What makes 45 by Elvis Costello notable?

'45' is significant for its contribution to Costello's legacy as a master of storytelling through music, receiving favorable reviews from publications like Rolling Stone. The title track became a staple in his live performances, further solidifying its place in his catalog. By the time '45' was released in 2002, Elvis Costello had already established himself as a prolific songwriter with a diverse discography. This album came shortly after his critically acclaimed work, marking a period where he continued to explore new wave influences while maintaining his signature lyrical wit.

How many songs are on 45?

45 has 2 tracks, running approximately 5 minutes.

45

Elvis Costello · 2002

5 min · 2 tracks · new wave

A vibrant mix of sharp lyrics and catchy melodies that encapsulate the essence of early 2000s rock with a punk edge.

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Top tracks — play these first

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45 — The title track showcases Costello's knack for blending catchy hooks with introspective lyrics, making it a standout example of his songwriting prowess during this era.
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My Mood Swings — This track highlights Costello's ability to convey complex emotions through concise lyrics and upbeat instrumentation, making it representative of the album's overall tone.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The record showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks depth and cohesion due to its brief length.

What we noticed

The title track '45' features a driving beat and layered instrumentation that creates an energetic atmosphere.
The second track, 'My Mood Swings', employs a more subdued tempo with a focus on lyrical storytelling, contrasting with the opener.
Both tracks are structured around traditional verse-chorus forms, allowing for clear melodic hooks.
The production is polished yet retains a raw edge, characteristic of early 2000s rock.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 45 3:36
2 My Mood Swings 2:10

What to play next

Listen next

When I Was Cruel

2002

Go back to

Re‐Examine (selections from All This Useless Beauty, Spike and My Aim Is True)

2001

Full Elvis Costello discography Where to start with Elvis Costello Artists like Elvis Costello

new wave

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata