Reviews (page 6 of 8)
This is the second Elvis Costello album I've gotten. This one was closer to my impression of his music, I didn't enjoy it.
There really isn't anything to pull me in here, nor is there anything that is unlistenable. Not good but not unlistenable.
Didn’t mind this one at all. Would possibly give it another listen.
Notable tracks: 13 Steps Lead Down, You Tripped at Every Step, London's Brilliant Parade
Some interesting stuff here, harmonically. But I can't stand his sneezy, off-key voice.
The third Elvis Costello album in had in short succession, and the worst one yet, so please, no more.
it's not bad but depressive
If this was my first Elvis Costello album of the project - rather than my second in 24 hours and fifth overall - I might judge it more kindly. After all, he’s a savvy enough operator to ensure none of his albums pass without a smart turn of phrase here or an infectious melody there. But across 15 tracks it’s very hard to find anything that justifies putting this mid-late career effort on a must-hear list. 2.5
I enjoy
Some of this was better than expected! His grittier songs were great, loved most of those though I wish the guitars were more raw and present in the mix. Great songwriting there, and his voice really suits it too! Then I really struggled through the wishy washiness around track 6 & 7 especially. Gave me the vibes of Billy Joel's more noncommittal songs (the Italian Restaurant one, oh my god). Luckily that didn't last right the way to the end. Basically, a mixed bag
Brutal Youth is just about the same quality as all of Elvis Costello's other albums, as in its an alright album but its nothing that will blow anyone away. This one seems to be more in line with This Year's Model music-wise rather than Blood And Chocolate which is kinda a shame since i did like the latter album more. This one is still a pretty fine album with it having quite a few solid songs with some pretty decent musical ideas. Despite all of that, the album isn't really too much to write home about. It is alright but you can do quite a bit better than this. Best Song: Still Too Soon To Know Worst Song: All the Rage
Meh
He yaps for sure. But not derogatory
I think I would only listen to his greatest hits, this sounded like a bunch of the same songs back to back to back. It wasn't bad at all, but just a bit boring to listen to the whole thing.
It's not as bad as people claim, but it looks like it was specifically designed to be as blank as possible
2,5
This was alright, quite listenable but by the end starting to sound quite samey. 3*
I think Ive preferred other EC albums.
Po piire!
2 stars. not my thing.
Lighthearted pop
3/4
This is a fine Elvis Costello album. I think Costello is an important artist, and while I’m sure several of his albums deserve inclusion on this list (Definitely This Year’s Model), I’m not so sure about this one. Billed as a reunion of The Attractions (only partially true), it’s a decent collection of songs. It has a fairly cohesive sound, but there doesn’t seem to be as much of a consistent through-line, and it goes on for a little too long. I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt and rate it 3 stars, but I’m sure it could be argued that there are better Elvis Costello albums that should have been included on this list, or just better albums by other bands (since apparently Costello has 6 albums included on this list).
I really liked 2 tracks - clown strike and sulky girl. Everything else was a bit of a slog to be honest
Too long and too mid
Annoying…
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.
I’m at a 3. For a top 100 album of 1978, I’d say that was alright. Hold on, this is from 1994? Oh, jeez. Yeah, this album really wears its target audience on its sleeve – it’s a Reagan administration album made right around the point of the Clinton administration, which is to say, for 1994, this just feels outdated and out of touch with its contemporary sounds, especially for a sort of pseudo-rock album. It’s not quite MTV Unplugged, but it sure as hell ain’t Nirvana either. When trying to really figure out what this sounded like to me, I ended up writing down “a mismatched hybrid between Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel, while capturing neither of what makes either of them so good, and just sort of getting the leftovers,” which… yeah, I’d call that accurate. I’m sure Elvis Costello has better albums than this, but this just wasn’t super captivating to me – while there’s not a bad track here, and everything’s an enjoyable listen, you can only really coast on “that was alright” for so long. There’s not too many standouts; I’d say of the 15 tracks here, I only really liked about 6 of them, so that’s batting just under average. It’s not certainly not a bad album, and I’d even recommend it. It’s simply not working for me, if only because it doesn’t feel like an album from 1994 should, and there’s just better albums that do this style and sound that have come out both long before and long after it. However, it could easily work for someone else; a 4 or a 5 on this album wouldn’t feel that unjustified to me. The framework of a truly great album is here, it’s just missing something for my tastes. Hence, the 3.
Not Costello's best but everything he does is incredible so it's still an easy 4
он ничего такой, бодрый, но какие-то сомнительные реплики кидает
2.25
Pretty enjoyable Elvis album, all in all.
I can stand his voice a bit more on the slower songs but it’s still pretty close to nails on a chalkboard territory. It’s such a shame as there’s some really good songwriting hidden in here but I can’t get on with his voice
Oh great another Costello album. I kept one song on here but more for the music than him. Enough of this guy!
Listen, I've been a good boy, I've listened to every single album we've gotten to the best of my abilities, and I've saved at least one track from all but two albums (Dagmar Krause's piece of dogshit and another one that wasn't one Apple Music and wasn't good enough to warrant a download). I listened to this, of course, but I almost wish I hadn't, and I can't say that about any other album on this list (not even Dagmar Krause). This sucks. Elvis Costello has done the opposite of growing on me. He's gone from this quirky artist to one of the most annoying recurring nightmares this list has to offer. His voice SUCKS. I don't normally say that, I understand people have different voices, but I geniunely hate his, more than almost any other vocalist maybe ever, ever. Incredibly whiny tone, and the music surrounding it is just a complete nothing-burger. I will remake my own version of a list like this, and who knows, maybe *one* of his albums will make the cut (I know at least one was pretty good). But not however many are in this list, and certainly not this one. There was one track I liked for a bit (think it was "Clown Strike"), and then--like a clown striking out from the darkness--his voice smacked me in the face full force and I had to skip. I skipped most of this. The guy who made this list should've skipped this album. Favorite tracks: ..... Album art: Little kid standing with arm around another little kid. Picture is fine and all, but with the text portion it honestly seems like a fake cover. Or like some garage punk band's cover, it's very low effort, and not in a way befitting this extremely melodramatic prick. 0.5/5
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
Nothing exciting here
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.
Terrible. It is and always will be elvis costello
Elvis Costello sounds like he was an annoying drama club/show tune kid in high school that always got cast as an understudy but thought he was the best. Then he went on to project his whiney, obnoxious voice over some pretty decent instrumentals and this album is the product. It sounds like someone singing karaoke.
I guess we were letting any body get famous in the 90s. This is the sound I expect to hear when my uncle's cover band starts writing originals. Dude sounds like he's singing with his nose plugged. The only redeeming quality is that some of these songs could sound decent if another band covered them.
The best!!!
Elsku Declan klikkar aldrei. Frábær plata.
Excelente disco desde la tapa en adelante. Muy buenas canciones que uno no se cansa de escuchar.
I am torn on this one, it’s about half and half for me. I found I would like one song (cool organ part) then the next song is kind of underwhelming. It’s not bad by any means, but probably not something I will find myself looking up again.
It’s fine - I prefer This Years Model or Armed Forces, but it’s still EC
This album was fine, nothing too special and nothing that jumped out at me as classic Elvis Costello-
No. There is no reason why any elvis costello album belongs on a list of albums that anyone should hear ever. This is a bad album. 1/5
Elvis Costello has too many albums on this list
What is this list's obsession with Elvis Costello?
I thought it was lackluster compared to his earlier work. But maybe that was the point. We get old, we mature and we change.
3.5☆/5 07.24.2024
Nah.
Interesting listen. I’ll be coming back to this one
I love Elvis Costello’s voice but this album didn’t grab me yesterday
If I have to hear one more Elvis god damn Costello record on this list I'm gonna lose my shit. My review is whatever I said about every other Elvis Costello album so far.
Can we get THIS Elvis to leave the building now, please?
Very questionable inclusion but not a bad album necessarily. Costello is a songwriter of considerable talent and the bright spots shine through even on this album, even if as a whole it feels a bit redundant (I mean seriously, 6 Costello albums?)
I have grown in admiration for Elvis during this journey. Does Costello have more entries than Priestly? Controversial
I'd never heard this one, it's definitely an EC album and it has some lovely tracks that I'll be revisiting. Thanks Dec.
Elvis so far is leaving me cold. His voice does nothing for me. The music does little for me. I found it difficult to pay attention to this one
Not my favorite music of his, but still good nonetheless.
First Elvis Costello album. This was kind of meh. I don't take as much issue with his voice as others do, but none of these tracks were interesting. Chord progressions felt kind of basic? Sounds like a cover band at a karaoke bar, not sure why it's on here.
It's Elvis Costello, and it's 90s rock, both of which I really like. Yet I was underwhelmed. Maybe I just prefer my traditional view of Elvis Costello and need to listen again later.
Gut zu hörender Rock 4/5
elvis costello is pretty fun and 10-15 years after his peak he is still fun
We have both grown to appreciate Costello's voice more than we used to. This is a pretty standard Costello album: enjoyable to listen to but nothing overly standout. As much as we enjoy Elvis Costello, we're not sure he warrants quite so many albums on this list.
Meh.
It was pretty good. Also kind of generic, watered down punk-ish but not quite. Kinder Murder was good. I liked the bass tone on a lot of the songs, a bit fuzzy, not drowned out in the mix, more of an emphasis than most music.
Some interesting stuff there, I was almost expecting to get bored to death and I didn't really. I gave the last Elvis Costello album 2 stars and this was just a bit better so there you go.
Very basic bubblegum rock pop. Also not a fan of Elvis Costello's vocals which feel all over the place.
This Year's Model y Armed forces son sus discos más aclamados pero a mi este es de los que más me gusta. La.banda suena compacta y el sonido eléctrico de los 90 le sienta fenomenal. Toda una lección de clase. Sulky girl y All the rage son sus mejores canciones Otros discos de una de las mejores cosechas que ha dado la música, 1994: BLUR: Parklife, PORTISHEAD: Dummy, MANO NEGRA: Casa Babylon, SUEDE: Dog Man Star, NAS: Illmatic, PAVEMENT: Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain, OASIS: Definitely Maybe, NEIL YOUNG: Sleeps With Angels, AMERICAN MUSIC CLUB: San Francisco, R.E.M.: Monster, HOLE: Live Through This, JEFF BUCKLEY: Grace, MASSIVE ATTACK: Protection, THE AUTERS: Now I’m A Cowboy, NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS: Let Love In, 16. JOHNNY CASH: American Recordings, SEBADOH: Bakesale, UNDERWORLD: Dubnobasswithmyheadman, STONE ROSES: Second Coming, BECK: Mellow Gold, MARK LANEGAN: Whiskey For The Holy Ghost, TOM PETTY: Wildflowers, THE BEASTIE BOYS: Ill Comunication, KRISTIN HERSH: Hips And Makers, SABRES OF PARADISE: Haunted Dancehall, JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION: Orange, NIRVANA: Unplugged In New York, ALI FARKA TOURE & RY COODER: Talking Timbuktu, PULP: His’n’Hers, THE PRODIGY: Music For The Gilted Generation, VERUCA SALT: American Thighs, THE WALKABOUTS: Satisfied Ma, MANIC STREET PREACHERS: The Holy bible
i messed with the poppy vibe but this thing is just too long
chille muziek wel
Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background I haven't listened to much to post 1990 Elvis Costello. Enjoyed it overall. Something I need to hear before I die? Really not.
Elvis Costello coming on the wings of a Joni Mitchell review is actually perfect. See, I really like both these musicians BUT neither of them are staples in my archive. I have spent time thinking about that, and other musicians over time that I kind of "let go." Elvis Costello has a few songs that are on my all time favorites list. So why is he not himself on the short list? Well, lyrically he is as poetic as MItchell, and his musical style is unique and interesting. I think maybe it is because when casually listening it is hard to make out his lyrics. There is an old joke about how they made a mixed album with "songs you can hum to." All of them chosen because somewhere along the way the lyrics become hard to follow so instead of singing, you kind of "hum" along. I think one must really HEAR what Elvis Costello is singing to FEEL his true power. Luckily there are plenty of people who don't have this struggle. Too bad for me.
I am a such a fan of his first string of albums but this was just boring, even with the Attractions backing him. None of the songs grabbed me, and his vibrato was annoying.
-A lot of these songs sound like anime theme songs but like in a good way… it’s very catchy and high-energy which I always like -Kind of started to fall off toward the end of the album in my opinion but the start and middle parts were really good -Favorites are Kinder Murder, Clown Strike, and London’s Brilliant Parade
Some good songs but mostly just wailing
He was better with the attractions. I find everything he does is so Elvis Costello. Not necessarily samey but just really really elvis Costello. Nowhere near his best work. 3.2
Overall I really liked it. I do have a soft spot for Elvis Costello though.
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.
There’s a few good tracks like 13 steps lead down, this is hell, and Londonshire brilliant parade. Overall tho it’s mostly just ok and I don’t rly get why it’s on the 1001 especially since there’s a few other more acclaimed (and prob better though I haven’t heard them yet) albums by Costello on here.
For me with Elvis Costello it´s almost like that: voice - meh; music - good. But this time even the music doesn´t convince me. Pretty below average! I can't see any reason why this album is on the list, because there are already other and even better Costello albums listed.
Brutal Youth ‘Cool, must be getting toward the end of the album’, _looks down_, ‘Fucking hell, track six!?’. There are some decent songs, some great ideas, some very good lyrics and I like the production and playing, particularly the bass throughout, but I can’t shake a slight nagging sense of pointlessness. While it’s by no means bad or unlistenable, it’s just feels very undynamic, if that’s a word. It’s not that it’s bland or half hearted, my ears definitely pricked up at certain parts, and I found my self tapping along from time to time, but each song tended to just come and go, and by the end of it I didn’t really feel anything, neither enriched or diminished. I do actually like Elvis Costello - This Year’s Model, Armed Forces and Get Happy are great great records - but I do have this same reaction to a lot of his other stuff, maybe it’s how he constructs his melodies, or the tempos he works at but I find myself not minding it, but kind of zoning out into nothing. I won’t go through song by song, as it seems a bit pointless, but things I did pick up on and like were Nick Lowe’s bass on the songs he played on, the exuberance of Pony St, Kinder Murder is good, the do do dos on Clown Strike, the intro to Sulky Girl, the organ on My Science Fiction Twin and the Neil Young-esque guitar on All the Rage. With all that in mind it’s kind of hard to rate, it’s a perfectly fine album with good things about it. I’d not be averse to listening to it again, but I really can’t see me ever remembering it exists after today. 2 is too low(e), so I’ll reflect my ambivalence and go 3. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Really enjoyed this. Not at all what I was expecting - it's a mix of pop and rock but not cringe at all.
Elvis Costello's voice is definitely among the top 10 voices that makes me want to punch someone.
When i started 1001 i didn't mind his music, last album i lost all interest in his music and now to quote a song in the album "This is hell". This is now my third album and realice that there are 3 more... I get that his music has had an impact on music in some sense but not 6 albums worth. This is kind of insulting to other musicians (even if other artist don't have 6 albums of perfect albums it is still better than this guys personal top 6 Elvis Costello albums you apparently "Must" hear) if you look at the listens on Spotify i bet they come from 1001 generator listens. So yeah, the album is probably a 2 in terms of uniqueness and musicality. If all you go on is lyrical content which seems to be the selling point of some of the most, i personally don't care.
Gear: Meze 109 PRO Artwork: Wes Anderson/Die kleinen Strolche Vibes Mix: Teilnehmermedaille Musik: Also\"All the Rage\" ist das ja beim ersten Reinhören nicht. Ich würde zwar nicht sagen, dass \"This is Hell\", wünschte mir aber ich hätte mindestens \"20% Amnesia\" für das Album und war \"Just About Glad\" als es dann rum war. Wertung: 👓👓/5
Boringgggggg
Like the distinctive vocals of Elvis Costello and very good lyrics too. Good album and a mix of tempo throughout. Worth a listen.
This is a classic album. Really got into Elvis Costello in college.
Wasn’t feeling track 1 but track 2 Kinder Murder is kind of a head bopper. Twelve Steps is ok. Too soon to know is ok. A lot of songs are either ok or not my vibe. I get why it’s on the list but most of this kind of music just ain’t for me.
Very meh, it wasn't particularly remarkable at all and nothing really stood out
Fuck this guy
I think some would say this could be radio-worthy in the 90's, but it is just not my type of music
3.5/5. This list is far too oversaturated with this dude.
not my fave costello album. just kinda meh
I just can't do Elvis Costello, maybe one song but a whole album.....I just don't get it I guess 🤷
I somehow didn’t know he was British until now
I just couldn't.
Not as strong as the other album
Bit boring
I'm so done with Costello albums.
Vibin. This is hell, clown strike,
Did not listen
Pretty good
This is another cool one from Costello. His singing voice really is so unique and interesting to me. And the songwriting is just top tier as per
Having SIX Elvis Costello albums included in this book is embarrassing in itself, but having this one in particular is downright stupid. Come on, Weezer's Blue Album released the same year isn't even there but this boring ass album is? I hate this place.
"This is hell, this is hell I am sorry to tell you It never gets better or worse"
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA... hahahHAahaHAHAHAAA...AHHHHHHHHH AHAHAHAHAHA HHAAHAHAHA!!! WoooooooHooooOOOOOOOO!!!! HAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA AHHHHHHRGGGGGGGGG Heeheheheeeee HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH * hysterical laughter *
Tasalaatuinen ja kevyt. Helppoa kuunneltavaa.
Ihan toimiva setti
Makes me wonder where I know "Elvis Costello" from? Because it's not this. This is like if a quirky Bruce Springsteen did a collab with the Spin Doctors, making music for Gen X sitcoms. Competent and not horrible, quite droll even, but I did not, in fact, need to hear it. And I just saw that the guy has 5 more albums on here. The sound of me sighing.
Nice very nice
Not a fan
I liked this a lot more than Blood and Chocolate, but it still wasn't my favorite. It started out pretty decent, but it just felt like it dragged on after a while. Some of the music was cool — very pop punk. But towards the middle it started getting weird and went past cabaret to circusy. Elvis' voice also gets grating after a while. I also can't believe there are six Elvis Costello albums on this list. There are so many artists who should be on here but aren't and he gets SIX?! Pfft. 3/5
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would, even after listening I feel like I shouldn't have enjoyed it as much but here we are.
This was honestly so much better than I expected.
Difficult listen this. I feel Costello should have walked away after the 80s. Some interesting guitar pieces and some catchy hooks but it's not of its time and ultimately disappointing from start to finish.
I’ve reached the point of this project where I don’t need to lie to myself anymore for the sake of feeling like a phony. If the music is drab and pretentious, then call a spade a spade.
Uuugghhh, not another Costello album... Favourite songs: 20% Amnesia, Pony St., Kinder Murder, 13 Steps Lead Down, Just About Glad Least favourite songs: This is Hell, Clown Strike, You Tripped at Every Step, Favourite Hour 2/5
Hot streak of mid at the moment
Elvis Costello is the most unique musician because he has such a whiny and annoying voice. His whole persona seems to be look how goofy I am and his music isn’t anything deep, exciting, fun or unique. It’s bland. He’s bland and his whole schtick is lame. Yet this wasn’t fully terrible. Just not good. 3.8/10
Some good songs but enjoyed my first Costello album more.
It's fine, but inching towards overrated by the album.
Never into his music 40 years ago. Relistened and still not into it at all. Choppy music and vocals that sound like they're emanating from someone sitting on the toilet - and struggling to make progress!
It's just not his best work I'm afraid. It's never bad, but it might be the production that makes it sound a bit emptier to me
fimm/sex frábær lög. restin síðri. næst síðasta mjög góða plata declans. 4
Listening to Elvis Costello always gives me a melancholic nostalgic feeling harkening back to my late youth. This album is typical of that, but Elvis is not something I would listen to on a regular basis, too much of a crooner lounge music style So this is 3.5 rounded down to 3 for me
Elvis Costello has definitely perfected his unique brand of songwriting. Nobody writes songs like he does, that’s for sure. I enjoyed some songs quite a bit, but more often than not I was kinda bored or even annoyed.
Maybe I'm soured since I had another of of his recently, I do not like his style. I am not looking forward to more of this guy's stuff showing up. Will I listen to again: 0%
Eipä tämä nyt niin ihmeellinen ollut. Hyvää perus Costelloa 3/5
Listalla on kyl liikaa Costelloa, mut on tääkin solid. 3/5
Elvis Costello on ihan ok, mutta tämä levy jäi vähän listalla keskinkertaiseksi.
It’s crazy how Elvis Costello can make this specific sound like rock but that isn’t super aggressive but is storytelling and entertaining at the same time. It sounds like a lot of indie rock today. His voice seems timeless as well. I never realized how far his music career goes. It just isn’t for me This album is very endearing so far. This is hell is a standout for sure. His voice is just incredibly unique. It reminds me of Damon Alburn had a baby with Anthony Kiedis. Like tinges of both. This album is alright. favorite hour hurts his voice is tough to listen to. It just starts to wear on you after hearing it for so long. Good thing it was the last song Highlights: This Is Hell
Pretty standard Costello for me, didn't push above
3.0 Elvis Costello is fine but one of the greatest album’s of all time?
fun and funky and fresh
Rock, lidt poppet, Singer/songwriter, ikke huskbart
I’ve never listened to a lot of Elvis Costello recently everything I’ve heard I’ve enjoyed and this album is no exception.
