The Juliet Letters

Inspired by imaginary letters penned to Shakespeare’s Juliet, this pop-to-classical musical transformation shows Elvis Costello untouched by outside trends. Smart, sardonic, and melancholic songs reflect on classic themes of deceit, love, and death without sounding mawkish. And Costello’s precise croon and melodies glide and flare with the dramatic tensions in the music. The entire album is radiant and affecting—from the heart-tugging irony of “Dear Sweet Filthy World” to the sad farewell of “The First to Leave.”