This Year's Model

Interesting, but not for me.

3- Stars (7/15)

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

6/10. Some good stuff but overall a bit blah at parts.

nice music but not interesting

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.

🤷‍♂️

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.

Costello makes some average ahh music. Nothing special about it

Enjoyed the lyrics and band performances of this but I'm not a massive fan of Costello's vocals. So much so that I don't think I'd listen to him regularly. Highlights are Pump It Up, Little Triggers & Lipstick Vogue.

1 or 2 cute songs. Not very into this type of melodies.

It seems like everywhere I go I see his name, but I’ve never heard his music until now. It has just never interested me, I guess. Solid rock and roll. Won’t listen to him before someone I like, though.

I like him more than I don't most of the time. Occasionally awesome, occasionally I want to turn him off.

Influental, energetic and iconic for sure, but not quite for me.

Good album.

Elvis Costello er fínn tónlistarmaðurbog allt það en ég skil samt ekki sjarmann sem hann hefur. Ég get alveg hlustað á hann og mér finnst lögin bara allt í lagi en ég myndi aldrei velja mér sjálfur að hlusta á hann. Lögin eru ekki nægilega góð til þess að mig langi til að hlusta á þau aftur

fine, just fine

Still sounds fresh. 3.5*

3.1 1x catch up 12/9

All sounded pretty similar. Fun songs but not my favorite for every day.

I love the punk influences in this album. Elvis Costello & Joe Jackson making punk more palatable for the masses, with out disrespecting the genre.

It was fun but I wasn't hooked

Was pretty good, although I didn't care much for it genre/style-wise. No Action, This Year's Girl, and Little Triggers were alright, rest of the album was kinda brain-numbing. Better than Ermes Costello as a character.

“Pump It Up” is a banger. Otherwise, I just don’t think Costello’s songwriting is for me.

Vintage, not quite showroom condition

this guy again feel bad for the guy who made this book, they're clearly a huge elvis costello fan and like everyone on this site is sick of hearing him. this is definitely my favorite elvis costello album i've heard so far. either that or I'm starting to warm up to him

It was typical Elvis. A little bit goes a long way. 3

It’s Elvis Costello

Goid

Listened Before? N Meh. I wrote a whole review for this and I lost it. Sadly, I think this one is a solid album but not really a stand out. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Pump It Up

Quick and light hearted. The album felt much shorter than it actually is.

Not sure how much of my review reflects how I was listening to this (while at work) but this all felt very same-y. I like it a lot but there wasn't much variation in tempo, tone, etc. That being said, when I could "tune in" the bass lines in this were dope. One of these days I really need to get back into playing bass. Also, any time I listen to Elvis Costello, I'm reminded of a friend of mine who asked me what I was listening to back in high school one day. It was a local-ish pop rock band called Ultimate Fakebook. She listened to it and said "Oh, they've got a real Elvis Costello thing going on." I, being a stupid teenager, balked that my musical tastes were being compared to anything that remotely well-known/popular. This is coming 20+ years too late but, Kali, you were right. Ultimate Fakebook still rules. Real Drums Forever!

Well look what we have here another fricking Elvis Costello album. If this guy makes my Spotify top artist I’m blaming the guy who made this list. I picture him in his living Tom right now doing the gahdamn twist to this record while his wife looks on in utter horror. Now, with all that hate out of the way, this album wasn’t the worst out of his apparently vast discography. It was actually one of the more enjoyable ones that I didn’t mind having on in the background while got ready for work. So kudos to you list guy, you got one Elvis Costello album out of 1000 kinda right. 3.5/5 stars

Think this more enjoyable than other EC albums I've heard but I find it hard to get past his voice which kinda grates on me.

Funky oldies, ok

Out of my way, nerdlinger.

Solid 3. I immediately recognized Pump It Up as the song that Olivia Rodrigo’s Brutal was allegedly copying, so I’d say there’s at least a bit of merit to that claim.

Started out thinking this was at least a 4, with strong hits like “Pump it Up” (on my “Jackson” playlist), and “Radio Radio”. The rest of it was surprisingly bland, with memories of most of the tracks, but only a few still clicked with me — “Little Triggers”, “Hand in Hand” and “Lip Service”. Most of the rest started out fine but didn’t go anywhere. So down to a 3. Still waiting for “Imperial Bedroom”…

Extra star for doing an extra album in Spanish.

***An ok album

Fairly inoffensive.

I like his voice and the style but only a couple songs really grabbed me.

ну такое, приятное звучание гитар в начале, но регги вайбы не пнравились

Liked it better than I expected but still just kinda fine. Definitely more rock n roll than I thought Costello was

This is a nice pop CD, I know a lot of people who really love it and have listened to it before. Something about it just doesn't do it for me though. Even relative to other New Wave acts it's got three features that to me kind of drag it down. One, it's pretty lyrically-focused - that's his style, that's fine, but I don't really care too much about lyrics. On something like "Chelsea" he's spitting out words machine-gun style like Bruce Springsteen, but the harmonies and melodies are unexciting. Two, and this is related, Costello is a relatively poor singer - he's got limited range and kind of a reedy voice. The most excitement he generates with his voice on the whole CD is on "Pump It Up" where the whole band shouts the hook all at once - that's fun, but it's like a cover for his limitations. And last, for a power-pop-y CD, it's just not that lushly orchestrated. Compare it to Cars eponymous, which came out the same year and is obviously part of the same musical movement. Costello doesn't have the same depth of sound, the same wonderful vocal harmonies, the same massive hooks. I like "Pump It Up" a lot though. That's a winner.

