When I Was Cruel

Rolling Stone (12/26/02, p.104) - Included in Rolling Stone's "50 Best Albums of 2002"
Rolling Stone (5/9/02, p.74) - 4 out of 5 stars - "...Costello still records...with care and creativity....WHEN I WAS CRUEL is a collection of tough tunes and textures that recalls-but doesn't recycle-the records that endeared him to his earliest admirers..."
Spin (May 2002, p.117) - 7 out of 10 - "...The professor [has] his groove back....46-year-old Elvis sneers, snipes, and snaps like it's '77....the music-ranging from twangy jazzisms...to raucous blues rock...lets Costello honor his roots..."
Entertainment Weekly (12/20-27/02, p.126) - Ranked #2 on EW's list of 2002's "Albums of the Year" - "...Packed with bristling spews, noir soundscapes, and cutting autobiographical sketches that reveal a man grappling with the onset of middle age..."
Q (4/02, p.111) - 3 out of 5 stars - "...Raw and lengthy....the veins at Costello's temples are throbbing again..."
Mojo (1/03, p.77) - Ranked #33 in Mojo's "Best Albums of 2002"
Mojo (5/02, p.108) - "...Costellar..."
Alternative Press (June 2002, p.75) - 6 out of 10 - "...CRUEL is ultimately a welcome return to the office..."
CMJ (12/30/02, p.10) - Ranked #4 on CMJ's "Top 10 of 2002"
CMJ (4/29/02, p.11) - "...Costello has blessed us with a motherlode of tunes, concetrating on crafting self-proclaimed "rowdy rhythm ballads" shaded with subtle textures and vibes..."
NME (4/20/02, p.24) - 6 out of 10 - "...There are reassuringly unhealthy signs of life..."