I'm no expert on Elvis Costello. To be that, I'd have to be intimately acquainted with his multitudinous albums that cross into many genres of music. But I have heard most of his work, and much of it many times over. I have favorites, for personal and sentimental reasons, and then there are those that I appreiciate because of superior musicianship. I like the raw, angry, early stuff, I appreciate the accomplishments ofhis classical crossover work with the Brodsky Quartet.

But for me, Costello has become more and more interesting as his music has become more and more melodic. Thus, 1996's "All This Useless Beauty" stands as a milestone, a collection of heartbreakingly beautiful songs, with a few irresistable rockers thrown into the mix.

The new record, "When I Was Cruel", shows that Elvis has continued to mature as a lyricist and thinker. The title indicates a newfound restraint, a willingness to turn his accusations against himself, where he used to freely fire spitwads at those who annoyed and infuriated him. For all of the useful beauty he's given us, he's best known for the vitriol, the sneer, the sarcastic bullwhip of his voice. Nobody can handle a turn of phrase with as much venom as Costello. On this album, humility and confession brings greater weight to those moments when he shows how the world is going down the toilet. He's implicating himself in the process.

Musically, "When I was Cruel" is a fasinating mix. It's not as successful and beautiful as "Useless Beauty", but it's far bolder and riskier. He tries some R&B ("Your Spooky Girlfriend"). He hammers out some heavy rock and roll ("Dissolve"). Throws in a standard Costello pop-rocker ("Tear Off Your Own Head"). Quiets down to lament the state of pop culture and radio ("Radio Silence"). And turns in a passionate declaration of adoration for his wife--"Fifteen Petals"--the highlight of the album. It's an exhilarating rhythm track punctuated by funky trumpet riffs and a vocal performance that must have turned Costello's face a deep shade of purple.