Tom Petty or Elvis Costello? Who really was the king of new wave

The dispute between Tom Petty and Elvis Costello over who best represented the new wave has always generated debates among fans and critics. The most common answer among experts is Elvis Costello. Although Tom Petty incorporated elements of new wave into some of his work, especially in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Costello was one of the main faces of the movement from the beginning. Albums such as "My Aim Is True", "This Year's Model" and "Armed Forces" helped define the sound and attitude of British new wave. Petty, on the other hand, remained more connected to American classic rock and heartland rock, even exploring contemporary influences. This does not diminish its importance, but it means that Costello is generally considered the most representative figure of the genre.