About this album
Where they were
Released in 1986, 'Asylum Years' captures Tom Waits during a transformative phase, following his critically acclaimed album 'Swordfishtrombones' from 1983. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from a more traditional singer-songwriter approach to a grittier, avant-garde style that would define his later works.
Why it matters
This album is significant for its innovative blend of genres and poetic lyricism, further solidifying Waits' reputation as a unique voice in American music. It received positive critical reception and has influenced numerous artists across various genres, establishing him as a key figure in the alternative music scene of the 1980s.
Essential tracks
- "Tom Traubert's Blues" — This track showcases Waits' ability to weave vivid narratives with emotional depth, exemplifying his unique lyrical style and vocal delivery.
- "Martha" — A poignant ballad that highlights Waits’ skill in capturing complex emotions through simple yet powerful storytelling.
- "Kentucky Avenue" — This song encapsulates the nostalgia and longing present in much of Waits' work, featuring rich imagery and a haunting melody.
- "(Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night" — An early example of Waits’ signature blend of romanticism and melancholy, emphasizing the allure and heartbreak of nightlife.
Release Date
January 1, 1986
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Diamonds on My Windshield 3:08
- 2 (Looking for) The Heart of Saturday Night 3:55
- 3 Martha 4:29
- 4 The Ghosts of Saturday Night (After Hours at Napoleone's Pizza House) 3:14
- 5 Grapefruit Moon 4:49
- 6 Small Change 5:05
- 7 Burma Shave 6:33
- 8 I Never Talk to Strangers 3:41
- 9 Tom Traubert's Blues 6:34
- 10 Blue Valentines 5:54
- 11 Potter's Field 8:44
- 12 Kentucky Avenue 4:51
- 13 Somewhere (from 'West Side Story') 3:53
- 14 Ruby's Arms 5:35
