Brutal Youth

Everything about Elvis Costello, from the name to the glasses to the sneer in his voice to the nonsensical pop culture references, is aped from another artist in a cynical attempt to separate Boomers from their nostalgia dollars. He's Springsteen for people who bristle at the thought of even pretending that they're working class. That may not be fair to him, but he was just unfair to my ears for an hour, so we can call it even. This album feels like it was specifically engineered to be bland and unremarkable, and contemporary reviews were middling. Why is it on the list? Best track: Kinder Murder

I've come to the conclusion that Elvis Costello is annoying.

I can't. I just can't with that voice. All that uppy downy on every syllable thing he does makes me want to hurt not just him but anyone I can get hold of. It's an instant rage maker. I get that he's very popular, but no, you can't make me listen to this, no amount of persuasion will work. Ick, I heard half a song, I want to scrub myself clean.

Every song on this album sounds like it should be the soundtrack underneath a montage of a complicated character in an indie film walking through the streets of their city at night as dawn breaks while figuring out their purpose/finding peace.

80 albums in, reluctantly my first 1 star… but it was so boring and bland, at least musically, and the lyrics also didn’t do anything for me.

Although this album is pretty inoffensive, nothing much on it grabbed me.

Meh.

I've never really been much of a fan of Elvis Costello. I generally find his tracks to be bubble-gum, pop-sugar imitations of punk songs. The opening track, "Pony Street" did nothing to change that impression. Things picked up with the second track, though. "Kinder Murder" is fun and approachable while keeping with a more punk lyrical ethos. That carries through the remainder of the album. While some of the tracks are definitely dated and haven't necessarily aged well, the guitar tones on this entire album are outstanding, the engineering/mixing is impeccable, and the lyrics are generally compelling and thought-provoking, at times reminiscent of The Beatles and, at other times, bringing to mind classic funk/soul masters like James Brown and Aretha Franklin. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this album.

Uncommon upbeat album in 90s Costello discography. Still boring though

I can’t. His voice is so annoying I want to gouge out my eardrums.

I like Elvis Costello and his unmistakably unique sound, sneer and quirky cadence...but I found this album unremarkable. Yes, it's clearly Elvis and you'll get your fix of him...but nothing stands out for repeated listens. If you want the best Elvis you'll need to go to his first three albums (My Aim is True, This Year's Model, Armed Forces). Now THOSE are truly special! 2.7/5.0

Idk what the fuck I thought Elvis Costello sounded like but I was very wrong. Enjoyed

Elvis is the man! My only knock is Elvis’s vocals are so distinct that you instantly know it’s him as soon as you hear it. On this album, he didn’t vary up his vocal styles enough and towards the end it dragged a little. Definitely excited to check out some of his earlier work with The Attractions now though.

I am pretty sure that I do not like Elvis Costello

felt incredibly unimpressive. it was boring and dragged out. i found myself constantly wondering when the album would end. when i found i wasn’t even halfway through, i became upset. it’s not horrible, but it’s so ordinary. costello’s vocals at times are irritating. this album sounds like something a dad would play for you to assert musical superiority, even when in all reality the album is super mediocre.

I enjoyed the slightly slower pace of this album because I think he stood out more as a songwriter and the music varied more between songs. Another 8

An interesting mix of genres and styles here. I really haven't given Elvis Costello as much of a chance as I should've. This album is fun and consistently upbeat even when it gets a bit more edge on some songs.

det här var inget vidare tycker jag. knepig röst och låtar som liksom inte ger en det där lilla extra i mellangården va.

No more!

Fairly certain I've just listened to the same song 15 times.

"Well, good!" I thought. "Another opportunity to find love for a well-regarded artist I didn't enjoy 30 years ago." It's happened before. It didn't happen today. All I could feel was my 30-years-ago self switching off the alternative music radio station (that I tried so hard to like) when the crushing tedium of long, meandering tracks such as this got the best of me. So there's some clever lyrics here and there. It didn't make up for me counting down the 57 minutes through which I never connected to this music. All hope is not lost, however, because apparently I have five more of these opportunities with Mr. Costello coming up.

Mean man with oodles of talent rings out the dregs of it in what I guess is actually his mid-career seeing as he still putting out records. Results are music that's as ugly as some of the things he's said on the first half and occasionally exquisite on the second (London's Brillaint Parade, My Science Fiction Twin).

Dudes who wear trilbies have tricked themselves into thinking that Elvis Costello is essential and ground-breaking because he also likes a fancy hat. Post-punk for people who are afraid of loud noises.

Genre: Pop Rock 2/5 This was a slog. Elvis Costello albums litter this book like rats in an alley. I got one 9 albums ago, and while that one was a bit more enjoyable than I had expected, this one was the most "57 minutes but felt like 4 hours" album I've listened to in a while. The music is competent, nothing is truly offensive here in terms of its lyrical content, but it's his voice. It sticks out like the sorest of thumbs, and, especially when harmonizing with himself, it ruins each track to a uniquely Elvis Costello degree. Just pop rock mush. Not essential.

Just can't really stand Costello's voice... tough listen for me. Some of the lyrics are quite good but that voice... ugh.

i feel like i should like elvis costello, but his voice is fucking annoying.

Not the biggest fan of it. Only a few songs on here that I can say I actually enjoyed, while the rest were just too bland. 4/10

I had another Elvis Costello album just two days ago. Not really keen on more so soon, but open mind! haha. Apparently SIX of his albums are in the book ffs. I guess it'll at least be interesting to hear what he was doing in the mid 90s. Ok, and the answer is a poppy version of like whatever the Lemonheads were doing, or soul asylum etc. Fancy that - new wave no longer in! 2/5 cause it goes too long.

This is like the next door neighbour of something I'd really enjoy

Man I could NOT wait for this album to be over. The vocalist is so annoying. Bland musicals. I can sense the creative endeavor tho, which is why I didn’t give it 1 star.

2.5 | Hubo un momento hace mucho a fines de los 90s en que me interesó conocer sobre Elvis Costello, lo que conocí me gustó mucho en su periodo inicial en los 70s, fue un punk y postpunk muy interesante con canciones que se sentían frescas, innovadoras y muy bien escritas. Desde esa época y hoy en día siento reafirmado creo que con el tiempo Costello se convirtió en un Jack of All Trades, Chambitas, Muchoabarca o como se le quiera llamar, incursionó en tantos géneros y formas que se comenzó a diluir y para está época siento ya se oía un poco genérico. No tiene nada malo el disco, las letras de hecho bastante buenas pero musicalmente no me llama, se oye como un rocksillo alternativo muy estándar que, para su supuesta habilidad, debiera ser bastante mejor. Un disco bastante medianon a mi sentir, decente como fondo musical pero alejadísimo de canciones como Radio Radio, Less Than Zero o Pump It Up que son muy muy brillantes. Supongo habrá mucho más de él en la lista pero esta selección, aunque no mala, deja mucho que desear para ser de él.

I know I should like costello but does absolutely nothing for me at all. 2

EC did not really do it for me. His voice was annoying

Mostly boring - I just don't enjoy the dude's voice or the musical concepts he tries to employ.

Soe e não empolga como pop

I’ve tried with Elvis Costello a few times now but I just can’t get into his music. His melodies are just too jumpy and disjointed for me

Faltam CINCO desse cara??? Gostei de Clown Strike e Rocking Horse Road, só.

Fine with a couple of good tunes, however feels pretty functional and way overlong at an hour. Maybe if I had a better sense of Costello's catalogue and it's place in it I may appreciate it more but seems a strange choice for this kind of list.

Se aiempi Elvis Costellon levy oli iloinen yllätys, mutta tämä levy oli paremmin ennakko-odotuksia vastaava ja se ei tässä tapauksessa ole hyvä asia. Kovasti on vauhti hiipunut ukolta vuosien varrella. Nuori Elvis pääsi alkukierrokselta jatkoon, mutta tällä suorituksella tie nousi pystyyn puolivälierissä.

I'm over him. All his songs sound the same. Was misled on the last album of his where I knew some hits.

Teknisesti kivaa musisointia, mutta siihen jäi. Ehkä edellisen levyn jälkeen yllätysmomentti oli käytetty ja odotuksetkin oli nyt korkeammalla.

weezer ass nerd,que diablos es pub rock

Otro más de este pelado? Ya son 3 discos y ninguno es bueno.

Really really really good.

A very strong effort from Elvis Costello. I prefer rocking Elvis to balladeer Elvis and this record has a bunch of those. My favorites are Just About Glad, All the Rage, Rocking Horse Road, but this is excellent all the way through. I’d give this a 4.5 if possible but I’ll round up because it’s one of my favorite Elvis albums

Sheeeee

My favourite Elvis 😊

The only Elvis that matters

Fucking awesome!

I really liked it.

The voice it's like Jonathan Larson in "Rent" the movie, ando it's very good! Thx!

Excelente disco desde la tapa en adelante. Muy buenas canciones que uno no se cansa de escuchar.

This is an excellent record, just so many good tunes. Favourite tracks: Kinder Murder, Clown Strike, You Tripped at Every Step, 20% Amnesia, My Science Fiction Twin.

The best!!!

Before listening: I know a handful of Elvis Costello songs and I do like them. Mind you, other than She, the songs I know are from the 70s and 80s. I don't know what they sound like in 1994. After listening: I absolutely loved it! Some of these melodies are the best I've heard and even though the album goes for nearly an hour I enjoyed the whole thing.

Album slaps.

Great album!

cool

Elvis Costello has tons of great albums under his belt. This one is one of his best and a signature sound.

One of the best records!!!

Elvis Costello is a treasure. Truly unique. Didn't appreciate his music as a kid (dumb kid) but have since learned to be better.

Once in a blue suede moon, an album comes along that not only defies expectations but gleefully shatters them with an almost impish delight. 'Brutal Youth' sees Elvis Costello, the bespectacled punk poet laureate, leap back into the fray with an album that oozes sardonic charm and a mischievous smirk. From the very first note, Costello and his trusty band of musical mercenaries take us on a rollicking rock and roll joyride. It's as if the snarling spirit of the Attractions has possessed a tight-knit garage band, with Costello's biting wit and lyrical genius orchestrating the chaos like a punk-rock puppet master. Some standout songs for me start with 'Kinder Murder'. 'This is Hell' serves as the perfect soundtrack for an infernal mosh pit, while 'Clown Strike' lets the listener know that this carnival is not for the faint of heart. 'You Tripped at Every Step' offers a slightly mellower reprieve, with Costello demonstrating his penchant for blending sweet melodies with biting lyrics. 'Sulky Girl' sees our protagonist donning his best sneer, as he channels the essence of 70s punk into a potent and infectious tune. As we venture further into the album, 'My Science Fiction Twin' blasts us into orbit with its otherworldly tale of doppelgangers and identity crises, while the ironically-titled 'Just About Glad' sends us off with a delightfully sardonic farewell. In a world where many aging rockers settle into complacency or fade into obscurity, Elvis Costello has not only defied the odds but done so with a triumphant, tongue-in-cheek swagger. 'Brutal Youth' is a testament to his enduring talent and a delightful reminder that sometimes, old punks never die—they just rock harder. So, if you're in the mood to relive the rebellious spirit of yesteryear, strap yourself in and brace for impact. Elvis Costello's 'Brutal Youth' is a wild and witty joyride that'll leave you grinning from ear to ear, and just about glad to be alive.

A lesser known of EC's albums, but still full of great songs

One of my all time favourite Elvis Costello albums. Was great to revisit this one this morning. Love the melodies, and I love the oftentimes softer touch on some of these tracks.

A return to form for Costello and an album I absolutely love. This is singer songwriting at its finest - a fascinating glimpse into boyhood and other times. The band are in absolute sync, Costello fires his witty, intelligent and snappy lyrics throughout, frequently finding moments of loathing, passion and compassion. An artist evolved, mature and confident in his music.

Loved every minute of it

Pick zawierajacy potezna jojowa referencje w tym samym dniu w ktorym dropuje ostatnia czesc szostego parta, przypadek, nie sadze, ale jestem nim pozytywnie zaskoczony, bo jestem prawie pewny ze przed dzisiejszym pickiem nie slyszalem nic od pana Costello, a ma on prawdziwie potezna dyskografie, gdzie Brutal Youth z 94 plasuje sie gdzies w srodku stawki jesli patrzec na roczniki wydan, gatunkowo slychac ze jest to granie rokowe z mocno popowym spinem, bo jest to muzyka mocno przystepna dla ucha, ale jednak nie nazwalbym jej w zadnym wypadku radiowa, a to za sprawa tego jak pisane sa kawalki, ktore przepelnione sa subtelnym sarkazmem, roznorodna tematyka, ciekawym prowadzeniem opowiesci i barwnym jej kreowaniem, dodajac do tego charyzme i to cos w wokalu jakim operuje Elvis, ktory z poczatku wydawal mi sie dosc generycznie brzmiacym glosem i dziwna maniera wymawiania niektorych zwrotow, no ale to przeciez brytyjski angielski, ktory jednak jest przystepny, jednak po godzinnym przesluchaniu plyty, a potem jej riplejowaniu jakos mi on siadl, co do instrumentali sam Costello gra glownie gitarowo, choc na jednym traku chwyta rowniez za bas czy pianino, a banda ktora go wspiera sa The Attractions z ktorymi juz gral wczesniej oraz pan Nick Lowe na basie, nie wiem czemu ale mialem wrazenie, ze material brzmi zbyt hamerykansko jak na rokowe popowanie z wysp, glownie za sprawa gitarki i klawiszy, ktore robia robote, zwlaszcza na takich utworach jak this is hell, ktory jest zdecydowanie hajlajtowym fragmentem plyty, ktorego nie moglo zabraknac na plejce, razem z kinder murder i just about glad, ktore daja wiecej spotlajtu dla gitarowania Costellowego

Next tier EC.

"Brutal Youth" is the 14th studio album from Elvis Costello with either the Attractions, the Imposters or the Costello Show. This is the first one with the Attractions since 1986's "Blood and Chocolate" and a few songs sound like they could have been on that album. Nick Lowe actually appears on about half the songs playing bass. Most of this album is vintage Costello: great lyrics, storytelling and a rockin' solid band. The keyboards open "Pony St." and the band kicks in hard. Drummer Pete Thomas is just killin' it. A daughter with wild parents. Costello tells a grim story in "Kinder Murder." Great off-key guitar. A guy in the army impregnates a woman, forces an abortion and then kills himself. No light-heartedness here. The third song "13 Steps Lead Down" continues the rock. A searing guitar. Pounding drums. I think about falling off the 12th-step addiction program with the 13th step being the falling off. "You Tripped at Every Step" is a slower, sadder song. Piano led. A story about an alcoholic girlfriend possibly his then wife Cait O'Riordan. Back to rockin' and even angry Costello in "20% Amnesia." Costello screaming. People forgetting the small things, the 20%, including what and who to vote for. "My Science Fiction Twin" is more classic Costello. Organ/piano led. Driving rhythm section. Nice guitar placement. A division between private and public persona. A piano ballad in "Favourite Hour" concludes the album. Costello crooning. Time passing by and death. We finally get the "Brutal Youth" lyric. I honestly kind of gave up on any new Elvis Costello after 1989's "Spike." My loss as this is an outstanding album and stands up with his 80's best.

Definitely a songwriter album. Lyrics and attitude are on full display and nearly everything is pretty engaging though not always melodic. Though the energy/shift is nice on 20% Amnesia, that is pretty much the only song that doesn't work for me. Love Sulky Girl.

Pretty good, will definitely revisit Elvis Costello. I had heard a few albums when I was in middle school, but hadn't listened to it since. I can tell he was influence for a lot of other bands I've heard, namely Wilco.

Elvis Costello is the coolest Elvis.

