Final Exam
Loudon Wainwright III · 1978
37 min · 11 tracks · blues · folk · traditional folk music
Witty storytelling intertwines with folk-inflected melodies, capturing the essence of life’s absurdities and introspections.
Why this album works
- Best for
- witty storytelling with charm steady mid-tempo listening experience light-hearted reflections on life
- Context
- By 1978, Loudon Wainwright III was already an established artist, having gained recognition for his previous albums like 'Album III' (1972). 'Final Exam' marked his seventh studio album and showcased his signature blend of humor and poignancy while tackling themes of aging and self-reflection.
- If you like
- blues, folk, traditional folk music
Final Exam is an album by Loudon Wainwright III, released in 1978. Witty storytelling intertwines with folk-inflected melodies, capturing the essence of life’s absurdities and introspections. 'Final Exam' is notable for its candid exploration of midlife crises, resonating with audiences during a period when societal norms around aging were shifting. The album received positive critical reception, particularly for its clever lyrics and songwriting, which helped solidify Wainwright's influence in the folk music scene. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Final Exam sound like?
Witty storytelling intertwines with folk-inflected melodies, capturing the essence of life’s absurdities and introspections. Rooted in blues and folk.
What makes Final Exam by Loudon Wainwright III notable?
'Final Exam' is notable for its candid exploration of midlife crises, resonating with audiences during a period when societal norms around aging were shifting. The album received positive critical reception, particularly for its clever lyrics and songwriting, which helped solidify Wainwright's influence in the folk music scene. By 1978, Loudon Wainwright III was already an established artist, having gained recognition for his previous albums like 'Album III' (1972). 'Final Exam' marked his seventh studio album and showcased his signature blend of humor and poignancy while tackling themes of aging and self-reflection.
Who is Final Exam for?
Final Exam works well if you're into witty storytelling with charm, steady mid-tempo listening experience and light-hearted reflections on life.
How many songs are on Final Exam?
Final Exam has 11 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Final Exam Standout 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 Standout 2:55
- 9 Two‐Song Set 3:37
- 10 Pretty Little Martha 2:30
- 11 Watch Me Rock I’m Over Thirty Standout 2:52
Release Date
January 1, 1978
Artist Origin
United States
Runtime
37 min 56 sec
Learn More
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.
