Final Exam
Loudon Wainwright III · 1978
37 min · 11 tracks · blues
A blend of folk storytelling and blues-infused rock, laced with Wainwright's signature humor and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Final Exam Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of reflection and self-assessment, using school metaphors to critique adult life.
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Mr. Guilty — This song employs clever wordplay and irony to explore themes of guilt and accountability, showcasing Wainwright's lyrical prowess.
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Watch Me Rock I’m Over Thirty — In this track, Wainwright balances humor with a candid look at aging, pushing against societal expectations while maintaining a playful tone.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- witty storytelling with charm
- steady mid-tempo listening experience
- light-hearted reflections on life
- for casual gatherings
- engaging narratives for sing-alongs
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer complex, lengthy compositions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its humor and storytelling, showcasing Wainwright's lyrical depth.
- Themes
- schoolyard metaphor· adulting guilt· aging with humor
- Career context
- Released in 1978, Final Exam is Loudon Wainwright III's fifth studio album, arriving after the commercial success of his previous work, Album III. At this stage in his career, Wainwright was solidifying his reputation as a unique voice in American music, known for blending personal narratives with sharp wit.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Prine· Steve Goodman· Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Tracklist
- 1 Final Exam Start here 3:49
- 2 Mr. Guilty 4:23
- 3 Pen Pal Blues 2:59
- 4 Golfin’ Blues 2:52
- 5 The Heckler 4:27
- 6 Natural Disaster 3:45
- 7 Fear With Flying 3:43
- 8 Heaven and Mud 2:55
- 9 Two‐Song Set 3:37
- 10 Pretty Little Martha 2:30
- 11 Watch Me Rock I’m Over Thirty 2:52
What to play next
Fame and Wealth
1983
Continues Wainwright's blend of humor and introspection with a fresh perspective.
T Shirt
1976
Sets the stage with similar folk-rock elements and storytelling style.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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