Reviews (page 7 of 13)
3 star
Wanted to go 4.5, because there's a little filler here, but the heights are so very very good.
I have heard about the man but not the band. Never listened to him before I think. Nice pop-punk album and a few songs that really stand out. An artist I think I will look up and listen more to After this.
I liked this album. Great stuff
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
Another odd pull. I don’t have too much to say about this one, other than it was an upbeat pop/rock album. The lead voice was okay. Nothing standing out to me.
Never listened to Costello before. Some song that sounded similar but also some honest to god bangers.
I quite like this geeza, propa lad
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.
Che bel rock, mi gasa un sacco. Poi è JoJo reference.
- He's such a great writer / composer that it's really hard to give this release the full 5 right off the bat and I was leaning towards a 4 ... but, consider; for almost anyone else this would be a perfect record. .... 5 stars just for "Pump it up". -
Produced by the magnificent Nick Lowe this album is like a close sibling to Lowe’s Jesus of Cool. Peppy, clever, and poppy.
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
It's ok. But new wave is kinda meh.
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 dislike the vocals
I listened to the 2021 remaster with 14 tracks. Lively! Catchy! There's a little punk rock energy in there with the power pop, it's right up my alley. Any time the end of a 14-track album catches me by surprise, you know I was enjoying the listening experience. Great album. Adding to my library.
Pump It Up (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea Lipstick Vogue Radio
I hate that I actually like this. It is the perfect amount of corny/cringy to be enjoyable if you get what I mean.
this was the longest 40 minutes of my life, last couple of songs weren't that bad though
Was a bit bored by this one except for Pump it Up, that has a great riff on it.
Lukewarm
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.
I don’t like Elvis Costello
Wow! I actually thought this one wasn’t all that bad. The album is upbeat, catchy, and melodic. The keyboards brought out a distinctive new wave flavor that was colorful and a little quirky. Hopefully, moving forward, I’ll find more Elvis Costello albums I like. So far, the ones I heard before this would have been better off without Elvis Costello’s vocals in the first place.
Enjoyable selection of music
Ok
Actually enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
Found it a little boring. Other than the hits the other tracks all sounded the same
Driving grinding charging. Is it the drums? And good heavens Craig Finn owes his career so hard.
Probably his least annoying work. Still hate this guy's music Will I listen to again: 0%
Good
I liked it , songs all sounded pretty similar
It’s fine.
I like some of the sounds, particularly the electronic sounds. I can barely hear the lyrics though. Living in Paradise is my favourite track from this album.
Not a huge fan. Kinda sounds like he’s screaming to a tune.
Really enjoyable listen, I think my recent enjoyment of power-pop type artists such as Todd Rundgren and XTC has really widened my horizons as far as revisiting artists I never cared for with surprising results. Elvis Costello is another whom I never sought out, and really didn't find myself gravitating towards the sound whenever I did hear anything of his. This is a really solid album and I definitely feel like I "get it" a lot more than before. Good, hooky songs, slight bit of a punk attitude with driving instruments, and certainly not cookie cutter pop sensibilities. Will have to explore his catalog further!
Pretty solid album. Some really good lyrics too. This year's girl "you want her broken with her mouth wide open" wow, what a line. Tragic
didnt really enjoy it, not my jam
Improves upon his debut, which is already fantastic. Favorites: No Action, Pump It Up, Lip Service, Radio Radio Would I listen to it again: Yes
Not bad. If I was a few years younger this might be too old for me and be like the beatles
I don't hate Elvis Costello. I just don't care about him and don't get how many love him so much. I like about 6 songs in his entire catalog. To Elvis Costello fans that sounds like I hate him. Reading the reviews, I'm happy to see that there are so, so very many people who share my opinion of him. I was pretty sure I was an outlier. I still belive the best thing about Costello is the DLR dis... "The reason that music critics love Elvis Costello so much is because music critics look like Elvis Costello"
Brzmi to trochę jak britrock z wczesnych 2000’. Maniera wokalu nieco irytuje, a w utworach jest coś powtarzalnego, ale i tak mi się podoba. Ma swój klimat i jest bardzo określone. Mam poczucie, że kreacja sceniczna jest przemyślana i całkiem trafiona. Kojarzy mi się trochę z Arctic Monkeys, the Vamps, the Kooks… Prosty, młodzieżowy, nieco buntowniczy klimat. 7.5/10
Ok
I'm a nerdy guy with those same glasses, what can I say, I love it.
For the longest time I had no idea why I didn't gel with this album (or, for that matter, ARMED FORCES). After all, I figured, I'm a really big fan of MY AIM IS TRUE, and I love "Radio, Radio"... What else did I need? And matters didn't get any better when my group got two of his later albums, BRUTAL YOUTH and IMPERIAL BEDROOM, and I didn't really jive with either of those. It got me wondering, honestly, if I was actually a fan of Costello or if I just happened to like that one album and a small handful of songs? And there'd be nothing wrong with that if I did, but I'unno — given how much MY AIM IS TRUE is one of those "entrenched in my soul" albums, it'd feel wrong if the latter was true. Well, it'd been a long time since I last heard THIS YEAR'S MODEL — about four years, by my count? In the interim, I'd really expanded not only my musical experience, but my ability to listen in general. Maybe now I'd have the tools to hear whatever I wasn't able to before. I mean, this is apparently regularly considered Costello's greatest work, even more than MY AIM IS TRUE. Of course I'd disagree with that idea, but I figure there has to be some merit to it, otherwise I wouldn't have heard it touted so much. What exactly was I missing? Well, I think I figured out what my problem was with THIS YEAR'S MODEL. As it turns out: I liked MY AIM IS TRUE too much. Here's my theory: I've listened to MY AIM IS TRUE a lot. A **lot**. For a time it was the album I'd just throw on if I wanted to listen to something but didn't know what. I'd gotten myself very used to its pub rock stylings and how it never got too intense. So when I pull over to an album like this, which does greatly pump up the intensity in contrast, and leans way more into New Wave, punk and garage rock... I think I just couldn't accept it. "That's not what Elvis Costello sounds like." I could take it for "Radio, Radio" because of the SNL story surrounding it, and for "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding" 'coz... Well, I just like that song. But for a whole album? Nah. At the time, I just couldn't handle it. Once I let my guard down, though, and took the album for what it was, rather than for what I wanted it to be... Yeah, no, I get it. I totally get why people (or at least the old guard) love this thing so much. For my tastes, I still prefer MY AIM IS TRUE, but just as well, I could see myself growing to love this one just as much as that. I think what I like the best about it is its... Well, I keep calling it "intensity," but I figure that's just a smarter word to use for this sort of thing than "loud." I mean, "intensity" is a bit of a strong word; I don't wanna make it sound like this album is teeth-clenching or anything. But they sure are playing a hell of a lot harder and a hell of a lot louder, and that's what I liked about it. MY AIM IS TRUE is something you could kick back to — even when it tries to be a bit harder, it's still kind of soft. Meanwhile, this is largely some shit you can just jam the hell out to. It's got its quiet moments, of course, but on the whole... I mean, damn, I tell yah: I don't know why I didn't appreciate this record for that all the way back when, gosh darn. (It's honestly particularly embarrassing to me because I've long liked Weird Al's Costello pastiche "I'm So Sick Of You", and this is way more THIS YEAR'S MODEL than MY AIM IS TRUE. Though, to be real, it **did** take me a while to come to like the song as much as I did, so... The cycle keeps on repeating, eh?) Well, you can consider me particularly looking forward to ARMED FORCES and seeing if my opinion of that thing's raised, too. Chances are really strong it has, but, hey, I'll never know 'til I try. And who knows, maybe I'll like BRUTAL YOUTH and IMPERIAL BEDROOM a bit more now as well, whenever I wanna relisten to those... But for the time being, I can be happy just finally being able to say that I'm a fan of this album.
Whoever put the 1001 albums together sure does love their Elvis Costello, huh? Makes sense, considering that this is pretty damn good early new wave. 4.5 bumped up to 5.
I am finally at a 5 for Elvis Costello. The fourth time is indeed the charm – my big thing holding me back with “My Aim Is True” was a repetition in the structure of each track that nagged at me too much, & while that was solved by “Imperial Bedroom”, that album has a few too many tracks that I just considered mediocre. “Brutal Youth” is just weird; maybe I’d bounce off of it less now that I’ve listened to 3 other albums by him, but I thought it was horribly out of date for 1994. This, though? This came out swinging from the top & just kept rolling – the album never once hit a point of stagnation for me, the song structures are way more flexible, even with an overreliance on the chorus on a number of tracks, & the variety in the soundscapes are even better than they were on both “My Aim Is True” & “Imperial Bedroom”, showcasing even more depth from The Attractions in a way that really lets them feel like a co-artist here, and not just Elvis Costello’s band. All of the things I gave praise to Elvis Costello for on those other two albums are here in spades, & for a second album, this is way, way up there. Most artists tend to stagnate a little with their second one, but he knocked it out of the park as far as I’m concerned. It’s a quicker, cleaner, more fun album that allows itself to stay loose & maintain an energy that’s infectious throughout. The shorter tracks here make it so nothing overstays its welcome, and the pacing of the album really knows how to spread itself out between its immediately high-tempo intros & slower buildups. It is a very, very quick 35 minutes, and that’s not even counting the bonus tracks on the remaster – Radio, Radio is a banger. So, yeah, Elvis Costello finally has his 5 from me, and it’s a very well-earned one; this is my favorite album from him yet, and I’ll definitely give this a few more plays. This one’s a recommended listen for sure.
Really enjoyed this, much more than I expected to. There's really something special about Elvis Costello's charisma which comes through very clearly on the tracks
ANOTHER GODDAMN ELVIS COSTELLO ALBUM. To be fair, even though I don't really like this album I would consider it an album to "hear before you die". Definitely Costello's most essential work. But still I really don't like this guy's music and I won't pretend that I do. Favorite track: Hand in Hand
Not my thing but I appreciate the album
3/10 Costello's voice annoys me from the opening line of the album. There are moments in here that allow me an insight into why this album is beloved by music critics but they always end up being spoiled - for example I quite like the instrumental on 'The Beat' but the chorus ruins the song. 'Pump It Up' should be a highlights as the most played single and seems like it should be catchy, but instead it feels like such an obvious and repetitive riff which doesn't capture my musical imagination in the slightest. 'Little Triggers' was okay, kind of an interesting song and therefore my favourite from listening through this album, but again I can't really get past my dislike for Costello's voice. Supposedly the best Costello album which makes me hope there aren't any others on this list… Listens: 1
Starting to like Elvis Costello a little bit
Find it difficult to get past the voice. I’m sure the song writing is good. There’s an early rock n roll tinge to some of the songs, and there are some strong tracks on the album - pump it up, I don’t want to go to chelsea, radio radio; but I doubt I’ll give it a second listen. The tracks don’t stray too far from a basic template, nothing grabs.
I don't want to be one of those people that complain about Elvis Costello purely for how many albums he has on the list but I didn't really like this No Action was giving me pop punk vibes which was a bit of a red flag for me, partly because of the vocals. He doesn't really do that style again but I'm not keen on his voice either way. He has this weird, breathy and overenunciated style I found annoying, which was most noticeable on Little Triggers The only thing I really liked was the little flourishes the keyboards added here and there (like on Living In Paradise even though I didn't really like the song otherwise), they're occasionally Doors-esque as well. And the bass tone was cool 2.5 Highlights: Lipstick Vogue
It's meh.
Really enjoyed the instrumental but couldn't get over his voice.
not as annoying as Bob Dylan... but he's very close 2.8
Some solid gold here. Radio Radio and the first four tracks in particular. I have gone through some big Costello phases generally around the earlier stuff and he was amazing live. Sometimes I find a whole album of him a stretch so this would lose half a point for that as I don't think that's his fault. 4.5
I really don't like Elvis Costello, from the whiny, nasal vocals to the boring musical compositions. This is just another 1 star album that wasted my listening time I'm afraid.
Yk, three albums in I think it's not that Elvis Costello makes bad music, but I'm certainly not the audience for his brand of pop rock stuff. I feel I could be listening to anything else but his music if I had the choice
There are some great songs on here. Definitely some standouts on initial listen, and this feels like one where the ones that didn't initially stand out would reveal themselves on subsequent listens.
Pretty cool record. I don't know how to describe it exactly. It was giving me the vibes of a precursor to punk-pop Green Day types of bands, but I'm not even sure if that's accurate. Either way, it was a dope record and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Stylistically, I just don't know if I'll return to it much, but that is more of my preferences and not the quality of the music.
(30 known/59 new)
Love this album, peak Elvis
Overall: 10/10 Already one of my all time favourites. Just a perfect pop rock album with a punk attitude. Costello is a lyrical genius in my opinion and these songs still blow me away every time I hear them. I honestly don't have much else to say, it's just stellar in every way. Fav Song: Living in Paradise Least Fav Song: Hand in Hand
how is this a 1978 album? honestly damn. something about it sounds like it could have just been released actually. i hear so much of weezer/some of vampire weekend on here. his delivery gets annoying after a while but yeah. fav tracks: the beat pump it up little triggers hand in hand
Really good again. 4.5
BigNewWave fan, Good and solid Costello, not my fave but the Attractions give him oomph.
What can I say? 50% I like this; nice, no-nonsense rock ‘n roll with a bit of punk energy. And the songs are pretty well written too. But I don’t like the sound of it at all. Not Costello’s voice/persona and not the rinky-dink keyboard that pervades the whole record. Not for me.
If “meh”was a person it would be Elvis Costello.
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.
Not a fan. Unmemorable.
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
this year's model? more like this year's fourth elvis costello album. i've been doing this for just over a year somehow have already had four elvis costello albums, three coming in the last month. there is nothing inherently wrong with this album, it's good, but i'm so tired of elvis costello. he's wildly over-represented with six albums on the list while countless other artists and genres were completely snubbed. that said, his work with the attractions is miles better than his solo work.
Solid album. Fun songs and lots of energy
i'm a 29 year old woman i shouldn't have to listen to this! long as hell too!
Loved it, hearing a lot of proto punk that must've been a big influence
Liked this much more than the first time i heard it. Maybe im just in a good mood or maybe it spoke to me. Only track i found out of place was Night Rally. five!
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
Good but he always sounds the same to me
I can understand the Elvis hate, but this is the album that belongs on this list. Standing on the edge of new wave and post punk This Year's Model is a near masterpiece. Three hit songs that see radio airplay still to this day and plenty of others that fit the bill. 4/5
Some catchy songs, feels more like rock, but still kinda 80s.
This was overall enjoyable, and I hadn't listened to it before, though I had heard Pump It Up from somewhere before. I think his voice is sort of annoying but overall this was better than expected.
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
i don't like how this man looks at me
Why are there so many Elvis Costello albums on this list? Not even Elvis Costello would tell you you need to listen to all his albums before you die.
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.
Is Pump It Up the inspiration for Wild Wild West by Escape Club? Sure sounds like it because I can sing “I love your eyes and your wild wild hair, dance to the beat that we like best, heading for the 90’s, living in the wild Wild West” right on top of it. Production throughout is cool and modern. Does every song hit? Of course not. Overall, I like it though.
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!
Another nice album to listen to while at work. I remember first hearing Elvis Costello in the 80s and not liking the music at all, but I'm not sure what it was about it that I didn't like. Weird how musical tastes change.
Fun to listen
I like this possibly better than Costello's '94 "Brutal Youth" I had before, but just slightly. I don't know. Or even care. One of those albums that makes me look at the 700 more to go and wonder whether I shouldn't be doing something better with my time. And thus: irritating: 2.
Thoughts before listening: I have seen a lot of people complaining about the number of Elvis Costello albums on this list, but I personally love this early era of his career. Catchy power pop that came out in the era of punk rock, but was more focused on tunefulness and melody than vitriol. Review: Yeah its great. There are some classic songs on this album, with "Lipstick Vogue" being one of my favorites from Elvis. If I have learned anything from doing this project, its that I love a good, well crafted pop rock song...and Elvis is one of the best at those. producing I also love that not only was Elvis doing power pop in the era of punk rock he was also sticking to a simple formula of guitars, bass, drums, and keys when his contemporaries were highlighting synthesizers over everything else. 4-stars
Совсем не увлёк меня и не впечатлил. Много поёт и песенки бодрые.
Favorite Track: (I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea
56% weighted. Meh
pump it up bangs, not as good as my aim is true
I have always enjoyed Elvis. This album has his usual sound and songs that poke fun at various things in life.
Great album. I had heard his music before and it’s solid so this album just proved again that he’s a great artist
Really solid. Very punk feeling. Like the energy of the songs and the instrumentation. Lyrics were solid. I'm on the fence about whether or not I like his voice but it was okay on this album.
I like Elvis. yes, some of his songs follow same pattern but enjoy this thoughts & commentary on life without all the angst/negetivity of lot of other punk/new wave scene.
I thought I hated Elvis Costello, but this isn't bad.
