What makes What Am I Doing in New Jersey? by George Carlin notable?

This album is significant for its critical examination of societal norms and politics, specifically targeting the Reagan era. Carlin's candid approach contributed to his status as one of America's most provocative comedians, influencing future generations of stand-up artists. Released in 1988, What Am I Doing in New Jersey? marked George Carlin's return to stand-up after a brief hiatus. It followed the acclaimed comedy special, Playin' with Your Head, further solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in American comedy during the late 1980s.

How many songs are on What Am I Doing in New Jersey??

What Am I Doing in New Jersey? has 4 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

What Am I Doing in New Jersey?

George Carlin

47 min · 4 tracks

A sharp and incisive exploration of American absurdities through Carlin's signature blend of humor and social critique.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Reagan's Gang, Church People, and American Values — This track encapsulates Carlin's biting wit as he critiques the intersection of politics and religion in America, showcasing his ability to provoke thought while entertaining.
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Keeping People Alert — In this track, Carlin engages audiences with his observations on societal complacency, using humor to challenge listeners to remain aware of their surroundings.
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More Stuff on Cars and Driving — Carlin's comedic dissection of driving culture highlights his observational prowess, turning mundane experiences into profound commentary about modern life.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

Carlin's incisive humor and thematic focus create a strong comedic narrative, though the album's brevity affects its overall cohesion.

What we noticed

The album features four distinct tracks, each focusing on different societal critiques, with Carlin's delivery shifting between observational humor and sharp commentary.
Each track is structured around a central theme, allowing Carlin to build his arguments progressively before delivering punchlines.
The pacing varies, with some segments featuring rapid-fire jokes while others allow for more reflective moments on the absurdities of American life.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Reagan's Gang, Church People, and American Values 11:10
2 Keeping People Alert 11:11
3 People I Can Do Without 3:47
4 More Stuff on Cars and Driving 21:37

What to play next

Listen next

Indecent Exposure

Go back to

Carlin on Campus

Full George Carlin discography Where to start with George Carlin Artists like George Carlin

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