← Back

This Year's Model

by Elvis Costello

Released: March 17, 1978

New wave, power pop, punk rock, pop rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"This Year's Model" is the second studio album by British singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, released in 1978. The album features Costello's signature blend of biting lyrics, catchy melodies, and energetic punk-inspired instrumentation. Backed by his band, The Attractions, Costello delivers a raw and impassioned performance throughout the record.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Lyrically, "This Year's Model" is characterized by its…

Lyrically, "This Year's Model" is characterized by its wit, cynicism, and social commentary.

Costello tackles themes such as love, lust, politics…

Costello tackles themes such as love, lust, politics, and the human condition with sharp observational skill and a healthy dose of irony.

Standout tracks include the explosive opener "No Action,"…

Standout tracks include the explosive opener "No Action," the infectious "Pump It Up," and the iconic "Radio Radio," which takes aim at the music industry and radio censorship.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Elvis Costello - This Year's Model

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

It was a commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the UK Albums Chart and the top 30 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States. The album received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and has since been included in numerous "greatest albums of all time" lists.

Now

Legacy

It is widely regarded as one of Costello's best works and a quintessential album of the new wave and punk rock movements. "This Year's Model" solidified Elvis Costello's reputation as a formidable songwriter and performer and remains a landmark album in the history of punk rock and new wave music. Its influence can still be felt in the work of countless artists across various genres to this day.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"This Year's Model" is the second studio album by British singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, released in 1978. It is widely regarded as one of Costello's best works and a quintessential album of the new wave and punk rock movements.

The album features Costello's signature blend of biting lyrics, catchy melodies, and energetic punk-inspired instrumentation. Backed by his band, The Attractions, Costello delivers a raw and impassioned performance throughout the record.

Lyrically, "This Year's Model" is characterized by its wit, cynicism, and social commentary. Costello tackles themes such as love, lust, politics, and the human condition with sharp observational skill and a healthy dose of irony.

Standout tracks include the explosive opener "No Action," the infectious "Pump It Up," and the iconic "Radio Radio," which takes aim at the music industry and radio censorship.

The album received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and has since been included in numerous "greatest albums of all time" lists. It was a commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the UK Albums Chart and the top 30 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States.

"This Year's Model" solidified Elvis Costello's reputation as a formidable songwriter and performer and remains a landmark album in the history of punk rock and new wave music. Its influence can still be felt in the work of countless artists across various genres to this day.