168) My Aim Is True

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Costello on the fuel for his debut: "I spent a lot of time with just a big jar of instant coffee and the first Clash album [see No. 77], listening to it over and over." The music doesn't have the savage attack of the Clash; after all, Costello's backing band was Clover, which would later evolve into Huey Lewis and the News. But songs such as "Mystery Dance" and "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes" have plenty of verbal bite, and the ballad "Alison" is a poisoned valentine. Beginning with the line, "Now that your picture's in the paper being rhythmically admired," My Aim quickly establishes Costello as one of the best lyricists of his generation.

Total album sales: 1 million

Peak chart position: 32

Next: Bob Marley and the Wailers

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