Released 31 years ago this October
Grown Man
Loudon Wainwright III · 1995
50 min · 15 tracks · blues
A rich tapestry of storytelling woven through folk melodies and introspective lyrics reflecting on life’s complexities.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Birthday Present Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Grown Man — The title track encapsulates the album's central theme of grappling with adulthood and self-identity, offering both humor and wisdom through sharp observations.
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Father/Daughter Dialogue — This track features an engaging conversational format that cleverly explores the generational gap between father and daughter, highlighting Wainwright's storytelling prowess.
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That Hospital — In this song, Wainwright addresses vulnerability and mortality with a candidness that reflects his personal experiences, striking a chord with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Wainwright's blend of humor and introspection is engaging, though the album's structure feels somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate intricate fingerpicking guitar patterns that complement the storytelling, such as in 'A Year' and 'Cobwebs'.
- The lyrical content often shifts between humor and introspection, with songs like 'Housework' using mundane topics to explore deeper themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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 pacing with narrative flow
- witty storytelling with introspection
- suitable for reflective afternoons
- short tracks for quick engagement
- poignant themes of adulthood
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party vibes
- prefer standalone tracks over cohesion
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry in Wainwright's catalog, not a standout for new listeners or major recognition.
- Themes
- father-daughter conversations· aging reflections
- Career context
- In 1995, Loudon Wainwright III was well-established in the folk scene, having released several albums since his debut in 1970. 'Grown Man' arrived as his tenth studio album, showcasing his growth as a songwriter while navigating themes of aging and personal reflection. This release followed the acclaimed 'History,' further solidifying his reputation for poignant lyrical narratives.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Prine· Steve Goodman· Ramblin' Jack Elliott
Tracklist
- 1 The Birthday Present Start here 1:53
- 2 Grown Man 3:51
- 3 That Hospital 3:58
- 4 Housework 4:38
- 5 Cobwebs 3:07
- 6 A Year 3:55
- 7 Father/Daughter Dialogue 2:35
- 8 1994 3:30
- 9 IWIWAL 3:06
- 10 Just A John 4:16
- 11 I Suppose 2:27
- 12 Dreaming 3:14
- 13 The End Has Begun 4:04
- 14 Human Cannonball 3:10
- 15 Treasures Untold 2:19
What to play next
Little Ship
1997
Continues the introspective storytelling with a fresh sonic approach.
Career Moves
1993
Sets the stage for Grown Man's themes of reflection and personal growth.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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