Is Cruel Smile a good place to start with Elvis Costello?

Yes, Cruel Smile is recommended as a starting point for new Elvis Costello listeners. A tapestry of live performances and studio tracks showcasing Costello's eclectic blend of rock, punk, and lyrical wit. Released in 2002, Cruel Smile captures Elvis Costello during a period of prolific creativity following his 2001 album When I Was Cruel. This compilation features live recordings alongside new material, reflecting his ongoing evolution as a songwriter and performer. It serves as a bridge between his earlier work and his later explorations into diverse musical styles.

Who is Cruel Smile for?

Cruel Smile works well if you're into dynamic live performance energy, wave-like pacing and flow and long, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on Cruel Smile?

Cruel Smile has 15 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

Cruel Smile

Elvis Costello · 2002

71 min · 15 tracks · new wave

A tapestry of live performances and studio tracks showcasing Costello's eclectic blend of rock, punk, and lyrical wit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Smile (Japanese A-Side) Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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When I Was Cruel (No. 1) — This track stands out for its sharp commentary on the complexities of relationships, delivered with Costello's signature wit and melodic sensibility.
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Revolution Doll — In this song, Costello's punchy instrumentation complements lyrics that critique societal norms, making it a highlight of the album's thematic depth.
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Watching the Detectives + My Funny Valentine (live in Tokyo) — This medley showcases Costello's ability to reinterpret his classics while integrating a jazz standard, demonstrating his versatility as an artist.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic live performance energy
wave-like pacing and flow
long, immersive listening sessions
layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A compilation that showcases live and studio tracks, appealing to dedicated fans.
Career context: Released in 2002, Cruel Smile captures Elvis Costello during a period of prolific creativity following his 2001 album When I Was Cruel. This compilation features live recordings alongside new material, reflecting his ongoing evolution as a songwriter and performer. It serves as a bridge between his earlier work and his later explorations into diverse musical styles.
Stylistic neighbors: Joe Jackson· Graham Parker· Squeeze

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Tracklist

1 Smile (Japanese A-Side) Start here 3:05
2 When I Was Cruel (No. 1) 4:16
3 Almost Blue (live in Sydney) 5:04
4 15 Petals (live in Sydney) 5:35
5 Spooky Girlfriend (live at KFOG) 4:42
6 Honeyhouse (Cruel No. 2) 5:07
7 Revolution Doll 3:44
8 Peroxide Side (Blunt cut) 3:48
9 Oh Well 2:52
10 The Imposter vs. The Floodtide (Dust and Petals) 3:58
11 Watching the Detectives + My Funny Valentine (live in Tokyo) 7:09
12 Dust (live in Melbourne) 6:39
13 Uncomplicated (live in Tokyo) 4:46
14 Smile (Japanese B-Side) 3:32
15 Soul for Hire (live in Tokyo) 6:36

What to play next

Listen next

When I Was Cruel

2002

Continues the blend of live and studio sounds with engaging lyrical themes.

Go back to

When I Was Cruel

2002

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