Brutal Youth
by Elvis Costello

Quite an interesting vocal performance from Declan. Though not always technically graceful, the emotion is there and it mostly works. I also liked the cohesive band sound. And while it doesn't have as many great songs as some of his previous albums, there are several fine moments and it's very good all the way through. I also like how he has expanded his musical repertoire, there is a fair amount of stylistic variety. It's a solid and mature album. Best: "Pony St.", "Sulky Girl", "Just About Glad".

Very middle of the road. It's not bad but I find it nothing more than pleasant background music

From Jboy56 03/15/2022 06:47 | #282844 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

Very safe album from Elvis. Album is long and has so many similar songs that it comes tobe a tad tedious listen in just one sitting.

This record is so underrated. One of my favorites in his entire catalogue. I get the opinion that the production is less punchy than his earlier stuff, but I like it this way. Very little filler. Excellent all around.

From Sandinistar 09/09/2018 02:54 | #220788 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

With Brutal Youth Elvis returns to his highest form, and while only half the songs on the record are memorably good, those that are are very memorable. "13 Steps Lead Down" and "Clown Strike" are highlights to me

From indieshins 04/28/2018 00:55 | #213784 | TOP COMMENT Vote up your preferred comments and the comments with the most votes will be flagged.

Some filler, but the best songs are really good, making this a very solid addition to Costello's catalogue. Having the Attractions back gives this album an energy that hadn't been heard since their last album together back in 1986, and this is immediately evident on the opener Pony Street. The songs here feature Costello's typically witty lyrics as well. Best songs: Kinder Murder, You Tripped at Every Step, London's Brilliant Parade

Brutal youth, was Elvis Costello's first album with The Attractions for eight years. It was a great decision by Costello to bring them back as it gives an urgency to the tracks not heard since the, blood and chocolate, record. It's a typically fiery album, as you would expect, from The Attractions, and there's none of that bombast of the, spike, and, mighty like a rose, LP's. Brutal youth, was preceded by the, sulky girl, single, his best since, pills and soap. Elsewhere, there's the punchy, kinder murder, the excellent, all the rage, and, London's brilliant parade. Other good tracks are, you tripped at every step, this is hell, and opener, pony street. Brutal youth, doesn't quite get the recognition it deserves, sure, Costello's made better albums, but I would suggest that it's better than all the records he made between, trust, and, blood and chocolate, excluding, imperial bedroom, and, king of America.

From lightmyway 05/13/2012 22:07 | #42256

Nothing too memorable, not really interesting aside from one or two songs.

My favorite Elvis album.