The Boy Named If
by Elvis Costello & the Imposters
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Jan 14, 2022
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
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  1. Funkyatom
    Jan 18, 2022
    10
    This is a cracking album, full of melodic invention, great hooks, biting lyrics, fine musicianship and caustic wit. As always with Costello, there is compassion and humanity to be found, but not easily or without the trials and tribulations of life’s many complexities. Or more simply put, 12 great pop songs delivered by people who know what they are doing.
  2. Doofer1
    Jan 17, 2022
    10
    A work of genius. I suppose some my call
    It a “return to form”. Personally I think he’s been on red hot fork for 45 years so what do I know?
  3. gregsolo
    Mar 7, 2022
    10
    I was trying to find a reason not to give this a 10, but I couldn't think of any considerable criticism to deny it. Given the range of quality over the past 20 years, I told myself not to expect Blood & Chocolate, and now I think it may be his best since. The Attractions '94 reunion with Brutal Youth was indeed exciting. I really like that one but I sometimes get the feeling he was wasI was trying to find a reason not to give this a 10, but I couldn't think of any considerable criticism to deny it. Given the range of quality over the past 20 years, I told myself not to expect Blood & Chocolate, and now I think it may be his best since. The Attractions '94 reunion with Brutal Youth was indeed exciting. I really like that one but I sometimes get the feeling he was was trying a little too hard to get that sound and energy back. Great rock songs on When I Was Cruel and Momofuku, but this one is a consistent play through for me. Aside from two mellow, well placed songs, it has an ambitious, driving pace. You get the feeling something clicked in Elvis' head and a torrent of inspiration flowed effortlessly. Like others have noted, there's a lot of familiarity but it sounds new, unique and invigorating. Band seems damn happy to be making a fun, youthful, pop rock album. Solid production sounds terrific sitting dead center. Second and third time around I was waiting to realize the ways I overreacted and instead enjoyed it more. These vibrant, catchy moments come out of nowhere and I genuinely anticipate them like a when I was a teenager. The final song, Mr. Crescent, is so beautiful. Hope you agree and enjoy.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Best Album of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. The Observer (UK)
    Jan 24, 2022
    80
    Even when the tempo drops, the quality doesn’t, the rich imagery of Trick Out the Truth being a case in point. Effortlessly classy.
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  2. Under The Radar
    Jan 19, 2022
    70
    All in all, this is yet another strong album in a career full of them and while he doesn’t reinvent the wheel or break much new ground here, any chance to hear the master play the style he’s so good at is not to be missed.
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  3. AllMusic
    Jan 19, 2022
    80
    The Imposters have never sounded better on record -- and they've never sounded more like the Attractions, either, which isn't entirely a coincidence -- and that helps give The Boy Named If its infectious kick: it may feel like an old-fashioned Elvis Costello album, but it sounds entirely fresh.
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