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.

It was awfully nice of Elvis Costello to have written my review for me, in the form of the chorus to track 4: This is hell, this is hell I am sorry to tell you It never gets better or worse

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.

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.

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

Meh.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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 am pretty sure that I do not like Elvis Costello

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

Soe e não empolga como pop

"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.

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.

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

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

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.

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).

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

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.

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

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

No more!

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.

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

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

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.

Jesus, I still have one more Elvis Costello album to listen to?! I bet I could name 1001 artists who deserve an album on this list but didn't get one because we just HAD to have 8 billion shitty Costello albums on the list.

weezer ass nerd,que diablos es pub rock

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

Very nice! Powerful and mild voice! I like it.

Elvis reconnects with the Attractions and drops another banger!

The Master. All that is good about music.

Great album its everything an 80s album should be. Elvis captured the essence of the decade and simply is a staple of the 80s. All his albums are alike but they are awesome so this one is in the top

I really liked it.

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.

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

The best!!!

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.

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.

One of the best records!!!

Great album!

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

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.

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

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

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

My favourite Elvis 😊

Fucking awesome!

Loved every minute of it

cool

The only Elvis that matters

Sheeeee

Really really really good.

This was my least favorite of the Costello albums so far, but there is enough good here that I'd listen to it again.

Elvis doesn’t miss

Better than unexpected this to be. Some of records are great while others are just bland. Strange but that’s how I feel.

## In-Depth Review of *Brutal Youth* by Elvis Costello Elvis Costello's *Brutal Youth*, released in 1994, marks a significant moment in his discography as it reunites him with his original band, The Attractions, after nearly a decade apart. This album is often viewed as a return to form for Costello, capturing the essence of his earlier work while exploring new thematic and musical territories. This review will delve into the lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence of *Brutal Youth*, along with its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrics of *Brutal Youth* reflect Costello's characteristic wit and insight. Many songs grapple with themes of infidelity, betrayal, and the complexities of personal relationships. Notably, the track "Kinder Murder" employs vivid imagery and sharp wordplay to explore darker aspects of love and violence. The lyrics are marked by a cinematic quality, where Costello paints scenes that evoke strong emotional responses. Costello himself noted that while he did not set out with a specific theme in mind, many songs inadvertently addressed infidelity and personal disillusionment. This duality—personal relationships intertwined with broader societal issues—creates a rich tapestry of meaning throughout the album. For instance, in "13 Steps Lead Down," he juxtaposes personal despair with societal critique, showcasing his ability to merge the intimate with the political. ### Music Musically, *Brutal Youth* is an eclectic mix that showcases Costello's versatility as an artist. The album features a blend of rock, pop, and new wave elements, characterized by tight arrangements and dynamic instrumentation. The reunion with The Attractions brings a renewed energy to the album; their trademark sound—marked by Bruce Thomas's punchy bass lines and Steve Nieve's keyboard flourishes—provides a solid foundation for Costello's incisive melodies. Tracks like "Clubland" exemplify this synergy, combining catchy hooks with cynical lyrics about nightlife and superficiality. The song's upbeat tempo contrasts sharply with its darker lyrical themes, a hallmark of Costello's songwriting style. Other tracks such as "All the Rage" and "This Is Hell" feature driving rhythms and layered instrumentation that create an immersive listening experience. ### Production The production of *Brutal Youth* plays a crucial role in its overall impact. Produced by Nick Lowe and featuring contributions from various musicians, the album strikes a balance between polished sound and raw energy. The recording sessions were reportedly chaotic yet productive; Costello himself described them as "barely coherent ramblings" shaped into cohesive songs through relentless reworking. The mix captures the essence of live performance while allowing for studio enhancements that elevate certain tracks. For example, "You Tripped at Every Step" features lush string arrangements that complement its poignant lyrics without overshadowing them. This careful attention to detail ensures that each song feels distinct while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout the album. ### Themes Thematically, *Brutal Youth* explores several interconnected ideas: - **Infidelity**: Many songs reflect on betrayal in personal relationships, often blurring the lines between romantic and platonic connections. - **Disillusionment**: A sense of weariness permeates the album, reflecting Costello's experiences on the road and his struggles with fame. - **Societal Critique**: Costello frequently addresses broader social issues through personal narratives, using his experiences as a lens to examine larger cultural phenomena. - **Nostalgia vs. Reality**: There is an ongoing tension between idealized memories and harsh realities in relationships and society at large. These themes resonate throughout the album, creating a rich narrative that invites listeners to engage deeply with both the lyrics and music. ### Influence *Brutal Youth* has had a lasting impact on both fans and critics alike. It is often seen as a pivotal moment in Costello's career—a successful attempt to reconnect with his roots while simultaneously pushing forward into new territory. The album has influenced subsequent generations of musicians who admire Costello's lyrical prowess and genre-blending approach. Critics have noted that *Brutal Youth* encapsulates the spirit of 1990s rock while also harkening back to the punk-infused energy of Costello's earlier work. Its exploration of complex themes through accessible music has made it a reference point for artists seeking to balance commercial appeal with artistic integrity. ### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - **Lyrical Depth**: The album showcases Costello’s sharp wit and ability to weave intricate narratives. - **Musical Variety**: A diverse range of styles keeps the listening experience fresh and engaging. - **Strong Performances**: The reunion with The Attractions revitalizes the band’s sound, delivering tight performances throughout. - **Production Quality**: High-quality production enhances both the clarity of the instruments and the emotional weight of the lyrics. **Cons:** - **Inconsistent Tracks**: While many songs shine, some tracks may feel less impactful or memorable compared to others. - **Chaotic Recording Process**: The tumultuous nature of the recording sessions may have led to unevenness in some tracks. - **Mixed Reception**: Despite its strengths, some critics felt that it did not fully capture the magic of earlier albums like *This Year’s Model* or *Imperial Bedroom*. ### Conclusion In summary, *Brutal Youth* stands as a testament to Elvis Costello's enduring talent as a songwriter and musician. With its intricate lyrics, varied musical styles, and thoughtful production, it captures both personal struggles and societal critiques in a way that resonates deeply with listeners. While it may not be without its flaws—some tracks lacking the punch of others—the album ultimately succeeds in presenting a compelling narrative that reflects both nostalgia and contemporary realities. Costello's ability to blend these elements into a cohesive work makes *Brutal Youth* an essential part of his discography and an important entry in 1990s rock music history.

