Learning to Flinch
76 min · 17 tracks · folk rock
A sharp blend of dark humor and poignant storytelling wrapped in bluesy rock melodies and folk-inspired arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lawyers, Guns & Money — This track encapsulates Zevon's signature wit while tackling themes of desperation and moral ambiguity, making it a standout commentary on societal issues.
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Mr. Bad Example — Combining humor with a critique of reckless behavior, this song highlights Zevon's knack for blending storytelling with catchy melodies.
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Werewolves of London — While technically from an earlier album, its inclusion here serves as a reminder of Zevon's ability to fuse absurdity with serious undertones, marking his unique style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Zevon's blend of storytelling and musicality creates a compelling yet uneven experience across the album.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a series of songs that alternate between upbeat and somber themes.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with prominent piano and guitar lines that create a rich soundscape.
- 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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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- dark humor with poignant storytelling
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- reflective moments for late nights
- engaging narratives for attentive listeners
- playful irreverence throughout the album
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1987, Learning to Flinch is Warren Zevon's first album after a brief hiatus and his return to the music scene following the critical success of Sentimental Hygiene. At this point in his career, Zevon was rebuilding his reputation after struggles with addiction, showcasing both personal growth and artistic evolution through introspective lyrics and varied musical styles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jackson Browne· Loudon Wainwright III· Elvis Costello
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Lawyers, Guns & Money
The narrative shifts from a seemingly carefree life to a sudden plea for help amidst chaos.
This abrupt change in tone underscores the unpredictability of life and the consequences of one's actions.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Splendid Isolation 4:20
- 2 Lawyers, Guns & Money 3:21
- 3 Mr. Bad Example 3:08
- 4 Excitable Boy 2:41
- 5 Hasten Down the Wind 3:40
- 6 The French Inhaler 4:22
- 7 Worrier King 4:05
- 8 Roland Chorale 1:30
- 9 Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner 11:18
- 10 Searching for a Heart 3:50
- 11 Boom Boom Mancini 3:17
- 12 Jungle Work 4:54
- 13 Piano Fighter 4:08
- 14 Werewolves of London 4:09
- 15 The Indifference of Heaven 4:13
- 16 Poor Poor Pitiful Me 9:38
- 17 Play It All Night Long 3:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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