Reviews (page 7 of 8)
Stop giving me Costello albums dangit
He has made alot better albums
Good, not listened very closely though
I do not want to live in Pony Street but I found Kinder Murder much more enjoyable and This is Hell really grabbed me in the reflective feels of mortality. And Clown strike slapped me in the face. I was really ready to just grit my teeth through this album but I stand very much corrected. I even went back to Pony Street and I think I needed the lyrics in front of my face. Still I do find that the album drags a little and is a bit whimsical. I feel like if you like this album you really love Elvis Costello. I think I’m just warm on it. 3/5
I guess I do like the trashy type of pop rock. It reminds me of some broadway shows like Little Shop of Horrors where it feels a bit cheesy music
Musically, this album is fantastic. It's Costello + the Attractions, which is always Elvis Costello at his best. This is a catchy, diverse collection of songs in the Attractions' classic style, as good as much of their earlier work. Steve Nieve's piano work in particular is stunningly good and Costello himself is in perfect voice. The arrangements are rich and hook-laden, and the lyrics are vivid and eloquent. I don't think I have spent time with this album before, so it was a nice surprise. Will definitely listen again. Fave Songs: 13 Steps Lead Down, Just About Glad, All the Rage, You Tripped at Every Step, Rocking Horse Road, Sulky Girl, London's Brilliant Parade
Lost my review, but Elvis Costello is always pretty cool 4/5
I don't get the hate for Elvis Costello on this list. Six albums is excessive for an artist without a good justification, but Brutal Youth is a pleasant album that highlights his writing and offers a range of eclectic sounds. 3.5/5
Maybe the worst album I’ve ever listened to.
I find this album very nostalgic. Something that I have heard before without know it.
I liked it more than I thought I would. Listened to the front half, liked the energy of it.
I couldn't even make it through this whole album.
The writing is mainly solid but it’s nowhere near as interesting as some of Costello’s earlier albums, and his voice is more annoying on this one as well. It also seems very dated for a 1994 record, especially considering the wealth of albums from that year that are far more influential and of their time but did not make the list: Let Love In, Bee Thousand, Blowout Comb, Chocolate and Cheese, Resurrection, WEEZER
I know Elvis Costello can write songs I like, but there was nothing on this record I connected with. Best Song(s): N/A Listen Again: No
Very good; an album I had not heard which made me want to delve further into the Costello discography
The best Costello I’ve listened to
Suspiciously fun
I don’t get it. I find his voice annoying, lyrics pretentious and most songs boring. A few bops tho
Great album Not as good as My Aim Is True This is Hell, All The Rage etc all good Going to go for a four, but I reckon i will revisit in future as it was really decent and likely a grower 4/5
Elvis Costello is a treasure. Truly unique. Didn't appreciate his music as a kid (dumb kid) but have since learned to be better.
This one surprised me. Really enjoyed it
Not my type of music
There are a few moments that have nice harmonies but man this is really not for me. Not looking forward to 5 more of his albums in this project 🥲. Favorite track: Sulky Girl
i guess just like… what’s the point of this? why is it an hour long?
I liked it. Wish I listed a little closer, but I may need to relisten later. For now, 3.5
Enough Costello!
I dont get really along with elvis costello. Didnt hold my attention during the whole listen. it was alright but nothing spectacular!
his voice is PAINFULLY nasally but the instrumentals were so fun to listen to. although, as the songs go on, i think i'm starting to warm up to his voice. pretty nice!
Clever lyrics, interesting stories (reminds me of Billy Bragg) and he has a good voice - but I just don't like the music. 'King of America' had 3 standout brilliant tracks, but this doesn't seem to have any.
Too wordy
It being 90s in sound makes it ok-no 3/5 not bad but not great.
After the first song I was ready to hate this, but I grew on me the more it went on. I'm really unsure about his voice at times. I think I liked it more than didn't so its a high 3 but not sure it can scrape a 4
I've always found it hard to peg Costello to a genre. There's something to it that feels more Americana than that. This is a record that's varied, catchy and has something to say. Definitely worth checking out.
How many Costello do we need on this albums list? 😐
This album has made me curious as to what the rating metric for this project is, because this is a far cry from Costello's debut, and doesn't even rank highly across numerous ratings boards. So why is it on here?
Brutally dull.
“But it`s by Julie Andrews And not by John Coltrane”
more ass than man
Reminiscent of his early work. Nice one.
I always want to like Elvis Costello's albums more than I actually do.
Enjoyed overall
Meh, eipä oo vähään aikaan vituttanut kuunnella levyä loppuun. Ensimmäinen hyvä kappale oli eka mikä tuli randomilla levyn jälkeen
Didn't like him when I saw him live and still don't
Listened Before? N I just can't get all the way into EC. I have respect for him because so many critics do, but his music just isn't my style so it's going to suffer in my personal rating. I did like "Clown Strike" so that's fun. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Clown Strike
This was fine. Pretty much what I expected from Elvis Costello. I don't find his music to be the most enjoyable, but I didn't mind this one.
Of all the Elvis Costello albums, this is certainly one of them.
I want to like Elvis Costello.... I just can't. It's not great.
Not super my thing.
I didn't realize that Elvis Costello had a punk side. This is decent.
Pretty boring
I've always found Elvis Costello to be bland.
3.5/5
Strange lyrics
Again not my thing but I enjoyed this one. Never really know what to expect from Elvis Costello.
Iconic, great musicianship, composition at its best
This album is just alright for me. Nothing I would choose to put on.
Sympathique, l’investissement du chanteur est patent et attachant
He has so many better ones, but this is okay I guess.
Even the bad Elvis albums are relatively good
Not one of his best IMO
Magnficent vibe
Generally likable and of impeccable quality, of course, and always ready to hear EC and the Basher working together. However, this record can be said to lack a killer cut (though "Sulky Girl" and "This is Hell" and "13 Steps" and "Tripped" are all pretty close) and also to seeming just slightly less than essential.
I think this album had some of the weakest starts I've ever experienced, and I was determined to give it 1 star straight away. Everything just sounded bad and I didn't like it at all. Then it recovered a bit and finally landed on a 2. Elvis Costello is a name I've heard before many times, but I was thoroughly disappointed with this record.
Good album. Only heard of Costello's hits but his other music is really good too. Highly recommend.
It’s my first Elvis Costello album. From what I gather it’s not really that representative of his catalogue. What I’m hearing is a kind of typical wordy pop rock with grungy guitars here and there, strong 90s vibes. I can definitely hear a lot of references to Bowie, Dylan or the Beatles. Sounds a lot like Pulp too, but this influence goes rather the other way, right? Overall it’s ok. Not bad but also does not really stand out. The songs flow nicely one to another and I really enjoy his singing (although my wife says he sounds like Ryan Gosling). Apparently the lyrics are supposed to be fantastic. I can’t tell. English is my second language and I can’t force myself to go through the entire album and analyse all the hidden meanings in one day. I really liked Rocking Horse Road sound - reminds me of Like a Rolling Stone. Overall, 3/5. Maybe it could grow on me with time up to a 4.
Costello sounds unfiltered and too old to record a record like this totally raw. That lends Brutal Youth the compilation feel. Reunited band offers touches which push the corners of the package a little.
Zeikstem
I like this best of Costello albums.
He’s a great songwriter but this album was a bit long and drab some great songs tho
Nice
‘Kinder Minder’ and ‘London’s Brilliant Parade’ we’re decent but the rest were a combination of annoying vocals or melodies I’d associate with mid-2000s cartoon themes.
It’s ok
I don't understand why music critics love Costello so much. It all sounds... Fine. I'm never mad about it but it doesn't ever seem particularly interesting. But apparently there's 6 albums of his on the list. Go figure.
Some enjoyable songs on here.
This is what happens when you tell someone at the local karaoke bar they can really sing and should make a career of it but they don't grasp the subtilty of your biting sarcasm.
This album is like every other EC album. 100% for creativity and instrumentation, 0% for execution. I find the constant tempo changes to be totally jarring. I wish for once he would pick a tempo or two and play it throughout the whole song rather than constant tempo switching. Love his voice, lyrics, everything, but I can't get past this. The songs that have gained the most popular success for Costello have been songs like "Veronica" that limit the tempo switching and have a smoother overall sound. So, want to love it, but kinda hate it.
I've tried, and tried ... I know that some people ... a LOT of people LOVE EC, but I am not one of them. This album, like many of his, do absolutely nothing for me. His voice is nice and songwriting is on par with any adequate singer songwriter, but there is nothing that stands out about this album or EC that moves me.
Too much Tom Waits. Too much Bob Dylan. Too much David Bowie. Too much Elvis Costello.
Was ok for the first 4 songs and then hit a rough patch. The slower songs are particularly brutal.
I just can’t with this guy’s voice. It’s awful. It is entirely unfathomable how Elvis Costello has 6 albums on this list. It’s a conspiracy by Big Talentless Vocals (strangest industry I’ve dreamt up) to convince the world that Elvis has talent. He reminds me of the the fake announcer voice Howard Stern does when impersonating shitty radio DJs. “Double U EnnNNNNNnnnnn B C!” Ugh.
A fairly weak Elvis Costello album.
It’s good but not great a perfect example of an artist having too many albums.
Too much product, not enough sustenance
Great with a melody and a song. Surprised at all the hate.
Annoying yet dull
Kinda some fun songs here
Not again. However, I think I've sussed it! Music journalists love Costello because he looks like a music journalist, makes the sort of music that led to the music journalist having to fall back on writing about music, and music journalists feel seen. Representation is important I guess. I'd rather Nick Lowe, Ian Dury, Jona Lewie or any number of superior contemporaries I'm afraid.
Good stuff. I can't quite tell why I'm not fully keen. Is it a little bit too repetitive? Or just a little too pedestrian - as though he is playing within himself, and not really going for it? 3.5 stars.
There’s something about Costello’s music that lacks depth and real sincerity and substance to it. Something about the vocal delivery makes him sound like a gimmick band and songs like My Science Fiction Twin don’t help. This is the third Costello album I’ve listened to now and it sounds harsh but I’m beginning to dislike him as a person. He may be perfectly fine, I know nothing about him but I can tell you I will let out an audible groan of annoyance the next time he pops up on this generator. He’s not bad I suppose just lame and annoying. 2 stars
I like Costello's early work. I never really got too far past those first few. I wasn't really thrilled to get a 90's album from him. I was pleased to mostly enjoy it. Kinder Murder is really good. I did feel a little bit of listener fatigue toward the end. I'd probably give it a 3.5 if possible.
Geen idee waarom, maar het voelde alsof ik me door dit album moest worstelen
Enjoyable. Some thought provoking songs, Kinder Murder especially. Classic Costello really.
pretty deece? I keep expecting him to be funny for some reason tho
Allemaal leuk en aardig, die prima liedjes van Elvis, maar er is toch iets wat me niet zint in zijn muziek? Gemis aan zout en peper? Zijn stem? Geen idee!
Ik ben er de laatste jaren meer en meer achter gekomen dat ik die typische Elvis Costello sound enorm kan waarderen. Dit album was nieuw voor mij maar voelde direct vertrouwd. Goede liedjes!
Ik vind die stem net iets te neuzelig. Ik ken maar een paar nummers van de heer Costello waar ik echt blij van word.
Solid. Need more
I see why this album has so few streams.
Solid, with all the expected features of a Costello album... but lacking any true bangers like Beyond Belief or Lipstick Vogue or classic ballads like Alison. Not sure it needs to be on this list more than many other very good but not truly great albums.
Well this was wildly boring and bland hour that I’ve wasted on this. Seriously what is this doing on this list? Saved tracks: Clown Strike, My Science Fiction Twin
_20% Amnesia_ was probably my favorite song. Really disliked the opening song as an opening. The production is raw, but not in a good way.
Never heard much Elvis Costello before. I knew him as that guy with the glasses. I would definitely listen to him and this album again. At parts it almost seemed like a tribute to the Beatles, the bass lines were often very McCartney like, the vocal harmonies/echoes seemed pulled right from early Beatles. I appreciated some of the \"imperfect\"-ness of the vocals, lead and backing.
haven't always been the biggest Costello fan but this is pretty good.
Certainly tolerable, and Costello is certainly a damn fine songwriter, I'm just not a fan.
Rock alternativo. Un tanto rollo. Ni fu ni fa.
Klassisk Elvis. Varken mer eller mindre. Kanske en aning mindre, då.
Buen disco. La voz de él no me gusta en absoluto pero las composiciones son buenas. La batería suena siempre igual, eso es algo fastidioso también.
Inessential. And Costello.
Really good album, if not one of his best. Problem with artists as prolific as the 'other Elvis' is that unless you've been in on him since early it's tough to get a grip on the back catalogue. But I've always liked him and the sooner I see him in concert the better.
An artist I always think I like but really I haven’t listened to much more than the hits, and his excellent stuff with the late great Burt Bacharach. Another 3 but I’ll definitely listen to this again and imagine it will grow on me as the lyrics become more familiar. I might be tempted to delve into the catalogue as well.
That one is partially good
Enjoyable Elvis record. Not sure it’s 1001 worthy
I don't get it, no cool enough I guess.
Sounds like classic Elvis Costello. I have most of his 70s stuff and a bit of his 80s material but I'm not sure how much more I need. Still, this isn't bad at all.
Strong 5/10
good beat, voice/lyrics not for me
I like his popular stuff. He is quirky. Interesting. Sings like a wonky gentle punk Brit who got dunked in punk then blues, and this is what came out. Playful yet sad, upbeat and depressing in equal measure. Perfect teen alternative music.
As a huge EC fan I find this a strange choice of a strange record. The very definition of treading water, it sounds like someone trying to make a record that sounds like Elvis Costello. Why did he go back to making an album with the Attractions at this time? It sounds like the rejected demos from Blood and Chocolate, there is not one track that sounds any different to anything he'd been doing since Imperial Bedroom. Dimery and his cronies have this massive body of work to choose from with EC and they pick this, unfathomable. The next album was a covers record, then one more with the Attractions before he re found his voice with the brilliant When I Was Cruel in 2002. We should be reviewing Cruel or his 1998 masterpiece with Burt Bacharach Painted From Memory.
I’m a big Costello fan. I’ve rarely missed seeing him when he tours here, going back to the 1978 Regent concert. He’s always terrific live, whether solo or with a band. But his recorded work over that 45 year period hasn’t always done it for me. This has not been an album I’ve revisited much since it’s release, But after a couple of plays I have found a few diamonds. 13 Steps Lead Down is the only song here that I remember staying in his live repertoire for quite a while. It’s like several tracks on this album that are reminiscent of earlier Costello songs. My Science Fiction Twin begins a lot like Pump It Up. Just About Glad is very much like an early song of his that I just can’t nail. And as usual, he borrows from the classics - he claimed London’s Brilliant Parade was a Kinks tribute, but the opening line is straight from Cream’s World Of Pain. I do like the ballads, Still To Soon To Know, All The Rage & the epic concluding track, Favourite Hour, which spawns the album’s title, & is reminiscent of the mid-80’s singles he put out as The Imposter. So in the end, this album grew on me after all these years.
