“She,” a hauntingly romantic ballad performed by Elvis Costello, reached new heights of fame when it was featured in the 1999 romantic comedy Notting Hill. Originally written by Charles Aznavour and Herbert Kretzmer in 1974, the song was beautifully reinterpreted by Costello for the movie’s soundtrack. His version, drenched in cinematic string arrangements and poignant emotion, charted across Europe, peaking at No. 19 in the UK Singles Chart and becoming one of the standout love songs of the late ‘90s.
Though not part of a traditional Elvis Costello studio album, “She” is part of Notting Hill: Music from the Motion Picture (1999). The recording features lush orchestration, and while specific session musicians are not widely credited, the arrangement is often attributed to Trevor Jones, who worked on the film’s musical direction.
2. History of the Band or Song: A Cover with Legacy
Elvis Costello, born Declan Patrick MacManus, is a British singer-songwriter known for his sharp lyrics and genre-defying style. Rising to prominence in the late 1970s with albums like My Aim Is True and This Year’s Model, Costello was a cornerstone of the punk and new wave scenes. Over the decades, he’s earned a reputation as one of the most literate and innovative musicians in rock history.
“She,” originally performed by French-Armenian singer Charles Aznavour, was a hit in the UK in 1974. The song was adapted into English by Herbert Kretzmer, best known for his work on Les Misérables. Elvis Costello’s cover, infused with melancholy and cinematic flair, introduced the song to a new generation, with its use in Notting Hill giving it a second life.
3. On the Videoclip: A Visual Tribute to Romance
The music video for Elvis Costello’s version of “She” was created to align with the promotion of Notting Hill. Directed by Roger Michell—who also directed the film—the video features intercut scenes from the movie starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, blending them with soft-lit shots of Costello performing the song in a moody, studio-like setting.
Rather than a traditional choreography or cast of dancers, the video relies heavily on the romantic aesthetic of the film. It acts more as a visual extension of Notting Hill’s narrative than a standalone piece. The emotive cinematography and simple staging reflect the vulnerability and timeless elegance of the ballad.
4. Talk Nerdy to Me: Music Theory Trivia
Musically, “She” is composed in E♭ major, a key often associated with warm, rich tones. The song features a modulated structure, starting with a simple melodic line that gradually builds into a full orchestral swell—a classic technique in ballads meant to evoke emotional crescendo.
One standout aspect of Elvis Costello’s rendition is the dramatic dynamic range. The orchestration utilizes a sweeping string section that underlines the chord progression with emotional gravity. Additionally, the song employs chromatic voice leading, which subtly shifts notes in the accompaniment, creating tension and release—a common hallmark in cinematic music.
Another subtle touch is the rubato phrasing used in Costello’s vocal delivery. By slightly stretching or compressing the tempo of certain lines, he injects a conversational, intimate feel that differs from Aznavour’s more classic, steady tempo.
5. More from the Artist: Elvis Costello’s Expansive Career
If “She” drew you into the lush romanticism of Elvis Costello’s style, there’s plenty more to explore. Some of his most celebrated tracks include:
- “Alison“ – a heart-aching ballad from his debut album, My Aim Is True
- “Pump It Up“ – a frenetic, punk-influenced anthem with biting lyrics
- “Veronica” – co-written with Paul McCartney, this track explores themes of aging and memory
- “I Want You“ – an intense, emotionally raw song from Blood & Chocolate
Beyond music, Costello also hosted the acclaimed talk show “Spectacle: Elvis Costello with…”, where he interviewed and performed with artists like Bono, Lou Reed, and Norah Jones. It’s a must-watch for music nerds and fans of in-depth artistry.
Explore his official YouTube channel for live performances, rare tracks, and interviews.