7/10 Best track: (I don't want to go to) Chelsea
Boy, this selection has worked hard to make me an Elvis Costello convert
Very mid, nothing really stands out 2/5
Don’t come at me! I liked this album a lot. The sound is full and interesting. It’s my favorite Elvis Costello album so far and it’s one I will listen to again.
Ah, Elvis Costello. This is one of his most enduring and enjoyable albums. Well worth a listen.
This guys voice with the ska esque music in the back made it hard to want to listen to all of this
Don’t like it. Very nasally. I know he’s super famous but never really knew why - I still don’t. I didn’t realize his stuff was so old, I thought he was an 80s guy
Not a fan. I can understand how one album got on this list, but another five?
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
I feel like artic monkeys could have been inspired by this - lipstick vogue reminds me of d is for dangerous
Excellent. Little filler, great lyrics and banging rhythms
Gear: Grado Hemp Artwork: 📸🕴️👓 Production: 😐🙂👌 Music: 🎤👀🥱 Rating: 👓👓/5
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.
Chelsea a highlight, whole album catchy and got me feeling dancy
This is really good. Does Elvis Costello need 6 albums on this list? Maybe not, but This Year's Model is the one that deserves a place the most Recruiting a new band makes a big difference and gives this album much more of a new wave type sound than his debut. It's less guitar focused and feels bouncier and fun than some of his other work. I especially like the keyboards on a lot of these songs, really cool
Really cool rock n roll. The kind of thing I'd listen to as I'm eating a cheese burger and milkshake at a diner while checking my hair in the mirror, on my way to watch a drive through movie
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.
It’s all right. Little skim of the tracks but I really don’t see the value in investing my time listening in its entirety if I’m honest.
Oh no There is mo Costello
Nice rock, 8/10.
My process of listening to this was initially thinking I'd give it a 3, halfway through struggling between 3 and 4, and by the end thinking I'd end up giving it a 5, but honestly don't think I can put it on the same level as an Abbey Road or TPAB, but it's a fun as hell record. If a greaser from the 50's traveled forward to 1978 and made hipster new wave music. Some of best 80's pop rock I've ever heard, and the record was made in 78. Never really been a fan of male fronted new wave music, but this just hits right. Great pop songs, Costello's got a fantastic voice. What I imagine truly cool/hip music from that time sounds. Hilariously I've only heard one Costello song prior to listening to this, Pump It Up (on Rock Band), and honestly that's probably the weakest song on the album. Don't even think I can pick highlights, whole record is class.
Love this weird little man
Loved this and it sent me down a bit of an Elvis costello rabbit hole. Would relisten
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.
Perhaps this is something one has to be “in the mood for” to listen properly. It felt very one-note across the board to me.
Love listening to Elvis Costello. This album was the sound of the 80’s before the 80’s arrived. So good.
A couple of good songs but then the rest all sound the same.
Holy fucking tap dancing Jesus Christ on a pogo stick! Do all Elvis Costello songs sound the same?
Love the frenzied punk energy.
This is a hell of a lot better than the other album I got by them, Imperial something. Good songs. Good sound. Production is okay. I love “The Beat” and “Pump it Up.” I’m still skeptical of Costello overall but I think this is the album to hit up if you’re curious. ML #93.
Meh
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.
New wave, shoegaze, indie, ... j'en ai kiffé des groupes d'outre manche, mais là, ça me parle pas vraiment
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.
C’est sympa, ça donne bien British mais c’est très et trop répétitif… et lecoute en devient presque ennuyante
Not my taste. Every song is the same to me
I took a vague interest in Elvis Costello after seeing him perform in the series “Treme”—a show centered on the New Orleans music scene, where he plays himself with great enthusiasm. At the time, I downloaded a good portion of his work, but not a single track has stayed with me from that experience. My feelings have not changed since then: no song stands out, it is too polished. While not unpleasant, his music just washes over me without leaving any impact.
I want to like but…..
This album is full of bangers. I forgot how much I love Elvis Costello.
Got real nervous on what he was gonna rhyme with triggers, I was on the edge of my seat the entirety of that song. Some real quirky songs on here, hand in hand, hand in hand, hand in hand, hand in hand, hand in hand Man, singing a whole album in this voice sounds so straining, it gets a bit tiring after 3 songs. With each passing ending that just repeats the song name over and over, my anxiety goes up, it feels like I'm stuck in a time loop every time it happens.
The other two Elvis Costello albums I've had thus far ("Blood and Chocolate" and "Imperial Bedroom") were really disappointingly and unfortunately underwhelming. I really, really wanted to love them both but there wasn't enough really wowing me. But this is a different beast. This was incredible. The music aside for a minute, the sheer attitude that oozes throughout this album makes it fun from the start. Sometimes he's tender, sometimes he's snotty, sometimes he's being a jerk but no matter what it's a fun time. Punk and New Wave share a lineage and some of the same traits. But they are distinct genres, without a doubt. But when they come close together, when a band or artist can overlap elements of both such that the result is a hard New Wave sound that is still soft enough for most, that's the sweet spot. Talking Heads nailed that on their first album. But Costello completely masters that delicate balance here. Sure, sometimes the songs sound a little samey (upbeat, organ/keyboard riff, witty lyrics from Costello, etc.), but there's enough variety both within and without that mold that it doesn't matter. Hell, there were elements of singer-songwriter, reggae, punk, new wave, rock, and honestly even some ska here. Wonderfully done. Did I know half the time what he was singing about? No, not really. Sometimes that was because he was hard to understand, and sometimes that was because the words didn't necessarily make immediate sense. I don't care. The music was all I needed. This is an easy five stars. What a fantastic album. This is what I wanted from him all along, and I'm so glad to have been able to listen to it. Wow. Standout Tracks: No Action, This Year's Girl, Pump It Up, You Belong to Me, (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea, Living in Paradise, Lipsitck Vogue, Radio, Radio
Just fine
Not for me
this is such a fun album - pulling in elements of indie alternative, proto-pop-punk, even some emo-type vibes, along with Costello's somewhat pretentious but very deep lyricism makes for a fun listen.
The way he emphasizes words just annoys the hell out of me. I’ve tried so many times Elvis. I’m still holding out hope that it’ll eventually click but every single one of his albums has been the same experience for me sadly. Rating: 2.5
Well, I've reached the third Elvis Costello album of the project. I feel like this would be a pretty good place to leave off for the guy, especially considering that (spoilers for later in the review) this is the best album of his that I've listened to yet. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you feel), I've only listened to half of the albums the guy has on this list. There are still 3 more of these I have to listen to. Look. I've really enjoyed all of the albums I've heard, but 6 albums is insane. Whatever. What I will say is that This Year's Model is not to blame for this. If there's one Costello album that earns its spot on this list entirely, it's This Year's Model. This was his first album with the Attractions, and it's excellent. Speaking of the Attractions, the instrumental sound is probably my favorite part of the album. Stuff like the basslines and general style really appeal to me. This Year's Model is a very tight album. This album doesn't have time to mess around. It has a goal with its music and it achieves that in a blazing fast 35 minutes. Costello's singing is basically the same as it is on the other albums of his around this time, which isn't a bad thing. The songwriting is quite interesting. There's a considerable bite to this album that makes it stand out in comparison to other albums of the time. Some people have criticized this album's lyrics, calling the album misogynistic. However, while there's certainly a level of frustration behind the lyrics, I definitely think there's a level of self-awareness behind this album that makes me feel that this criticism is a bit overblown. Songs like "This Year's Girl" seem to be fairly critical of men who are misogynistic, which is a label that I would not put on Elvis Costello himself. Overall, This Year's Model is an album that, for many reasons, feels like an album that one should definitely listen to before dying. Though it has its roots in classic 60s bands like The Rolling Stones and The Who, the album also feels considerably more modern than 1978. This album has aged considerably well as far as its presentation is concerned. I don't know if I could call it a total masterpiece, but I would say that it is probably Elvis Costello's magnum opus. This is an album with no fluff whatsoever. This Year's Model rocks. Low 5/5.
super nice vibe! I should listen to this more
Not bad, but not Costello's greatest work.
One of my favorite albums. Great songs, production by Nick Lowe, and Bruce Thomas' bass lines are wonderfully melodic and buoyant.
Inte min grej alls, störig röst, oinspirerad musik och tråkigt sound.
One of the first artists to define the modern hipster sensibility - wordy, bitter, jealous power pop that wears its influences on its sleeves like a badge of honour. He even named himself Elvis and wore thick-rimmed Buddy Holly specs for goodness sake (take that, Rivers Cuomo!).
Not a fan. There were okay songs though.
20/02/25 The album was just okay.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1001 ALBUMS- # 2 Although a pioneering showcase of the new wave sound and influential with blending elements of several pop genres, this album was not as enjoyable a listen as I remember it to be. It is not a bad record, there are some really great songs, I would say quite overrated for what is presented overall based on the legacy it has. Costello’s voice was a challenge to endure at times, especially on “Lip Service”. 🎧 Classic Track- Pump it Up 🎧 Hidden Gem Track- Lipstick Vogue 🚫 Skip Track- Lip Service I appreciate the lyrical themes of Costello’s songwriting and the musicianship of what The Attractions brought to the recording! 🖼️ Album Artwork: Loved 💿 Worthy of including in your vinyl collection! Click the thumbs up icon below if you enjoyed my take on the album :)
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
Meh, bored
since first hearing blood and chocolate via This Project it has grown on me to become a minor but memorable all-time fave....the chemistry between being emotionally unlistenable with a level of musical rawness thats just super comforting and inviting for me is unmatched by anything else ive ever heard. apply the same rubric to this record would probably lead to unnecessary disappointment, as its Fun Bouncy Music Undercutting The Worst Guy Youve Ever Met dynamic is a bit less personally vital lol. but i cant begrudge anyone who thinks the songwriting is even better...it bops, it bangs, sometimes it even Swings which is often sorely neglected by these quirky white boy rock music singer-songwriters. even the pastichey retro stylings feel of a piece with the misogynist character portraits, thats the 1950s baby! almost certainly one of the most fun records ever made lol
Maybe my favorite Elvis Costello album.
Really enjoyed this! Didn't realize Elvis Costello was a 70s artist. Pump It Up is a classic bob but there's a ton of other strong songs on this New Wave classic album.
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!
I’ll straight up say it: this album fucks. This is the quintessential Elvis Costello sound with those bassy guitar tones and nasally vocals and it all works so well. It has a few bigger tunes like Pump it Up, (I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea, and on the US Version: Radio Radio, but I think my favorite is Lip Service. Fantastic record all the way through and unless we get to Armed Forces, I don’t have to deduct any points for slurs. 5 stars for a slur free album.
There was a moment where Elvis Costello was sort of a personal hero, which is a bit dangerous, because the dude had a real rough go early on and was not the greatest dude to be around. Still, it made for some incredible music, including this punk-adjacent cynical vision of late 50s rock and early 60s British Invasion. Costello’s a master of matching pop sensibilities with bitterly acid lyrics, and everything he touches on this album feels on edge, ready to unleash wrath at any moment. Only Costello does it with his words more than his music, though the mix of organ and guitar feels sneering and sinister. While this lacking the raw energy of his debut and the refined songwriting of later albums, this album shows a master iconoclast at the peak of his powers, and a hell of a backing band. And it rocks, so that’s always a plus.
those keys have a nice touch.... pump it up is cool?
do not like his voice. At all.
straight up bangers. a great time
Hot and Cold for me. Pump It Up is great and Radio, Radio is iconic. But like most of his stuff, I either love it or don't.
I wanted to like it desperately but nothing stood out.
