120,000+ Classic Rock Album Covers Database (1948-2026): Elvis Costello - This Year's Model (1978)

Saturday, April 3, 2021

Elvis Costello - This Year's Model (1978) | Analysis, Fun Facts & Trivia

Elvis Costello - This Year's Model (1978)

Tracklist front / back album art covers images

🎸 Elvis Costello – This Year’s Model (1978)

Release Date: March 17, 1978
Label: Radar Records (UK), Columbia Records (US)
Genre: New Wave, Punk Rock, Power Pop
Length: 35:08
Producer: Nick Lowe

🔥 This Year’s Model is the second studio album by Elvis Costello, widely considered one of the defining records of the late-1970s new wave movement.

Unlike his debut My Aim Is True, this album introduced Costello’s legendary backing band The Attractions, whose tight, aggressive sound helped create a sharper and more energetic musical style. The album features biting lyrics, fast-paced rhythms, and powerful keyboard-driven arrangements.

Many critics regard This Year’s Model as one of the greatest new wave albums ever recorded.

📝 Tracklist

“No Action”
“This Year’s Girl”
“The Beat”
“Pump It Up”
“Little Triggers”
“You Belong to Me”
“Hand in Hand”
“(I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea”
“Lipstick Vogue”
“Night Rally”
“Radio Radio” (included on some editions)

🎤 Album Credits

Elvis Costello – Vocals, Guitar
Steve Nieve – Keyboards
Bruce Thomas – Bass
Pete Thomas – Drums
Nick Lowe – Producer

🎶 The chemistry between Costello and The Attractions gave the album a more aggressive and energetic sound than his debut.

🌟 Most Popular Tracks

Several songs from the album became fan favorites and new wave classics:

“Pump It Up” – One of Costello’s most recognizable songs with a driving rhythm.
“(I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea” – Sharp lyrics with reggae-influenced rhythm.
“Radio Radio” – A rebellious track criticizing commercial radio.
“This Year’s Girl” – A dark and sarcastic look at fame and celebrity culture.

💰 Commercial Performance & Legacy

💿 This Year’s Model was both a critical and commercial success.

Reached Top 5 on the UK Albums Chart
Frequently ranked among the greatest albums of the 1970s
Often included in best rock album lists by critics and music magazines

The album helped establish Elvis Costello as one of the most important songwriters of the new wave era.

🎉 Fun Facts

The UK album cover features Elvis Costello posing behind a camera while the band appears blurred in motion.
The album was recorded quickly to capture the raw energy of the band’s live performances.
The sound of the album heavily emphasizes Steve Nieve’s powerful keyboard playing.

🕵️ Trivia

The song “Radio Radio” famously led to a controversial live TV performance on Saturday Night Live in 1977 when Costello unexpectedly performed it instead of the planned song.
The album helped define the sound of British new wave music alongside bands like The Clash and Talking Heads.
Critics often praise the album for its sharp social commentary and clever wordplay.

🤔 Did You Know?

Elvis Costello’s real name is Declan Patrick MacManus.
The band The Attractions would remain Costello’s primary backing band for many of his classic albums.
Many critics consider This Year’s Model to be even stronger than his already acclaimed debut album.