Top tracks — play these first
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Chicago — Opening with a brass-heavy arrangement, this track captures the essence of urban melancholy while showcasing Waits' distinctive vocal style and knack for vivid imagery.
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Hell Broke Luce — This track stands out for its raw energy and chaotic instrumentation, reflecting themes of war and disillusionment that resonate throughout the album.
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Pay Me — With its relentless rhythm and sharp lyrics about desperation and survival, this song exemplifies Waits' ability to blend humor with dark realities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Waits' unique style with strong songwriting and production choices that enhance its gritty atmosphere.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Chicago', establishing a gritty tone that persists throughout.
- Many tracks feature unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and varied instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- 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
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
- steady mid-tempo storytelling
- gritty reflections on life
- evening drive soundscape
- casual gatherings with friends
- intimate moments of vulnerability
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party tracks
- prefer instant gratification tunes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Strong return after a long hiatus, showcasing continued creativity and relevance.
- Moods
- Chill· Melancholy
- Career context
- Released on October 21, 2011, 'Bad as Me' marked Tom Waits' first studio album in seven years since 'Real Gone' in 2004. At this point in his career, Waits was returning to the music scene following a period focused on his acclaimed theatrical work, allowing him to experiment further with his unique sound and lyrical depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leonard Cohen· Nick Cave· Captain Beefheart
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Chicago 2:15
- 2 Raised Right Men 3:24
- 3 Talking at the Same Time 4:14
- 4 Get Lost 2:42
- 5 Face to the Highway 3:43
- 6 Pay Me 3:14
- 7 Back in the Crowd 2:49
- 8 Bad as Me 3:10
- 9 Kiss Me 3:41
- 10 Satisfied 4:05
- 11 Last Leaf 2:56
- 12 Hell Broke Luce 3:57
- 13 New Year’s Eve 4:32
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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