What makes Anthology of Tom Waits by Tom Waits notable?

Anthology of Tom Waits introduced a wider audience to his earlier works, receiving praise for its cohesive presentation of his artistry. The album helped elevate Waits' profile within the music industry and contributed to his growing cult following, eventually influencing countless artists across genres. Released in 1985, Anthology of Tom Waits compiles tracks from his early career, showcasing his distinctive voice that had already begun to garner critical acclaim. This collection arrives after his breakthrough albums like Closing Time and The Heart of Saturday Night, solidifying his reputation as a unique storyteller in music.

Who is Anthology of Tom Waits for?

Anthology of Tom Waits works well if you're into smoky storytelling for late nights, reflective moments during quiet drives and wave-like pacing for relaxed listening.

How many songs are on Anthology of Tom Waits?

Anthology of Tom Waits has 13 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Anthology of Tom Waits

Tom Waits · 1985

57 min · 13 tracks · blues

A smoky, piano-driven landscape of heartache and storytelling, blending bluesy undertones with a touch of theatricality.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ol’ 55 — This track captures the essence of Waits' early sound with its poignant lyrics about longing and nostalgia, delivered through a smooth melody that contrasts with his later, more experimental works.
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Tom Traubert’s Blues (Four Sheets to the Wind in Copenhagen) — A standout for its emotional depth and storytelling, this song showcases Waits' ability to blend poetic lyrics with a haunting melody, marking it as a pivotal moment in his catalog.
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Jersey Girl — This romantic ballad exemplifies Waits' knack for vivid imagery and character-driven narratives, representing a softer side of his songwriting that resonates deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Waits' unique style but is a compilation that lacks some cohesion.

What we noticed

Several songs incorporate unconventional structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and spoken word elements.
The first half of the album maintains a consistent emotional tone, while the second half introduces more varied instrumentation and dynamics.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

smoky storytelling for late nights
reflective moments during quiet drives
wave-like pacing for relaxed listening
poignant themes of urban life
intimate atmosphere for solo enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tracks
prefer instant gratification sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Introduced a wider audience to Waits' earlier works, elevating his profile.
Career context: Released in 1985, Anthology of Tom Waits compiles tracks from his early career, showcasing his distinctive voice that had already begun to garner critical acclaim. This collection arrives after his breakthrough albums like Closing Time and The Heart of Saturday Night, solidifying his reputation as a unique storyteller in music.
Stylistic neighbors: Leonard Cohen· Nick Cave· Captain Beefheart