I assume his first two albums are on here and those will get 5s. This one is not quite there for me but maybe it’s just because I never heard any of these songs before. My favorite was “You Tripped At Every Step”.

Another type of rock and roll sound. I enjoyed it.

Iloinen yllätys! Mitä enemmän kuuntelin tätä albumia, sitä enemmän tykästyin siihen. Lisäsin muutamia kappaleita soittolistalle.

Favs: This Is Hell, You Tripped At Every Step Mehs: Pony St. Always enjoyed Elvis Costello. I think his voice works better on slow, coffeehouse stuff. When the songs get fast and tinkle-y, like "Pony St.," his voice grates on me. But some of his stuff like "This Is Hell" and "Everyday I Write the Book" (not on this album, but my favorite) is excellent.

une excellence prestation de Gerard de Palmas

Good, some stand out tracks.

Didnt expect to enjoy this as much as I did.

Сойдёт

Quite liked this.

I love this man's voice. A pleasure to listen to, and one I'm likely to revisit, despite not having an individual track stick in my head.

First eight songs were great. I'm not a big fan of his singing, but I really like the melodies. I didn't like many of the tracks after Sulky Girl. I think the album would've been much better if the number of tracks was cut in half. 15 songs was a bit much. I didn't think it had much more to say. I still have to give it a few more spins before deciding if I want to add this to my library. Highlights: Pony St, Kinder Murder, 13 Steps Lead Down, This Is Hell, You Tripped At Every Step, Still Too Soon to Know

3.75

Liked this a lot better than the last one, songs were catchy

It's a fresh sounding album chock full of well crafted pop songs with catchy musical hooks. I struggled to hear a lot of the lyrics but there are some great song titles. Probably a little bit too long (or maybe a tad too many songs) but the quality remains high and the production has warmth and a bit of bite. It was well worth a listen (and close to getting 5)

3,5/5

I want to compare this to other Elvis Costello albums, and it's far from my favorite. But it's a great album overall.

8.6

First time listening. I dig it....but I'm a huge fan

Pretty good, that guy does know what he's doing, just didn't like it that much. Favorite song probably was 20% amnesia

Has some fun pep to it at times

I consider myself an Elvis Costello fan, however I started to lose interest around the time of Imperial Bedroom and King of America. I came back for Blood and Chocolate which I thought was very good. The rest of the post Get Happy was either ignored or disliked. This album was ignored and it shouldn't have been. From the opening song I could see Elvis was ready to rock. I started to wonder...did he bring back the Attractions? Then the 3rd song starts; 13 Steps and that unmistakable organ sound of Steve Nieve. Yes The Attractions are back! Lots of strong songs with the unmistakable EC wit in the lyrics. Particularly strong is Sulky Girl. I'm glad I found this album. Not sure it belongs on this list but it does belong in my collection. 4 🌟

I liked it. I'm a Costello fan.

I like some of these songs. I want to like him more than I do, because he seems smart and funny and charming, but there seems to be an irony there that's not letting me in. Or he's just much smarter than me and I don't get it. I particularly liked "This is Hell" and am hearing what I interpret as a Beatles, or similar influence, in the use of background vocals which I find amusing.

Really good album that I've never listened to start to finish.

I dig it. I like Costello's sound, I love his unconventional and quirky vocal stylings, and I love his lyricism. You never get a predictable love song or rock and roll dirge; there's always rich layers of complexity and nuance in the songwriting that give the listener so much to mull over. Especially if you're a lyrics first listener like myself. This isn't the best possible iteration of Costello though. This is someone who knows himself, knows what he's capable of and delivers it expertly. But it isn't Costello at his most powerful and impressive magnitude.

I listened to this one twice in a row. I've always been a fan of Costello's early stuff but hadn't heard much of anything beyond the 80s. These are really strong, am I crazy? I'm surprised I've never heard a single one of these. This is Hell was a real stand out for me. I like it.

Good album. I really liked This is Hell. I enjoy Elvis Costello, but his voice gets a little annoying to me after a whole album.

I like me some Elvis Costello. It's weird and eclectic in a way that works for me as opposed to weird and off-putting.