National Ransom cover

National Ransom

Elvis Costello · 2010

62 min · 16 tracks · new wave · punk

A rich tapestry of storytelling woven through diverse musical styles and poignant lyricism.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • poignant storytelling with depth
  • reflective moments of quiet introspection
  • varied tempos for dynamic listening
  • for late-night contemplation
  • engaging narratives with rich detail

Maybe skip if you want

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Elvis Costello was in a period of artistic exploration when 'National Ransom' was released, following his critically acclaimed album 'Secret, Profane & Sugarcane' in 2009. This record marked his return to a broader rock sound after several forays into genres like country and jazz, highlighting his versatility as a songwriter.
Stylistic neighbors
Joe Jackson· Graham Parker· Squeeze

Tracklist

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

  • 1 National Ransom 4:05
  • 2 Jimmie Standing in the Rain 4:16
  • 3 Stations of the Cross 4:59
  • 4 A Slow Drag With Josephine 2:43
  • 5 Five Small Words 4:45
  • 6 Church Underground 5:02
  • 7 You Hung the Moon 3:55
  • 8 Bullets for the New-Born King 3:35
  • 9 I Lost You 2:56
  • 10 Dr. Watson, I Presume 3:41
  • 11 One Bell Ringing 3:38
  • 12 The Spell That You Cast 2:32
  • 13 That's Not the Part of Him You're Leaving 4:43
  • 14 My Lovely Jezebel 2:32
  • 15 All These Strangers 5:53
  • 16 A Voice in the Dark 3:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata