This Year's Model

I didnt enjoy his voice, the album isn't for me.

not what i thought elvis sounded like

Not huge on his voice but very nice songwriting Fav song: I Dont Want To Go To Chelsea

This one was just OK for me. No real issues with the production or playing but the songs just didn’t grab me so I was a little bored by the end.

There’s way too many Elvis Costello albums on this list, and this one only has 1 good song.

"This Year's Model" is the second studio album by English singer-songwriter and guitarist Elvis Costello. New wave, power pop, punk rock, pop rock and garage rock are the Wiki-listed genres. Yeah, they're all there. Costello's debut album was backed by California country rock band Clover. For this album, he formed the Attractions which would become his permanent band and included Steve Nieve (keyboards), Bruce Thomas (bass) and Pete Thomas (drums). The songs are drawn from the Rolling Stones, Beatles and Kinks with the lyrics addressing but not limited to mass control and failing relationships. Commercially, the album reached #4 in the UK and #30 in the US and was critically very well-received with praise of strong songwriting and considered one of his best. "No Action" opens the album. Drums and a swirling guitar. A chorus of "No Action" with the backing vocals in a song about the regret of a failed relationship. I'm always a sucker for a song that threatens to break out and never quite does. In "This Year's Model," the girl may be in style this year but probably not next year...a comp for men's thoughts on women. Idiosyncratic beats and bass. More swirling instrument sounds: this time, keyboards. A pumping keyboard melody anchors "The Beat." A great bass line. Costello going on about manhood when the song explodes with a chorus and then slows down. Repeat. Always the airy keys. New wave indeed! The drum beat, bass and guitar slashes open "Pump It Up." A bouncy beat and melody. Forceful vocals as Costello describes the all important night club members and their actions at their highfalutin night club. A ska beat begins "(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea." That quick guitar riff. The scooting bass. A droning organ. Another attack on fashionable society and comments on last year's model. Costello doesn't hold back on the closer "Night Rally" as he compares corporations hypnotizing their employees to nationalistic movements in his country....and 47 years later. An appropriate marching band-type sound. The song just ends abruptly. Obviously, not an optimistic outlook by Costello. The first thing that grabs your attention on this album is that the band just rocks. There's something to be said for constantly playing live and coming into the studio with fully realized songs. Add great mixing, production and top-notch musicianship and you have a great album. The songs may take a base Stones, Beatles or Kinks sound and add a ska reggae or punk style but in the end, it is their original sound. The keyboard sound (along with Blondie at the time) defines the keyboard-led 80's new wave. There's glass-half-filled lyrics and then there's glass-never-existed-Elvis Costello lyrics. He makes the negative side of life and observations an art form. This is an album that hasn't aged a bit, a must listen and my favorite Elvis Costello album.

This is fun. At times I find his music to be a bit pretentious (takes one to know one) and inaccessible. But this is fun.

The tension is high; he’s angry, but not mad and the band just lets it rip when compared to other more polished records. One loves the menacingly bleeping organs and sharp, almost aggressive guitar riffs (e.g., on “Chelsea”). "Living in Paradise" and "Lipstick Vogue" are seriously underrated entries in a most impressive catalog. Just solid from top to bottom, with universally high quality throughout. Another commenter nailed it: “Perfect balance of pub and punk.”

Good album, songs are clearly well written and performed but they're all of a sameness. Good but not great.

A couple decent songs; backing bass player is solid. Wanted this album to end almost immediately.

It's... fine. Not my thing. It's not so terrible that I'd give it a 1/5, but it's just barely above that.

Low 4? I liked the first costello record that popped up for me more but this one is fun

5-star songs (except Lip Service and Night Rally which is thematically brilliant) that I can sing along with even the ones that aren't 5-stars...incredible album... Costello is such a snark and he's even aged well... "...You think they're so dumb, you think they're so funny Wait until they've got you running to the Night rally, night rally, night rally..." America, wake up!

6/10

Elvis? I thought he was dead! Oh no, it’s the other one. I have heard this dude’s name for my entire life, and never once heard an Elvis Costello song. I mean one may have slipped through the cracks, but if you gave me a billion dollars, firstly I’d say “how did you get this and why are you offering it to me?” And then I would be unable to conjure one descriptor of this man’s musical output. Not a one. It’s time to break that streak. Hey, if you still want to offer me the billion after this, make it a cool 900 million as billionaires are unethical. No Action - Look at this cover and tell me you’re surprised by the words “No Action” being associated with this fella. This singing is comically obnoxious. This is how I would sing if I was trying to make fun of this song. This Year’s Girl - What a player. From no action, to a new girl every year. Elvis, you sly dog. You old scallywag. You rapacious rapscallion. The Beat - Alright. I relent. This is pretty infectious. I’ve acquired the taste. Goes hard, silly and fun. Pump It Up - LESS fun. Too repetitive here fellas. I don’t know which one of “The Attractions” suggested repeating that refrain so many times, but it can’t be my sweet Elvis. Little Triggers - On the tiniest little guns. They’re too small to do any damage, so when I try to end it all during this song I just get a little raised welt on my temple. Blast. You Belong to Me - Hoping this about an object and not a person. Either way, the song sucks. Hand in Hand - This reminds me of the intro to White Hen Decapitator by Macabre. What a song. Anyway. Now I’m just mad I’m not listening to Sinister Slaughter. Whatever. Song is fine here. And that’s a big uogradr from the last few. (I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea - Well then don’t go. Man. I should be a psychologist. Or some sort of crisis mediator. Sometimes I’d just start yelling. Separates the men from the boys. By that I mean I would break up families with my newfound power. Lip Service - This was a nice little power pop sort of thing. Liked it more than some of the other tracks. Living in Paradise - East Chezzetcook? Lipstick Vogue - As opposed to a regular vogue sesh. I routinely break out into some pretty fucking rad hand dancing. I wouldn’t call it voguing but it certainly has the same heart. Night Rally - Man I’m just finally coming around to making a Randy Newman reference. Is this Randy Newman? I never said it would be good. Radio, Radio - Decent closer. To paraphrase The Go-Go’s “At least we’ve got “The Beat.” Nah I mean this was a very interesting record. It sounds light years ahead of 1978 and with the borderline comical vocals, there is a punk-ish tinge to this that held my interest. This isn’t a classic for me by any means but Elvis Costello isn’t as bad as I expected when I saw the artistic camera model shot on the front cover here. Another week in the books. Only like 2 and a half years and 12 Nick Cave albums to go. 2-2.5 HIGHLIGHTS: The Beat

Phew! Finished the gauntlet of six Elvis Costello albums! And the last two (this and My Aim Is True) were the best. Pump It Up is probably my favorite Elvis Costello song.

Aged like milk. Sexists and boring

I literally just saw Elvis Costello play live last night, so GREAT timing. This album is an absolute classic. His early era stuff is pretty unassailable. It's an easy 9.5/10. Banger after banger.

This is heeeeat. Better than the other Elvis Costello I listened to on here, a lot I’ll come back to

I had avoided this Elvis my entire life, I think because I thought his look and vibe were corny. Well, maybe they are, but I shouldn’t have closed my ears to his music. This album is great. Makes me want to research Vampire Weekend’s influences.

Feeling entirely neutral about it

I'm very much conflicted with this one. When the album settles into less assuming, contemplative pockets ("The Beat", "Hand in Hand", and a couple of other points within its second third), it ventures closer towards being within my wheelhouse, but I can only describe measurable portions of this album as "bad American sitcom theme tune music". It captures an angsty, rebellious mood of sorts, but channeled through a sticky-sweet sonic template with a nasty aftertaste. It's a kind of over-exerted new wave album which crosses the threshold in which I'm willing to tolerate in large parts. Vocally, Costello is not my cup of coffee at all here, whereas I can't remember this being a significant issue that I took with My Aim is True (though, it is an album that I already have barely any recollections of, so I'd have to revisit it to compare fairly). I guess I understand his energetic, kind of sarcastic appeal, and can hear the influence sought from later alt-rock vocalists, but I'm not keen on a great many of them either. Crop me out of your film, ta mate.

Good might listen again

More Elvis Costello! I love the backing band on this one. It just feels so much fuller than the last album I listened to by him. Makes me want to dance and drink a can of pop and not care about anything happening in my life. As any good pop/rock album should. I am discovering that I am simply an Elvis Costello fan. Sounds like the default music that exists in my brain. I think we'd be friends.

One of those artists whose reputation seems rather disproportionate when contrasting the musical critics and music consumers' views on him. Great pop songs in a "punkish" packaging, but the overall album listening experience gets a bit exhausting after a handful of songs. Great album closer, though.

Costello is a weird one for me. There's occasional songs that I absolutely love, but I don't care about the vast majority of his work. It's not bad, but there's little there for me to really get into. His lyrics are his strong suit, but I need to like the music, too. This album didn't have any musical moments that I really liked. He's a bit punk, a bit retro, a bit pop, a bit garage. It's an odd blend that I can't really compare to anyone else. It's a fine listen, but I don't see myself revisiting this, and that's after giving it a second pass (though I'm sure I listened to this album yeeeeaaaaars ago when I really dug into Elvis Costello's work). PS, after writing this I wanted to check for similar artists to Costello, so I checked Music-Map.com. The closest artists were Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, and Tom Waits. That's an odd collection, since I don't think any of them sound like each other. But they are all great at telling stories through song, and have an eclectic mix of influences that they've fused together into a distinct sound. So I guess they are their closest comparisons.

Not my vibe

Already loved the hits but had never listened to the full album. Even better than expected.

This is the best Elvis Costello album I've listened to yet. Still a 3

I liked only one song. Otherwise did not enjoy it. 1/5

Good stuff.

Just an annoying album that I have no desire to revisit ever again.

77/1001 :: Elvis Costello & the Atrractions - This Year’s Model Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ✅ Rating: 7 Listen before you die: Yes Fav Songs: Pump It Up, You Belong to Me They said it couldn’t be done… but I found an Elvis Costello album I actually liked. I love this project for that reason. The songs on This Years Model and cool but also catchy. Still having a tough time with the voice but thought the way he was using his voice on this album added a fun element to the songs. Not sure how much I’ll revisit this but I might so I’ll give it the nod. Lastly, great cover art.

I can’t believe this came out in the 70s. It sounds timeless, simultaneously like so much that came before and so much that came after. I hear the 50s influence that contemporaries like Blondie also took after. I hear pop punk, I hear Weezer, I hear new wave, it’s crazy! The lyrics are sneering, playful, and inventive. Overall this sound isn’t really my thing, consistent with how I’ve felt about the snippets of Elvis Costello I’ve heard in the past. But I can appreciate what it accomplished!

bad as usual

It's good

Meh

would be really enjoyable album if anyone else but Costello sung on it.

I like the vibes!

Not really a fan of his vocals. Don't like the new wave vibes. 2.5/5

Strong production and decent songs, but it's not my favourite of his

Costello once said you spend 17 or 18 years writing your first album, which is why it can be so personal and powerful. This was his first album, and the one I most appreciate.

Well made album, nothing super catchy but definitely can tell lots of thought was put into the composition and lyrics

I just don’t care for Elvis Costello. I find his music annoying

Pretty fun, then it ends with Radio, Radio. That bumps it from a 3 to a 3.5.

Fantastic album. Love Elvis Costello

I expected to like this album more than I did. It was pretty fun at times, but just didn't rise to the level of being great for me. Probably worth further investigation. Still a high three.

Bah, I just don't like Elivs Costello.

2.75

Elvis Costello sucks so much…

not for me at all

The Beat est pas si pire J’aime pas sa voix

Hacía tiempo que quería dedicarme a escuchar a Elvis Costello y este aha sido el momento. Para esa música de ese tiempo siempre he sido más de Joe Jackson, con el que encuentro muchos paralelismos. El disco se escucha fácil, pero no consigo que me enganche más allá de esa facilidad. “Chelsea” y “Pump It Up” como favoritas y “Night Rally”, la cual me imagino en la voz de Bruce Springsteen sin desentonar para nada.

Dude needs a box of tissues and a nap. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions: - Pump It Up - (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea - Radio, Radio

Good punky pop, and very clear the influence both EC and The Attractions had on new wave and indie acts that followed.

The second Elvis Costello I've had as part of this project and such a big step up from his debut. Whilst not every track is a killer, there's a lot of really great stuff on this. Costello's band has a real energy that makes the more upbeat tracks really infectious.

Like, don’t love

Wow, i enjoyed this much more than i thought i would! There is some pop here for sure but far less than i expected, and the garage adjacent sound is just enough garage to push this to 3.5 stars for me but then i hear his quirky vocal style and we're back down to 3. All in all a pleasant surprise.

This is a great album! I love the nervy/nerdy energy of early Costello. Such tight playing, too. I kind of backed myself in a corner giving Electric Warrior 5 stars, so here we go.

A more tolerable Costello record. "The Beat" is kind of a bop... no other keepers for me though.

Similar to my first Elvis review. I like this one better than the one we did last week

Respect the man, but not my thing.

If My Aim is True was Elvis Costello looking up at the world with a scowl, then This Year's Model is Elvis obtaining a new perspective on it, while maintaining his now trademark acerbic nature. Grabbing whatever sonic diversions available and rendering it in their image, the Attractions remain the backbone to Elvis' call-it-as-he-sees-it viewpoint on the characters and settings that paint his songs and This Year's Model benefits from that scenery. A real one-two punch that Elvis' has never bettered since. Favorites: No Action, This Year's Girl, Pump It Up, Little Triggers, Hand in Hand, (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea, Lip Service, Lipstick Vogue, Radio Radio.

Meh

Costello's singing style just bothers me sometimes. Its probably a bit of an aquired taste. That said, there are some good little jams on this record. That tinny little organ/synth/whatever gets on my nerves sometimes too, but that's like one of Costellos signature sounds. Standouts: "The Beat" "Pump It Up" and "Living In Paradise" Overall, not great but not bad. Didn't move me one way or the other. There are aspects of this album that just set me off, but then there are others that I really like. I think if I gave this a couple more listens though I'd come to like it much more, but the vibe was just off on this one. 3/5

One of the best from Costello. Great blend of genres, interesting lyrics and fun songs. Some hits, plenty of reissues that makes it difficult to see what the original album was. There even is a Spanish version of the album released a few years ago! While I have listened to some Elvis Costello over the last few years, not sure if I am a big fan.

Can’t stand the singer, band’s alright

His best album for sure

All this, but no surprises for this year's elvis costello album

I came in thinking Elvis Costello sucked, but came away thinking that’s too harsh. His singing voice is grating to me and a lot of his music doesn’t seem particularly original to me, however this album is as close as I’m going to get to liking him. It kept the energy up and I forgot how much of a jam Pump it up is. 2.8

4.5 A lot of great songs (this years girl), although I am particularly tired of hearing I dont want to go to Chelsea, (used to one of my favorites but I think im over it. Its not you, its me, sorta thing).

I’ve listened to this album more than almost any album ever made, and I still find new things to love about it. The perfect combination of punk’s energy with 60’s rock n roll and one of music’s greatest lyricists on display. Who else would be able to use “anaesthetize” in a song?

Fun listen. I like Elvis Costello a lot more than would be expected because I don’t listen to him much. I always like his music when I hear it though. A unique musician (although Joe Jackson sounds a little like him).

Fine musically.

Do we really need this much Elvis Costello? Luckily this was by far the best on the list. Still not the biggest fan of his vocals but some bangers on here including I Don't Want To Go To Chelsea.

I really like Costello's voice. I really like his musical choices in terms of style and the parts... I just don't seem to like the songs that much. I think this is the best of the ones we've had so far, but I still don't really love it. I suspect one day it may all come together and I will really like but as it is I merely quite like it.

Nope

Elvis Costello sounds like this every song: Euhyeuyhheeyuyeuh

Fun, punchy, kind of punk rock - ahead of its time! I was bopping my head throughout, highly enjoyable.

New wave? Naw. An English Bruce Springsteen filtered through pub rock.

I like this album a lot, but it set me up for disappointment thinking that he would put out at least one other great album. Not the case. Oh well, this is still great.

This album sounds surprisingly modern for being almost 50 years old. Which is wild considering it's called This Years Model when it kind of sounds timeless. Several catchy sings like hand in hand, radio radio, and Pump It Up. Definitely would play this again and I like the samples and sounds they use throughout the record. Well done.

If your a fan of the very stripped down garage band sound this will probably be to your liking. The second half of the album was in my opinion much more memorable than the first half. Starting at track 7 my level of enjoyment increased. Track 8 "Chelsea" had a nice percussive pace to it kind of felt a little Chili Pepper / No doubt ish with its kinda reggae sound. The album closes out on high not with the track 14 "Radio". I was only slightly familia with Elvis Costello, mainly being introduce to him in 1983 with his international hit "Everyday I write the Book", but beyond that I really couldn't tell you the title of another of his records. But all in all it was an interesting listen.

like, listen again brief two time listen

Boy's mad at his exgirlfriend who broke up with him because he doesn't fulfill her desires. He uses her too kill his feelings and sees her as a unique being, but that doesn't mean she's special. She uses him too, loving the image he represents and after breaking up (was the relationship even serious?), she goes for another person with the same fenotype/aesthetic. In the beginning of the ..... Living in Paradise: He died and is in Heaven ("so late but that's sarcastic, cuz he probably died at 18) and he's looking over at his relationship he had with his now ex girlfriend Next song: Now he's angry. "I suppose, big tears mean nothing You can count them as they fall" "Radio is a sound salvation Radio is cleaning up the nation They say you better listen to the voice of reason But they don't give you any choice 'cause they think that it's treason So you had better do as you are told You better listen to the radio " Critique against technology. Elvis Costello is saying its used to control us.

Done

Get why people like them but he just seems ok to me. All songs sound similar...

booooo

So far, this album is much better than other Elvis Costello stuff I’ve listened to. It’s glam rock to the max. Great production, big band sound, very over the top and theatrical which is the Elvis Costello way but yet still simple song structure. More punk vibes on this one which I also love. Considering his other work I’ve found to be a huge slog, this one is a breath of fresh air. 4/5

5/10

Надо очень радостным быть, чтобы такую музыку слушать. Как по мне - какая-то шляпа: старенький поп-рок с намеками на протопанк типа студжес, но без месседжа и протеста, просто веселые песенки про жизнь и любовь. Второй раз я бы не включил, но и прям плохим не назову, просто не очень интересно...

Ojo igual se les ha ido un poco la mano modulando porque la voz suena bastante en comparacion con la voz principal y me ha dado un susto cuando ha empezado, un poco infumable ¿A que pollavieja se le ocurrio meter esto, le parecia relevante y por que? monotonia pura

This is a really weird album. It just... doesn't feel right. Like this thing came out in the late 70's, but it feels like a 90's album, but not in the best ways? I can still feel the 70's smoke lingering in most of the songs, and I'm not a huge fan of Costello's voice. 2.5/5? Its hard to rate this one, but its perfectly average, but leaning toward the 2/5 rating.

Niet mijn ding. Stem niet en muziek niet

just not my style, i don’t really like his voice too much. but theyre good put together songs with good lyrics most of the time.

You know I don't care for Elvis Costello at all. I just kind of find him boring, that being said, obviously the bass riff to "Pump It Up" is about as legendary as it gets, and just that alone has to bump this album up a bit.

I enjoyed this but not in a violent way

Not really my vibe. Sometimes his voice reminds me of Lenny

I can hear how much this album fed into new wave. Some tracks really catch my ear, but then something like Little Triggers comes on and I can’t stand it. His singing feels like a fake accent, almost like he’s mocking someone, and it completely kills the mood for me. This is the first Elvis Costello record I’ve sat through, and honestly I don’t get how he’s got half a dozen “essential” albums. That said, taken as a whole, the record holds together fine. It’s just that the vocals grate on me in a way I can’t ignore. 7/10.

2.5

4/7

🎸😄

It's really interesting. The precurser to punk rock - not sure if I'd listen to the album again, but glad I know it.

Better than Coldplay

meh

I don't think I'm a fan of Elvis Costello. I like this one better than the last album I got but it's not landing for me. I've been told by lots of folks I should love his stuff, yet it falls flat for me.

Good album and great band. Saw Costello back in 88 or 89 when he did a solo tour with Nick Lowe opening.

I was more familiar with Mr. Costello's debut - and was happy to dive into this record. Lots of fun songs in a jittery, new wave style. He jams a lot of ideas and words into most of these tracks - the emotions are ironic, angry, horny, discontent - but never feels negative or like a downer.

Well.. yes.Each song gets better and better. Wish I had spent more time with him in the 80s

Elvis Costello is a LEGEND and ALWAYS will be a LEGEND

can't see why some hate this so much and also can't see why others praise this so much

I really wanted to like this album but i find the vocals to be quite annoying and theres not a lot of substance in terms of songwriting here 6/10 Favourite: No Action Least Favourite: Little Triggers

This was ok

Imperial Bedroom is my favorite Elvis album, but this is a must album too.

This is a much better record than it deserves to be.

Pretty fire album

tem melhores né po mas não é ruim não deus abençoe o new wave

bom, é melhor que o "my aim is true". acho o the attractions bem bons de serviço. as letra são besta. mas é new wave até o cu fazer bico né, como pode. dá pra ouvir até algumas bandas br de new wave nesse disco aqui, que bizarro bom, eu até que gosto desse aqui. pó me processar, foda-se

The album is a little too long, but still pretty fun unbeat pub rock. Will listen again! 3.5/5

Not my favorite by Elvis Costello but a fine album

Had a couple of thoughts about this album. First, it was hard to place the time annd era of it. Sounded like something that could’ve come out last year and frankly was surprising that it’s from the late 70s. Second, there was inconsistency among the songs. Some were pretty amazing and others pretty boring. Overall, it was a good listen.

Banger.

Fun album. Definitely heard many influences in this like the Beatles, Bowie, Stones, etc.

It's a little too swinging for me. And I like swing.

Pretty good, though I prefer “My Aim is True”. 3.5 maybe. Great opener.

I’m immediately comparing it to the last Elvis Costello I had to listen to in the project and it’s better. I can still hear his influence in things I hear today, but Elvis particularly doesn’t do much for me.

My 358th album is somehow my 1st Costello on the list. Poppy and catchy with a little edge of punk in placing this along the lines of power pop & new wave. It’s also very direct and up-front, it feels vital, in your face, and like it’s laying out all the cards and not hiding tricks or secrets. Musically can’t be interesting without excessive complexity or showmanship, but songs tend to have a good beat and a good hook. The band is certainly tight and supports Costello well - Some cool bass parts and fills throughout, and the synthy organ sound can add a nice touch. Much prefer the energetic up-tempo tracks to the slower ones. Some lyrics are clever while others are cringey. Overall it’s an alright record with some solid tracks and interesting moments, other aspects I could leave behind

Not for me but decent album

Didn't realise that Voodoo Child used a sample. This is a decent album, not crazy about it.

# Album Name: This years model # Artist: Elvis Costello # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: I waas surprised with this. i wasnt sure what i was expecting. Good listen. Quite pop rocky. I liked it. # Top Tunes: Pump it up / chelsea / big tears / radio radio # Would I listen to it again? Yes

I remember actively not liking Elvis Costello as a kid, for no other reason than it wasn’t the cool aesthetic I was looking back then. It all seemed very 70s ‘shades of brown’. That said I did enjoy ECs solo album a few years ago and so was a bit more open minded coming in. I’m glad I listened twice as the second listen, walking around my suburban hometown in the sun, seemed to be the right environment for this I can’t say that I love it but the energy and hooks have caught my attention enough to make me want to hear more… which is a good job as I believe he has a couple more albums in here.

Already listened many times. 7/10

9/10

This felt like 90s ska revival, then it felt like new wave, then it felt like a bunch of other stuff, the album was good. Ahead of its time even.

horny jail.

This album felt very ahead of its time, and yet very influenced by the twenty years that came before it. A lot of fun, even if Costello has some weird views about women in some of these lyrics.

This is probably the music that springs to mind when I think of Elvis Costello. Seems crazily ahead of its time. 1978 😳. Somewhat overwrought lyricism in places, though maybe that's part of the appeal.

I kinda like the B-side and also Pump it up. Very cheerful and modern pop-ish.

I've never listened to much Costello outside of his singles. This is a fun and careening pop album. I can see where fans dig into his sounds and lyrics. Not sure that I'm fully a fan yet, but I appreciate what this album has going on.

Loved this. Parts sound like a reggae ska mix with the eccentricity of Steely Dan. Heavy bass and drums. Love his voice. Unique all around style.

If you have room for only one racist on this list, then this should be your guy.

A lot zappier than the previous Costello effort on this list (Blood & Chocolate). The version of This Year's Girl used for The Deuce worked much better with a female voice in it, too, but it's not a bad tune. A few very good tunes on here, but Costello still creeps me out a bit.

A decent album that still just about stands up. But it has aged badly in places with some of the lyrics. It's all very competent. Strong songs and musicianship. The singles stand out above the rest. It sounds like a soundtrack to a late 70's yoof programme.

A tight, sharp, and well-written new wave album full of attitude and cynicism. It’s easy to see why it’s considered a classic, with intense energy, strong lyrics, and a fantastic band. But personally, it doesn’t fully grab me. I recognize the quality, but it just doesn’t click. 3/5

great

I was wondering how many albums it would take before I got an Elvis Costello album through the generator (52, apparently). I've only ever heard the name, I've never consciously listened before so I wasn't sure what to expect. This is....fine. it's okay. There are some interesting riffs in a few of the songs. His voice is alright but does get grating over time and I can see some people really disliking it. I don't hate it but I'm not sure if I feel that the other 5 or so albums of his on the list is really warranted.

Doesn't do much for me.

At most points this seems like the New Wave that prefaced the ‘bad’ side of the 80s British synthy stuff. It has some high points, namely (I Don’t Want to Go To) Chelsea, the sort of track title that you’d expect to see in a listing for a fake album someone made as a satirical piece. Maybe that’s what Costello is trying to do here. As for lyrical content, I can’t say I payed extreme attention, but would anyone? I don’t think Costello would want his lyrics to be examined too carefully either. They seem to be about women, in a bit of a controlling sense. There’s probably some age gap power related dynamics in there too. Let’s not dwell further. But yeah, I wouldn’t hasten to point to this for a great example of a new wave album. More of a throwaway British album that got popular through one track (Pump It Up) and has thus outstayed its welcome.

slight pop and punk rock, not just slightly misogynistic but very, feels a bit mid but still outstanding, funny but also tender "No action"/"Lip service"/"Radio, radio"

OK but not really for me. The only other album of his I've listened to is My Aim is True, which is much better.

Elvis Costello is the definition of beige to me, I can't hate it and I can't find anything to love either. Pump it up is fun.

Elvis Costello has long interested me, but I'd only really checked out My Aim is True and a handful of other tracks prior to this one. I can't say I've been totally swept off my feet by him like I may have hoped, but I do really enjoy the company of his tunes and I'm open to taking things slowly to see where they go. This album felt sort of like my feelings towards a number of King Gizzard albums: I quite enjoy the overall sound and approach, the musical gifts are evident, and pretty much every song is at least kind of good, but almost none of them really struck me as GREAT. At least not upon a single listen. Not all music needs to do that to be great, though, and I've realized relatively recently that I'm definitely a big power pop guy, so I'll be sticking around with Mr. Costello to see where it takes me for sure.

I am tired of hearing this guy's voice. Are we going to have his entire catalog on this list? The music is ok on this one. 2

I usually like Elvis Costello, but this one didn't hit.

43/1001 Elvis Costello and the Attractions - This Year's Model Heard before? ✅ Revisit? ✅ Of all the Costello albums on this list, this is the one I'd definitely keep here. It perfectly crosses the pub rock styling with punk, with his oftentimes snarky commentary. The music sometimes feels as though it's going to become too chaotic considering how much is thrown at it, but never does. An album that you can see influence New Wave, 80s indie and to a certain extent the likes of the Police.

Quite fun album, and one which benefits from reminding yourself when it was made to properly appreciate the influence it has

This album sounds exactly as I expected from the art cover : very British, quirky and a bit full of itself. I don’t doubt its influential nature ; it might have been a novelty back when it was released, but it’s hard to appreciate now that this kind of music has been endlessly rehashed. It actually sounds like an early blueprint of what a lot of pop, pop-punk and Britpop acts would later try to do in the 90s (probably because they grew up listening to this). It’s not unpleasant, I even liked a couple of songs (like The Beat), but overall I found it mostly bland and unexciting. The words "inoffensive" and "forgettable" come to mind.

This is the definitive Elvis Costello album. If New Wave had stopped right here, I would like it better. No Action is a good leadoff but by The Beat, it is losing me. Pump It Up is probably his biggest hit, great song. I like this for the most part. Living in Paradise is a good song, catchy.

9/10 There are some artists that I should have listened to earlier, I didn't because I thought I would be more interesting if I skipped what many people thought to be great, I was wrong. Elvis Costello has just joined that list...

eh, its okay

1. No Action - 2 Bad pop rock music. Lyrically it's a cardboard cutout song with a boring chorus. 2. This Year's Girl - 4 It's a cross between budget Bruce Springsteen and budget Beach Boys. The vocals don't sound great at all. Instrumentally it's ok. Bubblegum pop rock. 3. The Beat - 2 It's more of the same problems as the first two tracks. Lyrically this track is all over the place and none of it makes sense. 4 - Pump It Up - 10 Great sound on the guitars and the drums. Solid lyrics accompany them as well. All round a great track. Deserves to be on a sports game like NHL. 5. Little Triggers - 3 Very repetitive and boring of a track. Vocals sound awful on it. 6. You Belong To Me - 1 Sho whop do whop rock. A lot of it hasn't stood the test of time from the stuff released in the 50s. This is absolutely no different. An age of music well and truly gone. 7. Hand In Hand - 2 It's the sound of his voice I definitely don't like the most. Singing "hand in hand" more than ten times over and over and over and over again is not helping matters. 8. (I Don't Want To Go) Chelsea - 1 This song absolutely makes no sense and Costello's vocals do it no helping. It's the pronunciations of the words and emphasis on specific syllables that turn me off from the artists and the song. 9. Lip Service - 2 It's a budget Beach Boys track. I'm not one who particularly likes The Beach Boys either so it washes over me as an annoying track more than anything else. 10. Living in Paradise - 1 More cardboard cut out bubble gum pop rock. "Oooo I loved you baby but now it's over" music. The kind you've already heard a million times done better. 11. Lipstick Vogue - 2 Same exact thing as the previous track but with better drums on it. 12. Night Rally - 0 Lyrically this track is abysmal. Starts extremely poorly before the verses come in but the lower vocals in the bridge do paint Costello as a great singer and then the track just repeats "night rally" over a dozen times. 13. Big Tears - 1 Vocally and lyrically this is a tough track to get through. Instrumentally it's a very cookie cutter track. 14. Radio, Radio - 3 Lyrically and instrumentally a much better track. The vocals still sound bad but overall it's a significant improvement from the songs before it on the album. Average Rating: 2.43 Adjusted to a 5-Point Scale: 1.21 Rounded Down: 1 Star

Mainly listened to pump it up and radio. I preferred radio because of the message but it’s quite stereotypical rebel stuff.

Awesome !!!

Why are you gay

I have some of Elvis's music but not his whole catalog so was interested to hear this one. Its really good ! I like the production and the little tone changes that makes the songs more interesting but having said that the second half of the album felt a bit samey. Only one of these songs is on his greatest hits which kinda says it all.

Gosh, Elvis Costello is seriously so mid.

Great album

vier bis fünf

A pleasurable listen from start to finish. High three, not quite a four

Maybe delete the other Elvis Costello and just have this one on there

Not necessarily the perfect experience, but I enjoyed it more than the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album that I also recently heard. From the songs themselves, the thing that I remember most is that the Little Triggers song for some reason reminded me of the recent release by The Favours (Finneas, Ashe). I have no idea why though

This was good. Enjoyed it more than I was expecting, but when it comes to Elvis Costello, I never end up enjoying his music as much as I want to, if that makes any sense.

Though repetitive, this is a really catchy and enjoyable pop album.

My dad after a breakup [laylist

I’m not sure if this is my thing and yet there’s something quite likeable about it. At times, it has a feel of The Clash and a quick search tells me Mick Jones plays on Big Tears so I guess I’m not just imagining it. I’m not sure when I’d listen to this again and I don’t know if more listens would make me like it more but I wouldn’t be against it.

Solid outing from his days as a punk troubadour

This is prime Elvis Costello... at least for me. I understand some of his bigger hits are on other albums, but this is the vibe I expect when I want to put on some of his music. Radio, Radio is one of my all time favorites and the album was just delightful throughout.

Peut être que je comprend pas mais l’album est très blend. Submid de chez mid ; terre du sous-milieu

Ouais non j’suis pas dans le mood pour ce genre là. Bland et mal mixé

Très "feels good" comme album. Honnêtement y'a pas un seul skip; j'adore sa voix et ses paroles, y'a plein de mixups surprenants sur l'instrumental avec des sick ass bass lines. Vraiment surpris de jamais avoir entendu parler de cet artiste.

No action : whaaat c'est vraiment un son des années 70 ? en vrai ça ambiance ouf , je me vois grave me déhanché dessus. ça fait meme un peu teen beach movie. direct dans la playlist , je kiffe. c'est meme trop court !! This year's girl : j'aime bien mais c'est un peu ch paaaas... goofy ? The beat : waaaah le mood. carrément je vis la chanson c'est du lourd !! pump it up : ouai pour moi c'est trop fou. mais ça ambiance ça reste pas mal ( pourtant c'est la chanson qui a le plus d'écoute ) , il me faut surement une seconde écoute pour accrocher little triggers : pas ma tasse thé... je skip... You belong to me : sympa , mais trop répétitive. je suis un peu fatiguée maybe faire une pause dans l'écoute serais une bonne chose hand in hand : c'est quoi ce bruit de moustique mdrrr en vrai je pense que je bloque avec sa voix... genre tete à claque ? "apologiseeee" " daaaooooaaooown" , ch pas c'est trop exagéré. oskour le hand in hand en répétition , je skip... i don't want to go to Chelsea : frr c'est bon il me saoule , j'arrete l'écoute...

He sounds like discount Tom Petty or Randy Newman lite. Too much organ/electric keys too. I don't hate it enough to give it a 1, but it was really pushing the lower limits of a 2.

This one grew on me. I really didn’t like the first few tracks on my first listen, but I was enjoying the album by the end. I think I needed a little bit of familiarity to get into it, but I do just think those first couple tracks are my least favourite. Fav song: Living in Paradise - also liked Pump It Up, Little Triggers and Lip Service Least fav: No Action

Elvis Costello paytas-hacmon Specific rating - 4.1 Fav song - pump it up Least fav - (I don’t want to go to )Chelsea

Really really liked this album. Had to double check when it was made cause it could have easily been a modern album. Shocked that I've never listened to an Elvis Costello album before, and very happy (having read the reviews complaining about it) to learn that I have more Elvis Costello albums coming my way! Also Pump It Up clearly inspired the guitar in Brutal by Olivia Rodrigo, which is fun! Favourite song: Hand in Hand (or Lip Service or Living in Paradise) Least: Little Triggers

I like this man's music more and more. Great basslines. And after reconsidering and knowing Elvis Costello's music even more, I really love this man's art.

Very modern almost timeless sound. Voice can be a bit much. Not sure how to explain. Not bad overall.

Not bad sort of chill rock music. Good beats and vocals it just that nothing really stood out for me. I don't regret listening to it but I won't be in any hurry to listen to it again.

One of my all time favorite albums, brilliant!!!

Pretty good

Amazing disc…listened to it 1,000 times and it never gets old!

One of the top 10 rock albums of all time.

Really enjoyed it much more a variety in genres than I expected. On Spotify squeeze started playing after which I enjoyed more 😂

22

Lipstick vogue is an all time track

Elvis Costello is so popular and yet this was boring. lyrics were boring or insulting, music was boring or annoying, and I just didn't feel anything about these songs. there were maybe 2 songs that I wouldn't change if they came on

4.2 Stars "Pump It Up" is a straightforward yet underrated song. He's got a unique sound. Sometimes spooky rock. The Vox organ stands out in some tracks. Sometimes cheesy late 70's 80's sounds: "Lip Service" Best Song: "(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea"

Another good album. Better than his offering that I've already listened to via this site. 'Pump It Up' is a classic, and there were a couple of other tracks that were good.

Achei o teclado frenético muito over, em alguns momentos eu pausei pra respirar um pouco, fora isso achei o álbum bom, mas não senti diferença entre as músicas, ele é bem linear, tão linear que parece que não vi a diferença entre uma música acabar e outra começar (acho que isso não é um elogio).

I did not like it at all.

Hmm. I remember really, really liking this maybe 5 years ago. This time, it didn't really gel with me. Some great playing from the band. Not sure about some of the songs. A bit dreary?

This slapped

I swear to Christ, what is it with Elvis Costello that has this listmaker so horny? Sure his music is fun and innovative (to a degree) but does it seriously warrant 4+ albums? That said, this one was probably my favorite of the bunch (so far... fuck). Good energy, really energetic drumming. And "Pump It Up" is admittedly a banger.

Sounds more modern than 1978. His voice is a bit annoying to me though, and I couldn't really get past that. Some fun guitar licks throughout. Not bad overall. Favorites: - Pump It Up - Living In Paradise

This is another artist I’ve heard of, but envisioned a completely different sound before listening (not necessarily in a bad way). The album is upbeat and easy to listen to, though it didn’t leave a super lasting impression after a few playthroughs. Overall, solid and inoffensive. Favorite tracks: - Pump It Up - Living in Paradise

Solid

I was going to give this a 3 halfway through but I was so bored by the end I couldn’t justify it

01) No Action - 6,5 02) This Year's Girl - 7,0 03) The Beat - 6,5 04) Pump It Up - 10,0 05) Little Triggers - 6,5 06) You Belong to Me - 6,5 07) Hand in Hand - 6,5 08) (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea - 7,0 09) Lip Service - 6,5 10) Living in Paradise - 6,5 11) Lipstick Vogue - 6,5 12) Night Rally - 6,5 13) Radio Radio - 6,5 TOTAL: 6,85 (69/100) Current ranking: 389/613 "Pump It Up" is great, the rest is average...

Yeah draw those syllables out why don’t you !

Never fully got him but this was ok

Brilliant

Upon 2nd listen through, I really like this. The voice needs a minute to get used to. Like, doo-wop New Wave. Pretty simple songs but funny and "in" lyrics. He gets it.

I don't get what the fuss is about.

Elvis Costello's style is pretty timeless- Pump it Up and Radio, Radio are the still the obvious top tracks.

not sure what to think but i like it

3/5

This is my second Elvis Costello record and I really enjoyed it. I love the variety of musical styles and appreciated how clean everything sounds.

opet kostelo, najbolji album dosad. iako opet nije nešto da obori s nogu. al ni najmanje mi ne smeta

whatevs

I'm not sure what I thought Elvis Costello was like, but it wasn't this. I liked it. I'll have to check out more. "Pump it up" gave me "Outlaw -Wild Wild West" vibes, which considering when they came out i guess is the other way around. It's the best song on the album, imo and will go on the 1001 playlist. +1 star because I was pleasantly surprised.

Interesting. Not terrible.

Good times!

Not my cup of tea

Fun but eh

goofy, but not in a fun way picks: the beat, pump it up

-meh… not bad at all but i’m not really getting the hype for this one as much as i did with Brutal Youth or even Blood and Chocolate -had some bangers. really good diversity in vocals and instrumentation, but his voice was just very grating to me at some points. 3 stars but barely -Favorites are This Year’s Girl and (I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea

Fun

Yessss. Nice mood booster today.

Best nice

4 stars, I like the vibe overall. I woudl enjoy if it’s on, and a few songs stood out to me as classics. I can see where it influenced the generations after, the melodies and all are great. Some good guitar and bass work

Great band performances - much of the lyrical content hasn't aged well.

Surprisingly dope

Not bad

Felt very theatrical

I really like the early elvis costello, pump it up and radio radio are some good songs. Not really sure why he was considered punk, maybe there is some british thing I'm missing. I forgot how good lipstick vogue and little triggers are.

Love Elvis

Very good album. Not as appealing as My Aim is True bc the organ can get a bit whiney, but more variety and great listen

This is the perfect cross between The Clash and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

I like two of his songs and the rest kind of blends.

I'm generally good with the hits when it comes to Elvis Costello. "Radio, Radio" and "Pump It Up" are classics, and there's some solid stuff on here, but I'm fine with the best of.

Pump It Up When You Don't Really Need It 1001 Albums Generator 67 (07/04/2025) Favs: No Action The Beat Pump It Up Least Fav: Little Triggers

Not my usual genre but highly listenable.

Love the vibe but I cannot listen to more than 10 seconds of his voice

Great collection of new wave tracks. Well written and performed.

I fucking loved this album. Just so easy to vibe with. Probably not all the way to a 5, but above a 4. Maybe.

Credit where credit is due: witty, snappy, angry, nasty -- all rolled up into one album

I LOVE this album!!!!

Enjoyed this! Nothing earth shattering, but fun!

buen álbum, no muy intenso pero tampoco demasiado blando, aunque quizás poco original

Good, early, Elvis Costello.

As a whole it's just an ok album for me—I do like Elvis Costello but a whole album feels a bit much and I don't really enjoy this style for too long of a listening period.

There is a sense that **Elvis Costello** didn’t quite fit into any singular mold of the late 70s or early 80s music scene. His work straddled several musical worlds, blending punk, new wave, pop, and classic rock influences, but always with his own distinctive twist. In that sense, he was both part of the moment and apart from it. This is the perfect example of how he had a way of blending angular, raw energy with more traditional elements of rock, pop, and even soul, which allowed him to transcend the short-lived trends of the era - to such an extent that this album almost feels like it could’ve been made at any time in rock’s history. This album has a sense of urgency and edge that wouldn't be out of place now. Even the production has aged well. It's almost **Weezer**-esque. "Pump It Up” is simply an all-timer. It's one of those songs that instantly grabs you and doesn’t let go. Because Costello's style and output is so eclectic I'm not sure he gets the credit he deserves.

Not a huge fan of his voice (if I want a nasal voice I'll take Tom Petty any day), but this was a nice bridge into the 80s and New Wave.

Enjoyed it more than I thought: knew the hits (Pump it Up, Radio) but entire album was kind of satisfying.

The band is really good and I feel like this should be my thing, but something just doesn't quite click. I wonder if any of the other 237 albums they have on here will fare better.

Old pop, not bad but not the best voice

Not my fave - didn’t really get into any particular song and didn’t feel moved or connected to anything.

Pretty good song-writer.

Fun album. An artist that I didn't know that I knew.

i will admit, there are some bangers...

Obviously Pump It Up is the major hot from this album, but the whole thing is full of bangers. Not necessarily something I'll revisit, but I wouldn't be mad if this came on. Great party music

I liked Elvis Costello’s debut, ‘My Aim is True’ but this one is definitely more background music to me and a lot less interesting.

Cool

Its good but my brain can't really pick out lyrics and I think this is where this record probably delivers. Musically reminds me of dire straits but its the same era.

The sound of repressed feelings and male angst; one of England's finest songwriter in the middle of his creative peak. Need I say more?

Many songs have a timeless appeal, but not many I would return to out of the album

++: This Year's Girl, The Beat, Pump It Up, Lip Service, Lipstick Vogue, Night Rally +: No Action, Little Triggers, (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea, Living in Paradise +-: You Belong to Me, Hand in Hand 7,2/10

i like the spunkiness/jazziness interesting baseline sound quality is kind of fuzzy so far i like it

Sounds pretty good for nearly 50 years old, Pump it up and Lipstick Vogue were the real hits here, the rest, somewhat forgettable, and the synth sounding thing is sounding a bit dated.

He's great isn't he - some classics on here. All in a good album, not blowing me away. Listenable.

Listened to this album recently as part of my 2025 resolution to listen to at least one new album per week. Wrote the following note for it on my spreadsheet: "I can totally see why BEE is so obsessed w this guy lol" (BEE = Bret Easton Ellis; he has certainly piqued my interest in Mr. Costello, but I've only dipped my toes in so far) Previously listened to 1 song (Pump It Up) Favorite Song: Pump It Up

Great album. An enjoyable listening experience.

fantastic album, very good work

I was familiar with several songs on this one - they’re nice but nothing special - the type of stuff that eats up radio airtime. The music part of his material is adequate and diverse. The lyrics - seemingly always complaining to or about his girl and other guys and monotonous vocal delivery - drags. Clear your throat, man. Two songs You Belong to Me and Hand in Hand have annoying repeating sections that go on too long. Middle of the road on 91x back in the 80s and still middle of the road today. 3/5.

Good stuff! I need to listen to more Elvis Costello. 4/5 #97

I don’t see what this one does that’s any different from the others we’ve had.

Seems innocuous/meh

another Elvis Costello album. And another time for me to go, damn….why don’t I listen to more Elvis Costello? Every song was great. Awesome album.

It’s good

Peak Costello is achieved Fun late-70s cheerful new wave songs to groove eccentrically to

Did not enjoy

Safe rock and roll. Not for me

I found most of the tracks 'annoying'. Didn't enjoy the singers voice and the music was very repetitive.

Wow. Surprised that I’ve never heard Costello (or at least this album) really talked about as an influence on Vampire Weekend. Can hear a link to later-era Old 97s, too. What a find. Favorites: “This Year’s Girl”; “(I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea”; “Living in Paradise”; “Radio Radio”

Fun album, solid pop songs. Sounded a bit like early ska, maybe that's the post-punk. He has such a distinct sound

Rock, 1978 -> 2

Harmless, happy and mostly meaningless. Just because it gave me some happy vibes I take this to two stars.

I was expecting to hate this from the first note onward, but the first song reminded me of American pop skate punk and kept me listening for a while. Then it went to what I expected to hear from a Costello album. I'll repeat what I said for the previous one: this release is of no meaning nor value to me.

Pump it Up is fantastic. But beside for that, I've never been the biggest Elvis Costello fan at the end of the day. It's fine, but nothing that has ever blown me away.

Classic Elvis Costello. Every song was enjoyable.

Good, but not great album. Definitely had some influence on later rock and I can appreciate that, but there’s only a couple stand out tracks. Still enjoyed it enough.

Decent music. Pump It Up is always a classic.

Awesome bass parts

Great music that stands the test of time.

Esta chulo

His voice drives me nuts, I don't really get the hype and didn't enjoy.

Неплохо, не лучший его альбом, но Костелло имеет свой стиль узнаваемый

Pretty good overall! I’d never actually listened to Elvis Costello but knew of him and how he was pretty popular and influential. So it was cool actually hearing that music. Some parts of it feel dated to that specific era, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

When i was younger I never saw the appeal of Elvis Costello. I listened to this with an open mind. It is much better then expected. But it is still unclear his appeal.

cool