What makes A Night at the Met by Robin Williams notable?

This album is significant for its critical acclaim, showcasing Williams' unique ability to tackle controversial subjects like drugs and politics while maintaining a humorous tone. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Comedy Albums chart and solidified Williams' place as a leading figure in stand-up comedy during the 1980s. By the time 'A Night at the Met' was released in 1986, Robin Williams had already established himself as a prominent stand-up comedian, gaining fame from his role on 'Mork & Mindy' and his early comedy albums. This live recording captured Williams at the peak of his comedic prowess, following his successful debut album 'Reality... What a Concept' and just before his first major film roles that would further catapult him into Hollywood stardom.

How many songs are on A Night at the Met?

A Night at the Met has 16 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

A Night at the Met

Robin Williams · 1986

53 min · 16 tracks

A frenetic blend of observational humor and social commentary delivered with Williams' signature manic energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Alcohol — This track exemplifies Williams' deft blending of humor and critique, using personal anecdotes to discuss the absurdities surrounding alcohol consumption.
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Reagan — In this routine, Williams offers sharp political satire, capturing the zeitgeist of the era with incisive observations about President Reagan's policies.
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Childhood — Here, Williams reflects on the complexities of growing up with both humor and poignancy, showcasing his range as a storyteller beyond mere jokes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Williams' energetic delivery and thematic focus create a memorable live comedy experience that stands out in his discography.

What we noticed

The album features a rapid-fire delivery style, with Williams transitioning between topics in quick succession, often within the same track.
Each track focuses on a specific theme or subject, allowing for deep dives into various aspects of society and personal experience.
Williams frequently breaks the fourth wall, engaging directly with the audience and responding to their reactions throughout the performance.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Opening 1:58
2 Ballet 1:31
3 Alcohol 5:28
4 Marijuana 2:21
5 Cocaine 4:11
6 Cops 2:53
7 Reagan 5:42
8 Khadafi 1:47
9 Spring 1:32
10 Men's Parts 1:36
11 Lust 3:56
12 Dr. Roof 4:28
13 Pregnancy 2:08
14 Childbirth 4:15
15 Childhood 6:05
16 ...And the Future 3:13

What to play next

Full Robin Williams discography Artists like Robin Williams

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