This Year's Girl (album)

This Year's Girl is the second studio album by English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, released in March 1978. The album continues Costello's exploration of themes like betrayal, paranoia, and unrequited love, albeit with a slightly more polished and pop-oriented sound than his debut, My Aim Is True.

Produced by Nick Lowe, the album features Costello's backing band, The Attractions, consisting of Steve Nieve on keyboards, Bruce Thomas on bass, and Pete Thomas on drums. This Year's Girl spawned the singles "Pump It Up," a high-energy track that became one of Costello's signature songs, and "This Year's Girl," the title track.

The album is generally considered a critical success, although some reviewers at the time expressed reservations about the more accessible production style. Its blend of punk energy, clever songwriting, and sophisticated arrangements contributed to its commercial success, reaching the top ten in both the UK and the US. Key themes explored within the album include the objectification of women, the cynicism of the music industry, and the complexities of romantic relationships.