What makes Asylum Years by Tom Waits notable?

This album is significant for its innovative blend of genres and poetic lyricism, further solidifying Waits' reputation as a unique voice in American music. It received positive critical reception and has influenced numerous artists across various genres, establishing him as a key figure in the alternative music scene of the 1980s. Released in 1986, 'Asylum Years' captures Tom Waits during a transformative phase, following his critically acclaimed album 'Swordfishtrombones' from 1983. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from a more traditional singer-songwriter approach to a grittier, avant-garde style that would define his later works.

Who is Asylum Years for?

Asylum Years works well if you're into late-night contemplative moods, dynamic emotional journeys and long, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on Asylum Years?

Asylum Years has 14 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Asylum Years

Tom Waits · 1986

70 min · 14 tracks · blues · jazz

A smoky blend of jazz-inflected blues and poetic storytelling delivered through gravelly vocals.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

late-night contemplative moods
dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
poetic storytelling focus

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1986, 'Asylum Years' captures Tom Waits during a transformative phase, following his critically acclaimed album 'Swordfishtrombones' from 1983. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from a more traditional singer-songwriter approach to a grittier, avant-garde style that would define his later works.
Stylistic neighbors: Leonard Cohen· Nick Cave· Captain Beefheart

Tracklist

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

1 Diamonds on My Windshield 3:08
2 (Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night 3:55
3 Martha 4:29
4 The Ghosts of Saturday Night (After Hours at Napoleone's Pizza House) 3:14
5 Grapefruit Moon 4:49
6 Small Change 5:05
7 Burma Shave 6:33
8 I Never Talk to Strangers 3:41
9 Tom Traubert's Blues 6:34
10 Blue Valentines 5:54
11 Potter's Field 8:44
12 Kentucky Avenue 4:51
13 Somewhere (from 'West Side Story') 3:53
14 Ruby's Arms 5:35

What to play next

Listen next

Franks Wild Years

1987

Go back to

Anthology of Tom Waits

1985

Full Tom Waits discography Artists like Tom Waits

blues jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata