What makes Closing Time by Tom Waits notable?

The album received critical acclaim upon release and has been lauded for its poetic lyrics and distinctive style, helping establish Waits as a formidable voice in American music. It has influenced countless artists across genres and is often cited as a classic within the singer-songwriter tradition, demonstrating the power of storytelling in music. Closing Time marks Tom Waits' debut album, released in 1973 when he was just beginning to carve out his unique space in the music scene. At this point in his career, Waits had not yet developed the experimental sound that would later define him, making this album a significant glimpse into his early songwriting. The record set the stage for his evolution as an artist who blends lyrical depth with diverse musical influences.

Who is Closing Time for?

Closing Time works well if you're into steady reflective listening sessions, intimate late-night vibes and poetic storytelling immersion.

How many songs are on Closing Time?

Closing Time has 12 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Closing Time

Tom Waits · 1973

45 min · 12 tracks · blues

A smoky blend of jazz-inflected ballads and bluesy storytelling, capturing the essence of late-night introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ol’ ’55 — This track exemplifies Waits' knack for vivid storytelling through melancholy imagery, capturing the bittersweet emotions tied to nostalgia and longing.
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Martha — The poignant narrative unfolds a conversation with a lost love, showcasing Waits' ability to evoke deep emotional resonance through simple yet powerful lyrics.
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I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love With You — This song encapsulates the vulnerability inherent in romantic relationships, blending gentle melodies with heartfelt lyrics that reflect on fear and desire.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

Waits' debut showcases strong songwriting and a cohesive sound that laid the groundwork for his later work.

What we noticed

The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a reflective tone, followed by several ballads that maintain a similar pace.
Many songs feature sparse instrumentation, allowing Waits' gravelly voice and lyrical storytelling to take center stage.
The last three tracks gradually shift to more introspective themes, creating a sense of closure as the album concludes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

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

steady reflective listening sessions
intimate late-night vibes
poetic storytelling immersion
nostalgic contemplative moods

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This debut album helped establish Waits' reputation in American music.
Career context: Closing Time marks Tom Waits' debut album, released in 1973 when he was just beginning to carve out his unique space in the music scene. At this point in his career, Waits had not yet developed the experimental sound that would later define him, making this album a significant glimpse into his early songwriting. The record set the stage for his evolution as an artist who blends lyrical depth with diverse musical influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Leonard Cohen· Nick Cave· Captain Beefheart