Mighty Like a Rose
Elvis Costello · 1991
54 min · 14 tracks · new wave
A kaleidoscopic blend of rock, pop, and introspective lyrics weaving through playful yet poignant narratives.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Other Side of Summer Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its catchy melodies and sharp lyrical commentary on nostalgia and lost opportunities, encapsulating the album's thematic depth.
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Hurry Down Doomsday (The Bugs Are Taking Over) — With its urgent tempo and biting lyrics, this song serves as a satirical take on apocalyptic fears, demonstrating Costello's knack for blending humor with social critique.
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So Like Candy — Featuring lush arrangements and introspective lyrics, this track highlights Costello's ability to marry poetic storytelling with melodic sophistication, making it a standout moment.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases diverse songwriting and production choices but lacks a strong cohesive flow.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- introspective lyrics for reflection
- cathartic moments of release
- eclectic styles for curious listeners
- thoughtful narratives with depth
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification
- prefer standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents a significant artistic ambition and thematic depth in Costello's work.
- Themes
- nostalgic summer· apocalyptic satire· poetic storytelling
- Career context
- By the time of its release in 1991, Elvis Costello was transitioning from the mainstream success of his late '80s albums into a more experimental phase. Following the commercial peak of 'Spike' in 1989, 'Mighty Like a Rose' showcases his willingness to explore complex themes and diverse musical styles, marking a significant artistic reinvention for him.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Jackson· Graham Parker· Squeeze
Tracklist
- 1 The Other Side of Summer Start here 3:56
- 2 Hurry Down Doomsday (The Bugs Are Taking Over) 4:05
- 3 How to Be Dumb 5:14
- 4 All Grown Up 4:17
- 5 Invasion Hit Parade 5:33
- 6 Harpies Bizarre 3:44
- 7 After the Fall 4:36
- 8 Georgie and Her Rival 3:38
- 9 So Like Candy 4:36
- 10 Couldn’t Call It Unexpected No. 2 (interlude) 0:22
- 11 Playboy to a Man 3:20
- 12 Sweet Pear 3:37
- 13 Broken 3:36
- 14 Couldn’t Call It Unexpected No. 4 3:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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