Wise Up Ghost

by Elvis Costello

Released: September 17, 2013

Funk, R&B

The Album

"Wise Up Ghost" is a collaborative studio album by Elvis Costello and the hip hop group The Roots. The collaboration began after Costello made appearances on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," where The Roots were the house band. Released on September 17, 2013, the album combines elements of rock, soul, and hip hop, showcasing a unique fusion of styles between Costello's distinct vocal delivery and The Roots' diverse musical instrumentation.

Inside the Recording

The expertise of producer Steve Mandel, who helped bridge the artistic gap between the two acts, played a crucial role in the album's creation.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The chemistry between Costello and The Roots' drummer…

The chemistry between Costello and The Roots' drummer and bandleader, Questlove, led to discussions about working on music together, ultimately resulting in this project.

Several tracks on the album rework previous Costello…

Several tracks on the album rework previous Costello songs, giving them a refreshed and layered sound.

The Roots' intricate arrangements, combined with Costello's lyrical…

The Roots' intricate arrangements, combined with Costello's lyrical prowess, deliver a thought-provoking and dynamic listening experience.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Elvis Costello - Wise Up Ghost

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Then

Reception

The album was generally well-received by critics, appreciated for its adventurous mix of genres and the successful partnership between seemingly disparate musical forces.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Wise Up Ghost" is a collaborative studio album by Elvis Costello and the hip hop group The Roots. Released on September 17, 2013, the album combines elements of rock, soul, and hip hop, showcasing a unique fusion of styles between Costello's distinct vocal delivery and The Roots' diverse musical instrumentation.

The collaboration began after Costello made appearances on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," where The Roots were the house band. The chemistry between Costello and The Roots' drummer and bandleader, Questlove, led to discussions about working on music together, ultimately resulting in this project.

Several tracks on the album rework previous Costello songs, giving them a refreshed and layered sound. The album was generally well-received by critics, appreciated for its adventurous mix of genres and the successful partnership between seemingly disparate musical forces.

The expertise of producer Steve Mandel, who helped bridge the artistic gap between the two acts, played a crucial role in the album's creation. The Roots' intricate arrangements, combined with Costello's lyrical prowess, deliver a thought-provoking and dynamic listening experience.