Wise Up Ghost and Other Songs
by Elvis Costello & the Roots
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
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  1. 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 great addition to both artists discographies. classic album.
  2. ScottA1A
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    Totally digging what Elvis & The Roots have put together here! You'll enjoy it if you like bluesy, gritty, clever music, this album is for you. They play well together, very much worth the score!
  3. jleger49
    Oct 22, 2013
    9
    The alchemy between the Roots and Costello is golden. Words don't, can't, do it justice. It must be heard. It will trip you and entangle your senses. Enough words.
  4. Saszka
    Sep 27, 2013
    6
    After long, long time of not delivering, Costello tried again and, this time, succeeded. Of course, all together sounds like an old master refreshing himself with young blood, but anyone who already doubted in Costello's songwriting ability must admit he or she was wrong. Not a class of David Bowie return, still worth a try.
  5. 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 everything The Roots do sounds fresh and vital. This is perfection from first track to the last.
  6. 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 his entire career, and this is an outstanding addition to the discography. If there is a better collaboration this year, bring it on!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Austin Chronicle
    Nov 21, 2013
    40
    Wise Up Ghost, more compelling in theory than practice.
    Read full review
  2. Record Collector
    Oct 30, 2013
    80
    A high watermark in the canons of all involved.
    Read full review
  3. Q Magazine
    Oct 11, 2013
    80
    Scouse grump and Philadelphia radicals were made for each other. [Nov 2013, p.104]
See all critic reviews »