Top tracks — play these first
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Jockey Full of Bourbon — The title track exemplifies Waits' ability to weave narrative and melody together with a distinctive blend of rhythm and atmosphere, capturing the album's essence.
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Downtown Train — This poignant ballad showcases Waits' emotive vocal delivery and lyrical storytelling, offering a rare glimpse into vulnerability amidst his typically gritty style.
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Tango Till They’re Sore — This track stands out for its infectious rhythm and vivid imagery, encapsulating the album's playful yet melancholic exploration of life's complexities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's unique blend of storytelling and diverse musical styles makes it stand out in the blues genre.
What we noticed
- Several tracks utilize unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and varied instrumentation that shifts throughout the songs.
- The production includes layers of sound, with elements like street noise and background vocals creating a rich, atmospheric texture.
- 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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9/10
- 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
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
- narrative-driven lyrical explorations
- cathartic storytelling through song
- late-night contemplative listening
- rich character-driven vignettes
- immersive soundscapes for introspection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced music
- want straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album helped establish Waits' reputation with its distinct sound and lyrical depth.
- Career context
- Released in 1985, Jockey Full of Bourbon marked a transformative period for Tom Waits as he shifted from his earlier piano-driven ballads to a more eclectic and experimental sound. This album followed the acclaimed Rain Dogs, showcasing Waits' growth as an artist and his exploration of diverse musical influences, including jazz and avant-garde elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Leonard Cohen· Nick Cave· Captain Beefheart
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Underground 5:11
- 2 Walking Spanish 4:30
- 3 Jockey Full of Bourbon 4:13
- 4 Big Black Mariah 4:57
- 5 Downtown Train 4:13
- 6 Tango Till They’re Sore 9:12
- 7 I Beg Your Pardon Dear 4:33
- 8 Ruby’s Arms 4:24
- 9 Take Care of All Your Children / In the Neighborhood 5:30
- 10 Cemetery Polka 2:27
- 11 16 Shells From a Thirty‐Ought‐Six 5:07
- 12 Shore Leave 5:06
Disc 2
- 1 Rain Dogs 3:32
- 2 Down, Down, Down 5:20
- 3 Blind Love 4:57
- 4 $29.00 3:41
- 5 Introduction 3:33
- 6 Singapore 3:36
- 7 Christmas Card From a Hooker in Minneapolis 7:01
- 8 Till the Money Runs Out 3:57
- 9 9th & Hennepin 5:19
- 10 Tom Traubert’s Blues 5:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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