This Year's Model

Overall pretty good! I think it ended stronger than it started. Would maybe need to listen again to really like it but also a chance it’s just not my vibe.

It's fine. I'm not a fan of Elvis Costello's voice, but this album wasn't bad. The songs are generally good.

I didn't really care for the first Elvis Costello album I got on here, but this time I had a much better listening experience. As I wrote for the other album, Brutal Youth, it was too much Costello for too much time. This one was a lot shorter and thus more manageable, since he didn't have as long to grate. There were still a few moments that started to go down that path. Little Triggers was probably the worst of them. But, I actually really enjoyed this album for the most part. It was peppy and catchy, with a bit of a punk feel--sort of like a more modern pop-punk record in parts. At the same time, it still had at least a little 50s/60s rock coming through. It didn't do too much, which I think was a strength here. Brevity kept this one good for me. I never got as tired of Costello as I did on the last record and instead had a pretty enjoyable listen. I wouldn't call it great, but I did think it was a decent album. Overall: 3.4/5

I feel like I owe this one another listen. The first and last tracks (No Action, Radio Radio) I thought were great, but it just dragged in the middle for me, at least on first listening. Still, I can recognize some real creative ingenuity here (can't believe it is a 1978 album, seems well ahead of its time).

I'm not sure I could listen to a whole album of Elvis Costello. I like his music but somehow his voice seems to be one that annoys after prolonged listening.

The thing I heard more than anything before starting this challenge was that there are too many Elvis Costello albums. Here I am with my first - thoughts and prayers. Before listening, I knew who the lad was, with his Mark Lamar 1950's bin man knock-off look. I can't recall ever hearing a single song by him, though I almost certainly have. Obviously the guy behind the book has some 'special feelings' for him. I think that I'd give this a four with more listens. Everything is good, aside from some jangly guitar tones that I've never been a fan of. Drums good, keyboard hit and miss, lyrics good. What is preventing an instant four stars is the vocals. If we had a singer who could belt out these choruses, it would be a four. They feel anthemic and deserve a bit of oomph, but Costello ain't that guy.

One can probably trace new wave’s popularity back to this record, among others. It’s quirky, concise, and doesn’t overstay its welcome too much. I recognized a few of the catchy singles and slightly enjoyed a few other tracks. I see that there is a strong Elvis Costello presence on this list so I have a ways to go on that front, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this was as good as it gets in terms of his discography featured here.

This album has me bouncing between three and four stars pretty constantly for a number of reasons. Is it a pretty fun, upbeat listen that I ultimately can't really say has any issues? Sure, but for an album that released in 1978 I just don't personally (PERSONALLY) find the sound interesting enough to justify any sort of admiration. While there is ultimately no flaw, and I definitely can't claim there's no style, there's just not enough of it. Some of the songs bring the bass forward and it sounds fantastic, other songs let the guitar place wonderful full stops of every chorus with eccentric riffs... but some songs do neither. For me it also struggles with direct comparison, I like the New Wave genre a lot and instead of that playing into this album's strengths the whole I'm just thinking "if I were alive in 1978, I'd be listening to Talking Heads and The Police", two bands who pushed new wave forward by being brave and ultimately sort of weird, while this album just feels a touch too safe. Hell, even if I thought the aforementioned bands were too out there, I'd still be listening to The Cars before this (their self titled is amazing). This will be an interesting album to revisit, as I think this take could totally flip either way and I either double down on how little it interests me or I could truly grow to love the sound. I do note this is the second album by Costello, while literally all three of the above mentioned bands/albums originated in 77/78 so my opinion on this album could change based on the first album and it's influence on the genre. Best songs: No Action/Little Triggers/Radio, Radio Worst song: N/A Rank compared to everything else so far: 10/12 (above Private Dancer below Daydream Nation)

Sitting very in the middle on this one. Didn’t like it, also didn’t hate it. Hard to pay attention to the music tbh, I wound up paying attention to anything but the music. Objectively it’s good, personally I could listen to silence equally as interesting.

