some point to see if I missed anything. My favorite songs are "This Year’s Girl" and "The Beat".
Great
A lot of my experience with this album was "ohhh, he sang that song??" Short and sweet. Fun stuff!
Enjoyed that, big standouts Pump It Up and Radio Radio.
Elvis Costello's voice just doesn't do it for me but I like the actual songs . It was also a decent length for an album and a decent enough time
not my genre of music I try to like it but I cant
Quite nice.
It was pretty fine, but in general, I'm not a huge Elvis Costello fan. I don't dislike his music, though.
I accidentally listened to the back half of this record on shuffle, so I had to go back and listen again. Some heaters on this one. No Action, Pump It Up, and Living in Paradise are my favorites. Weirdly enough My Aim is True was one of my most listened to albums in college. Love that record. This one isn't as cohesive imo despite having more critical acclaim. I like it. 3.5/5
There is something off-putting about this album, but I cannot put my finger on it. Is it my mood today? Is it the singing? The lack of essence? I really don't know 5/10
His best song is "Just give a kidney, to a father or a dad", and that wasn't on this album for some reason. Really disliked the singing on this in the morning but the backing band is great! Some great wee tunes, but lacklustre writing and ok singing performance. Overall good
It’s ok. Elvis isn’t a very good singer, so if you can get past that…
Pretty good
3.5/5. My third Costello album so far, and this is honestly the best one yet. there’s a lot of fun little riffs and bass grooves on here where it almost starts feeling a little post-punky. Highlights would probably be “pump it up”, “little triggers” and “I don’t want to go to Chelsea.” Elvis Costello also shows himself as a solid lyricist here. A good album overall, there’s a decent handful of songs I could see myself coming back to. I agree with the critique that Costello is over-represented on the 1,001 albums list, but if any of them belong, this one is probably it.
When No Action, the first song started, it gave me so much of a mid-2000's vibe that I had to double check that I was listening to the right album. The rest of the album though is a lot more "normal" for its time. Still, an interesting discovery as I'd heard the name but never listened to Elvis Costello. All things considered, a pretty okay album.
While I've always viewed Elvis Costello as a skilled and intelligent song writer, I've never been a particular fan of his work, and that remains the same after listening to this. There's nothing bad about it - Pump It Up is a solid pop rock track as is the Blondie-esque Radio Radio. The majority of the rest of the tracks just sort of passed me by, leaving me asking myself why he wanted to sing in an American accent when I knew he was from Liverpool! I think i was expecting it to be a little bit angrier, but found it a little underwhelming. A middling 3 stars.
I've not really been a fan of Elvis Costello over the years, but listening to a full album from years ago makes me think I've been a bit unfair. It's not a bad experience. Musically and lyrically good. I still don't like his vocal style, but it is what it is.
Dunno why it just feels like a bit of a chore listening to this today! It is not the mood but I’d take it over bloody linkin park
Pretty darn good for 1978. Good BPM but meh on variety. Bops: 1-Pump It Up 2-(I don't want to go to) Chelsea 3-Radio Radio
Ok I’ll officially say it, after all of these Costello albums I no longer like him. It’s just the same shit over and over again and that would be fine if it was so original it was inventing its own genre like a lot of The Who albums, but this is just 60s style radio friendly rock n roll with better more modern (for the 80s) production. So it’s basically a complicated tribute band with an annoying grating singer. The weirdest part about me getting so sick to death of this man and his band is that I can concede that this is probably their most pop culturally relevant album, it has all his biggest hits like “radio radio” and “pump it up”. But I’m just done with this act, I went from being moderately impressed with albums like “Armed forces” which is probably my favorite album of his, to being just so upset and frustrated with his persistent presence on this fucking list. He has completely overstayed his welcome for me. I pray that this is the very last album I get of his. And I won’t rate this album based off of my disgust for his entire body of work, I’ll keep it civil and review this album honestly and not give it a dramatic score, I just can’t take any more of this man.
I thought this was a strong second album by Costello! A fun British new wave album that wasn’t too deep or mindblowing. I do find Costello’s voice to be a little irritating to listen to at times but overall I enjoyed this album and would give it another spin in the future!
it is what it is, heard it few times and I don't really care
I can see why this is a historic album, and definitely some great playing and songwriting, but somehow it falls a little bit flat for me in 2026.
Okay, chill rock. old school
I guess this is power pop? I don't know. I don't really see the connection to punk nor do I have enough of an understanding of new wave to see how this fits in. The songs are mostly okay— I like the fruity little organ but I don't really care for EC's exaggerated vocal stylings.
02-03/03/26
Good felt like it would have fit in seamlessly in the late 90s.
decent. can hear a lot of effort went into this music
Esta bien pero hasta ahí.
This guy is interesting, but the song writing is not the same
zdecydowanie sredniak tegoroczny model, jesli brac pod uwage cala dyskografie costello
This is very good gym music I’m in the album started off hot with some great songs to run and lift weights too, so I definitely added them to my playlist but after I got out of the gym, the album sort of fell flat so it gets another three out of five for me because it has its purpose don’t get it twisted I might come back to it when I need a good gym pump because I mean pump it up was fire. But I went through the deluxe edition 40 songs over two hours. There are some good songs in here but nothing that blew me a way to get a four or five so three is where it lies.
Interesting album. I've heard his name a thousand times, and I've heard the hits a thousand times, but I've never attached the name to the songs. On first listen I didn't love the vocals but I looped it a bunch of times and I don't really hate it anymore. Just normal 70s poppy jangly music 6.4/10
Interesante y fun musicalmente. Los instrumentales en casi todo el disco tan diver. Pero me costó econtrar temas que me de ganas de guardar. Otro álbum que no me molestaría tener de fondo mientras trabajo pero no escucharía por mi misma para pasarla bien.
some cool songs, but that british sound just gets old
bem legalll, gostei do ritmozinho e tals
Elvis is one of those artists who I like, but don’t love. There’s lots to like, it’s spiky and in your face and the musicianship is great. But there’s something that stops me truly loving it. There’s other albums of his I like more, and some I like less but it’s all 3 star stuff
It was enjoyable, one song I recognized but nothing truly memorable!