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.
Why this album works
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.
- Best for
- late-night contemplative moods dynamic emotional journeys long, immersive listening sessions
- 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
- Prince· Bette Midler· Blood, Sweat & Tears· Chicago· Weather Report· The Pointer Sisters· Steely Dan· Nancy Sinatra
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 Standout 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 Standout 6:34
- 10 Blue Valentines 5:54
- 11 Potter's Field 8:44
- 12 Kentucky Avenue Standout 4:51
- 13 Somewhere (from 'West Side Story') 3:53
- 14 Ruby's Arms 5:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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