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For his next album Elvis Costello said he wanted to mix the melodies of Armed Forces with the rhythms of Get Happy!!. 1981's Trust is a brilliant hybrid of his previous works, taking everything that made his first four albums successful and merging them together into one coherent work. Despite the fact that Elvis was drinking heavily at the time and the strain of touring seemed to be taking its toll on the group, he and The Attractions managed to churn out another brilliant record that still remains one of my utmost favorite Costello albums.
The jangle and chimes of "Clubland" open the record in traditional Attractions style with a catchy chorus and energetic playing. It was never a high-charting single but it should have done better because it's a great piece of work in the classic Costello vein. "Lovers Walk" and "Strict Time" both give drummer Pete Thomas a chance to hammer way and his island-style drumming on these tracks gives them an extra kick that's both refreshing and interesting. "New Lace Sleeves," "Watch Your Step," and "Pretty Words" are all perfect examples of the sound that Costello had envisioned for the record, taking pop sensibilities and melding them together with RnB beats and soul rhythms. The Attractions are great as always and take Costello's songs to new heights with their subtle instrumental touches.
"Different Finger" is a sinister little country gem about infidelity. Despite being only two minutes long it's incredibly smart and disturbing with lines like, "But if I can be alone completely with you tonight / Please put your ring on a different finger before I turn out the lights." "White Knuckles" is classic Elvis: a catchy melody with dark lyrics that appear to be about abuse and domestic turmoil. "From a Whisper to a Scream" is a duet with Glenn Tilbrook that works really well and the piano ballad "Shot With His Own Gun" is a haunting number that I had the privilege of seeing Costello perform in concert many years ago. The closer "Big Sister's Clothes" is a great but overlooked song that I like for reasons I can't quite explain; it's just excellent. The only song that feels a bit out of place here is "Luxembourg," a fast-paced rocker that isn't really bad but just feels a bit too forceful for the more delicate and soulful material that surrounds it.
Trust wasn't a huge hit for Elvis and none of the singles charted. However, don't let this fool you because this record is a monster, a sprawling and focused effort that takes the best of his previous works and molds them into a furious pop amalgamation that still remains one of his finest albums. I know I've rated his first five albums with a 5 rating but it's truly because I believe these records can compete with much of what comes out today in terms of melody, lyrical wit, and craftsmanship. His second record in 1981 wouldn't hit all the right notes but Trust is pure genius that shouldn't be overlooked, even though it too often is.
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