Blood & Chocolate

Elvis Costello is undeniably brilliant, and I was excited to revisit Blood and Chocolate today after not hearing it for quite some time.

While this album has its moments, I wouldn’t rank it among Costello & The Attractions' strongest work. Albums like This Year’s Model and Armed Forces are far more impactful in terms of songwriting and overall energy. Blood and Chocolate feels a bit uneven in comparison.

That said, there are some standout tracks—“I Want You” is darkly mesmerizing, and “Blue Chair” is a real highlight with its melodic flair. However, the album lacks a few truly unforgettable songs that would elevate it from good to great.

Favourite songs: “I Want You” and “Blue Chair”
Least favourite: “Home Is Where You Hang Your Head” felt somewhat forgettable.
Album artwork: The cover is striking and intriguing, though I’m not entirely sure what’s going on. Still, it has a cool, chaotic charm that suits the album’s tone.

Overall, Blood and Chocolate is a solid listen, but it doesn't quite reach the heights of Costello's best work.

It’s crazy how the first 10 seconds are kinda cool before his insufferable voice comes in. I just hope this is the last one of his abysmal records I have to endure.

pjesma "tokyo storm warning" bila fora, ostalo bezveze. 2 ili 3? ne znam, ajde tri

Dear, Robert Dimery, No one -- I repeat NO ONE -- must hear this many Elvis Costello albums before they die. They all sound like each other. Narrow it down to one or two and make room for other artists who deserve the attention.

Favorite songs: Honey Are You Straight or Are You Blind, I Hope You're Happy Now, Blue Chair, Uncomplicated, Tokyo Storm Warning

Least favorite songs: I Want You

3/5

A 1986 album that mostly sounds 20 years older than its contemporaries. Elvis puts a "modern" twist here and there, but when it's riffing off the worst era of rock music to begin with, it's just not very appealing.

Such a nice album. And after reconsidering and buying a vinyl of this record, I can say I love this man's art.

This is just really bad. Everything is just boring

His voice is HORRENDOUS

1 ⭐️

Descent album I could probably listen to again. 3.5/5

It feels quite sedate. It's just kind of ambling along in the background, and it doesn't stir any real passion in me. I don't really understand the appeal.

2.5 rounded down.

I’m a fan of Elvis Costello. But this album doesn’t do it for me.

Basically just unremarkable Elvis Costello. 2/5

3.5 - kinda liked it more than I expected

The music is pretty good. But there was nothing that really caught me and I am trying to recalibrate my ratings as I feel I have been getting more and more generous with my stars. I can't see myself coming across this album in the future and thinking, "You know what, I could really use some Blood and Chocolate this afternoon." So 3 stars it is.

I've always thought My Aim Is True was my favorite Costello record, but damn, maybe it's this one? The guitar tones are incendiary, and Elvis' lyrics and hooks are as strong as ever.

5/5

Costello's one of the biggest reasons I might actually go read the book. Why is he on here so much

More obnoxious and less interesting than the rest of his stuff, which never really wowed me either. It feels like it's simultaneously lazy but also way too tryhard.

It's good Elvis Costello album with a few songs that rise above

I think this is the best Elvis Costello album. It rocks, it's weird, it's got good tunes.
Truly, this is 4 and a half stars, its brilliant but I'm not always in the mood for Elvis Costello. Do I round up or down?