What makes Wicked Grin by John P. Hammond notable?

Wicked Grin received critical acclaim for its bold reinterpretations of Tom Waits' work, reaching notable positions on blues charts and further cementing Hammond's reputation as a master of the genre. The album is often recognized for its innovative approach to blending rock and traditional blues, influencing a generation of musicians seeking to explore roots music. Released in 2001, Wicked Grin marked John P. Hammond's return to the studio after a five-year hiatus since his last album, 1996's Got Love If You Want It. This album showcases Hammond's deep connection to the blues tradition, featuring a collection of Tom Waits covers that highlights his artistic versatility and commitment to authentic sound.

How many songs are on Wicked Grin?

Wicked Grin has 13 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Wicked Grin

John P. Hammond · 2001

55 min · 13 tracks · blues

Raw blues-infused rock meets storytelling lyrics, creating a gritty yet soulful sonic landscape.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Heartattack and Vine — This track exemplifies Hammond's ability to convey raw emotion through his vocals while maintaining an energetic rhythm. Its relentless groove captures the essence of Waits' songwriting.
→
Get Behind the Mule — The song combines powerful storytelling with a driving beat, showcasing Hammond's skill in interpreting blues classics with his unique flair. Its call-and-response structure engages listeners on multiple levels.
→
'til the Money Runs Out — Hammond's rendition brings a fresh perspective to this piece, emphasizing its themes of desperation and survival with passionate delivery and intricate guitar work that stands out throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Wicked Grin showcases strong songwriting and performance while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of raw, gritty guitar tones that drive the rhythm across most tracks.
Hammond's vocal delivery combines storytelling with a bluesy inflection, often shifting between spoken word and singing.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt endings or extended instrumental sections.

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: 8/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 2:19 4:42
2 Heartattack and Vine 4:40
3 Clap Hands 3:59
4 'til the Money Runs Out 4:02
5 16 Shells From a Thirty-Ought Six 4:37
6 Buzz Fledderjohn 4:14
7 Get Behind the Mule 5:54
8 Shore Leave 2:58
9 Fannin Street 4:48
10 Jockey Full of Bourbon 3:32
11 Big Black Mariah 4:09
12 Murder in the Red Barn 5:56
13 I Know I've Been Changed 2:19

What to play next

Listen next

Ready for Love

2003

Go back to

Long as I Have You

1998

Full John P. Hammond discography Artists like John P. Hammond

blues

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata