Top 10 Elvis Costello Songs
#10: “Less Than Zero”
My Aim Is True (1977)
One of many early Elvis Costello songs to feature a distinctively anti-fascist slant, this song from his brilliant first album also drew attention for its supposed references to the JFK assassination, as the main character was a gun-toting Mr. Oswald. But Costello insisted the association was accidental. Ever the showman, however, he changed the lyrics to reference the assassination when he toured the U.S. This one is now referred to as the “Dallas Version.” Regardless of the iteration, “Less Than Zero” is a great punk rock and new wave tune signed Elvis Costello.
#9: “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes”
My Aim Is True (1977)
This song establishes another Costello trademark: bitterness hidden beneath catchy pop melodies. When the first-person narrator tells his date he’s so happy he could die, she says, “drop dead” and leaves with another guy. Costello was still extremely young at the time, and tracks like this one explore the frustrations inherent in early relationships, and prove once and for all that girls are just mean. Well, at least most of the ones in Elvis Costello songs.
#8: “(I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea”
This Year’s Model (1978)
After the success of his first album, Elvis undoubtedly had his taste of high society, but that didn’t make him any less suspicious of it. In this song from This Year’s Model, Costello rails against the world of high fashion and superficial people. Possibly referring to affluent neighborhoods in London and New York, or simply, a girl named Chelsea—with his multi-layered lyricism, he likely could have meant all the above.
#7: “Watching the Detectives”
“Watching the Detectives” single (1977)
With its reggae melody and offbeat subject matter, this is one of Costello’s most distinctive songs. Legend has it, he wrote the song after listening to The Clash’s debut all night long. “Watching the Detectives” became Costello’s first hit in his native UK and tells the story of a girl neglecting her relationship to stay at home and watch detective shows. Never shy to inject a little bit of darkness in his work, touches like, “She’s filing her nails while they’re dragging the lake” are vintage Costello.
#6: “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding”
“(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” single (1978)
Unabashedly optimistic and lacking any irony we’re aware of, this hit single is actually credited to Costello’s producer Nick Lowe. It proved to be the perfect combination, as Costello’s pop prowess breathed life into Lowe’s message of hope, and has been inspiring audiences of star-studded lineups and karaoke bars for decades.
#5: “Oliver’s Army”
Armed Forces (1979)
In this defiant anthem criticizing his home nation, England’s, past and present foreign policy, Costello abandons the ambiguity of his previous politically-charged songs. He takes the position of a young man coerced into the imperial army, singing, “I would rather be anywhere else but here today.” The new wave number is one of his more eerily upbeat tunes, especially considering its serious subject matter—and one of the best examples of Costello infusing a radio hit and Top 10 UK single with subversive lyrics.
#4: “Radio Radio”
This Year’s Model (1978)
No song explored Costello’s relationship with corporate media more explicitly—or publicly—that this early single. A treatise against radio censorship, he was asked not to play it when he appeared on SNL in 1977. Appearing to acquiesce, he and his band began with the first verse of “Less Than Zero” before launching into a fever-pitch version of the song. The act earned the band temporary banishment from the show and a place in punk rock history.
#3: “Man Out of Time”
Imperial Bedroom (1982)
While it’s hard to pick just one song from Costello’s seminal ‘80s album Imperial Bedroom, this is our pick. Blending history, politics, love, (and possibly time-travel) into one tune as only he can, “Man Out of Time” leaves us with one of his most bitter stanzas ever: “Love is always scarpering or cowering or fawning/You drink yourself insensitive and hate yourself in the morning.”
#2: “Pump It Up”
This Year’s Model (1978)
Never one to pass up a good double entendre, this one is Costello and the Attractions at their organ-squealing and sexually charged best. Either referring to simply turning up the volume or…we’ll let you use your imagination…the song points to sexuality and music as similar modes for release of, let’s say…tension. It’s Costello’s ability to sum up these frustrations that have cemented him as a punk rock icon.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Shipbuilding”
Punch the Clock (1983)
- “Everyday I Write the Book”
Punch the Clock (1983)
- “Veronica”
Spike (1989)
- “When I Was Cruel No. 2”
When I Was Cruel (2002)
- “Monkey to Man”
The Delivery Man (2004)
#1: “Alison”
My Aim Is True (1977)
One of his most unabashedly earnest songs—and one whose lyrics gave his breakthrough debut its name. While the more cynical have alleged the words, “my aim is true” refer to taking aim at and shooting the girl in question, Costello has maintained they only refer to a chance meeting between old flames. With bittersweet lyrics any scorned lover can relate to, this pub rocker showed indelible wisdom from the young songwriter and also spurned a generation of girls named Alison.
Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Elvis Costello tune? For more entertaining top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
