Did anyone write more incredible songs in the decade from 1977-1986 than Elvis Costello? There is a case to made for Prince from 1979-1986 (starting with the hit single “I Wanna Be Your Lover” and future Chaka Khan hit “I Feel For You” on his eponymous second album and culminating with almost every song on his most underrated album, Parade). And Prince would definitely win if you extended the period to 1987, which would include his untouchable double album Sign O' the Times. But during Elvis Costello’s Imperial Phase, which I’m defining here as his first ten albums in ten years, he was definitely the king (and even the King of America, as you will see), writing and releasing well over 100 memorable songs.
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