| Trust | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 23 January 1981 | |||
| Recorded | October–November 1980 | |||
| Studio | DJM and Eden (London) | |||
| Genre | Pop rock | |||
| Length | 41:09 | |||
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| Producer | ||||
| Elvis Costello and the Attractions chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Trust | ||||
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Trust is the fifth studio album by the English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, and his fourth with the Attractions—keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas (no relation). It was released on 23 January 1981 through F-Beat Records in the United Kingdom. Produced by Nick Lowe, with assistance by the engineer Roger Béchirian, the album was recorded in London from October to November 1980 between DJM and Eden Studios. The sessions were riddled with alcohol and drug issues and tensions were high between the band members. Squeeze's vocalist Glenn Tilbrook and the Rumour's guitarist Martin Belmont made guest appearances on "From a Whisper to a Scream".
Envisioned by Costello as crossing the melody of Armed Forces (1979) with the rhythm of Get Happy!! (1980), Trust is a pop rock album that exhibits several musical styles, including jazz, rockabilly and country. The lyrics were partly inspired by events in Costello's own life at the time, including the effects of being a touring musician and his failing marriage. The songs depict scenarios with a lack of trust and are filled with puns and double entendres. The cover artwork, in an ironic nod to the title, is a headshot of Costello appearing mistrustful.
Trust charted in the UK top ten and at number 28 in the US, while its singles performed poorly. It received positive reviews on release; critics highlighted the artist's change in tone from his earlier records, a growing maturity in the lyrics and praised Costello as a musician; it appeared on several year-end lists. The album has retrospectively received acclaim as one of Costello's best, and most underrated, works. Commentators have viewed the album as exhibiting an artist and band at their creative peaks. Costello himself was initially displeased with the album, but reversed his opinion in later years. It has been reissued multiple times with bonus tracks.