I frequently have cause to complain about the white boy rock critic bias of 1001 albums list, and this is kind of a case in point. Elvis Costello, bless him, is the quintessential darling of white boy rock critics. There are six (six!) EC records on this list, and, while I am a fan of EC, I find it hard to regard this record as essential listening. Admittedly, I find a lot of his 90s output hard to stomach (a covers album! a ballet! collaborations with unexpected artists like the Brodsky Quartet or Burt Bacharach! concept albums!), and so this more straight-ahead rock album is much more to my taste. Re-uniting with the Attractions is a good thing, and I enjoy the relatively unadorned rock presentation, but the songs seem under baked, and there are plenty of other EC and the Attractions albums that are better. Why is this one essential listening? I loved 'When I Was Cruel' a lot, and think it is a far better example of later-period EC rocking out. Love EC, but this album is a bit "meh", really. Maybe I'm being too harsh. Even a mediocre Elvis Costello album is still pretty good, so I am giving this 2.5, rounded up.
I’m an Elvis Costello fan but I’ve never heard this album before. There are definitely a bunch of albums of his that I’d put on this list and this isn’t one of them. But I still enjoyed it. His lyrics are often a pleasure. And just as often, his words get in the way of the music. He’s a smart writer but I think he can overwrite his lyrics sometimes (especially on a mid-career album like this). “20% Amnesia” was cool because he tries something bold and different with that song, which I like. A full band sound suits him better than a stripped down style in my opinion. His singing takes on a little extra sneer when he has a rock band behind him. (Or maybe his sneering just sounds more at home with a louder sound.) I’ll confess that part of my enjoyment of these songs was hearing echoes of other, better Elvis Costello songs in them. But that’s part of the fun of being a fan of an artist. You enjoy the mediocre stuff because it reminds you of the great stuff! 🤷🏻♂️😎 Fun songwriting observation that I’m sure amused Elvis Costello: this album has songs called “Pony St.” and “Rocking Horse Road.” 🐴
I like Elvis Costello. He's never been too frequent of a listen for me though and I think this album might highlight why. The genre's inside are like rock/indie (specifically different from "indie rock") with a tinge of light punk and a tinge of 1950's rock. I like acts that do their own thing but also at times when I want to hear a punk band I'll listen to a punk band or when I want to hear an indie rock band I'll do that. And for some reason when I listen to his stuff I often get the sense that it's nice tunes at a foundational level but the blend isn't often a good blend for me. Now that's not to say that this is bad, and I really do respect and value genre bending, I think it's just some stream of consciousness philosophizing on why I wouldn't have gravitated towards his stuff at times in my life. At first listen I find that his songs are actually pretty attractive and easy to get. His voice is unique and yet not so much to be distracting, and the guitar work is always cool. "This is Hell" is a track that I wasn't sure if I would like it from the start but ended up really enjoying it. The chord progression and melody sit together so well. I keep looking for albums on this list that have very low play counts. I want to see an album some day that has like only a few thousand listens. Most of these have hundreds of thousands (accounting for only Spotify) and I'm sure it's skewed towards newer acts somehow as I bet acts prior to the 2010's had uncountable amounts of listens on A-tracks and CDs and cassettes. This one has some pretty low ones- like track 15 "Favourite Hour" has 81k and it's not too common to see songs that are under 6 figures in play counts. Overall it's a 3/5 for me. Pretty middle of the road and I mean that in a nice way.
Pessima boce. Non si salva una canzone
Good! Weaker than some of his other work though in my opinion.
I've always wanted to like Elvis Costello but apart from his early stuff he just seems to get blander and blander. It's inoffensive and well played and produced but there's no spark for me.
Som jag brukar säga, en av världens mest överskattade artister.
It's decent but far from great. I have bought multiple Elvis Costello albums, but once again, this album shows the British bias of the "1001 Project". This album reached #2 in the UK, #34 in the US, and elsewhere... crickets. I like Elvis (again, I've paid money for his albums), but this doesn't deserve to be in the "1001 Albums" list. If I never heard this album before I died, I would not have missed out. On RateYourMusic.com, out of Elvis' studio albums, this is ranked by listeners as his *13th* best. It's very average. I did not enjoy having to finish the album. Nothing stands out. It's meh. I admit to being in a bad mood while listening, but this didn't help -- instead I found myself thinking "How average! And it goes on for four more minutes!" 2 1/2 stars. I'll be generous and round up simply because it was not bad, but it was mostly boring, which is almost as bad.
I knew Elvis Costello had a long career, but gosh, how many records could be released with the same sound? Don’t get me wrong, the guy rocks, but think that the formula sometimes makes you feel tired. Even the stones and the Ramones expanded their ways record after record (maybe AC/DC did not) but with this one, our loved Elvis pretended to keep us listening to My Aim is True even almost 20 years after the original release. Again, love that record and the next 2, but this one-Brutal Youth- lacks a spark… I may come back to some of these songs if I happen to find a Costellogist out there and want to come across as a connoisseur.
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.
Pretty generic and boring really.
I dig it
This isn't good. I don't even know what I would call this. It's super not good
Typical Elvis Costello sound. Nothing really stands out on this one. Not nearly as good as some of the earlier stuff. Still a pleasure to listen to, but I don't think I'd seek it out.... 3/5
Pop punk pero sin alma de adolescente skater de los 2000's? Boring.
Another solid entry but it dragged too long.
Boring and bland. Everything melded together like a forgettable film soundtrack.
honestly didn't like it too much, i dont really like his voice, and the songs are a little boring
Rating: 6/10 Best songs: This is hell, You tripped at every step
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.
I know the song This Is Hell from Gilmore Girls. I honestly like his earlier albums better. This isn't bad and I may end up liking it more on further listen.
3/5.
I like later Elvis Costello but this album is a bit too punk for me
What a disappointing, uninspired and unoriginal album Elvis has made. Half the songs were completely boring and lackluster and the other half were, maybe fun, but already been done before. There’s nothing quite new here. I enjoyed the chord progressions and the production is good, but that’s all. Wasn’t even a fan of the instrumentation of vocals. 2/5
A bit boring but still good
Can’t stand this guys voice
All the Rage and Sulky Girl are stars.
Might as well rename this website into "the Elvis Costello portfolio", given this is the 6th album of his I'm getting here. And it's just as boring as the other 5. Believe it or not, there are other artists out there!
Classic Elvis Costello Really good Pop/Rock Sounds like Pop/Punk at times Excellent musical arrangements Good Album
the more i listen the more i dig elvis c, he’s consistently inventive and creative but he doesn’t lose the thread of hook and melody
He's had an enormous output, and is still going! Really enjoyed hearing this album of not-the-big-singles.
I feel like this album demonstrated how influential Costello is in modern music. Really enjoyed it.
dont like his voice lmao
It's an Elvis Costello album.
I always think Elvis Costello music sounds different than it actually does. It's better in my imagination.
The first song, Pony Street, sounds like something off Born to Run, both in the vocals and the twinkly music as well. In fact, much of this album sounds like a poor man's Bruce Springsteen. I enjoyed Brutal Youth.
This is a solid effort from Elvis Costello. I gave it a really good long audition of at least 3 or 4 listens under varying conditions. Admittedly while I found it pleasant each time it did take time for individual songs to announce their presence, though This Is Hell did hit immediagtely and remains a standout track. Other favourite songs; Pony Street, Kinder Murder and Sulky Girl. So while not as immediately impressive as his best efforts with no really GREAT songs, it deserves a listen especially if you like Elvis Costellos middle period (ie Blood and Chocolate, King of America, etc...) 3.5 stars
Dafuq?! What an uninspired, akwardly thin produced school band album… Here‘s really nothing, absolutely nothing explaining why this is part of the list.
Back to his ‘70s best. Sharp, cynical lyrics and catchy music. Very good.
Elvis Costello is BITCH MADE
undeniably enjoyable, but definitely a bit weaker than a lot of Costello’s other work -8/10
I give the fuck up, Elvis. I've tried. I've gotten at least three of your records so far and they have all done absolutely nothing for me. For some reason, maybe just being tired of this or just not enjoying this record specifically, I found Costello's voice especially tiresome on this record. Constantly yelping out of nowhere... Just. I'm done. Please. No more. Favorite track: "13 Steps Lead Down"
This is definitely Elvis' "middle-age" record. The songs are safe and pretty. His voice sounds incredible. Not much that resembles the earlier post-punk masterpieces. Ok, it started to show up there about halfway through, but I stand by my earlier assessment.
Better than I expected, a lot of it sounded a bit samey but enjoyable all the same
I quite enjoyed this one but also learnt this is one of 6 in the list! Wow. Anyway, enjoyed 13 Steps Lead down, 20% Amnesia, and Sulky Girl.
I enjoyed this well enough, but I gotta question its inclusion on the list, given there are 5 other Elvis Costello albums on there already. It's not like this album represents him going off in a whole new direction, is it? Fave track - "Sulky Girl"
A lesser known of EC's albums, but still full of great songs
Quite like some of his work, but this one missed the mark. Bass player sounded like he was working on a different album to the rest of the band.
Dirty Springsteen. 2/5.
How much Elvis Costello is there on this list? It's about as fine as the last one. He has a fetish for 50s Americana and puts on a silly accent, his lyrics are plain and sometimes mundane. Musically well structured but unexciting. He feels alone, but I'm not sure why. I think it's because he's pretending to be someone he saw in a magazine and must know, deep down, he hasn't quite gotten away with it
This is definitely an Elvis Costello album. You get what you pay for and you get your money's worth. This is not a bad thing as I love Elvis Costello's unique brand of agit-pop and his work is consistently great. I am just wondering if this something that is essential enough for this list.
I like Elvis Costello. I think I have one album and one compilation album of his. Brutal Youth was all new music for me. I enjoyed the album in general. "Pony St.", "This is Hell", and "My Science Fiction Twin" were the tracks I rated highest. These tracks are good examples of the unconvential lyrics from Costello which can keep my interest and a cleverness that can make me smile. I would listen to this album again.
I live Elvis Costello and this album was good, but nothing on the album really grabbed me as a stand-alone track like some of his other albums
Nothing particularly wrong, it's just a bit Elvis-by-the-numbers.
I know that Costello has always been a hipster's wet dream, but I find him to be tolerable at best. Two stars for not exactly sucking, but, come on, there's nothing to this album.
I have listened to two Elvis Costello albums thus far and recently learned there are SIX on this list. This is not good news to me.
I've come to the conclusion that Elvis Costello is annoying.
An aged Costello is a bit tastier than the rest, methinks.
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
decent
Very inoffensive (and rather boring honestly). Costello was a has-been at this point in his career. Alternative rock ruled the 90s, and you can hear some of its influences on this record. Just very uninteresting overall (and probably too long)
This is the second Elvis Costello album that I've gotten and I can definitely get into his music easily. Not bad at all, will probably give this another listen!
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
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”.
I confess, I'm just not a big Elvis Costello fan! His lyrics are clever, but musically, his work generally just doesn't have enough interest for me. I have respect for him and his fans, it's just not personally my thing. For this reason, I was a bit overwhelmed to learn that there are six of his albums on this list ... My favorite track on this album is 20% Amnesia. Kinder Murder is another stand-out. Otherwise, it's just all the same to my ears.
"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.
Popmuziek, maar voelt een beetje 13 in een dozijn. Prima muziek die me een beetje aan Weezer doet denken. ***
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
not his best
Honestly don't care for it at all
meh
Of all the Elvis Costello projects I have heard on this list, this is easily my least favorite. If you're not in the mood for it then it really just becomes a chore to listen to. This album just drags on for too long and nothing really excites me along the way.
I've never been a fan. I appreciate that he is a very good songwriter. But his music kind of reminds me of that one friend who records their songs on a cassette deck and then pulls it out at a party and wants everyone to listen to it, and it just kills the vibe.
Even if Costello's vocals weren't as grating as squeaky sandpaper, the banal and overlong backing tracks would still sink this album as a boring mess. Also, someone tell Elvis he still doesn't have an n-word pass, man sounds like an edgy high-schooler who just discovered racial slurs.
Boring, samey, annoying vocals and terrible lyrics. Why is this even on the list?
It's a nice album. Good cerebral songs.
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.
Elvis Costello. again. Roll up my sleeves as I think this is finally the last one in the batch, and well it's the one of the most listenable as a whole. His nasal voice and awkward song concepts are still there, but there are few standout tracks here and there. Costello has better songs, but the albums they rest in are uneven. This one is a bit more of an all rounder - but I'm all Costello'd out by now. He's good, but not good enough to have his whole discography here.
Boring bland background music
Not in my top 10 of his…but still worthwhile tracks…and his least is most musician’s “more.”
Not my fave Costello and did not enjoy the casual dropping of the n word
Another type of rock and roll sound. I enjoyed it.
Bon j'ai écouté les 3 premières chansons et je reconnais clairement le style. On ne se trompe pas. c'est quand même plus rock que les 2 précédents albums que j'Ai eu sur la liste. J'aurais tendance a dire que j'aime mieux cela. Ce la doit être plus tôt dans sa discographie 3.5
Ok, kind of middle of the road
Je dois vraiment m'habituer à son style parce que c'est mieux passé que prévu. Toujours pas 100% sûr d'être fan, mais je comprends un peu plus l'impact qu'il a pu avoir.
One of the nicest outcomes using this app has had on me is that it helped me revise my judgment on Elvis Costello. Don't pay too much attention on the reviews I've left here about *This Year's Model* and *Armed Forces*--I just needed a little more time to digest Costello's peculiar aesthetics in those early records of his. In spite of my initial reluctance, I actually went back to those LPs to finally understand what's great about them. So I guess you can add one point to the grades I've left at the end of those reviews (update: I'm editing them right now). Sometimes, a day is not enough to understand somewhat convoluted sorts of songwriting that are actually stellar once you get the hang of them (see also: Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Vampire Weekend or Lana Del Rey). That being said, and this time I'm dead set I'm not making a mistake here, I don't think *Brutal Youth* should be included in a list of 1001 essential listens. This record is decent and generally well-crafted, of course (because, hey, it's Elvis Costello here), and the first four tracks are lively and witty enough to give you the idea that you're in for a great ride. Yet, unfortunately, and apart from "20% Amnesia", everything after soon becomes a little too drowsy and self-indulgent. Costello does what he usually does, i.e. penning sophisticated lyrics that are sometimes too obtuse and smart for their own good, along with composing middle-of-the-road pop rock tracks that are as much a showcase for his harmonic skills as they are easy on the ear. The problem is that in more than the two thirds of this LP, you can't help feeling that none of those songs are really memorable, at least not in the way its counterparts were in Costello's more famous LPs. Besides, the vocals sound a little off sometimes, as if Elvis's intentions as a singer were not that clearly defined during the recording. It's a problem that also plagued an album such as *Blood & Chocolate* before, but at least you had a highlight like "I Want You" in it to make up for those shortcomings. There are a couple of highlights in *Brutal Youth*, I'll grant you that. But they aren't as good as the song I've just quoted here, and they're certainly not up to the level of *most* tracks on Costello's early records. To put it in a nutshell, it's hard for me to imagine many casual and even not-so-casual fans of this artist actually singling out this album. So, next, please. Number of albums left to review: 750 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 124 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 62 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): 65 (including this one)
Elvis Costello is the coolest Elvis.
Iloinen yllätys! Mitä enemmän kuuntelin tätä albumia, sitä enemmän tykästyin siihen. Lisäsin muutamia kappaleita soittolistalle.
I like Elvis' earlier stuff. This felt repetitive and uninspired.
Fairly certain I've just listened to the same song 15 times.
I totally respect Elivs Costello, but I can't find and song that I like on this album. They sound alright; they're just not my cup of tea. 2/5
Some really strong songs, but didn’t blow my socks off as an album. But it’s still Elvis Costello.
