Goodbye Cruel World is the ninth studio album by English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello, and his eighth with the Attractions—keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas (no relation). It was released on 18 June 1984 through F-Beat Records in the United Kingdom and Columbia Records in the United States. It was produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, who returned from 1983's Punch the Clock. Recorded at London's Sarm West Studios in March 1984 during a period of turmoil for the artist, the problematic sessions included disagreements between Costello and the producers over the album's direction and high tensions amongst the Attractions. The album features a commercial, mainstream pop sound in line with music trends of the time. The mostly downbeat lyrics reflect Costello's personal upheavals at the time, including his failing marriage. Daryl Hall and Green Gartside contributed guest vocals to the singles "The Only Flame in Town" and "I Wanna Be Loved", respectively. The cover artwork features Costello and the band on a cliffside against a blue sky, while the title, taken from an obscure 1960s single, was intended as black humour. Costello supported Goodbye Cruel World through music videos and tours, both solo and with the Attractions. Upon release, the album sold poorly, reaching number 10 in the UK and number 35 in the US. Critically, it received mixed reviews and retrospective reviews consider it one of Costello's weakest releases, most criticising its production as dated. Costello himself expressed disappointment with the record. The album's 2004 reissue, which included stripped-down demo versions, critics felt redeemed many of the tracks. Background Elvis Costello released his eighth studio album Punch the Clock in August 1983. With a mainstream pop-soul sound fashioned by one of England's top production duos at the time, Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, the record rebounded from the commercial disappointment of 1982's Imperial Bedroom, reaching number three in the UK and number 24 in the US. To support the album, Costello and his backing band the Attractions—keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas (no relation)—toured for the rest of the year. However, the additions of horns and backing singers, who played on Punch the Clock, to the shows added tensions between Costello and the band, who felt sidelined. Costello was also suffering personal crises at the time, having resumed his affair with model Bebe Buell, leading to the breakdown of his