Mr. Bad Example
Warren Zevon · 1991
40 min · 10 tracks · folk rock
A blend of sardonic wit and melodic storytelling, layered over bluesy rock rhythms that encapsulate the essence of early '90s Americana.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Mr. Bad Example — The title track encapsulates Zevon's trademark blend of humor and self-deprecation, providing a catchy melody paired with sharp lyrics about reckless behavior.
-
→
Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead — This track stands out for its vivid storytelling and darkly comic narrative, illustrating Zevon's ability to weave engaging tales through music.
-
→
Searching for a Heart — With its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, this song reveals a more vulnerable side of Zevon, contrasting sharply with the album's more playful moments.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Zevon's blend of wit and melody creates a distinctive sound, supported by strong craftsmanship and engaging lyrics.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a steady mid-tempo track that sets a conversational tone, leading into more upbeat songs that maintain a consistent energy.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, with prominent piano and guitar lines that create a rich, textured sound.
- The lyrics often employ dark humor and storytelling, with recurring themes of personal struggle and societal critique throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
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
- introspective storytelling journeys
- dark humor reflections
- steady narrative pacing
- thought-provoking lyrical content
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1991, Mr. Bad Example is Warren Zevon's sixth studio album, arriving after a period marked by personal struggles and a resurgence in creativity following his comeback album, Sentimental Hygiene. This record solidified his unique voice in rock music, showcasing a blend of humor and introspection that characterized his later work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jackson Browne· Loudon Wainwright III· Elvis Costello
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Finishing Touches 4:06
- 2 Suzie Lightning 4:03
- 3 Model Citizen 4:39
- 4 Angel Dressed in Black 4:24
- 5 Mr. Bad Example 3:21
- 6 Renegade 4:50
- 7 Heartache Spoken Here 3:48
- 8 Quite Ugly One Morning 3:53
- 9 Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead 2:52
- 10 Searching for a Heart 4:16
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.