Tom Waits’ Best Music: A Cheat Sheet

All musicians whose careers span decades go through some kind of evolution. But few have changed as much over the years as Tom Waits. It amazes me how many people know of his work through other singers’ covers, and recognize him only from his roles in film. Waits emerged in the ’70s with a unique, hybrid folk/jazz sound that was very different from the acid-rock music that was filling the airwaves. His music was seen by some as a revival of the beat movement, almost like an amalgam of the styles of Louis Armstrong, Hoagie Carmichael, and Leonard Cohen.

In the early ’80s, Waits began to shrug off the musical style that had made him famous. He became more experimental with his sound, releasing the album Swordfishtrombones in 1983 to a surprised audience. His songwriting moved away from ballads and toward more radical pop sounds. But what shocked his fans most was the way he tried on different voices like a shopper tries on clothes. He varied between sweet, somber tones and a gruff, blues-like howl. When a song ended, the seconds of silence between tracks made you agitate with wonder as to exactly which Tom Waits would appear next. You don’t really get that experience with anyone else.

As you might expect, some of Tom Waits’ fans didn’t follow him in his evolution.  But these changes brought new fans who appreciated his creativity and willingness to push barriers. Waits’ experimentation with sounds and vocals has only become more adventurous over the years, netting him several major awards and international renown.

Much like jumping head-first into Bob Dylan’s discography, Tom Waits’ catalogue can be a little intimidating. Shuffling between albums like Closing Time (1973) and Bone Machine (1999), you may wonder if you’re listening to the same artist at all. So here’s a suggested playlist that you might want to use as a cheat sheet. The songs are listed in chronological order by album release date. If you like these songs, then you might want to check out the whole albums. Either way, this will give you a good introduction to Tom Waits’ music, offering a small taste of his unique talent, wit, and charm.
 

Tom Waits’ Best Music: A Cheat Sheet

1. I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love with You, from the album, Closing Time (1973)
2. Ol ’55, from the album, Closing Time (1973)
3. Grapefruit Moon, from the album, Closing Time (1973)
4. Martha, from the album, Closing Time (1973)
5. San Diego Serenade, from the album, The Heart of Saturday Night (1974)
6. (Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night, from the album, The Heart of Saturday Night (1974)
7. Drunk on the Moon, from the album, The Heart of Saturday Night (1974)
8. The Piano Has Been Drinking (Not Me), from the album, Small Change (1976)
9. Invitation to the Blues, from the album, Small Change (1976)
10. Foreign Affair, from the album, Foreign Affairs (1977)
11. Downtown, from the album, Heartattack and Vine (1980)
12. Jersey Girl, from the album, Heartattack and Vine (1980)
13. Broken Bicycles, from the album, One From the Heart (1982)
14. Johnsburg, Illinois, from the album, Swordfishtrombines (1983)
15. In the Neighborhood, from the album, Swordfishtrombines (1983)
16. Time, from the album, Rain Dogs (1985)
17. Hang Down Your Head, from the album, Rain Dogs (1985)
18. Rain Dogs, from the album, Rain Dogs (1985)
19. Downtown Train, from the album, Rain Dogs (1985)
20. Innocent When You Dream (Barroom), from the album, Frank’s Wild Years (1987)
21. Cold, Cold, Ground, from the album, Frank’s Wild Years (1987)
22. I Don’t Wanna Grow Up, from the album, Bone Machine (1992)
23. Goin’ Out West, from the album, Bone Machine (1992)
24. Hold On, from the album, Mule Variations (1999)
25. House Where Nobody Lives, from the album, Mule Variations (1999)
26. Picture in a Frame, from the album, Mule Variations (1999)
27. All the World Is Green, from the album, Blood Money (2002)
28. You Can Never Hold Back Spring [CD-only], from the album, Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards (2006)
29. Little Drop of Poison [CD-only], from the album, Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards (2006)
30. Take Care of All My Children [CD-only], from the album, Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards (2006)

This list is by no means definitive or exhaustive. I didn’t even include all of Tom Waits’ albums. This is simply 30 songs that will serve as a blueprint for someone who’s just discovered Wait’s music and wants to learn more.  If you wanted to run to a used-CD store and pick up a few albums, I personally think these are his best five:

1. Closing Time
2. The Heart of Saturday Night
3. Rain Dogs
4. Mule Variations
5. Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards

Others may argue about whether another album or two should be include in this list, but no one will deny that you could do a lot worse than buying all five of these to start your collection.  You should also check out The Early Years, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 for less-polished recordings of many of the songs listed above.

Did I miss something?  Think I’m way off with this list?  Tell me about it in the comments.