Description
Elvis Costello – This Year’s Model – Compact Disc
Released in 1978, This Year’s Model marked a major leap forward for Elvis Costello, capturing the sharp wit, nervous energy, and biting songwriting that would make him one of the defining voices of the late 1970s new wave movement. While his debut album introduced his talent for literate, emotionally charged songs, this follow-up record arrived with a more focused band and a far more explosive sound.
For this album, Costello was backed by The Attractions, whose tight and aggressive playing gave the songs a new sense of urgency. Keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas, and drummer Pete Thomas brought a driving rhythm and angular intensity that perfectly matched Costello’s restless songwriting. The result is a record that feels both precise and volatile, filled with sharp turns, sudden bursts of energy, and relentless momentum.
The album blends elements of punk, power pop, and classic rock influences, but everything is delivered with a sharper edge than most of Costello’s contemporaries. The guitars slash through the arrangements while Nieve’s keyboards add a distinctive texture that pushes the music beyond straightforward rock. Songs often feel tense and tightly wound, as though they might unravel at any moment.
Costello’s lyrics are among the album’s most striking features. His writing combines clever wordplay with a deeply cynical perspective on relationships, jealousy, and emotional manipulation. Rather than presenting simple love songs, the lyrics often expose the darker sides of romance and human behavior, delivered with a mix of sarcasm and raw honesty.
Tracks like “Pump It Up,” “Radio, Radio,” and “Lipstick Vogue” showcase the album’s intensity and intelligence. Each song feels tightly constructed yet bursting with nervous energy, capturing the restless spirit of the late-1970s music scene.
This Year’s Model has come to be regarded as one of Elvis Costello’s finest achievements and one of the most important albums of the new wave era. Its combination of sharp songwriting, dynamic musicianship, and emotional intensity helped set a new standard for what intelligent rock music could sound like at the end of the punk decade.
Brand New, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
No Action
This Years Girl
The Beat
Pump It Up
Little Triggers
You Belong To Me
Hand In Hand
I Don’t Want To Go To Chelsea
Lip Service
Living In Paradise
Lipstick Vogue
Night Rally
Big Tears
Radio Radio
