The post punk period in the UK was an extraordinary blast of creativity. Where most punks were largely apolitical (the Clash notwithstanding), Costello's songwriting was a blast against the recently elected Thatcher government as well as covering traditional topics of love and relationships.
It's impossible to discuss this album without mentioning the use of the N word in Olivers Army, and anti-war song told both from the perspective of a soldier serving in Northern Ireland during the troubles and the racist politicians who sent him there to die. Costello was well known for being deliberately provocative (and indeed got into considerable trouble on a tour of the USA around this time by running his mouth off in an argument with Stephen Stills).
He doesn't use the word in this song any more but the fact that it was broadcast on Radio One and Top of the Pops at the time without comment says more about British attitudes at the time than it does about Costello himself.
Other than that, this is a fine collection of songs that have largely stood the test of time.
https://album.link/gb/i/1543779342
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