King of America

King of America is a 1986 Elvis Costello album that shifts from his earlier new wave sound toward a rootsy, Americana-informed approach, blending country rock, folk, pop rock, and classic rock and roll. Produced in collaboration with T Bone Burnett, the sessions used American session players and a loosely assembled backing group often called the Confederates, with some involvement from members of the Attractions, yielding stripped-back arrangements built around acoustic guitar, piano and organ and a more conversational vocal delivery. The record is notable for its emphasis on narrative, character-driven lyrics and for showing Costello exploring American musical traditions within his songwriting.