The Delivery Man
by Elvis Costello
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 21
  3. Negative: 1 out of 21
  1. Mojo
    100
    Songs terrific, band sensational, and -- big plus -- Costello's voice late-developing way beyond that pinched whine into an instrument of substance and character. [Oct 2004, p.97]
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  2. E! Online
    91
    Costello's most exciting album in ages.
  3. PopMatters
    90
    This is a classic Costello record... arguably his most cohesive, magnetic collection of songs since Blood & Chocolate and the highlight of his middle-age years.
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    The album delivers, all right, if not all the time. [24 Sep 2004, p.105]
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  6. Billboard
    80
    Welcome, worthy and wonderful.
  7. Rolling Stone
    80
    Even the ballads... bristle with force. [28 Oct 2004, p.99]
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  8. The Guardian
    80
    He sets tales of sexual double dealing and domestic violence to a sound somewhere between the two albums he made in 1986: the Americana of King Of America meeting the over-amplified rawness of Blood and Chocolate.
  9. AllMusic
    80
    It never feels as urgent as his prime work, but it's at once his most accomplished and visceral record as a veteran rocker.
  10. Blender
    80
    It's Costello at his most emotionally direct. [Oct 2004, p.118]
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  11. Drawer B
    70
    The Delivery Man is a solid, albeit slightly over-learned and patronizing, collection of bluesy rock.
  12. Paste Magazine
    70
    Staggered between full-on rockers like "Needle Time," "There’s A Story In Your Voice", and "Bedlam," the softer material sounds excessively genteel.
  13. Stylus Magazine
    70
    Fortunately, the good songs outnumber the bad; unfortunately, the veteran Costello has made the rookie mistaking of frontloading the disc.
  14. Dusted Magazine
    70
    It’s been ages since he’s sounded this self-assured, or this much at home.
  15. Pitchfork
    68
    Often, Costello just sounds prissy and uptight in these more relaxed environs.
  16. ShakingThrough.net
    66
    It convincingly exhibits the breadth of affection Costello has for homegrown American musical forms, but lacks a tight-enough center to stand among his sturdier, more disciplined works.
  17. Q Magazine
    60
    There's still heart and soul in that funny old voice. [Nov 2004, p.118]
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  18. The A.V. Club
    60
    The Delivery Man only sparks to life when it slows down.
  19. Uncut
    60
    A strong and lusty country-punk album placing him in Tom Waits or Neil Young territory. [Nov 2004, p.104]
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  20. Playlouder
    40
    A collection of rehashed moments from his brilliant though patchy career, a sowed together patchwork of pastiche.
  21. Austin Chronicle
    40
    Ultimately, in no uncertain terms, this Elvis sounds like an impersonator.
  22. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    30
    [It] doesn’t help in pinpointing the moment Costello veered into self-parody, but it does catalogue nearly everything that’s become impossible to take about him.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. ShawnJ
    May 4, 2005
    9
    There are a couple of tunes that put me to sleep, but I can't stop listening to the others.
  2. ClaraC
    Mar 27, 2005
    8
    Listening to this album feels like returning to King of America, Blood & Chocolate -- even a little bit of Imperial Bedroom. I don't Listening to this album feels like returning to King of America, Blood & Chocolate -- even a little bit of Imperial Bedroom. I don't love every cut, but mostly I've been seduced by Elvis' voice, songwriting and especially lyrics, in a way that I haven't been since those classics came out.… Full Review »
  3. JoeyM
    Oct 11, 2004
    9
    The last Costello album that I enjoyed as much as this one was "Painted from Memory," his collaboration with Bacharach. I have enjoyed his The last Costello album that I enjoyed as much as this one was "Painted from Memory," his collaboration with Bacharach. I have enjoyed his work the most in the last two decades when he has focused on pushing his own limits. I felt that the last couple of turns with the Attractations were forced "returns to form" with a couple of good songs and I didn't much care for "North" at all. This collection, on the other hand, has some of his finest lyrics, bravest musical turns and sharpest delivery in recent memory. Well worth a listen!… Full Review »
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