Significant longplayers from yesteryear
21 February 2026
First-class songsmith ELVIS COSTELLO (born Declan Patrick MacManus 71 years ago
in London) had his 10th album (out of a total of 32, so far), named KING OF AMERICA released on 21 February 1986, today 40 years ago.
Co-produced by Costello and his musical pal T Bone Burnett, the album originated following a series of tours the two made under the name The Coward Brothers.
The longplayer reached number 11 in the UK and number 39 in the US.
Hailed as a return to form for Costello and his best record in years, the album was
praised for its production, depth and vocal performances. Mixed reviews found the
LP too complex and lacking accessibility to attract new fans.
Later reviewers call King of America one of Costello‘s best works, praising its
personal tone and the songwriter’s growing maturity, and arguing the album
anticipated Costello‘s various musical excursions and collaborations in the
following decades.
Melody Maker said at the time: “He’s still this blighted isle’s
finest songwriter, a force, who at his best, is simply beyond peer.”
SINGLE
Nina Simone cover
ALBUM