Elvis Costello proves that he can sing well with some of the songs here, but for others, he sings like he’s singing Stacy’s Mom. His voice can be very annoying this way, yet he sometimes has good songs. This album was pretty long for me, and I tuned out pretty quick. First song was grating. I was brought back in when the instrumentals were good or he sang well. Never heard him before, don’t want to hear more of him. Maybe I just didn’t understand what he was trying to sing about, especially on songs like My Science Fiction Twin or 20% Amnesia. Standouts: You Tripped At Every Step, Sulky Girl, and Favourite Hour.
S'alright
Very middle of the road. Middling 2. I kinda enjoyed this is hell.
Meh
I had no idea Elvis Costello played music like this. I always pictured him like some Tom Jones clone. Still, it wasn't really my thing
just listened to the album and I'm struggling to remember anything about it. it's inoffensive, but makes you wonder why this is in the list with 5 other Costello albums when there's much better music out there
It was fine then it just wouldn't end. I want to not listen to Elvis Costello any more but now I'm trapped.
A lot of listeners of the list complain about the number of Elvis Costello albums on it. I consider a lot of those albums too be fitting on such a list, but this one is not. Brutal Youth is an ok, so so album. It is certainly not bad, but even Elvis Costello has made several greater ones (f.e. Spike). This is a three stars max.
This could be perhaps stand to be a bit MORE brutal, actually. Still good.
Never the bogfest fan of Elvis Costello, but must admit that this album is pretty decent
3.5/5
Elvis has easily a dozen albums that are more interesting than this one. I bought it when it came out and probably haven't played it in over twenty years. The CD booklet did not contain any lyrics but one random line. My friends and I debated why only this one line and decided it was because he and his handlers were afraid his "anger" sounded like the n-word, a word Elvis has a disappointing history of using.
Much like Steely Dan, I generally enjoy listening to Elvis Costello, and have one or two of his albums, so it's always nice to get him in the collection's rotation. But this particular album is a bit of a mystery, as there's nothing particularly distinctive about it; the Wikipedia entry for the album is remarkably scanty (and provides no context for why this might have been included); and, more damning, the Wikipedia entry notes that there are six(!) Elvis-Costello-related albums in the 1001 Albums project, which seems about 4 (or 5?) too many. But who knows? Maybe some of the other ones are truly distinctive or totally different genres. "Brutal Youth", though, seems pretty classic Elvis Costello, and while that's perfectly fine, it's also neither super exciting (at least to me) nor does it have any classics or radio hits.
Elvis has this thing where he decides if he just sings things in certain ways they're automatically melodic and they just aren't. Pony St. is an example of this but he does this so much that I wonder if maybe the songs of Elvis I actually do like are accidents. Perhaps I don't really like Elvis, just the few "off" songs that happen to match my taste. This is my first time listening to this album and I read "kinder murder" with a German understanding of "kinder" and I'm a little bummed that the song isn't about killing kids. Now he's on 13th steps and I'm quite happy. This is the Elvis I like, nay, love. Thank you, Elvis! This is hell is pretty funny; Just About Glad and All the Rage are also good.
Not sure why this is considered as one of the 1001 albums
Eh
Just don’t get it
Nothing really caught me on this one.
1.5 ole elvis sure kicked up his annoying voice up a notch on this one. His aggressive vocals sounded like puddle of mudds cover of about a girl. And the rest sounded like a bad Randy Newman knock off
sure, why not. this is fine, but could easily be replaced on this list and nobody would miss it.
Hörbare aber etwas zu langweilig Stimme. Sanfter ruhiger (Kuschel)Rock. Das Album ist nicht sehr abwechslungsreich aber für einen gemütlichen Kaminabend im November in Ordnung. Kein Song fiel besonders auf - weder positiv noch negativ.
2/10 very annoying voice
Kinder Murder 20% Amnesia It sounds like Quagmire from family guy. Nothing good to say about it. It’s just about average.
First record I’ve actively disliked at first. Grew on me a bit lyrically but not what I was expecting from EC, for sure
An incredibly boring and uninteresting album that was way too bloated for its own good. His voice is pretty ok, but can't redeem this sad excuse of an album. 2/5.
Elvis Costello is great, he’s legit one of my favourite artists, but to include six albums on this list is ridiculous. I’ll listen to this one properly another time.
Elvis is boring
This album is too long for something that feels like its treading water 2/5
6/10 This is an Elvis Costello album. It has none of the singles that Elvis Costello is famous for. It is about as Elvis Costello as you would think if someone told you that Elvis Costello wrote an album and here it is. I was not surprised because it sounded exactly like Elvis Costello. On the bright side I like Elvis Costello in general. 4-1-2024
Would be better if he could sing. lol
Not a fan
Something about this displeases me.
Low to mid four. I think it’s the best if Costello’s albums that I’ve listened to on this generator. On a side note, three Costello albums in the first 200 albums generator? It likes this guy a bit too much.
