Artist: Elvis Costello Album: Spike

Year: 1989
Duration: 0:0-1

Elvis Costello's Spike Album: A Critical Review

Elvis Costello is a British singer, songwriter, and musician. He has been one of the most influential musicians of the late 20th century and has made a significant contribution to the development of new wave and punk rock music genres. One of his most celebrated albums is Spike, released in 1989. In this blog post, I will share my critical review of this album.

Spike was released during a time when the music industry was changing. New wave was evolving into alternative rock, and many artists were trying to adapt to this new sound. Spike is a reflection of this. It is a diverse album that integrates different genres, such as rock, folk, jazz, and even classical music.

The album's best songs are undoubtedly Veronica, This Town, Deep Dark Truthful Mirror, and God's Comic. Veronica is a catchy tune with a cheerful melody and lyrics that tell a story of an elderly woman with memory loss. This Town is a nostalgic ballad written in Costello's signature style. Deep Dark Truthful Mirror is a haunting melody with pessimistic lyrics, while God's Comic is an epic song, starting with a spoken monologue, then a sudden transition to a fast-paced chorus.

The album's most innovative parts are its lyrics and orchestration. Costello's dexterity with words is evident in every song, and the storytelling offered in each tune is remarkable. Lyrically, the album is inventive, melancholic, and at times playful. Besides, the album's instrumentation is noteworthy, with the contribution of several musicians, including Marc Ribot, T-Bone Burnett, and Jerry Garcia, among others.

However, as a critic, Spike isn't a perfect album. The album's length can feel bloated, and some songs don't reach the heights of the others. The orchestration, at times, can become too cluttered, making the music overwhelming. While there isn't an overarching narrative to the album, Costello tries to cover many themes and genres, making Spike feel disjointed at some points.

Spike is a remarkable album that stands out in Costello's discography. It represents a time of transition in the music industry, and Elvis Costello was a key artist in this change. The album's fusion of different genres, exquisite lyrics, and orchestration make it a worthwhile listen. However, as critics, we should acknowledge its flaws and reflect on how they impact our enjoyment of the record. In conclusion, if you're a fan of Elvis Costello or new wave music, Spike is an album worth exploring.