| "Almost Blue" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Elvis Costello and the Attractions | |
| from the album Imperial Bedroom | |
| Released | 2 July 1982 |
| Recorded | 1982 |
| Studio | AIR Studios (London) |
| Genre | Traditional pop |
| Length | 2:50 |
| Label | F-Beat |
| Songwriter(s) | Elvis Costello |
| Producer(s) | Geoff Emerick |
"Almost Blue" is a song recorded by English group Elvis Costello and the Attractions from their sixth studio album, Imperial Bedroom (1982). Written by Costello and produced by Geoff Emerick, the track shares the name of the group's previous 1981 studio album. It was released on 2 July 1982 along with the rest of Imperial Bedroom, and would later be included on side two of The Best of Elvis Costello and the Attractions (1985). A traditional pop song, "Almost Blue" contains lyrics that compare a former relationship to a present one.
Unanimously approved by music critics, "Almost Blue" was noted for being a highlight on Imperial Bedroom; Emerick's production on the track was also singled out by reviewers, who acclaimed his "aftermath" approach towards its composition. The song was covered by several performers, notably Chet Baker in 1987, Gwen Stefani in 1998, and by Costello's wife Diana Krall for her seventh studio album, The Girl in the Other Room (2004).