Very distinctive voice and that makes the songs quite samey..some good but the music feels seperate to his voice, some good songs but nah.

The most 70s/80s prom night bate ever. So good if you're trying to fall in love at maybe 16 year's old with a man that used way too much hair gel

Pretty advanced sounding for the time period. Sounds like an album that could’ve been produced in the 90s.

Good rock album, I’m sure it was influential but I’m not educated enough to see how.

2.77

REVIEW: imagine this, girl from 1950/1960. it's prom, he's there, across the gymnasium that is a repurposed church building (this is normal, america) and you can smell the reek of his gasoline-inspired hair gel. he's wearing a jacket and he'll only rarely beat you. you love him. ALBUM FOR THIS FEEL

Not much memorable here

Probably one of the better Elvis Costello albums we’ve had so far, since there seems to be so many of them. This one at least held my attention until the end. Seems like it was a bit ahead of its time, I hear a lot of 80’s tropes in this late 70’s project. So points for that. However, this man doesn’t need to occupy so many spots on the list here. Plain and simple. My picks are “Pump it Up” and Lipstick Vogue”. Mid 3/5

Not my style, but pretty cool

I do enjoy a bit of Costello, I like his high energy and there again seems to be 1 song that I especially enjoy. The only issue is that all the other songs meld into one and I don’t really want to go back to listen to the entirety of the album.

Again, not a fan of Elvis Costello, but this might be the best I’ve heard from him so far. It was okay.

I like the music, but i really can’t get on board with his voice. He’s a great songwriter and the songs are fun, but I find him grating. Nick Lowe Produced it and he’s the GOAT though. Pump it up is a great tune though.

There's something about Elvis Costello that I have never enjoyed. I don't know what it is - it could be that my mum said that he's no Buddy Holly - but that's a conversstion for the therapist. It's not bad, this album, but I also don't love it.

Dude should add more fibre to his diet

Very fun record, I hadn't listened to Elvis Costello before, it was a good surprise. Catchy, dynamic and flows very well, I was impressed by the bass lines, the emotions of each song. It was very good.

Cool album. It's feels like a faster, edgier pop album. Not what I expected honestly

Once again, I can see the appeal of Costello crossing over with other greats from his time like Bowie and Petty, or Joe Jackson. Not bad.

Solid, not my type of music. ,

I never gave this entire album a listen before, but it starts off with a bang with No Action. Pump it up and Little triggers are also highlights. This album hits from the first song and just keeps rolling, most songs are 3 min or less and the pace just gives you a down hill feeling from the jump, there's an excitement and an energy to this whole album, it's a lot of fun. The pop punk vibe is really apparent and I for one really enjoy it.

I love some tracks on this one and have loved EC for years. Pump It Up is groovy and punky. I don't love Costello's singing voice and some of the tracks you feel like you're waiting for t hem to be over. I do find the lyrics super catchy, and often find myself saying "I don't want to go to Chelsea!" to myself.

war ok, nicht exotisch. Viele Lieder nach einem ähnlichen Schema aufgebaut.

It was an interesting experience...w

Not my favorite. It has it's moments but I think it's just okay.

It was fine

I want to give this album a 4 mostly for Pump it Up but it’s not a 4 for me. Not after 1-2 listens. Not a huge Elvis Costello appreciator, but this album helped. Radio, Radio is good too. But just mid overall for me.

It's a long album, but after a brief listening I give it 3 stars. It might go higher or lower after a longer listen.

Encore lui... C'était mieux que la dernière fois mais rien de bien marquant, au début je me voyais un peu dans un lycée américain. Je me suis imaginé Stuart, le quaterback célèbre que toutes les filles adorent, bg et bully, mais ça a pas duré longtemps. En relisant mon commentaire du dernier Elvis Costello j'avais déjà dit rien de bien marquant, s'il y a encore un album de lui je vais finir par sévir.

70s new wave. Sounds like more current alt rock, timeless.

I think the better of the Elvises deserves a better writeup than this but I'm beat. The music deserves to be here, it's good, I like some of it.

Eh, it was ok. Didn't really tickle me, but didn't irritate me either. I remember enjoying Radio, Radio but nothing else really stood out.

Very nice i like this typemof Music and his blive is nice and there re lol 5 good songs

Why is that some of the best songwriters can't sing worth a damn? I enjoyed this as much as I could. "Pump It Up" and "Chelsea" were the standouts for me. The rest would have been better served by somebody who sang with Elvis' edge, but who could actually sing.

Better than I expected

Meh. Was probably great in 1978 but not so much now. A few good tracks, good lyrics.

Good album, sounds ahead enough of its time. Maybe I'm not giving it a proper shot since this list is full of early new wave-y stuff (crazy how pop-punky this feels for an album from the 70s) but it wasn't really that fun or interesting to listen to. Hard to hate, but it's a 3 from me. fav tracks: Lipstick Vogue

I'm not sure I get the Elvis Costello hype, spoilt by the last 50 years of pop so this doesn't really sound as groundbreaking after growing up with lyrical genius tswift

3.5 to be reviewed - tired today

I was dreading listening to this album since I just got another Costello album 2 days before but this one was okay? Not as good as Armed Forces but still tolerable. Though I enjoyed it more than Blood and Chocolate, I had similar issues with this album.

Not bad - Pump it Up is a classic. Would listen again

It was a good album, maybe if I spend more time with it it'll turn out to be a great album, but I don't know if I want to do that.

Maybe 3.9 some good songs just dk if I’d actively listen

I really like this album, I think it is a fun one. I really think I will listen to it when I want something chill and joyful 3/5

Very surprising. Not at all what I expected it to sound like. But it's not for me. I can see how this influenced music.

It’s a fun listen that won’t change anyones life. I probably won’t return to it anytime soon but it was pretty cool. My three highlight tracks were Little Triggers, Hand In Hand, and Lip Service.

The good-ish times roll with the Pump it Up king. I’m already pretty familiar with this record through the singles and The Deuce, but it all coalesces nicely in album format. And it seems oddly parallel to our terrible reboot of the Reagan years. Highlights are This Year’s Girl, Lipstick Vogue and I Don’t Want to go to Chelsea.

Cover 7 Proto-alternative rock. If you like 90s alt rock, then Costello should be a must listen, especially as a solo artist (in general, not just this album). This album in particular has some good songs. Favorites: 1. No Action, 2. Pump It Up and 3. Living in Paradise. Their album Accidents Will Happen is probably better but this is still a decent album.

5.5

Enjoyed this, not super memorable but was a fun listen

I didn't know costello sounded like this i don't think. it was enjoyable, nothing ground breaking but nice.

Recognisable hits on here

Bien meilleur que son premier, et de loin. Il la sort du stade, c’est un fait. Le nouveau band qui enregistre avec lui (The Attractions) est plus proche de son esthétique. Un album réussi, malgré que toujours pas pour moi.

Excellent album for an introduction to Costello's music.

Ganz gmüetlichi und losbari wuchenendmusig. Han s album ei mal ohni ufwand dureglost, denn schön süüberlich id akte gleit und det wirds jetzt für alli ziit verstaube. 3 Staubchörnli

Gives the same type of feeling as watching mid Woody Allen movies. Extremely neurotic in both lyrics and sound. Midway from punk and new wave lies whatever the heck this is. Favorite Tracks: This Year’s Girl, Pump It Up, Radio Radio

3.5/5

Elvis Costello has always been intriguing to me...I don't know why.

I have never been able to get into Elvis Costello and that streak remains unbroken.

Superb

I don't get it. Song writer sure, but not much else good

I think this is my first time listening to Elvis Costello. Unfortunately due to other things going on I was only able to listen to the album in short bursts and only made it through the entirety once. That being said, I liked what I heard. I added This Years Girl to my library. I’m sure I would have added more if I had more time to listen to the album. I look forward to exploring Elvis Costellos discography more.

Feels like dad music, for better or worse. With so many albums to get through, it managed to hold my attention for a good 20 minutes or so. No, I am not listening to the 40-song deluxe edition.

Honestly not bad

Great post punk pop album by Elvis. No standout songs, just strong throughout

Never actually listened to Elvis Costello before. Was a little wary going in, since there seems to be a lot of hate for this guy on the subreddit. But it was pretty fun, I had a god time. Best song: Pump It Up

I'd heard of him before but hadn't ever listened. Pretty good.

I appreciate him as a songwriter, and mostly enjoyed this album. But, in all honesty, his songs never really grab me in a way that make me want to listen to more. Highlights: "The Beat" and "Radio, Radio"

I like it for what it was. Its not exactly groundbreaking anymore but at the time it was.

Generic white people music.

En ole koskaan kuunnellut Elvis Costelloa, vaikka tiedänkin miehen. Tämä levy oli kohtuullisen tylsä, kappaleet aika tasapaksuja, mutta kuuntelin sen kokonaan. Parasta oli Elviksen ääni, ei jäänyt muuta mieleen, en osaa edes sanoa mikä biisi oli paras…

original emo, perpetually horny and angry at some woman he hates. what in the misogyny is this? wild how all the 2000 boy bands sound like him, time really is a flat circle. I love the music but it’s hard to listen to the lyrics. Pump it up!!! Olivia Rodrigo ey?

𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳’𝘴 𝘔𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘭 is sharp, nervy, and full of Elvis Costello’s characteristic bite, but for me it doesn’t feel especially distinctive. The Attractions are tight and the songs bristle with energy, yet nothing here really stands out as exceptional. A solid record, but not one that left a lasting impression.

Listens: 2 Standout Tracks: This Year's Girl, (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea This was surprisingly modern sounding for having been released in 1978. You could have told me it came out in 1995, 2005 or 2015 and I would have believed you. The production value is crisp and clean. I hear elements of ska, post-punk, new wave, more traditional rock. It's not something I will be adding to my rotation or go out of my way to listen to in the future, but I was glad to have heard it.

It's okay. By no means bad but does not stand out either. Inoffensive.

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

6/10

Feeling entirely neutral about it

Good might listen again

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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.

2.75

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.

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.

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

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

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

Fine musically.

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.

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

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.

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

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...

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

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.

🎸😄

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

eh, its okay

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.

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

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.

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 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

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

Pretty good

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?

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.

Solid

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...

Never fully got him but this was ok

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.

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

3/5

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

whatevs

Interesting. Not terrible.

-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

Best nice

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

Felt very theatrical

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.

Enjoyed this! Nothing earth shattering, but fun!

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.

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.

Pretty good song-writer.

i will admit, there are some bangers...

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Esta chulo

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.

Decent, strong start then mid

Like the music, his voice not so much.

Does Elvis Costello sound a lot like Tom Petty? I don't like his voice all that much, but the album was nice enough to listen to. Definitely a vocal-heavy album and not a lot of interesting instrumentation.

Pretty fun sounding music but maybe a little bit samey. high 3/5

Solid to good album, and of course a GOAT track in Pump It Up.

Also nice music for vacation!

Some songs are actually catchy

I feel this album suffered from the 70s vinyl label idea of no one flips a record. all the good stuff was on side A leaving nothing for side B

This wasn't really what I expected, but my expectations were completely irrational, being rooted in a vague association my brain made between Elvis Costello and Elvis Presley. So really I knew nothing about Costello going in. In the end it was just alright - I like the energy of it, couldn't really make heads or tails of the lyrics, and found it a bit samey after a while

probably the best elvis costello album

Pretty good album.

I think he is a better songwriter than an artist. Some of the songs work especially Pump It Up, but his voice really doesn’t.

Typical EC. Never really my jam although I think it probably should be. 3/5

Surprised to listen to an Elvis Costello album I kinda liked. Imperial Bedroom was the only album (and music) of his I have listened to thus far, and that completely and utterly (probably unfairly) destroyed his name in my eyes. This is fun though. The Beat and Pump it Up were great. The latter was sampled by the Rogue Traders on Voodoo Child, a song that brought me back to my NOW THAT's WHAT I CALL MUSIC (64?) days...

Costello's voice, for me, is incredibly inconsistent. It's sometimes very good, sometimes just fine, and other times it's pretty rough. That inconsistency ends up hurting the album as a whole for me. Because I really like the vibe and the band! The Attractions as a whole are really good and do a lot of interesting things! I honestly wished I really enjoyed this album, but it ended up being alright enough. Favorite Song(s): This Year's Girl

Not a fan of his voice, however better than his other albums on the list Best Song: Pump it Up Rating: 5.5/10 Stars: 2/5

Heard some songs that I didn’t know were Elvis Costello! Pump it up and Radio Radio

It's good

Fine, nothing special

3 star

Reasonable. Pump it up is always a banger

Are people actually fans of Elvis Costello or do they just say they are because they think everyone else is, he's fine but nothing special.

I am beginning to think Elvis Costello is the person running this project. I don't know how you justify the number of his records on here otherwise. That being said, this was the best one yet. Listenable and only moderatley annoying.

Honestly this is a fun album! Would I ever search it out to put it on? Nope. But am I glad I got to listen to it? Yes! And if I was somewhere or with someone who put this on, I’d listen through it again. So 3/5 for me personally because I can appreciate that it’s good but it ain’t my cup of tea

Never listened to Costello before. Some song that sounded similar but also some honest to god bangers.

A pretty solid album. It was fun and enjoyable and I thought tracks like Pump it up and lipstick were great. But the whole album doesn’t do anything remarkable. It feels like I have heard the same sound multiple times. Maybe at the time it was released it was something new but now I feel like the sound, although not bad, is a bit overdone. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that I still thought that it was pretty good.

This one didn't resonate with me really. It was okay in parts but it just wasn't my jam.

Un an après "My Aim Is True", Elvis Costello sort son deuxieme album en 1978 "This Year's Model", album enregistré avec son groupe The Attractions. Les Attractions ne sont pas simplement un nouveau groupe, c'est l'élément déclencheur qui permet à la vision d'Elvis Costello de prendre pleinement forme. La virtuosité de chaque musicien et leur alchimie collective fournissent la puissance, la précision et la nervosité nécessaires pour traduire l'urgence et la complexité des nouvelles chansons. "This Year's Model" marque une rupture stylistique nette avec "My Aim Is True". Si le premier album flirtait avec le pub rock et des influences américaines, le second plonge tête la première dans l'énergie de la New Wave britannique, intégrant des éléments de Power Pop, de Punk Rock, voire de Garage Rock. L'album sonne résolument punk dans son urgence et son attitude, même si la sophistication des arrangements et la diversité des influences (allant des Rolling Stones et des Beatles à des touches de reggae ) le distinguent du punk brut de décoffrage. C'est une musique tendue, nerveuse, presque paranoïaque, portée par un groupe qui semble constamment au bord de l'implosion contrôlée. La production de Nick Lowe est un autre facteur déterminant. Il cherche à obtenir un son plus fort et plus percutant que sur "My Aim Is True". Son objectif principal est de bien asseoir la basse avec la grosse caisse et de mettre la voix de Costello au premier plan. Le résultat est un son direct, puissant, qui capture l'énergie live du groupe tout en conservant une clarté remarquable. Lowe réussit à créer un sentiment de "chaos contrôlé", où l'urgence et la tension coexistent avec une production précise et efficace. Cette approche met en valeur à la fois la virtuosité des Attractions et l'intensité viscérale des compositions de Costello. Les paroles de "This Year's Model" prolongent la veine acerbe et spirituelle de "My Aim Is True", mais avec une intensité et une concentration thématique accrues. Le ton général est mordant, confrontant, voire venimeux, Elvis Costello adoptant la posture d'un observateur désabusé et cynique. L'album explore principalement les relations amoureuses dysfonctionnelles, la critique sociale et médiatique, et une introspection souvent brutale. Dès sa sortie "This Year's Model" reçoit un accueil critique extrêmement favorable. Les critiques louent la force de l'écriture, l'énergie des Attractions et la maturité de Costello en tant qu'artiste. Au final, ce sera un 3 sur 5 pour un album à découvrir.

I cringed when I got another Costello album here but, honestly, Pump it Up is a jam and the rest of the album wasn't too bad either.

Solid album. I knew more doings than I thought I would. Kind of geek/cool/retro vibe, even at the time.

On todays entry for 1001 Elvis Costello albums you must hear before you die. Very much the same as the others, some good, but most is below to average. Pump it Up still holds up great, the rest, not so well. Still, love the guys voice, but I just cant see how he needs this many entries.

Yep that’s ANOTHER Elvis Costello album. Sounds like all the other ones we got

Holy shit. It must be his complete catalog on this list. More quirky uptempo stuff. I have nothing against Elvis Costello except the fact that 1/3 of the way through this list he is the most repeated artist. Another three star review. Blah blah blah.

I hate that I actually like this. It is the perfect amount of corny/cringy to be enjoyable if you get what I mean.

There’s a couple good songs but otherwise found it pretty average. His voice is an acquired taste I feel. Not my favorite, but the vibe they go for requires it I guess.

Enjoyable selection of music

Ok

Good

It’s fine.

Not my thing but I appreciate the album

Really enjoyed the instrumental but couldn't get over his voice.

not as annoying as Bob Dylan... but he's very close 2.8

(30 known/59 new)

It's becoming very hard to properly rate Elvis Costello's albums. On one hand, they all sound exactly the same. On the other hand, 4 of his records that I've already rated have different note each (from 1 to 4). I guess it depends on a day and my mood, but one thing for sure, I will never reach for his music on my own, it's just not my type of genre. Only fair call is to give a solid 3 and to hope that this is the last time I hear about Elvis.

Leaning towards good overall. The music/instrumentation was a 4, but the singing is what brought the rating down to a 3. The singing was a bit annoying and whiny.

Nice music, but his voice sounds like he has a lozenge stuck in his throat and is singing through a cardboard tube. 3.0/5.0: Good

Simply liked it

to be honest i found his voice to be annoying as hell but the music was alright had some good songs the main one which i forgot the name was very nice

As the meme goes, there are way too many Elvis Costello albums on this list, which is true. This one, his second, is not too bad, but like all his other albums, it's not great either. I do not get the appeal. but there are some good songs on it. Key tracks: No Action Living in Paradise (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea

Some catchy songs, feels more like rock, but still kinda 80s.

I don't know how to review this album. The band is fantastic, especially the bass player. This 1950s Rock'n'Roll through a late-70s/early-80s filter largely works from the standpoint of the instruments. For the most part, I'm not a fan of the vocals. They sound more like he's putting on a character than just singing. "Pump It Up" is the highlight. 3 stars

3.0 - Ok

Of the Costello albums this is my favorite. It doesn't immediately annoy me and he has some beats and the music is varied enough that it doesn't all drag together. No Action and The Beat were good. However, Little Triggers is a big trigger for me, this is the epitome of why I don't think I like him. His voice and signing in this song are just so annoying. His voice is clawing and just grates my brain like nails on a chalkboard. I also think reading the album summary, maybe I am naive but how is this punk rock? Is it new wave and pop, yes but its not punk. Maybe that is also what annoys me about him, every album is described to be so hard, punk, anti-establishment, but in today's terms its just a pop rock album. Its like he is embarrassed by what he is, but wants to enjoy all the mainstream success of pop music. Like Hand in Hand, would just fit into any high school dance of the 60's.