Worth it just for "Sulky Girl".

One of EC's pop-rock records. I kind of lost touch with Elvis in the 90s but Brutal Youth follows in the line from his 80s classics to his 21st century return to loud music with When I Was Cruel. Brutal Youth is a good record but is it something you MUST hear? I'm not sure.

Amused to see so much hate for this in the reviews. I suppose if you can't get on with the voice then you can't get on with the voice. For me, Elvis is at his best when he's effortlessly churning out workman-like pop, such as Just About Glad and Tripped at Every Step. There are a few fillers but it's a great album

Great album

Not my typical genre of music but there is no denying the songwriting genius of Elvis Costello. Each of the songs is still an enjoyable listen and the vocal and instrumental performances are top notch.

Would definitely visit again; British pop keep becoming more interesting

I ended up listening to this one twice. My wife is an Elvis Costello fan, but didn't know this record so wanted to listen to it after I did. It didn't do much for me the first time, but really started to grow on me the second listen. The songs weren't super catchy the first time through, but I found myself really enjoying them more with repeated listening. I guess I'm saying this one will grow on you. Especially if you already like Elvis Costello.

Pleasantly surprised by the his one

I don't get why so many people hate this album. To be fair this is my first Elvis Costello album on the list but it's pretty good. Everything sounds great and it's better than a lot of album I've heard on this list. It's not a 5 but a solid 4.

Notable tracks: 13 Steps Lead Down, You Tripped at Every Step, London's Brilliant Parade

I enjoy

He yaps for sure. But not derogatory

Po piire!

3/4

Jaunty

I'll admit, the only reason 100% on this album is because of how many times I've listened to MY AIM IS TRUE (and, as well, Weird Al's pastiche "I'm So Sick Of You"). Now, don't get me wrong: I still liked this album a lot. Enough to slap it with a 4, even. Compositionally, it still sounds like Costelo, and I like his writing a lot. It's just, instrumentally, aesthetically... In short, I prefer his new wave/pub punk sound. This alt. rock/power pop sound... It's **good**. It's just not what I'd reach for first. Ain't no "Miracle Man" or "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" on here.

As a fan of They Might Be Giants, I can definitely groove with this album considering they're influenced by Mr. Costello. 4.5 down to 4.

Not Costello's best but everything he does is incredible so it's still an easy 4

Pretty enjoyable Elvis album, all in all.

I feast on the tears of Elvis Costello haters. I gobble them up! It’s apparent that a sizabale portion of the people who are doing this project hate him. But I think he’s great. His style of rock is right up my alley. And in regards to his voice, I think he’s a better vocalist than Bob Dylan. (I also love Dylan.) So I don’t know. This was very good. Found some new favourites. I do think it’s a touch too long. I’d have cut two songs and made this tighter. 4/5

Early Elvis Costello has always been my jam, but somewhere around Imperial Bedroom I found my interest wanes. Brutal Youth is an excellent reminder that his ability to thrill in a song still remained strong.

Elsku Declan klikkar aldrei. Frábær plata.

3.5☆/5 07.24.2024

Interesting listen. I’ll be coming back to this one