Better than expected, kinda britpoppy, didn't completely win me over yet
If the Dunne Brothers were sexist
Very Elvis Costello
not for me, bit dull
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.
Why do you need 6 albums by Elvis Costello in this list? This is certainly not one of his best.....
Nothing more than average.
Mediocre.
I am not a big fan of this, not my favorite Top tracks: 20% Amnesia
what he lacks in singing ability, he lacks equally in lack of rhythm and poor instrumentation
• really didn't like this, wanted to turn it off after every song. no cohesive theme to the album. i don't like the showtune-esque sound of his instrumentation. and his voice is not pleasing (in this context at least)
I don’t like Elvis Costello
It's been almost 500 albums since I got another Costello so maybe I'm more receptive to it. Nonetheless, it's still pretty bland. And too long. 2.5/5
Too many Costello albums and no play makes Jack something something I did like Kinder Murder - nice guitar sound. But otherwise conventional and just 😴 I’m sure some one will rate it 5 but ummm no.
Bit repetitive
weezer ass nerd,que diablos es pub rock
Pensé que Elvis Costello tocaba otros géneros y tmb que lo hacía bien. Entiendo que está página está llena de boomers pero la cantidad de 5/5 es sorprendente. HAY 6 ÁLBUMES SUYOS en los 1001. Sin palabras.
Lots of the Elvis Costello charm, but didn't hit me in the same way as Armed Forces.
I keep trying to like Elvis Costello, because people say they like Elvis Costello. Maybe he’s like, a really good dude. Musically though - sucks. Instrumentation was pretty good but lyrics and vocals were… not. I just don’t get it. Every song sounded like the theme for a shitty 90s sitcom.
Interesting - I’d like to listen to more Elvis Costello and see how I feel about him
eh.
This album is way too mid to be this long.
i usually try and look up extra context for every album bc i want a more rounded way to engage with it and because often something just isn't that interesting to me, but is more interesting when i know what it does and whats special about it. not really the case with elvis costello. ppl say the lyrics r good and like it's good pop lyrics but also like. what the fuck is he talking about extremely not for me unforch
I haven’t listened to this one before. A lot more Beatles vibes to me compared to his first two albums. Not a lot of hits and I had to replay “20% Amnesia” like five times to confirm he didn’t just drop the n-word (apparently Costello says “naked” like a slur).
This bounces between good and bad so it lands squarely in the middle. Songs like 20% Amnesia are a tonal nightmare but otherwise its okay.
Elvis Costello has always been a 3/5 for me. This album did nothing to change that. Just fine!
His is really nice. Some beautifully structured songs. Good production as you might expect from an accomplished producer as well as artist. But there’s nothing to raise the eyebrows. No stand out songs. It’s good but I can’t think it’s moving anything anywhere. Nice though. Might listen again.
This album grew on me after a couple listens. There are definitely some bangers on it. He has a great vibe that is exclusively his. 7/10
I like Elvis Costello but this one wasn’t a standout. Good album though.
He has an amazing voice, the tracks and the album as a whole had the perfect lenght. However, none of the songs were really outstanding or anything...
Really nicely produced, enjoyable ISH music. Found my attention waning quite a bit at times. Another victim of the 90s trend for making really long albums just because the cd had enough space.
Costello's voice took some getting used to, never been much of a fan of easy listening music. Top tracks: You Tripped at Every Step, Still Too Soon to Know
Your music must be so much better in order to wear hats that ugly. 2/5
Not this time Elvis
I cannot understand 90% of the lyrics and it sounds like emo dad rock.
Okie
I've played this three times now, and I can't say I found this particularly engaging. I think I prefer Costello's earlier material. 2/5
Not my cup of tea.
Elvis Costello’s fourteenth album and he is still going strong. Brutal Youth feels like a confident return to that sharp, punchy sound he does so well. The songwriting is tight, witty and full of bite, but there is also melody and craft running through it. It does not reinvent the wheel, but it does not need to. It is a solid, enjoyable record from an artist who clearly still had plenty to say. There is energy throughout and it works well as a complete album. No obvious weak moments, just strong, well written songs delivered with that unmistakable Costello edge. Favourite song: Pony Street Least favourite: None. Every song is worth a listen Album artwork: A cool and understated cover that fits the tone of the record perfectly
I've always had a lot of respect for Elvis Costello and his musicianship and songwriting abilities but, there's something about listening to him that I just find a little difficult. He's almost too perfect but I also just don't really like the sound of his voice so he bleeds a little bit into sounding like a pop singer to me. But I'm going to give this a four-star album because I just know he's extremely talented and there's literally nothing wrong with what he's doing here.
I listened to the album twice yesterday and the second time was a charm. I was hooked! Elvis Costello is both unique and talented. He has a new fan!
Another extremely consistent set of songs from Elvis. 4/5
I was wondering when this fucker with 6 albums on the list would show up. This is my first album of his after 775 days. I'm not doing the math, but that feels like some statistical anomaly. I was interested to hear what this guy's deal is. Why somebody like him would be one of the most represented people on this list and what's up with every single music magazine riding his meat. And.. it's just regular pop? Like, completely unremarkable, generic pop music? Unremarkable voice, unremarkable instrumentation, unremarkable lyrics, long as fuck. Truly the perfect brew. Left kid on the album cover looks like baby Hitler. 2/5.
