Wise Up Ghost and Other Songs
by Elvis Costello & the Roots
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
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  1. NOW Magazine
    Sep 19, 2013
    60
    There are some missteps--the ballad Tripwire feels out of place in the general uptempo pace, and in (She Might Be A) Grenade, Costello lazily compares a girl to an atomic bomb (didn’t Green Day already do this?)--but when the album works, the band and the singer/songwriter sound more invigorated than they have in years.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 16, 2013
    60
    These tracks are densely self-referential, borrowing lyrics and themes from Costello's past.
  3. Uncut
    Sep 12, 2013
    60
    Half of this curious but at times compelling collaboration set lyrics from old songs to new tracks--though not always to their benefit. [Oct 2013, p.62]
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  5. The A.V. Club
    Sep 17, 2013
    58
    At this point in his career, an album-length experiment like Wise Up Ghost seems to satisfy Costello artistically, thanks to his chameleon tendencies, but there isn’t much to add to the best of either catalog.
  6. Austin Chronicle
    Nov 21, 2013
    40
    Wise Up Ghost, more compelling in theory than practice.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 2 out of 20
  1. WadeVS
    Sep 19, 2013
    10
    I'm conservative with giving score, but this one is well worth the full marks. It is sensational. Costello has a timeless sound and everythingI'm conservative with giving score, but this one is well worth the full marks. It is sensational. Costello has a timeless sound and everything The Roots do sounds fresh and vital. This is perfection from first track to the last.… Full Review »
  2. lesdmd
    Sep 17, 2013
    10
    I can't get this album out of rotation. Keep coming back for more, and getting it. I'm more than old enough to have admired Elvis during hisI can't get this album out of rotation. Keep coming back for more, and getting it. I'm more than old enough to have admired Elvis during his entire career, and this is an outstanding addition to the discography. If there is a better collaboration this year, bring it on!… Full Review »
  3. BIGMAN22
    Feb 9, 2016
    10
    a very nice piece of work between a legendary hip hop group and punk rocker. both their styles blend very well on here. this is a greata very nice piece of work between a legendary hip hop group and punk rocker. both their styles blend very well on here. this is a great addition to both artists discographies. classic album.… Full Review »
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