Look Now
Elvis Costello · 2018
47 min · 12 tracks · new wave
A sophisticated blend of pop, rock, and subtle orchestration reflecting Costello's lyrical maturity and melodic craftsmanship.
Top tracks — play these first
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Under Lime Start here — Opening with vibrant instrumentation, this track encapsulates the album's themes of nostalgia and longing while highlighting Costello's knack for catchy melodies.
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Don’t Look Now — The song features a driving rhythm and poignant lyrics that reflect on fleeting moments, making it emblematic of Costello’s reflective style throughout the album.
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Photographs Can Lie — In this track, Costello explores themes of memory and perception through vivid storytelling, showcasing his lyrical prowess and ability to evoke emotion.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with varied tempos and rich arrangements that enhance its themes.
What we noticed
- Several tracks employ complex chord progressions that shift unexpectedly, enhancing the lyrical themes of introspection and reflection.
- The pacing varies significantly; the first half maintains a brisk tempo while the latter half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- poignant storytelling with lush arrangements
- reflective moments for afternoon listening
- short tracks for quick engagement
- emotional depth in every song
- melancholic themes for introspective moods
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party vibes
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — A strong release showcasing Costello's continued relevance after health challenges.
- Career context
- Released in 2018, Look Now is Elvis Costello's first album since recovering from a health scare that led to the cancellation of his tour. This album marked a return to form for the veteran musician, showcasing his ability to evolve while still retaining his sharp songwriting skills. It followed the jazz-inflected collaboration with the Imposters on 2017's The Boy Named If, indicating a continued exploration of diverse musical styles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Jackson· Graham Parker· Squeeze
Tracklist
- 1 Under Lime Start here 5:35
- 2 Don’t Look Now 2:28
- 3 Burnt Sugar Is So Bitter 4:16
- 4 Stripping Paper 3:52
- 5 Unwanted Number 3:33
- 6 I Let the Sun Go Down 4:26
- 7 Mr. and Mrs. Hush 3:46
- 8 Photographs Can Lie 3:38
- 9 Dishonor the Stars 3:18
- 10 Suspect My Tears 4:49
- 11 Why Won’t Heaven Help Me? 3:22
- 12 He’s Given Me Things 4:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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