Little Criminals
Randy Newman · 1977
38 min · 12 tracks · blues
A satirical blend of Americana, quirky storytelling, and poignant melodies that critiques society with a wry smile.
Top tracks — play these first
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Short People Start here — This track captures Newman's signature blend of humor and social commentary, using irony to challenge prejudice against those who are different.
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Texas Girl at the Funeral of Her Father — This song stands out for its poignant storytelling, presenting a delicate balance of humor and pathos while exploring themes of loss and identity.
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In Germany Before the War — Utilizing dark humor, this track reflects on the absurdity of human behavior during times of conflict, showcasing Newman’s ability to provoke thought through satire.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends satirical lyrics with engaging melodies, showcasing Newman's unique style and craftsmanship.
What we noticed
- Newman's use of piano-driven melodies is prominent, often accompanied by orchestral arrangements that enhance the satirical storytelling.
- 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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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
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
- short, engaging listening sessions
- playful yet introspective moods
- sardonic storytelling experiences
- quirky, whimsical reflections
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Newman's reputation with the hit 'Short People'.
- Career context
- By 1977, Randy Newman had established himself as a distinctive voice in music, following his breakthrough album 'Good Old Boys'. 'Little Criminals' marked his fifth studio album and showcased his evolution towards a more commercially accessible sound while maintaining his sharp lyrical wit.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Harry Nilsson· Leonard Cohen· Tom Waits
Tracklist
- 1 Short People Start here 2:57
- 2 You Can't Fool the Fat Man 2:46
- 3 Little Criminals 3:06
- 4 Texas Girl at the Funeral of Her Father 2:43
- 5 Jolly Coppers on Parade 3:49
- 6 In Germany Before the War 3:42
- 7 Sigmund Freud's Impersonation of Albert Einstein in America 2:53
- 8 Baltimore 4:05
- 9 I'll Be Home 2:48
- 10 Rider in the Rain 3:54
- 11 Kathleen (Catholicism Made Easier) 3:37
- 12 Old Man on the Farm 2:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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