Excitable Boy
Warren Zevon · 1978
31 min · 9 tracks · folk rock
Warren Zevon's sardonic storytelling weaves through a blend of rock, blues, and folk, creating an unsettling yet captivating atmosphere.
Top tracks — play these first
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Werewolves of London — This iconic track combines a catchy melody with darkly humorous lyrics about a werewolf roaming the streets of London, showcasing Zevon's unique storytelling style.
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Johnny Strikes Up the Band — Opening the album, this track sets the tone with its upbeat tempo and clever lyrics about celebration and chaos, encapsulating the spirit of the entire record.
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Lawyers, Guns and Money — This song illustrates Zevon's knack for blending humor with social commentary, recounting a desperate plea for help amidst a chaotic personal crisis.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Zevon's blend of dark humor and storytelling creates a unique sound that stands out in folk rock.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate unexpected shifts in tempo and mood, such as the transition from the upbeat 'Werewolves of London' to the more somber 'Accidentally Like a Martyr.'
- The instrumentation often blends piano, guitar, and horns, creating a rich texture that supports the lyrical content.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- sardonic storytelling with dark humor
- steady pacing for casual listening
- short tracks for quick engagement
- captivating narratives for attentive ears
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, soundscapes
- seek lengthy immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 1978, Excitable Boy was Warren Zevon's third studio album, following his self-titled debut and the less commercially successful For Everyman. At this point in his career, Zevon was beginning to gain recognition for his sharp lyrical wit, marking a transition into mainstream awareness that would continue with subsequent releases.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jackson Browne· Loudon Wainwright III· Elvis Costello
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Johnny Strikes Up the Band 2:52
- 2 Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner 3:47
- 3 Excitable Boy 2:42
- 4 Werewolves of London 3:28
- 5 Accidentally Like a Martyr 3:40
- 6 Nighttime in the Switching Yard 4:18
- 7 Veracruz 3:32
- 8 Tenderness on the Block 3:57
- 9 Lawyers, Guns and Money 3:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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