Elvis Costello: His Top 50 Songs

Elvis Costello Top 50 Songs

Singer/songwriter Elvis Costello was born Declan McManus in Paddington, London, England, on August 25, 1954. He changed his name to Elvis Costello in 1976. He came out of the British punk/new wave scene in 1977 and became one of the most celebrated musicians of all time with his diverse abilities for dipping his toe into multiple musical genres including R&B, country, and classical. Click here to see other best-of lists from other performers, including best albums or songs by specific acts.

Awards:

Top 50 Songs Dave’s Music Database lists are determined by song’s appearances on best-of lists, appearances on compilations and live albums by the featured act, and songs’ chart success, sales, radio airplay, streaming, and awards. DMDB Top 2%: 1. Alison (1977) DMDB Top 5%: 2. Radio Radio (1978) 3. What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding (1978) 4. Pump It Up (1978) 5. Watching the Detectives (1977) 6. Oliver’s Army (1979) 7. Veronica (1989) DMDB Top 10%: 8. Everyday I Write the Book (1983) 9. Accidents Will Happen (1979) DMDB Top 20%: 10. I Don’t Want to Go to Chelsea (1978) 11. A Good Year for the Roses (1981) 12. I Want You (1986) 13. The Angels Want to Wear My Red Shoes (1977) 14. I Can’t Stand Up for Falling Down (1980) 15. Less Than Zero (1977) 16. Clubland (1981) 17. The Other Side of Summer (1991) 18. The Only Flame in Town (1984) 19. Man Out of Time (1982) 20. High Fidelity (1980) Beyond the DMDB Top 20%: 21. Shipbuilding (1983) 22. Pills and Soap (1983) 23. Party Party (1982) 24. 13 Steps Lead Down (1994) 25. Monkey to Man (2004) 26. Watch Your Step (1981) 27. This Town (1989) 28. Baby Plays Around (1989) 29. From a Whisper to a Scream (1981) 30. Unwanted Number (2018) 31. New Amsterdam (1980) 32. Let Him Dangle (1989) 33. Tramp the Dirt Down (1989) 34. Green Shirt (1979) 35. Lipstick Vogue (1978) 36. Sweet Dreams of You (1981) 37. Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood (1986) 38. Psycho (1979) 39. Brilliant Mistake (1986) 40. Welcome to the Working Week (1977) 41. I’m Your Toy (1981) 42. I’m Not Angry (1977) 43. I Wanna Be Loved (1984) 44. Tokyo Storm Warning (1986) 45. Deep Dark Truthful Mirror (1989) 46. Let Them All Talk (1983) 47. All This Useless Beauty (1996) 48. Six Months in Kansas City (2014) 49. From Head to Toe (1982) 50. You Little Fool (1982) Related Links: First posted 8/25/2017; last updated 4/24/2026.