Why's this book so obsessed with Elvis C
1994 5/5: Kinder Murder, 13 Steps Lead Down, You Tripped at Every Step, Favourite Hour 4/5: London's Brilliant Parade, Pony St., This is Hell, Still Soon to Know, Sulky Girl Rating: 4/5
Not his strongest album, but still enjoyable
I'm fine with a bit of Elvis Costello but this album was just ok. I can see some excitement over its initial release and whether it was actually a reunion of the Attractions. But taking the long view, is that that really very interesting? It's not a bad album but not as impressive as his other work. It doesn't feel significant enough for this list.
3.3 - Well, it looks like my reluctant tour of Costello's catalog has finally, FINALLY come to a close. It's mostly felt like how I imagine it might feel to visit a museum exhibition of the Green Bay Packers with father-in-law. It's well done and mass appealing. But, good God, you couldn't force me to give a flying fuck! I hope to never hear another note of Elvis Costello besides, maybe, a few cuts off of "My Aim is True."
That was a pleasant background for a bedtime read
The 1001 is gonna make me go from feeling meh about this dude to hating him. 🤦 I guess this still earns the 3.0 though, there are some fun songs.
This album is hell I'm sorry to tell you It never gets better Only worse 👿
I've had just about enough of this yapping hound, how many times does he have to be on this fucking list. Influential, I guess, but really I was counting down the songs I had left to listen by the fourth track. Next one from him that comes up is getting a 1/5 just out of spite. You've been warned.
Vi har hatt sinnapunk, forvirret punk, analpunk velkommen til: Litt misfornøyd men ellers ganske glad punk. Som er helt ok, noen kule låter. Men ganske tradd. PS. Hvorfor ser han ut som en minihitler på coveret?
I've always liked the funkiness of Elvis Costello, unique sound and fun to listen to, but also not my favorite album, solid not spectacular
Enable first half. Feels like the album is just a bit too long.
Album slaps.
It was a surprise at how good it was
"You don't have to listen to me, that's the promise of free will" - you might be on to something there, Elvis.
In my high school and college years, I listened to a lot of Elvis Costello and saw him in concert a few times. It's been a long, long time since I've actively listened to him -- nothing negative in that; my interests just changed over the years -- so it was nice to listen to another of his albums. This album was released soon after I drifted away from Elvis Costello, so I don't think I'd heard anything from it before. It's solid Elvis Costello music, quite good, and I'm glad I got to hear it.
Solid. This Is Hell is one of the saddest songs I've heard. Costello's lyrics are biting and sharp. Pete Thomas is simply an amazing drummer. Not as good as This Year's Model but it belongs in the book.
One of the best records!!!
Not good
It’s fine. I don’t know why but Elvis Costello has never done it for me. It’s not aggrieving in any way, just doesn’t spark anything.
Nicht meine Richtung
duplicate
It okay.
Great album!
Nice, really listenable, sounds like a rock version of David Bowie tbh.
Clown Strike This is Hell London’s Brilliant Parade
Cool but not really.
Never paid much attention to this artist. Found the record not bad per se, just monotonous and uninteresting. [0111/1001]
Often thought I was listening to Bowling for Soup
Really enjoyed the first half of the album, but it drops when you get to the 20% Amnesia track.
To quote another listener: "Reasonable album but it doesn't keep up with much of Costello's earlier work." I agree with this. The album is also too long. Some songs might probably grow a bit after repeated listens, but every time I put this album, I am not so inclined to listen to it again immediately (unlike EC albums from his classic period).
Reasonable album but it doesn't keep up with much of Costello's earlier work.
Not my thing
Not my style
Yeah, it's too long, but there was enough on here to keep me interested.
Another album of listenable but not exceptional Elvis Costello material. 20% Amnesia is a little annoying. Overall I could have done with a shorter playtime; an hour of Costello's voice is a little too much to bear.
Genre: punk rock Instruments: 2/5 Modern Translation: 2/5 Dance Potential: 1/5 Listening Location: commute from/to work Favourite Song: My Scientific Twin Made me feel: annoyed, 15 songs is too many and they sounded the same.
Often touted as a return to form, Brutal Youth mainly succeeds where it matters most, keeping in line with the statement making rock and roll that brought Elvis Costello to the dance. Although it could have done with some trimming, the album's ability to remain consistent is what keeps it a stellar collection. Favorites: Pony St., Kinder Murder, 13 Steps Lead Down, This is Hell, You Tripped at Every Step, 20% Amnesia, Sulky Girl, London's Brilliant Parade, Just About Glad.
I feel like I am always hearing the same thing. Although not a pastiche, it is a bit stuck in time.
1 - I expected this to just be boring, but damn, this wasn't very good. It was pretty annoying. I can't even really explain why I think it's bad, it just sounds bad. At best, it's boring, but a lot of songs are just aggravatingly mediocre and aimless. I don't know why this is on the 1001 albums list, especially when there's already so much Costello on there.
Repetitive.
Consistently underwhelming
I enjoyed ‘Armed Forces’ but this album was a real dud in comparison. Just nothing to it really.
This is the fifth Elvis Costello album. It was ok. Wasn't bad but wasn't overly good. Just kind of there. Similar to his other albums.
Gibt recht Old School Vibes, kann man auch nebenher hören. Ein bisschen Beatles mäßig angehaucht.
Another pleasant album to listen to. Nothing to make me stop what I’m doing and really listen, but definitely something I could put on to have in the background. Notable tracks: Kinder Murder, 13 Steps Lead Down
Otro más de este pelado? Ya son 3 discos y ninguno es bueno.
