One from the Heart cover

One from the Heart

Tom Waits · 1982

42 min · 12 tracks · blues · jazz

A haunting blend of jazz-infused balladry and whimsical storytelling, steeped in nighttime melancholy.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • nighttime melancholy with whimsical storytelling
  • dynamic narrative flow through tracks
  • short bursts of reflective emotion
  • piano-driven intimacy for quiet moments

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking upbeat party vibes
  • prefer standalone hits over narratives

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on February 1, 1982, 'One from the Heart' was a departure for Tom Waits, following his acclaimed album 'Blue Valentine' from 1978. This album marked his first collaboration with director Francis Ford Coppola, serving as the soundtrack for the film of the same name. Waits was transitioning into a more theatrical phase of his career, showcasing his unique blend of music and storytelling.
Stylistic neighbors
Leonard Cohen· Nick Cave· Captain Beefheart

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Opening Montage: Tom's Piano Intro / Once Upon a Town / The Wages of Love 5:16
  • 2 Is There Any Way out of This Dream? 2:13
  • 3 Picking Up After You 3:54
  • 4 Old Boyfriends 5:53
  • 5 Broken Bicycles 2:53
  • 6 I Beg Your Pardon 4:26
  • 7 Little Boy Blue 3:43
  • 8 Instrumental Montage: The Tango / Circus Girl 3:00
  • 9 You Can't Unring a Bell 2:20
  • 10 This One's From the Heart 5:45
  • 11 Take Me Home 1:37
  • 12 Presents 1:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata