Album III
Loudon Wainwright III · 1972
32 min · 12 tracks · blues
A witty blend of folk and rock, colored by sharp storytelling and humor in every track.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dead Skunk Start here — This track is perhaps Wainwright's most recognizable hit, combining humor with a catchy melody that critiques society's indifference to life's absurdities.
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Red Guitar — In this song, Wainwright reflects on artistic aspiration and personal struggles, encapsulating his blend of introspection and wit.
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Needless to Say — This track showcases Wainwright's talent for storytelling, weaving a narrative that captures the essence of unspoken relationships with poignant clarity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Wainwright's sharp storytelling and humor create a distinctive blend of folk and rock, though the album's cohesion dips slightly.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, blending storytelling with musical interludes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- whimsical storytelling with sharp wit
- steady mid-tempo for relaxed listening
- short tracks inviting repeat plays
- light-hearted moments for casual vibes
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of intense emotional depth
- prefer longer, sprawling compositions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Features the hit 'Dead Skunk', establishing Wainwright's wider recognition.
- Themes
- societal absurdities· artistic aspiration· unspoken relationships
- Career context
- Released in 1972, Album III was Loudon Wainwright III's third studio album, following his self-titled debut and the acclaimed album, Second Album. By this point in his career, Wainwright had established himself as a distinctive voice in folk music, known for his satirical lyrics and engaging performances.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Prine· Steve Goodman· Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Tracklist
- 1 Dead Skunk Start here 3:09
- 2 Red Guitar 1:51
- 3 East Indian Princess 2:59
- 4 Muse Blues 2:56
- 5 Hometeam Crowd 1:52
- 6 B Side 2:28
- 7 Needless to Say 3:17
- 8 Smokey Joe's Cafe 2:34
- 9 New Paint 3:03
- 10 Trilogy (Circa 1967) 3:14
- 11 Drinking Song 2:57
- 12 Say That You Love Me 2:29
What to play next
Attempted Mustache
1973
Continues the witty storytelling with a blend of folk and rock elements.
Album II
1971
Leads into 'Album III' with similar themes and musical style.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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