We all agree this is the Elvis Costello album that should be cut from the list, right? It gets bumped up a point because it contains a song he played on classic episode of The Larry Sanders Show. Shout out to Larry Sanders!
Ok
turhaa ja elitistisen kuuloista. melkein rockoopperaakin välillä, kuin Muse ois ottanu vaikutteita.
Costello toteuttaa omaa visiotaan siitä, miltä popmusiikin "pitäisi" kuulostaa. Mutta hänen biisinsä kaipaavat jotain muuta kuin rockin historian tuntemusta tai 60-lukulaista formalismia. Ne kaipaavat KOUKKUJA. Edes yksi please!!
Kinder Murder is something else. Not an album I'm familiar with, but I recognise some of the songs. Some of this sounds very 1994 but not too dated and still unmistakably Elvis Costello. Together this seems to work very well. Probably a bit overlong. Enjoyable.
The list has made me a Costello fan, even tho there is too much of it here. This Is Hell is the highlight from this album, because isn't it tho??
Good, some stand out tracks.
This felt a very odd choice of EC albums for me. It’s… fine, but it’s far from his best but nor does it feel particularly novel or out there that you could mark it as being game changing even if not the “best”.
My favourite Elvis 😊
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 like Elvis Costello but this album is almost too polished in a way compared to what I expect. Definitely more of a fan of his earlier 80s stuff.
I quite like Elvis Costello, it turns out, although this wasn't as infectious as some of his other albums
8.6
Elvis Costello is my guy and he sounds amazing on this.
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)
Went on a bit!
Witty songwriting and great music. But then I am an Elvis Costello fan so I would say that wouldn't I?
You know when someone labels the Christmas presents wrong and you are given a lovely floral scarf, which would really suit aunty Susan? That's how I feel about this. In this metaphor aunty Susan has perfectly good taste, by the way. In an alternate reality, I had a flatmate who was obsessed with Elvis Costello and I learned to love this album along with the rest of his back catalogue, and I could carry off a floral scarf with panache and lavender eau de toilette.
Witty lyrics from a disgruntled wise man.
3.75
Though I have listened to most of Elvis's albums, I hadn't actually completely listened to Brutal Youth. I rank his first four albums high in my "must-hear" list and his output of quality music has been extraordinary. Brutal Youth isn't among his best, but it's still a constantly good record, with a few standout songs. Overall, he has a lot better albums (which will probably show up here soon) and I consider this among his mid-range material that shouldn't be overlooked.
High three.
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
Kinda bland
Not into it
It was OK.
This was just ok in my book.
First time listening. I dig it....but I'm a huge fan
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.
2+
Elvis Costello makes his 90s revival with several new ideas, but for the most part, you know what to expect. This is an album for fans: it's not experimental but more-or-less the same type of New Wave music he'd been making with the Attractions since the 70s. More fuel for pleasure. Classic New Wave music. I'm a fan of his voice and optimistic instrumentals, with jazz influences and sick keyboard effects. None of his best songs are here, and there's many boring ones (and it's also too long), but there's a lot of quality. Favorites: Kinder Murder, This is Hell, Clown Strike, 20% Amnesiac, London's Brilliant Parade
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
Our fourth Elvis Costello album. And it really doesn't change the opinion I have from the first three in any way. So here goes - my opinion on Elvis Costello, applicable to at least 4 of his albums: Good singer. Mostly boring songs with a few standout tracks or part of tracks. Unfortunately, not enough to carry the album though. Too much filler. Production pretty bad (although better than on the other three).
Please go away Elvis, you're not welcome here
I can tell this is well written and put together, I wanted to like it, but found it mostly dull...it seemed to get better towards the end, which may be a sign Costello was growing on my, but I'm not sure.
hate elvis costello
Has some fun pep to it at times
Really not bad but damn it felt like 3 hours
Some decent individual songs but plods along, especially when compared to the energy of My Aim is True
Not bad but not impressive either
i feel like i should like elvis costello, but his voice is fucking annoying.
As a man whose job it is to be brutal to the youth, let me tell you what I think about Elvis Costello. He's a fuckin' little bitch man who could never be as brutal to kids as ive been.
Reminds me of Cliff Richard's dick. Soft.
Top Red is Elvis.
Fucking awesome!
I like the music going on, some proper piano bashing happening. but don't get on with his voice at all so can't really listen to it.
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
Not as good as his earlier albums imo
The fifteenth (out of currently 30) studio albums of Elvis Costello, and the sixth and most recent included in the 1001 Albums collection, Brutal Youth is almost Delphic in how incomprehensible it is for someone not already into Elvis Costello. Elvis Costello has never pinged on my radar, even though he came to prominence during an era I adore, late 70s punk, new wave and post-punk. Perhaps unfairly, I'd always just suspected Costello belonged with the new wave bandwagon-jumpers like Sting, stripping the music of its vitality and questing spirit in order to make marketable product. So, I never bothered with any of his albums; indeed, Brutal Youth is my first Costello album. And I don't know who this album is for. Would an Elvis Costello fan find handholds within this album? I was just left staring in rather bored confusion. I can't recall any of the lyrics, other than a chorus about even the clown knowing when to strike, which just seemed too undercooked and asinine an image to be in any way effective. The songs blend into each other, to the extent that I genuinely mixed up the first and second track. And at 15 songs, it begins to get pretty whiffy towards the end. Whiffy, but not putrid. It may be the case that I am too unfamiliar with Elvis Costello's works to appreciate the direction of this album, and with a firm knowledge of Costello's most feted albums, the rewards of this will become dazzling. But, it may also be the case that he's an overrated hack who latched on to others' innovations. A number of other possibilities may be true; maybe this is just a weak album by a capable songwriter. I can only report what I feel now. Elvis Costello produced the Specials' first album. I suppose that's a reason to hold out hope.
