"Armed Forces" is the third studio album by British musician Elvis Costello and his band, the Attractions. The album was originally released in the UK by Radar Records in 1979. The album is often regarded as one of the best albums of the new wave genre.
The album is noted for its diverse styles – a fusion of punk rock, new wave, pop, soul, and country. Elvis Costello's sharp wit and airtight songwriting are standout features. His lyrics are noted for their political acuity, darkness, and a sense of quirky humor.
"Armed Forces" features the UK hit singles "Oliver's Army," "Accidents Will Happen," and "I Can't Stand Up for Falling Down". The album reached number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and is Costello’s highest-charting album in the UK.
The album's title is a reference to Costello's fascination with militaristic imagery and themes, as demonstrated in many of the album's song titles and lyrics, like "Two Little Hitlers" and "Senior Service". Also, the original UK and US album covers featured abstract designs reminiscent of camouflage.
At the time of the album's release, Costello and the Attractions were well-established in the new wave/post-punk scene, just three years after Costello's debut album "My Aim Is True".
The album received critical acclaim and continues to be appreciated for its energetic performances and rich production. Roland Thomas from BBC said, the album's "sheer energy and heft still pack a punch, whilst the wealth of ideas contained mark it out as a highpoint of late-1970s rock and roll".
Over time, Armed Forces has come to be viewed as one of Elvis Costello's most essential albums, effectively capturing the energy, wit, and musical versatility that made him one of the most influential and admired singer-songwriters of his generation.