This is our third Elvis Costello album and the first of his albums that actually has a song I've heard before. TWO songs actually! : Pump It Up and Radio Radio. Both are great songs but I'm disappointed that I didn't really like any of the other songs. I like the bass in Lipstick Vogue. I like the music on Night Rally. There are parts that I like but overall it just doesn't really connect with me. Songs like You Belong To Me annoy me because it's immature. Yes, in monogamous relationships there should always be a sense of ownership and entitlement. That seems healthy. Most of Elvis Costello's more "romantic" songs just come off as him being kind of a dick and lacking emotion. He should probably not write love songs. He doesn't want to go to Chelsea. Is Chelsea a girl or a place? Maybe Chelsea doesn't want him either. I'm still waiting for that Elvis Costello instrumental album.

I struggle with his voice. Maybe he sounds too stuffed up, like if he only blew his nose, his vocals would open up and become a beautiful symphony of sound. But alas, I think this is just what he sounds like. I actually liked this album better than the first couple we've had though. There's a good energy and bounce to it, and I can feel his soul in this one, which I haven't felt until now. This was earlier in his career, so maybe he was just more raw and real then. I actually knew a song on this one too! Pump It Up is a fun ditty. But I have Kleenex if you need it, Elvis!

Fun to listen

pump it up bangs, not as good as my aim is true

I thought I hated Elvis Costello, but this isn't bad.

Boy, this selection has worked hard to make me an Elvis Costello convert

This guys voice with the ska esque music in the back made it hard to want to listen to all of this

Is this album so fundamentally different from the Elvis Costello record ("Armed Forces") that we already reviewed? I like this one a tiny bit better, but c'mon... life is short and this list should skip virtual duplicates like this. How about some Joe Jackson instead? Or The Jam? I've heard some good things about Dexy's Midnight Runners. We should check in on them soon.

Elvis Costello is definitely a greatest hits artest for me. The good stuff is so amazing, but most songs are just fine. Pump it Up does most of the heavy lifting here.

Dull

Interesting pop/soft rock. Sounds kinda 80s without the electro sounds Best track - I dont want to go to chelsea

Not bad. I liked the instrumentals way more than the singing.

3 good songs

He has better but good album

Not bad. Not his best.

I quite like his voice, although it sort of feels like a parody. Fun fact, my school Maths teacher (heavy ursualla vibes and known for being a Biatch) knew Elvis Costello and Diana Krall because she ran a jazz club in southend. Makes me think she was cooler than we gave her credit for.

This album is solidly OK. I like this much better than 'My Aim is true', mainly thanks to the new wave influences the Attractions bring. This album feels pretty modern, and if you'd told me this came out a couple of years ago I'd have believed it. Is that because it's groundbreakingly new? Not really, more like it's very inoffensive and has a very classic rock n roll feel. It's enjoyable and I wouldn't complain if someone put this on, but it's not something I'm gonna recommend to anyone. Pump it up is an absolute tune though.

A couple of good songs but then the rest all sound the same.

48/1001 - Would be better if he wasn't flat all the time. Very average.

Average Costello.

This to me seems like Peak Elvis Costello and i enjoyed it. Lots of heart and fun and energy, lyrics that jump out and lots of musicality.

I only knew the album's artwork. First listen: ah he's British ! That sounds fresh, clear, jangle...there are catchy tunes but a bit repetitive. I like the sarcasm in the lyrics. Worth 2.5...but I would go for 3 because it sets me in a good mood.

I love the guy, always fun and still there... And i had always like the Pump it up song, lyrics are nice too, but nothing really stands out here. 3 is my sympathy vote.

Just fine

Not bad, but not Costello's greatest work.

20/02/25 The album was just okay.

My third Costello album and a new sound yet again. I know there’s a lot of complaints on this about the number of Costello albums but the three I’ve heard have been distinctly different and the same goes for this one As is fit for a late 70s album it’s got a subtle but growing synth influence , Elvis does sound younger here and just a little less raspy. I did enjoy the band work here even if I didn’t find the vocals a great fit

Elvis predicts the snotty vocal delivery of '90s alt rock with startling precision. Other than that, I don't really get much out of this. Silly and fun enough that it wasn't unpleasant, though!

Ganz nett anzuhören

Just middling. A few fine tunes and most that are just unremarkable.

Surprised myself with some foot-tapping along the album. Still not my music but it was not too bad

A legend that does not suit me well

Pretty fun. But like with My Aim Is True only one song stood out (Lipstick Vogue in this case, Miracle Man in the other).

Ok

Elvis Costello is an artist who reminds me I am aging. As a younger person, I decided Costello was "for adults", and left it at that. Now in my 30's I listen to and appreciate Costello, as is appropriate for my original perception of this age group. Haha For real, he's a good musician and singer. I don't know that I'm quite ready to call myself a fan, but I can definitely see myself returning to Costello's works.

Same as every Elvis Costello album

Endnu en Elvis. Og ham her skal vi godt nok igennem meget af. Det var fint nok, ikke noget som stikker helt af, bare fint nok. Sing a song rockabilly ting.

Hmm. Der er noget interessant over lyden hist og her. F.eks. en tydelig Television inspiration på guitaren i Living In Paradise. Alt i alt okay lytteligt. Men ikke noget der giver mig særlig tilfredsstillelse.

It needed more energy and more from the backing band, because his vocals are definitely not good enough by themselves. Saying that some of the bass lines I liked, and a bit of the guitar work was ok. A couple of tracks I liked, such as Lipstick Vogue and The Beat. The rest were just boring and needed something more

Elvis Costello isn't for everyone, I guess, but I admit that strikes me as odd. This works for me.

This might be my favorite Costello album, some catchy tracks on here.

I was not previously familiar with this album but I did recognize Pump It Up once I heard it. Elvis Costello has a unique sound which shines here. The album is good, albeit a little bit forgettable, but Pump It Up is definitely very good.

I enjoyed this album way more than I thought I would. High 3.

At a loss for words with this one. I need to beef up my musical vocabulary so I can speak more eloquently about my musical tastes. It's a good album, I know it's an absolute classic. Iconic album cover as well. The recognizable hits on here are all total jams. Giving it a solid middle-of-the-road rating, I look forward to listening to more Elvis Costello - I know in this project there's plenty more to come.

Thought it was a very timeless album, could have been released any time from 1950s to now!

Definitely don't need 6 of this guy's albums, especially when this one is considered his best. They were all pretty solid tunes, best song by far was Pump It Up. 3.5

Meh/5

Inégal avec quelques trucs pas mal du tout. Ça s'écoute gentiment, mais ça restera pas dans les annales non plus.

A Fun album!

Pump it up and (I don't want to go to) Chelsea are the top songs. I love the new wave feel of this album. Groovy.

Maybe a light bulb moment with this album. Bass lines are funky and the guitars are jangly. Proper new wave meets the beach boys. This years girl with its penetrating mockery is perfect to me. No action, little triggers and pump it up just make me eye roll however. My problem is I just don’t love Costello’s vocals. Put on American accent (saying that I recognise my hyprocisy in American punk or rock mimicking British accents). Songwriting is top notch though. Released at the end of the 1970s this album’s a bridge for the kids who grew up on Beatles/Bowie moving into the 80s rock scene who stuck their nose up at 80s pop and 70s disco. Just scratching the surface of the feelings conveyed just before The Cure, The Smiths, Joy Division and Simple Minds.

Haven’t heard Elvis Costello, more rock than I was expecting but not sure if I like it too much.