"Almost Blue" is the sixth studio album by English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, released in October 1981. This album marks a significant departure from his earlier work, as it consists entirely of country music covers, featuring songs by notable artists like Hank Williams and George Jones. The project stemmed from Costello's desire to record a collection of covers after the commercial underperformance of his previous albums, Get Happy!! and Trust.
Before Almost Blue, Costello had been influenced by country music through artists like Gram Parsons. He had previously recorded country-inflected tracks, and after his collaborations with George Jones, he felt inspired to create a full country album. The production was helmed by Billy Sherrill, known for his work in the country genre, but the sessions were fraught with tension due to differing artistic visions and Costello's personal struggles at the time.
The album was recorded in Nashville at CBS Studio A, where Costello aimed to achieve an authentic country sound. He enlisted John McFee from the Doobie Brothers to contribute pedal steel guitar, adding depth to the tracks. Despite the tumultuous atmosphere and Costello's poor health, the recording process was surprisingly efficient, with most songs captured in just one or two takes.
The album features a mix of upbeat honky-tonk tunes and poignant ballads, all embodying a "blue" state of mind. Standout tracks include "Good Year for the Roses," which became a successful single, and "Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down." The overall sound is characterized by straightforward renditions of the original songs, with some tracks incorporating new arrangements.
Almost Blue was released with little promotion and received mixed reviews from critics, who debated Costello's authenticity as a country artist. It peaked at number 7 in the UK and reached number 50 in the US. Despite mixed initial reactions, later evaluations highlighted its significance in Costello's diverse career trajectory.
The album's design pays homage to Kenny Burrell's Midnight Blue, featuring a striking cover photo of Costello that evokes the album's themes of melancholy. Overall, while Almost Blue may not have achieved universal acclaim upon release, it remains an important part of Costello's legacy, showcasing his willingness to explore new musical territories.