Fantastic
Dieses Album hat einen coolen Sound. Hatte den Namen nicht auf dem Schirm, aber fand eigentlich jedes Lied cool - 4 Sterne
Ganz nett anzuhören
My previous Costello album was his debut and this is his second so it's nice that I'm getting them in order so far. In comparison to his first album, this is infinitely better in every way. The songwriting is better, it's a lot more of a fun listen, there are a lot more ear worms and it's catchier overall. His debut got very samey and a bit boring, whereas there's a lot more variety here. This is loaded with little riffs throughout. '(I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea' is very cool sounding and 'Living In Paradise' is a spritely and unusual riff, but again, very appealing to the ear. It sounds almost like a video game type sound. 'Lipstick Vogue' is fast, punky and is vocally a highlight, and 'Pump It Up' is a classic with a solid, riff driving the song forward. I'm still unsure how I feel about Costello's voice. There are times I like it, and times I find it a bit silly parody-esque. But overall I lean more towards like than dislike. A much improved second offering from Elvis Costello. Let's hope he keeps on improving!
Surprisingly fun
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
I first listened to Elvis Costello right before I saw him open for Bob Dylan around 2008 when I was in college. I’d heard of him, of course, but didn’t know any songs apart from one song that my roommates and I played on Rock Band, which was Pump It Up from this album. Elvis played a killer set of songs with just himself and an acoustic guitar, and I’ve been a fan ever since. Elvis’ second album and first with The Attractions is a fantastic set of songs, and like most of his discography is a great listen from beginning to end. He’s one of the most remarkably consistent rock artists of all time. This Year’s Model is great, maybe not one of my personal top 3 or 5 Costello albums, but it’s a great sounding album and must have been a good introduction to him for a lot of people. It doesn’t have too many standout tracks - Pump It Up hits the nostalgia button for me, and I think Little Triggers is fantastic. Otherwise it’s a series of good, solid songs and an album that’s easy to put on with no skips.
It's not bad, I'm even a bit impressed how modern it sounds given its age. But I feel like it hasn't hooked me in, I don't really want to revisit it either, and it was soooo incredibly hard to listen to it for the first time.
Most excellent
A legend that does not suit me well
IT’S THE FUCKING CATALINA WINE MIXER
This sounds like phineas and ferb (2). It’s fine, I’d get why someone would like it, but I think it’s not good
Pretty fun. But like with My Aim Is True only one song stood out (Lipstick Vogue in this case, Miracle Man in the other).
Really enjoyed this, not really listened to any old school costello and it was way more lively than I thought it would do for the time. Low 4.
Ok
Remaster 2021 : nice pre punk influences
This is the first of the Elvis Costello albums I’ve gotten on this challenge that I found decently entertaining. Maybe it’s the New Wave influence, but this was a much needed improvement to their sound. I’ve had a rough week of picks, so this was a pleasant surprise.
Seine Stimme muss man schon mögen, die Musik trullert höhepunktlos vor sich hin. Ich glaube da ziehe ich Buddy Holly vor.
Det känns lite självgott nästan. Svängigt stundvis, men på det stora hela en ganska platt pop-platta imo.
Not for me. Don't like his voice. The music is interesting but not enough to get me through the album.
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.
Probably the second best Elvis Costello record IMO, but this is the album where the Attractions are a settled formed band that will be with Elvis through some of his best work and still tour with him.
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.
Pretty good album, early punk with some ska influences, but mostly sounds like old rock meets punk.
Great listen
I’m not really an Elvis Costello fan but I like this album quite a bit. This Year’s Girl, Pump It Up, and Radio, Radio are all standout tracks.
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
great
Brendon Urie of 70s
Saw the other reviews hating on this so went in expecting to hate it but I actually really enjoyed it, fun listen
Love me some Elvis.
Elvis Costello isn't for everyone, I guess, but I admit that strikes me as odd. This works for me.
Elvis Costello doesn’t miss. Makes me want to go watch The Duece again
This might be my favorite Costello album, some catchy tracks on here.
I'm old. So I remember this album from when it first came out. And Elvis is one of my all-time faves. I understand you younguns might not appreciate how truly influential this album is, but his songwriting married punk, new wave and power pop. And he still got better! 5 Stars.
So much better than the other one, which I was not expecting, just musically feels more together than the rock n roll instrumentals which the last one had. I still think his voice can be bit annoying, but it definitely works perfectly with a few songs. Favourite songs: This years girl, the beat, pump it up. Overall around 7/10
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.
Amazing New wave album.
Unremarkable and dull Pop Rock.
He rhymes like a rapper: 'Those disco synthesizers / And those daily tranquilizers / Those body building prizes / Those bedroom alibis'; 'We're all going on a summer holiday / Vigilante's coming out to follow me / Heard somebody said they're out to collar me / Anybody wanna swallow me.' He has the courage for half-rhymes, internal rhymes, multisyllabic rhymes, like 'cheek to be' and 'weaken these' ('Little Triggers'), 'silent' and 'hydrant' ('You Belong to Me'), 'cuddle,' 'waddle,' and 'model' ('Chelsea'), and these bangers: 'movements,' 'amusements,' 'choosy,' 'above me,' 'shoes' ('Lip Service'). This is to say nothing of the music, which is authentic pop that tenders a punky dynamism (check out rhythm section on 'Lipstick Vogue'). And the best: 'I wanna bite the hand that feeds me / I wanna bite that hand so badly.' So yeah, I couldn't say enough. This is superb.
Good, I think I preferred "My Aim Is True", but I really enjoyed this :)
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.
This is, without a doubt, one of the worst albums I've ever had the misfortune of listening to. The definition of boomer rock. Uninventive, repetitive, often dragging generic trash. His voice is just awful. Reminds of what the B-52s would sound like if they weren't talented. (I'm not sure this site is for me...)
If Elvis Costello isn't in Chelsea, I want to be there. The last ~5 minutes of this album are actually somewhat... interesting? That is the only thing that even slightly redeems this album for me, Costello's voice really grates on my ears.
Thought it was a very timeless album, could have been released any time from 1950s to now!
Bland enough to have on while marking Macbeth essays. 1.5 cause better than the first one. Still meh.
four elvis costellos jeremy? that's insane
Wild - this was NOT what I expected it to be. Sounds like 2000s indy/pop/punk/rock.
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
Every time I hear someone mention this guy, they give him so many accolades period I have never met a person in real life that has said to me, man, you've got to listen to this guy. Elvis Costello, he's amazing period he sounds average to me. It's a song Every song I hear from him is a song that if it came on the radio, you would turn it down. The volume about 5 notches and just let it play in the background. I can definitely appreciate that. He may have influenced a bunch of ska bands. Later he seems like one molecule in a few tempo.Speeds away from sounding exactly like the mighty mighty boss tones or vice versa
Inégal avec quelques trucs pas mal du tout. Ça s'écoute gentiment, mais ça restera pas dans les annales non plus.
A Fun album!
The first song was suprisingly fresh, so much so that I had to do a double take on the release date of the album. Reminded me something to come out in the 2000s, not the 70s. Beyond that though, it was fairly bland pop-ish rock-ish music from that era, which could easily blend into any other genre. Doesn't really interest me.
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.
Very good very nice
Pretty good album. Talked with Albert about it too. Idk if kf i should rate 4 or 5 stars.
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.
Full embrace of punk, lots of energy, and intensity like a shot of espresso
This Year’s Model is a standout album and remains a pivotal work in Costello’s career. The influence its had on pop and rock music cannot be understated, so feel free to recommend it to just about anyone with two working ears. Except my two-year-old daughter. She didn’t want anything to do with it and much preferred “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” on the car ride home.
I had no clue who Elvis Costello was when I found this album digging in my early 20s. As collectors are want to do, the cover immediately spoke to me so I bought it, an instinct that never fails to deliver interesting music — and evidence of the integral relationship between visuals and sound in contemporary popular music. The now iconic sleeve art was designed by Barney Bubbles, the influential resident designer at Stiff records who helped pioneer artistic-driven album artwork through his work in the independent music coming out of England during the mid to late 70s. I hauled my records home that day, threw This Year’s Model on first and was so taken by its sound. It sparked a longtime love for label mates Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe, who produced the entire album and whose debut Jesus of Cool came out the same month in 1978, another record I adore. Over the next couple of years I filled my collection with many of Costello and Lowe’s early works, and they remain some of my all time favs. These two bespectacled british guys exuded a coolness I had never encountered before. They were close collaborators, and they both cultivated a distinctive blend of two burgeoning styles of the time, punk and new wave. Other notable UK bands working in the same vein included The Clash, the Buzzcocks, The Jam, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The English Beat, and The Specials to name a few, the last of which Costello produced their debut, and whose release was only a few months after this record. Sheesh so many “The”s lol, and so many great bands coming on the scene! That period from 1976-1980 was such an energetic moment in rock and pop music, from which those two genres punk and new wave were sprouting from. In America bands like Devo, Talking Heads, and Blondie were channeling similar energy, and on the international stage Fela’s afrobeat and Marley’s reggae were huge influences on this scene’s sound. One key aspect of was the importance of powerful rhythm sections paired with catchy riffs and songwriting, and Costello’s mastery of both aspects is on full display. The trio backing Costello, The Attractions, also played a huge part in the record’s sound, sonically and literally the driving force behind Costello’s songwriting. What’s so striking about the instrumentation is how de-prioritized the guitar is in the arrangements and mixes, and just how good they are. “(I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea” is easily my favorite song on this record, and it’s a perfect example of what incredible musicians they are. They are regarded as one of the best backing rhythm sections of all time — the music speaks for itself. Pete Thomas’ drumming is so iconic and technically perfect, and Bruce and Steve’s bass and keys, respectively, are locked into such pleasing grooves the entire time. The keyboards are also stylistically distinct: the constant organ throughout is arguably one of the most recognizable parts of this record, always funky and insistent and sounding so much like electronic synths, at times even resembling yet-invented video game sounds, as heard on “Living in Paradise”. And of course Costello’s vocals are so energetic and insistent — iconic. Elvis Costello is such a singular voice. The hallmark of great artists is their ability to rise above trends and styles. His influences are clearly on display, but he merges and synthesizes them into something greater, something all his own. He straddles the precarious line between mainstream success and artistic authenticity with such style and grace. What a legend!
Haven’t heard Elvis Costello, more rock than I was expecting but not sure if I like it too much.
This is the 7th album I’m rating. I’ve heard the name but aside from that I know nothing Elvis Costello & The Attractions. I hope it’s good. No Action - Not Adding to my Playlist. Kinda boring and I don’t like his voice. This Year’s Girl - Not Adding to my Playlist. Not a fan of that singing. The Beat - Not Adding to my Playlist. Cool beat but I don’t really like the vocals. Pump It Up - Adding to my Playlist. I don’t know what he’s saying but it’s good either way. Little Triggers - Not Adding to my Playlist. Singing isn’t great but it’s fine. You Belong to Me - Adding to my Playlist. Sounds pretty good but lyrics are a little repetitive. Hand in Hand - Not Adding to my Playlist. I don’t like those lyrics. (I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea - Not Adding to my Playlist. Chelsea can’t be that bad of a city. Lip Service - Not Adding to my Playlist. I don’t like this singing. Living in Paradise - Not Adding to my Playlist. I don’t like the lyrics. Lipstick Vogue - Not Adding to my Playlist. That singing is annoying. Night Rally - Not Adding to my Playlist. This is boring and I don’t like the singing. All in all I liked 2/12 of the songs. This kinda sucked but it wasn’t terrible or 80 minutes long.
Didn't love it as much as "my aim is true" but still a rad album.
Punchy album, has a pretty clear identity and was a fun listen that definitely feels ahead of it's time.
Interesting, but not for me.
No private session used for Spotify. Elvis Costello is the only Elvis. I have my own best of Elvis Costello play list, there are a couple of songs from this album of it, so of course I like it, though I do prefer my best of rather than listening to this album on it's own.
Great to hear the singles in the context of the whole album. I’ve always liked Declan and still do, great tunes and the attractions really rock on this one, good stuff.
3- Stars (7/15)
Heard it before and don't remember liking it. Elvis Costello is just so lame to me I can't force myself to like him. I keep forgetting he's from the UK so listening to him I feel as if I'm listening to an American doing an imitation of British rock from the 70s. The vibes are just off. Allegedly the 1001 list has a bunch of his albums and I don't think I'm gonna survive this. 1/5
Interesting album. I can hear a direct line from the 60s and 70s pop sound like the Beatles to the 80s new wave. Not a massive fan enjoyable enough. Only a 3 though, not the sort of thing I would listen to on the norm, but closer to a 4 than a 2.
New wave pop/rock punk som har inspireret store kunstnere som green day i nyere tid feks Yndlingssange er Chelsea Living in paradise The beat Lipstick vogue
Elvis hat es drauf
*Surely* this 6th album marks the end of my Elvis Costello generator odyssey…? It’s been a journey of highs, lows, and mostly mids, but we’re ending as we started: on a high. There are the usual 3 or 4 standout tracks but the rest are elevated by a winning combination of snarling punk bite and organ-fuelled pop sensibilities. The punchy production sounds excellent for 1978 - it really comes alive played loud through headphones. Well, thanks for everything Elvis. It’s been alright on the whole, hasn’t it?
Really cool record, super energetic and catchy. Enjoyed quite a few tunes but personally took a few listens to properly get into it. Great drum sounds and the recordings sound nice and clean. You can see how it laid the foundations for future bands, i feel like i can definitely hear some remnants of this style in some 00s bands. Can definitely see some influence of Elvis in Miles Kane. Wicked basslines too, the attractions sound great and are really tight. They definitely make the record feel really coherent throughout, providing a strong backbone to Elvis' raw vocals. Overall everything feels pretty dry and raw actually which is a good thing, it lends itself to the record feeling really punchy and effective. The vocals are upfront and overall the mixing is spot on.
6/10. Some good stuff but overall a bit blah at parts.
Nice
I don’t know if I was in a good mood or he hit the opposite of a sophomore slump but this was great! He’s still got a dorky voice though.
Very mixed bag. In some areas this album is really unique and off-the-wall, but in others it plays things way too safely. I generally enjoyed the instrumentals, but Costello's vocal performances are too far on the tepid side for me. Same goes for the lyrics.
nice music but not interesting
Another awesome Elvis Costello album.
As usual I think his music is fine, and often I find myself realizing I've heard a track or two of his. Other than that, it's not my favorite music in the world.
Surprisingly good.
🤷♂️
point9.
How many fucking Costello albums do you REALLY need to listen to before you die?! Because tbh, I’d say just one!
Some good songs, little triggers and living in paradise were two favorites. Overall I feel like it wasn’t as much of a punk anti establishment album as people make it out to be. Very poppy and standard condensed songs
An absent possessive apostrophe on the cover notwithstanding – YES. This is such a great record. “The Beat”; “Lipstick Vogue”; “Big Tears” (and the ones I’ve heard before) … it’s just tune after tune. Musically it feels so in conversation with its influences – punk, reggae, Beatles – while also, somehow, knowingly portentous (is all of pop punk contained in that first song?); perhaps easier to just say ‘a musician who loves music’. The best part of 50 years after it was released, it still sounds so fresh and immediate.
Hihetetlen hogy ez 1978-as. Olyan mint valami midwestern emo zene.
This really didn't grab me
Cool and sharp.
Sometimes I think some albums are critically acclaimed because they remind the reviewer of a certain time in their life rather then it being exceptional. This album I feel is a case in point. Perfectly fine, enjoyable in parts but was not crazy about it 3.5*
I don’t love costellos voice, songs sound similar, not bad or unpleasant just not for me
Didn’t pay all that much attention and nothing grabbed my attention either.
Unexpectedly loved this. I remember sticking Elvis Costello in the "formulaic standard rock" category when I first checked his music out, but I was mistaken. Great songwriting all around. With time, this could potentially be a 5 for me.
How the dub gave I been missing this
I liked this album better than the last one I had to review, and at just 39 minutes, it wasn't too challenging. I'm still not sure why he has so many albums on the list.
This is my last album of 2024 and I think it sums up my experience of this past year of life pretty well. All around a bit shit, glimpses that things might turn around but ultimately you wish you could have skipped this year, I mean album. Not the worst, not the best - bring on 2025 and albums 313-570ish - I’m optimistic
It's my 5th Elvis Costello album on this list and while he is not among my favorite artists, 'This Year's Model' is certainly the best album so far. The songwriting is good, the production also stands out and he is a great lyricist. It's somewhere between 3 and 4 for me, but since this is better than his 3 star albums, I'm round it up to 4.
I get it. His music was important and he inspired lots of more entertaining artists that came after him. I promise to give at least 3 stars if you don't put anymore of his albums on the list
I just don't /get/ it
Very solid Elvis album! It's so consistently good and the Attractions really shine here along with the songwriting. Liked Songs Added: Pump It Up Lipstick Vogue Radio, Radio
Ive heard the name so many times over the years and didn’t know why he was famous. This was a geeat album
82% Best: The Beat; Pump It Up; (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea; Living In Paradise Must-Hear? Almost