I was reluctant to listen to this, my brain thought "Elvis Costello = bad" for some reason. It was not bad but got very boring at some point
disliked it but then it became a little charming
Better than I thought it would be. Not my type, not terrible.
something here. not for me. music: hated. (⌐■_■)
Lukewarm on Elvis Costello, but don’t think I can go as low as 2 for this one. Lots of songs I liked, some filler. Wish it was 45 minutes instead of 60.
Best Song: Kinder Murder. I like when he starts to lean into a heavier rock vocal. Worst Song: Still Too Soon to Know. I don't know if it's possible for Costello to sing this song any harder. Overall: Bland rock. I was really fatigued with Costello's voice by the end of the end of this one. Really just a consistently middling offering.
Man this is not even close to his best. Far from an essential album.
This guy sounds hella old for only being 17 years into his career The singing sometimes sounds pretty okay, but more often than not it`s dreadful, and the instruments and songwriting don`t stand out enough to make up for it. And on top of that it`s too long. 2 stars,
Was this book sponsored by Elvis Costello or something? I can understand including his first 2 or 3 albums, but the average music listener absolutely does not have to sit through his late career albums before they die.
I’m a huge fan of Elvis Costello. And I’ve really enjoyed discovering new albums from him on this list. However, I don’t think this one is worthy of being there.
Quute like a few songs on here. As ever with EC the voice is my problem. It just isn't a pleasing experience.
I recently gave this years model 5 stars. I don’t think this album lives up to that masterpiece or even armed forces which I gave 4 stars. It’s not a bad album but given those two are already on the list, I don’t think this needs to be here. Hence 2 stars.
It’s fine. Not bad, not great. Misses the drive of This Year’s Model.
I know Elvis is really well respected singer songwriter, but I've never really known why. This albumm hasn't really answered that question. It shows some hints, but mostly the whole thing kind of passed me by.
I just do not care about Elvis Costello. There is nothing here for me to get in to.
Meh, boring, didnt like, L+ratio+didnt care+snoozefest+#NotMyElvis. Significant 18/48 Liked 7/48 Added 1/48 Nonono
first listen an alright album not his strongest
I knew I wasn't done with Elvis Costello but it doesn't make it any better when I get another one of his albums. I get why david bowie and the beatles get like 8 albums, even the who makes sense, but why this guy? It's not bad; and he's definitely evolved his music from the first album to this one unlike the who which is basically all the same but I don't get the cultural impact like I do with the others. I'm glad it's "Elvis Costello does the 90s" rather than "Elvis Costello clings to the 70s and 80s in the 90s" but it wasn't anything special and definitely didn't beat the fatigue.
I’d give this 3.5 stars if I could.
En tiedä - kakkosen ja kolmosen välis
Kinder murder sound pretty horrible until you hear the pronounciation. This would be 4 starts if i didn't kind of hate his voice.
Child killer
cant stand this
I did not enjoy this. I’m not entirely sure why, but I think it’s mostly the vocals. Something about it just rubbed me the wrong way at the time I listened to it, and I felt actively irritated. When “This is Hell” came on, it felt like a perfect expression of my feelings toward this album. Being charitable, there’s some interesting variety music-wise that saves it from a 1, but that’s the score my heart wanted to give at the time…
Jag tror att vissa låtar är bättre än vad de verkar pga Elvis jobbiga röst. Tex My Science Fiction Twin. Men tyvärr blir man osugen på att verkligen ta reda på det eftersom man stör sig så mkt på honom.
En väldigt speciell stil som jag inte var bekant med innan. Ansträngande att lyssna på. Stundtals blir upplevelsen som kaviar och apelsinjuice för öronen. Har svårt att hitta någon underliggande melodi. Man får intrycket av att han improviserat hela skivan. Det är säkert något jag inte ”förstår” med Costello men för mig är det här ett straff
Ogillar Elvis sångröst. Minns nu att det är ett problem. Han skriksjunger. #1 mest skränig #2 lite roligare, men fan. Det är inte jättebra. #3 nej. #4 lite bättre. Texten är rätt "tonårig". Heaven is hell in reverse? Ooooook. #5 meh #6 6 låtar in. 5 och ett halvt album kvar! #7 nej, den lugna låten är inte så bra heller #8 värsta(bästa) exemplet på hans jobbiga sångröst #9 det är rätt trist. Tekniskt sett är det musik, men det är ingen melodi. Rytm och skrik. #10 #11 har laserljud! Pew Pew. #12 #13 #14 #15 Ingen låt sticker ut. Vad är ECs storhet? Musiken är enkel, rösten är fruktansvärd, texterna imponerar inte. Hoppas detta är hans sämsta av SEX album han har på listan. Inte undra på att man inte lyssnat på EC förut, eller att han aldrig förekommer bland" klassiska" låtar man gärna spelar på fest/umgänge.
orka
Gillade den inte alls efter första lyssningen, men den växte lite vid den andra. Soundet, sången och kvaliteten generellt osar dock för mycket fritidsgårdsband.
Voice is a struggle to listen to. Good lyrics, mix of styles across the songs.
I find his vocal affectation really annoying. Otherwise the music is fine. Rating 2.4.
This is like the GoBots's version of Bruce Springsteen.
I do not care for this album
Probably a 1.5 but I'm feeling unchained l uncharitable. I don't understand Costello's fame