2, it was ok
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 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.
I know something of Elvis Costello but I think it's not my kind of music I heard.
Interesting! I'd never seen this featured in any list before and I am not sure if it's considered as a classic. First thing that struck me is the intricate vocal melodies Costello is capable of. Yes, I already knew, but for some reason this seems to be particularly stressed on this record. Second, whenever I play a Costello album most of the times I find myself thinking about Blur. In 1994, Elvis Costello reunites with the Attractions and kind of goes back to the more nervous sound of their beginnings. There is room though for delicacy (You Tripped At Every Step, This Is Hell with vocal harmonies and string arrangements in a very Beatles-y manner, London's Brilliant Parade) It's pretty much a long album and could probably use some trimming down, but the first half is strong enough to keep my attention from wandering.
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.
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.
Elvis Costello nearly always works for me. I've never actually listened to this one before though, as I don't usually go past the 80's with him. This sounds like a nice return to form. His best work is always with The Attractions.
Still can't get into Costello at all.
Soe e não empolga como pop
Not an Elvis Costello fan, can’t see what the fuss is. Also not looking forward to wading my way through 4-5 of his other albums on this list.
Not a fan of his vocals. Like some of the storytelling though.
It's Elvis Costello.
Loved every minute of it
Great easy listening album. Has a unique voice with an alternative sound. I like all the sounds created in the album. The pony street is awesome.
Really didn’t enjoy any of the tracks. The music and singing didn’t capture me at all.
no
I wouldn't say this is Costello's finest record, but it's much better than I expected for a later-day album.
"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.
Elvis Costello is an artist that I always wondered if I was missing something about. I liked some of his singles, but I never got the big draw. This album didn’t help. I do think the music and instrumentation on this album are often catchy, fun, interesting. I even enjoy much (not all) of his vocals. But lyrically, it all misses me…and trying to focus on the lyrics makes it all worse. Maybe I’ll have a different experience on one of his other albums.
I've not seen much reason to go out of my way to listen to Elvis Costello in the past but this one hit me just right today with its fun tunes and cheeky lyrics. I had a great time and want to keep it around.
I've always reservations about Elvis Costello's music. Something in the way his songs are constructed have always impeded my desire to listen to them. I wonder how I'll get on listening to an entire album? The answer is I liked it ok. I didn't love it. I still don't connect with that rambling structure well. I feel like most songs are run-on sentences. Not something I hate, nor something I will seek out. Guess its a meh from me...
This is the best of the many Elvia Costello albums I’ve heard on here so far. No hits, just great songwriting!
Straight forward rock record. In typical Elvis Costello fashion the songs are sarcastic, bitter, vitriolic, and with just a little bit of regret thrown in. Costello once said something like he only knew two emotions, anger and embarrassment. His songs can be so specific but relatable.
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.
Elvis Costello is not my thing. It is just bad. He is clearly the favorite of the creator of this list.
Sounds like a 70s or 80s Elvis Costello album, not as weird or precious as feared. It's OK
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.
Good stuff!!!! Costello’s songwriting is proven here. Amazing melodies and song structure. The execution instrumentally was also top notch. The Attractions are tight as hell. The sounds weren’t great though :( Costello was way to far up front. I couldn’t hear super precisely what the rest of the band was doing. I got used to it pretty quick so it wasn’t distracting past the first few songs. It’s still a shame though because the instrumentals were clearly great. I wish I could really focus on them. I do really enjoy Costello’s voice but his accent is THICK on this one. With the vocals so far front in the mix, I’d like to at least sing along to the words. With his enunciation (or lack there of) I wasn’t sure what he was saying a good chunk of the time. That might just be a me thing, though. I’m sure his lyrics were good, too. Make me listen to them, or don’t. Don’t make me swim up stream. Either way, I didn’t feel like the album dragged at all (UNLIKE LEILA APPARENTLY). Everything felt appropriate and worth while. Only complaint is the mixing and some of the sonics.
Jazzy. But not too jazzy.
cool
Foi me conquistando. Bom.
The album didn’t grab me at first. However, once it got going I began to enjoy it more. Elvis Costello’s mix of rock, pop, punk, and a bit of jazz makes his music stand out. His use of melody is very interesting and he is clearly not afraid to genre hop. There is some filler on this album, but when it’s good, it’s really good
Some cool tunes but not my favorite Elvis Costello album
He's a little bland but at the same time, the music isn't too bad.
I think Elvis Costello is great, and this is a really strong album. My only minor complaint is sometimes his songs veer into maudlin, Broadway musical sounding affairs, but mostly it's great. 4 stars.
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