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When I Was Cruel
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
When I Was Cruel Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

  • Summary: Costello's first album of original material in six years is a return to his new wave/punk/rock roots, with several members of The Attractions (Steve Nieve, Pete Thomas) in tow.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    Bristling with an electric current that seemingly short-circuited years ago, ''When I Was Cruel'' is the best work Costello has produced since ''Blood & Chocolate'' back in the mid-'80s.
  2. Austin Chronicle
    89
    The Costello formula takes over: minimalist but experimental instrumentation, eternally durable vocals, and literate punk-wave bittersweetening.
  3. Neumu.net
    80
    Ultimately, I suspect Costello non-devotees will find that too much effort is required to get into these songs and there may not be sufficient emotional payoff to justify the investment.
  4. Billboard
    80
    Costello proves that all the balladry hasn't dulled his ability to rock.
  5. PopMatters
    70
    Anyone expecting When I Was Cruel to be This Year's Model may be disappointed, but Elvis Costello has worn so many hats over the years that it would have been a misstep for him to try to go back.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    It's no classic, but there are reassuringly unhealthy signs of life.
  7. AllMusic
    60
    Outside of the Bacharach album, it's his best in a long time. But in order to know that, you will have to have dilligently listened to everything from Spike on -- and if you got off the bus around then, it's harder than ever to get back on.

See all 25 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Veronica
    Jun 10, 2002
    10
    definitely in the same league as "Get Happy!" thank you! thank you!
  2. RebeccaM.
    May 24, 2002
    10
    Smart lyrics, deep meaning, personal, subtle and raucous.
  4. ullissesmachado
    Feb 12, 2020
    10
    Powerful rock and roll, vigorous guitar and catchy tunes. This man has the swing. When I Was Cruel nº 2 is one more masterpiece in hisPowerful rock and roll, vigorous guitar and catchy tunes. This man has the swing. When I Was Cruel nº 2 is one more masterpiece in his brilliant career.… Expand
  5. LarryS.
    Jul 15, 2002
    10
    Great new rockin stuff...end of the album has the best songs
  6. Rita
    Mar 21, 2005
    10
    a masterpiece, no doubt one of the best albums ever, just brilliant, 100 out of 10
  7. JabezT.
    Sep 22, 2007
    10
    An excellent album by one of the true masters of modern music. Because he is so prolific, Elvis has released a lot of records that are An excellent album by one of the true masters of modern music. Because he is so prolific, Elvis has released a lot of records that are rehashes or even steps backwards. Not this one. It represents another amazing stage in the career of a major artist.… Expand
  8. StephenM.
    Nov 8, 2002
    7
    I own to many differant versions of this album, there is no hope for a fan.

See all 11 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Discussed Album of 2002