I do not like Elvis Costello, but this probably the most tolerable of his works

I have no strong thoughts about this album either way. You can hear some of the more modern indie-rock in this record ahead of its time. But beyond that there is little lasting impression.

I have never really listened to Elvis Costello before this, something of a new discovery for me. In my head he was more in the realm of Nick Cave - don't know where I got that from - so was surprised at the poppy chirpy record coming through. I enjoyed listening to it.

I rather enjoyed a few tracks here. I’m not a New Wave guy, but this was pretty good. This is my first Costello album, but it’s my understanding that many people feel he is over represented on this list. I’m curious if my opinion of this one changes as I get more of his stuff generated.

good!

Fake Elvis revient avec un album plutôt correct, je dirais même un peu fun, rempli de chansons et de paroles.

Very monotone and not much musical variety on this one. Throughout his career he has managed to write several what I would consider classic long-lasting songs. The only one on this album is “Radio Radio”. Ok and maybe “Pump It Up”. But there are several clunkers (“Night Rally” and “Hand in Hand”). And lots of forgettables. Not his best work. Apparently there are four Elvis Costello albums on this list. This one could be removed to make room for somebody unrepresented.

I had never really listened to Elvis before this list. I was familiar with his hits, which I liked, but the first full album I tried was "Armed Forces," which I didn't care for. This album, along with "Imperial Bedroom," has been much better, and my impression will likely improve after repeated listening.

3 stars

no action- i hate his voice. 5 this years girl- 5 the beat- 5 pump it up- 4 little triggers- 4 you belong to me- 5 hand in hand- 6. i like the line "dont you know i got the bully boys out changing someones facial design" chelsea- i have a hunch this song is about sid and nancy. ok i dont think im right. oh well. 5 lip service- 5 or 6. song that plays when all the characters just got outta school and getting into their cars living in paradise- 5 or 6 lipstick vogue- 5 night rally- 6 big tears-5 radio radio- 5 it was ok

Some outstanding tracks like (I don’t want to go to) Chelsea, but I can only cope with Costello‘s vocals in small bursts.

Good. I had never listened to them but I can see why people like it

Overrated.

It was ok

I have listened this albums months ago. It is a good album but it is not may most suitable genre.

I love the vibe and the sound. Elvis has a lot to say, but never really seems to say anything. He doesn’t really let the tunes simmer, not a ton of instrumental breaks, yet I didn’t walk away feeling like I’d heard anything poetic or insightful, but maybe that’s just me.

no es mi estilo amiguin pero no taba malo

It's fine I suppose. I liked the hits on here and nothing stood out as bad or boring. Don't really see why Elvis Costello deserves 6 placements on this list though.

I like his edgy tone, kind of angry but cool. Some of the songs were good, others were just meh.

Started very promising but I lost a bit of interest

Nah still a 3 it’s catchy but I have and will hear better here

Nice tunes, nice voice, nice sound… won’t play it again though.

This album gives me 70's high school vibes or even like summer at the beach surfing. Elvis' voice is super forward and just has that perfect 'tang' to it that pulls you into each song, each crescendo - its great. I do think this album is a very specific listen where I'd need to be in the mood for it in order to really enjoy it, but it hit the spot today.

3.5

Listenable

Didn't have enough time but enjoyed what I heard

I've been kind of ambivalent about the previous Elvis Costello albums I've gotten from the list. I have to say, this was fun. I liked it and I think if I devoted some time to listening to it again, it would grow on me more. More of a 3.5.

Good album. Not really for me, but had a few really enjoyable tracks.

I don't think it was bad, I just didn't really like it. I bet this would be fun at a live show, but for sitting and listening as normal it wasn't for me. I can definitely hear how this was influential for other similar bands to follow.

this was released almost exactly at the midpoint between the death of Buddy Holly and the release of "Buddy Holly"... coincidence??

6/10

I'm not happy that ANOTHER one of his albums is on this list. And even more unfortunately, it's definitely the best one so far. 3.

This is my favorite Elvis Costello album to date. Personal enjoyment: 3/5 Relevance to this list: 3/5

Yllättävän hyvä eka biisi. Ja toka. Kolmas? Ja neljäs! Tämä on kai sitä Elvis C:tä, joka ihmisten mielestä ansaitsee kulttimaineensa (huijaan vähän: olen minä nämä biisit ennenkin kuunnellut). B-puolella artisti vajoaa siihen koulumestarimaisuuteen, joka on pitkään varjostanut hänen uraansa. Mutta myönnetään: Costello onnistuu maneereistaankin huolimatta. Ja ehkä vähän niiden takia.

if every song on here was as good as "pump it up" it would be a very good album! otherwise it's just OK. fav tracks: pump it up; the beat; you belong to me; (i don't want to go to) chelsea

Not his best but still a solid entry, Pump it Up is iconic

Never listened to this album before. Pump It Up and Radio, Radio are the singles, and the rest of the album is generally just annoying. Though some tracks seem to have inspired later, better, acts. Go To Chelsea in particular is a precursor to Mirror in the Bathroom, which was released 2 years later. The lyrics are better off being ignored as Elvis comes off sounding like an Incel. Barely giving it a 3

Thought this was a pretty clever line: Cause meanwhile up in heaven they are waiting at the gate Saying, "We always knew you'd make it, didn't think you'd come this late"

Definitely worth listening to. Unlike some albums, this was really easy to listen from beginning to end, and I wouldn't mind listening to it again. But "being easy to listen to", that's also the problem. Pretty much all of the songs are "good", but they don't evoke any strong feelings, in me at least...

Meh. A few really fun tunes. Overall not standout.

Liked this better than expected but still very much background music to me

I will always struggle with his voice but I didn’t hate this

3/5

Recognized some hita but overall eh

It gets the "I just listened to spiritualized" one star bump

Ihan kelpoa keskinkertaista rokkia. En tainnut aikasemmista Elvis Costellon levyistä niin pitää mutta tämä on kyllä parempi. Parhaat: The Beat, Hand In Hand, (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea

Never listened to this album before. Pump It Up and Radio, Radio are the singles, and the rest of the album is generally just annoying. Though since tracks seen to have inspired later, better, acts. Go To Chelsea in particular is a precursor to Mirror in the Bathroom, which was released 2 years later. The lyrics are better of being ignored as Elvis comes of sounding like an Incel. Barely giving it a 3.

Distinctive voice and generally good, although a bit punchy after a while.

So opposite of the other music of the 70's. Which made it interesting, and in retrospect, it still is

I really liked "My Aim is True" and bought it when it first came out. And then I was done with Elvis Costello. Everything I heard later didn't impress, and I felt guilty that I'd abandoned him. Listening to this album, I stand by my choices. Just not that interesting to me.

Ok album but too punk for me.

This was fine

mid but good

Pre-listening thoughts: I have heard the name Elvis Costello but he feels like one of those things I should know more about but don’t. Like it feels like not having seen The Sixth Sense like I just missed him somehow. Post/during listening thoughts: I would never guess that this was made in the 70s. You could tell me this was 90s/00s and I would believe you. The production is genuinely really great. I will agree with everyone and say there are too many Elvis Costello records on this list but I think at least 1 is worth a listen (not a “you HAVE to hear this before you die” kinda listen but rather a “this could hook you and you might enjoy it casually” kinda listen). It does sound like he’s saying “cause she’s dishes, girl” in This Years Girl 😭. I really like the sound of this though. It’s definitely good but I’m also not sure how memorable it is? Lotsa organ. This is good but nothing is super grabbing me. I think the second half is stronger than the first. I could definitely hear how pop punk stemmed from stuff like this. 6.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: No Action, (I Don’t Want to Go To) Chelsea, Lip Service, Lipstick Vogue, Radio Radio Least fav tracks: Little Triggers

Not my favorite Elvis album but not bad. 3.5

A marked improvement from the previous album. This one actually sounds like it was recorded by musicians and professionals, and features sone actually memorable tunes. Still comes off as generic and doesn’t really feel like it has an identity.

Good but didn’t impress me - Radio, Radio is always good though

Elvis Costello parece Berto Romero en la portada.

A good album to listen to if you want your child to think “who is that weird man,” “why are you listening to that weird man instead of hanging out with me,” and “I’m bored now I’m going to head to bed.”

Nothing too offensive, other than some iffy lyrics at times. Probably not one I'll revisit anytime soon and not too excited to get a bunch more albums from him. 2.5

it was like, okay. this is the first of the albums i've listened to where i didn't save any of the songs

This is fine. Maybe his best record as a whole that I've heard. Nothing against the songwriting or playing or style of it all but Elvis Costello just has a few hits for me and that's about it.

Nice Pop album

Enjoyable at the time, but writing this an hour after listening, it’s not memorable

This was the first Elvis Costello album I bought on vinyl. Largely bought because of music media reviews as a must have album. I remember been a bit disappointed when I got it home and listened. Like most Costello albums I’m familiar with it contains some great songs interspread with lesser forgettable ones. Good to hear the songs I like again but skipped through the filler ones. Technically a good album with fine musicianship. This was an iconic album at the time but for my tastes it has not stood the test of time. 3/5 12/7/24

The man loves his keyboard. Thought it was a really good album just don’t know when I’d ever seek out throwing it on again.

I liked this, pleasant for afternoon drive. Vaguely sounded like Lenny Kravitz at points?

Recognized from girl talk. Sounds like Lenny kravitz in little trigger. Didn’t love it at first probably bc I never have listened to Elvis Costello (that punk rock blind spot). But some of it grew on me. Likes the accordio-ish sound, which seems unique. Listened to on drive from Trapani to Agrigento in Sicily

Meh

Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it, probably won’t remember it. Also not a massive fan of Costello’s voice for some reason.

Pretty good

I'm really digging this album. It's got a great groove to it that makes me want to keep listening to it.

I might like this more if his voice wasn't so annoying

Great album. Definitely worthy of 3.5. Just not a 4 for me.

Pretty good. Was at a show of his some decades ago where he insulted the audience, along the lines of "Well, you fuckers showed up so let's get this over with". Good times.

elvis costello is at his best when he’s slowly crooning and that really shows in this. he shines the most when he’s really getting down and dirty but other than that, i think it was just mostly solid. definitely do think that this is a lot better than most of the 70s stuff i’ve listened to 1.) chelsea 2.) little triggers 3.) no action

Elvis !!!! No Presley sino Costello, pero aún así otro grande de la escena

3.5/5

I like his sound and distinctive voice. Although I wouldn't put this album in my regular rotation, it's a nice listen.

This is a really solid album, and if I haven't had to listen to ALL his other lesser albums from this list I probably would have given this a 4, but the fact that I physically cringe when I hear/read his name he loses a point.

Was not expecting to like this as much as I did. Great band! Cool album! 3.5stars

A little repetitive and not overly interesting. A couple good songs, but probably won’t revisit

- War sehr cool. Crazy, dass 1978 schon solche Musik gemacht wurde. Hätte ich mindestens 10 Jahre später verordnet. Da ist ja echt alles drin: Rock, Pop, Prog, New Wave, Punk(?), Reggae(?). - Leider stach da kein Song so richtig raus und auch seine Stimme wurde mir während des Durchgangs etwas zu viel. - Dennoch cool arrangiert und komponiert. Hat mich regelmäßig wirklich überrascht. 3,25/5

Good album

Not sure why I don't listen to EC more. This is really good, but I think it lacks a certain "edge" I want to my music. It's power poppy, but not enough?! Does that make sense? Great lyrics and cool sounds, but not something I'm going to go to on a regular basis.

Not bad. Some of these songs could grow on me. Favorites: Big Tears, Radio Radio

Pretty fun listen

- this is not what i expected - not sure what exactly I thought it would be but not upbeat groovy pop - After Listening: Yeah I liked it, didn't super jump out to me but it was a pleasant surprise. Haven't disliked any album so far even remotely, and I think I like this more than The Pretenders album

Another retread with the next several albums by artists we've already heard from is a bummer, but here we are. Not sure what else I can say about this album that is much different than the previous couple Costello reviews. Elvis has the kind of music and voice that you have to be in a mood to hear or it can wear on you after a while. I thought this album was decent enough with enough hits I remember from my younger days. Imo, this is the best of the albums we have heard from Elvis and I enjoyed a number of tunes. Pump It Up, The Beat, Chelsea, Lipstick Vogue and Radio Radio all stand out for me. I didn't find anything real negative to say. Can't say I would normally seek out this guy, but all in all, a pretty solid album. 3

3.5 Lowkey incel music about not getting girls coming from a dude who looks just like Buddy Holly - this is basically Weezer if they took themselves too seriously. I say that as a huge Weezer fan though, and while I’m not proud to admit it, I quite enjoyed this album as well. I don’t know what that says about me, but this is far and away the best of this guy’s stuff I’ve heard. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still not something I feel overly strongly about, but it’s definitely a pleasant surprise after our past couple outings with the guy. There isn’t any one song here I fell in love with or found myself immediately saving, but I did find pretty much all of them to at least be enjoyable - or even borderline danceable in some cases. While I’m familiar with and historically have not been the biggest fan of Pump It Up or Radio, Radio, hearing them within the context of this album actually helped me appreciate them a bit more. However, if you ask me, they’re far from the best of what this album has to offer - No Action, This Year’s Girl, (I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea, and You Belong to Me were probably my favorites and all songs that I think deserve a bit more attention among Elvis’ catalog. Though, you really can’t go wrong with anything here. That all to say, as solid as this album is, it’s more of a solidly good than a solidly great - I’m not walking away as any sort of born again Elvis Costello fan, but I will give him credit for putting out something I enjoyed. While I still have quite a bit of his catalog to check out, I feel confident in saying this is probably the dude’s finest hour.

I liked this more than I remembered liking it when I was in college. Pump It Up is a great song, but unfortunately Elvis Costello's vocal delivery style puts me off. 3.5

PUMP IT UP honestly the rest of it is Fine but that song slaps

Nice

Less very Elvis Costello.

There are some good tracks on this, for sure. I have just never really liked Elvis Costello's voice - it's a bit annoying! But that's just my opinion. I appreciate the vibe of this, but not sure I would choose to listen to the whole thing again. Actually, I am sure - I won't!

A decent album that left me with no strong feelings or opinions. Relatively inoffensive with some good tunes sprinkled throughout. Not a massive fan of the lead singers voice and it did break the immersion for me now and then. Recognise a few songs from Dad playing also (the better ones in the track-list of course). Perfectly fine, but wont be returning most likely! Favourite track: Pump It Up

probably my favorite Costello album to date? it was aight actually, and i rather enjoyed some parts. Pump it Up is a dope one, and Radio Radio was also pretty good. i think overall i would have to say that i enjoyed this much more than his other albums, but don't want comparison to be the killer of my joy. ill give it a three, but probably still wont come back to Costello much

#247. 39 minutes of music that is tolerable, but not really much else. 3/5: ok...ish

Okay, but does not hold your attention. Very difficult to get worked up liking or disliking this guy

It is ok but I will never become a big Costello fan.

Segundo disco de Costello, de su excelente serie de 5 (producidos todos por Nick Lowe). Cualquiera de ellos, tal vez este y el siguiente (Armed forces) sean los mejores. Las conocidas (I don´t want to go to) Chelsea y Pump it up son la punta de lanza de este fenomenal disco. Little Triggers es una de las mejores canciones del album. This year´s girl y Lip service no bajan un milímetro el nivel. En la versión estadounidense del álbum, se exluyeron "(I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea" y "Night Rally", y se añadió la vibrante "Radio Radio" para cerrar el álbum. Otros discos editados en 1978: debuts de Kate Bush, Pere Ubu, Magazine, , Public Image Ltd., Dire Straits, Police, The Only Ones, Devo, The Cars y Siouxsie and the banshees, (también Chris Rea y Midnight Oil), así como discos esenciales: The man machine, C´est CHic, Plastic letters y Paralell Lines, Some Girls, This year´s model, Darkness on the Edge of Town, Incantations, Équinoxe, Ambient 1: Music for Airports, All mod cons, Some girls, One Nation Under A Groove, Outlandos d´amour los directos de Cheap Trick, Thin Lizzy, Bob Marley, AC-DC y The last waltz, e incluso Grease.

The second Elvis Costello album to appear here and the one I've heard the most about. Overall though, I feel the same about 'This Year's Model' as I do about most of Costello's other works. While I admire how colorful and erratic this album is generally, its herky-jerky presentation just comes off as messy rather than eclectic in the scope of the entire album. I will endlessly compliment how good each instrument here sounds, especially on a song like 'Chelsea' with that instrumental interlude with the guitar, bass, and synth. There are some great blends here. It does generally sound like something you'd hear in the late 60s pop scene, though obviously re-vamped and scaled to the sound quality you'd expect from the late 70s new-wave and post-punk era (also more shamelessly artsy). I'd also like to note the way Elvis tackles melody - taking this very linear approach which contrasts the labyrinthian way he approaches generally simple topics lyrically; it fits the music generally. Though I can't say I enjoy the occasionally snotty-relationship'y lyrics here. I still liked a few songs like 'The Beat', 'Living in Paradise', and 'Hand in Hand', but Elvis is just not an artist that resonates with me on a deep level. Rather, he's more a figure in music history that I'll continue to respect from a distance.

A vibe. Costella has a cool voice: quirky but tuneful. The songs are good.

Hmm, nice but also a bit on the boring side. Apparently being named Elvis isn't enough.

Another Elvis Costello album but this one failed to grab my attention in any serious way. It's consistently good but doesn't ever really raise its head much higher than that and I don't think I'll come back to it in any hurry.

I know the movie came out well after the peak of Elvis Costello’s career, but his voice always reminds me of the lead singer in That Thing You Do. Not a bad thing, but I definitely might watch that movie tonight. You can clearly hear all of the influences other bands have picked up from E.C., including Lenny Kravitz who essentially stole his whole vibe while singing. Also not a bad thing, because I really like a lot of the bands that picked up that influence. It was a short, easy listen that'll I'll come back to again for sure.

I hated his voice.... then I loved it.... then I hated it again. I think it works well with the upbeat pop songs, but I really don't like it with the slower songs.

New Wave Pop/Rock Several nice upbeat songs 3/5 ⭐️ favorite: Radio, Radio

A good album by Elvis Costello & The Attractions, I can see why he has and remains popular to that early Gen X crowd. This Year's Model still sounds like an album that could have been produced in the last decade or so, with its alternative new wave sound. Best: Pump It Up Worst: Night Rally

Wrong Elvis. Got a classic in there tho.

This was a pretty mid album. Fav Songs: The Beat Pump It Up You Belong To Me Radio, Radio

I kind of like The Beat, Pump It Up, You Belong to Me

It's fine generic indie rock

I was excited to hear this album and this man, my dad says this is one of his favorite artists. I gave this album a few listens and I just don't see it. I will say, maybe I've spent too much of my life listening to copycats of this guy's style, but the music felt pretty bland. I read some people talking about how this was punk but it just has no teeth. It lacks strong hooks or fancy instrumentation. I just don't know what to think of this album, everything sounds good but none of the songs stuck with me after the tape shut off. I did find it improved upon revisits. I could see this album growing on me, but I guess I just want to like it more than I do.

Thought I liked a song Costello cameo in a movie or TV show. Went digging and was guessing maybe this from Austin Powers: https://youtu.be/k0z498xEtT4?feature=shared But i mixed him up with Buddy Holly- Everyday. Not sure why lol.

The backing band (the Attractions) are the best part of this album. The drumming in particular is really good. The repeated riff on “Pump it up” is one of those guitar licks you hear all over the place; I now know where it came from. Maybe even more recognizeable when it’s the organ/keys doing it. This album is fine. Its the kinda stuff you hear in a brewery or a bar you like to go to after work. It's not bad and you can hear the influences it has on later records in the future. That could be why I didn't rate it higher, the whole concept has been done a lot better by what would come.

Never listened to Elvis Costello knowingly before and I really don’t get what the big deal is tbh When he says “don’t you know I’m an animal” I liked that line and it made me think, but maybe not in the way the song intended

I’ve been meaning to listen to this one for a while and I did quite enjoy it. Didn’t TOTALLY vibe with it but I enjoyed I don’t want to go to Chelsea and pump it up

This was alright a pretty fun listen but nothing too crazy about it

A couple of classics, a few others that basically sound the same, and a few dull moments that would probably not make it onto an album nowadays. Not great, not terrible, but decent

Boy, that was a bit more than I expected. I always thought this guy was a dork. Turns out he's a perverted prick. Interesting album. I don't know if I'll keep it on rotation.

Very middle of the road, inoffensive and unspectacular. 3/5

I'm kind of meh on Elvis Costello. I really liked the first 3 songs on the album, but then it just fell off for me. Not terrible, just not super engaging. I've definitely heard worse on this list and wouldn't turn this off if it came on a playlist, but I wouldn't seek it out either.

Good. Very listenable. Not much that really stood out but plenty that was fun.

meh

Best grappige nummers, maar nou ook weer niet zo heel bijzonder

Another talented song writer lost to a tragic synth addiction. I started out really liking this one. I thought he was a lot like a zanier Joe Jackson but he just kept hammering and hammering and hammering the synth. One album ruined by a synth addiction is a tragedy- a whole decade of them is a statistic.

I really like part of it. Another part of it is generally fine. The rest is… kind of annoying I guess? Some good stuff here, and appreciate the songwriting, but listening to it was a bit of a rollercoaster.

Day 5/1001. 3. I understand the appeal here, and i did enjoy it, but i think this album just caught me on the wrong day. “the beat” was my favorite track.

Why can’t you rate stars and a half on this? Anyways it’s a 3.5/5 but tbh it’s closer to 3 than it is 4

The most listenable Elvis Costello album I've heard. I'm still not sold on his voice/schtick, but there were a couple of tracks I'd come back to.

I really enjoy Costello’s voice, the music is tight, and there isn’t anything majorly wrong with any of the songs. But there also wasn’t much that was distinct within the album. I would find myself surprised that multiple songs had passed and I didn’t realize. The “hits” sounded like every other song. Which again, wasn’t a bad sound, but there wasn’t a single song that stood out that I was eager to listen to again.

This Year's Model is a pretty decent album. It isn't exactly super interesting and it doesn't do anything all too new but the songs are good and catchy in their own right. The songs had some good rhythms and none of them felt too samey or out of place. One of my major complaints with the album is the fact that the song \"Night Rally\" ended far too abruptly but it wasn't a super bad issue. This album isn't amazing but its good at what it does. Best Song: (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea Worst Song: You Belong To Me

A solid 3.5. I would definitely listen to this again

Very energetic and lively. Reminds me of music I’d hear on a TV sitcom.

A few good songs interspersed with a lot of mediocrity.

3/5

Standard early Elvis. I always thought he should have quit after his first album. His debut was brilliant and it's been downhill ever since. Largely driven by his massive ego.

This Year's Model has some of my favorite Elvis Costello songs on it, but I don't think I've ever listened to it all on its own. Pretty good overall, would definitely play again.

Not an Elvis Costello fan- not sure if it’s his voice or the Buddy Holly glasses that turns me off- but this is as good as he gets. Credit where it’s due. C-

There are a few songs I really like. He's unique and a treasure, but I never have gotten into his catalogue. Will give it a few more listens.

Icky

Didn't gripp me but groovy baby

White ska-adjacent Lenny Kravitz with a touch of B-52s.

It was pretty good

Easy listening, picture this stuff on at a dance bar back in the day

A pleasure to hear some more from our friend Mr Costello so soon! Costello > Presley

Sure

This is a pretty good album. I remember once I was writing a paper and I hit play song vs playlist by accident and listened to Pump it Up nonstop for hours and went into a weird mental space.

I think I like this more than the first Elvis Costello. My Aim is True. But it still sounds too sanitized. Feels like music for a liquid dish soap commercial. It's like punk with a Kokomo era Beach Boys vibe. Lipstick Vogue had some interesting bits.

4/14, 29%

Muy bueno

I feel like this album is kind of a prelude to the 80s. If you like New Wave music you'll dig this. Elvis Costello seems like he's probably an interesting guy. I like this album even though it may not be his best work. I'm not really sure what else to say about this record - it's got catchy songs, good lyrics, full sound. It's not something I would play all the time but I definitely enjoyed listening to it. 3/5.

This is a completely fine album. Nice enough to pass 40 minutes with, nothing bad or unpleasant, but also nothing that really stands out. A high 3, but still a 3.

3.5

Bro Elvis Costello has to articulate more like come on. My favorite misheard lyric is on I dont want to go to Chelsea. I dont want to check your "balls" I actually like this The back half is so much stronger than the first half basically lip service to the ending is so so strong and amazing songwriting and the band is immaculate you just have to go through the first half to get there ahhh. After the first song it is hard to listen to but I like costello and if this is apparently his best record then yeesh I am okay

Album was okay, some of the songs were alright. Still find Costello’s voice to be annoying. 3/5 Probably won’t listen again

Fresh sounding for being a 70s album. Never heard any of his work before, I enjoyed it.

Not as good as I remembered, a couple of good tracks but I prefer his debut.

One of the better Elvis Costello albums. The songs 'Pump It Up' and 'Radio Radio' alone make this one worth your time. As with his other albums, there's some filler too, but here are enough hits to ignore them. Here Costello continued the momentum of his strong debut album.

Only ever heard the song watching the detectives by this band - deece album.

Feels frantic

it was fine. nice enough to listen to. just didn't feel super strongly about it!

Really groovy + modern sounding — unique voice and tight sound.

This guy is always just meh to me. 5/10

It’s good. I don’t get the hype on this guy.

I have mixed feelings on this but I will start by saying I overall enjoyed the album. I think the music is really good and it is easy to listen to. What i didn't particularly enjoy, and I think it explains my issues with the last Elvis Costello album, is his voice. He sounds like the embodiment of the whiney main character from an 80's movie who definitely deserved to be bullied because he thinks he is better than everyone else. Give me a different singer and this is probably a 4 or 5.

Average

3.5

While it's not quite my taste, you have to admit that this album sounds ahead of it's time and has some great songs on it. Overall very energetic and driven

Interesting base, singer has annoying voice

Not a fan of his voice, his music is fine

Fun beats, but the singer went to the Tom Petty school of nasally vocals

Not a bad album.

Good danceable new wave sound.

Melodiskt och mycket roligare än det förra EC-albumet. Tyvärr sjunger han bitvis fortfarande asjobbigt. Men helheten är ett mycket bättre album än sist.

Klart bättre än Brutal Youth. Inget mästerverk, men trallvänligt, melodiöst och lätt att gilla.

Was alright, nothing spectacular.

Eh, its alright

Not bad but just kinda background alright vibes for me

Not exactly my cup of tea, but it is clear to see how much the sound of this album influenced the decade to follow.

🎧 Living in paradise 🎧 Radio, Radio

de unaaa! 7.5/10

I think I’ve listened, I’m excited. Ehh slightly dissapointed. I know and like a bunch of the songs, but I don’t think this album was some crazy experience. Could be a 4 maybe if I was in the right mood, I’m calling it a 3

Blind album, know the artist by name thanks to the project. Honestly I feel like the band is ahead of their time but that won't ever make me like the band. At least this album gets a 3.

I just saw him live!!! Yeah just a very fresh incorpation and early new wave stuff into an early incorporation of traditional piano and rock stuff with a little post punk in there

Not a bad album, I'm just not super into Costello.

Sounded surprisingly modern for the year it came out. Very reminiscent of some 90s rock I have heard. Sounds pretty good too

also annoying

Elvis Costello is great - I enjoy this album.

No es de mi estilo pero no está mal

Only got to listen to half but it was great!

"Pump It Up" alone makes this a great album, and it's just that, great, catchy, infectious...

Not bad. There was nothing in this that I hated, but nothing that I loved either. Definitely my second favourite Elvis!

I was ready to give this a 4 after listening to it yesterday morning, but then in the evening it took me a good few minutes to remember what the days album was. So it obviously didn’t make much of an impression. Sorry Elvis, you were a great guest star on The Simpsons.

It's alright but probably won't go back to it.

I liked this, all the songs were a sensible length. Had heard some of his stuff before but never listened to a full album.  Might dig in to some of his other albums if I find time

Surprisingly liked it a lot more than I thought I would. Started strong but got a bit samey half way through.

Some very enjoyable tracks on this album. I was pleasantly surprised by it, as I was never a big elvis costello fan.

Not bad for a computer programmer. Kind of liked most of the songs.

"Pump It Up" reminded me of "Wild, Wild West" by The escape Club.

This was sonically delightful. Surprised to say, having never really listened to Elvis Costello before, that I can see myself putting this on to listen to front to back again. Honestly a huge part of why I like this album is Bruce Thomas, bass lines for days and awesome bass tone, loved the bass on "(I don't Want To Go To) Chelsea." I dig Costello's voice a lot, some songs more than others, and the harmonizing parts in songs like "Lip Service" we're great! I like the dangerous and fierce lyrics, The instrumentation on the album sounds great, the tones, the melodies, the compositions, the production, performances, bravo to everyone involved. "Lipstick Vogue" stands out as one of the best instrumental performances and compositions on the album. Definitely a poppy rock album, I think the catchiest songs are "Lip Service" and "Hand in Hand." Side Note - got a hint of The Monkees on the song "You Belong To Me, specifically the keys and tambourine. Playlist worthy: "The Beat", " Lip Service", & "Lipstick Vogue" Favorite Song Vocally: Pump It Up Favorite Lyric: Hand in Hand - "Don't you know I got the bully boys out Changing someone's facial design" Very Solid 3 / 5 more like a 3.5 / 5

Started slow, but the album grew on me. I actually liked a few of the songs. Not my first choise of listening, but occationally good. Grade 3/5.

I was never a big Elvis Costello fan, but his hits would allways be a high spot in my day. This wasn't an album I could sit all tha way through, but it was good.

It was fine

Not as punchy as I remembered it

Whiny

I think that if I heard this music in 1978 i would have been super impressed. That being said it was not my favorite style of music. The musicians in the band seemed to be really talented; however, i was not a big fan of the singing.

Ok album

Decent enough but very same same.

Niceish

it was fine, not rushing to listen to again

Musically good but his voice is annoying.

I’m probably too young to understand the Elvis Costello lore and that’s okay. His voice is grating enough to be unenjoyable to my hear, but the way he crafts his voice is undoubtedly interesting. Voice as the instrument etc etc. Not for me but clearly a pioneer and I can’t knock that. Probably won’t be returning to listen anytime soon. Also Olivia Rodrigo/her collaborators were very clearly inspired by the Pump It Up riff for Brutal.

Should've listened to all of it but it sounds really original for it's time tbh...

Catchy, good. Not really for me.

This album feels way ahead of its time. Lots of quirky sounds and vibes. Quite an enjoyable listen, if not my favorite overall. Fav tracks: The Beat, Radio, Radio, Living In Paradise

B- No Action 3 This Year's Girl 3 The Beat 3 Pump It Up 3 Little Triggers 3 You Belong to Me 3 Hand in Hand 3 (I Don't Want to Go to) Chelsea 3 Lip Service 3 Living in Paradise 3 Lipstick Vogue 3 Night Rally 3 This was pretty meh from Fake Elvis. I think he may be better at racial slurs than music.

3.5

A couple interesting, a couple annoying, all in all nothing special

I enjoyed it, and periodically relisten to Elvis C's albums 1-3. Great sound, but the singles don't stand out to me. 3.4 stars rounded down. I also think I enjoyed the Spanish version of this album, "Spanish Model", more than the original.

My third Costello from this list so far. This one didn't really grab me at the start but does pick up around the end. Fave track: Radio, Radio

This is my first Elvis Costello project, and it pretty much fits what I expected. Sure it gets a little bit generic and same-y, but theres some groovy ass songs I found myself nodding my head to. Not exactly my thing, but I would probably revisit and give it another chance. Thoughts: Not bad! Favorite song: Pump It Up

Like this one.

very inconsequential album for me. Doesn't stick.

Not my style. I enjoyed it slightly more than the Bruce Springsteen album. 3/5

This guy again? Hope this is better than “Brutal Youth” … I’ll try to keep an open mind. Okay, this is better so far. I actually like “The Beat.” In the end, still mediocre - 2.5?

Was not expecting that based off the album cover but I like it. It’d probably be closer to 4 but there’s way too many songs.

Not sure what I thought Elvis Costello's music would sound like but this wasn't it. Not bad but not my thing.

Back half of the album had some good instrumental breaks but overall it felt a bit corny

Pretty alright, quite forgettable.

Cat: he’s got a great voice and the music is good. Catchy. I dig it.

I liked it more than I thought I would. Listened to the front half, liked the energy of it.

Some songs I've heard before but good to get their album context, a nice listen

Brani Preferiti: - "No Action" - "Pump It Up" Note: Ho la sensazione che ci sia poca variazione all'interno dell'album e per tale motivo mi dà l'impressione che lo stile rimanga tutto monotono senza mai raggiungere la vetta. La voce di Elvis non mi fa impazzire, ma sin da subito ho apprezzato la batteria per poi approvare la parte strumentale di questo disco.

Aðeins of cool fyrir minn smekk. Steiktar línur stundum og söngstíllinn á það til að pirra mig. Bandið er hins vegar afar þétt og soundið er mjög gott. Alveg fjör í þessu.

Ekki það besta frá Costello. Frekar einsleitt. Pump it up langbesta lagið og Lipstick Vogue líka skemmtilegt pönk.

Nothing special some enjoyable songs though

Not a huge fan of the singer's voice, but the album itself is pretty good. Hard to go wrong with some good classic rock vibe, but at the same time not incredibly special or unique to me. No particular songs really stood out to me. 3

- tacky billy Joel - it’s almost boy band music - but I’m not against it, it’s catchy - some are annoying though - instrumentation is surprisingly enjoyable

Lipstick vogue oli kova, this years gurlista tuli deuce mieleen - muuten 3/5.

Bouncy and upbeat britpop from the turn of the 80s. Unfortunately it really isn't my cup of tea. Perhaps Costello requires multiple listens, but for me each song just bleeds into the next at roughly the same tempo and key. I couldn't really find my way "in."

Not bad but not what I was needing to listen to while working

I actually enjoyed this one. I really wasn't expecting much after the last album from this band, but this was decent. We'll see if I give it another spin. 3.5/5

Not quite what I expected. Only got halfway through

This would be nice good mood music for background but I didn't really get it.

Listened to this once and it’s very well produced and everything, but I feel like Elvis Costello just isn’t totally my thing

Very bad album cover. Also it's kinda fun music, it's lyrics remind me of bon Jovi, but worse - and better bass yes, its bass is pretty great. I probably won't listen to it again, atleast not the whole album

Before listening- I never got the appeal of Elvis costello. First track I’m thinking it’s power pop- is that why he is loved? So far it feels like a vanilla new wave power pop. Pump it up annoys me too. I did like lipstick vogue and I really liked night rally- the latter was an affront to the rise of fascism that could be sung today with just as much immediacy. That was a perfect closer- why did they change it for America? Lame Americans .

Nice album, enjoyable listen. Elvis Costello has a cool sound that tends to resonate with me and doesn't leave me with any lingering "why did he write this song like this?" questions. The flip side is that his records can then tend to be a little forgettable for me unless I'm really tuned into the songs (lyrics mostly i think). I have a feeling that on more listens I'd be rating this one higher. Cool album cover too. His stare and pose is pretty interesting. To me, I thought the album title would be about a car model "This Year's Model" but the album cover makes me think more of a person modelling (and being given direction by him). That's pretty cool- there hasn't been many album covers that have made me think differently so far in this list.

The superior Elvis?? I always liked this album. It’s just a lot of fun, even if it never reaches any particular peaks.

Although poppy, punchy, and, of course, pumped up, the lack of a certain je ne sais quoi will likely keep me from returning.

Not what i was expecting, but lively