What makes Franks Wild Years by Tom Waits notable?

'Franks Wild Years' received critical acclaim and helped to establish Waits as a significant voice in contemporary music. The album's unique blend of genres and theatrical elements influenced a wave of artists in the indie and alternative scenes, while tracks like 'Way Down in the Hole' later gained fame as the theme for HBO's 'The Wire', amplifying its cultural relevance. Released on August 17, 1987, 'Franks Wild Years' marked Tom Waits' transition into a more avant-garde approach following the commercial success of 'Rain Dogs'. This album showcased his evolving artistic vision, characterized by experimental soundscapes and narrative depth, further solidifying his place as a critical figure in the alternative music scene.

Who is Franks Wild Years for?

Franks Wild Years works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, wave-like pacing experience and theatrical storytelling immersion.

How many songs are on Franks Wild Years?

Franks Wild Years has 17 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Franks Wild Years

Tom Waits · 1987

56 min · 17 tracks · blues · jazz

A kaleidoscopic journey through the underbelly of America, blending jazz, blues, and theatrical storytelling.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
wave-like pacing experience
theatrical storytelling immersion
contemplative late-night vibes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on August 17, 1987, 'Franks Wild Years' marked Tom Waits' transition into a more avant-garde approach following the commercial success of 'Rain Dogs'. This album showcased his evolving artistic vision, characterized by experimental soundscapes and narrative depth, further solidifying his place as a critical figure in the alternative music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Leonard Cohen· Nick Cave· Captain Beefheart

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Hang On St. Christopher 2:46
2 Straight to the Top (Rhumba) 2:30
3 Blow Wind Blow 3:34
4 Temptation 3:53
5 Innocent When You Dream (Barroom) 4:15
6 I’ll Be Gone 3:12
7 Yesterday Is Here 2:31
8 Please Wake Me Up 3:35
9 Franks Theme 1:50
10 More Than Rain 3:52
11 Way Down in the Hole 3:30
12 Straight to the Top (Vegas) 3:24
13 I’ll Take New York 4:00
14 Telephone Call From Istanbul 3:12
15 Cold Cold Ground 4:07
16 Train Song 3:20
17 Innocent When You Dream (78) 3:08

What to play next

Listen next

Big Time

1988

Go back to

Asylum Years

1986

Full Tom Waits discography Artists like Tom Waits

blues jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata