When I Was Cruel
by Elvis Costello
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Apr 23, 2002
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18

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  1. 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 his brilliant career.
  2. 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 rehashes or even steps backwards. Not this one. It represents another amazing stage in the career of a major artist.
  3. Rita
    Mar 21, 2005
    10
    a masterpiece, no doubt one of the best albums ever, just brilliant, 100 out of 10
  4. DonH
    Apr 25, 2003
    10
    good really good
  5. StephenM.
    Nov 8, 2002
    7
    I own to many differant versions of this album, there is no hope for a fan.
  6. MarkR
    Jul 31, 2002
    8
    He is still an amazing lyricist, and most of these songs are exceptional. However, the ones that are not exceptional are barely listenable...15 Petals is the first one that comes to mind in this category.
  7. BrendanL.
    Jul 25, 2002
    10
    Thoughtful music which can make you feel dazzled. Its stuff to guide us through our days ! by the way who am I talking to !?
  8. LarryS.
    Jul 15, 2002
    10
    Great new rockin stuff...end of the album has the best songs
  9. Veronica
    Jun 10, 2002
    10
    definitely in the same league as "Get Happy!" thank you! thank you!
  10. RebeccaM.
    May 24, 2002
    10
    Smart lyrics, deep meaning, personal, subtle and raucous.
  11. BrianM.
    Apr 28, 2002
    8
    While I'm the biggest EC fan, and do agree it's his best CD in years, I find the comment that it's his best since "Blood & Chocolate" disturbing... because it rings true. Sorry, but I guess I wanted another "This Year's Model". Sigh.

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Most Discussed Album of 2002

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    80
    When I Was Cruel is bursting with bile and romance, tricky lyrics and tantalising tunes, and finds him practically trampolining with the thrill of messing about with sounds. [May 2002, p.108]
  3. Alternative Press
    60
    Costello clutters many fine compositions with kitchen-sink arrangements and cacophonous production that bring into focus how sorely missed estranged Attractions bassist Bruce Thomas is throughout. [Jun 2002, p.75]
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