For fans of gritty vocals, poetic storytelling, and experimental songwriting, this list of the top 10 Tom Waits songs from the 1970s highlights his most influential and enduring work. Whether you’re new to Waits or a longtime aficionado, these tracks showcase his unique ability to blend jazz, blues, and folk into a dark, cinematic soundscape that defined an era.
1. “Ol’ ’55” (1973)
“Ol’ ’55” is one of Tom Waits’s earliest recordings, featured on his debut album Closing Time. With its gentle piano melody and nostalgic lyrics about a slow-moving life, it captures Waits’s tender side before his voice grew more gravelly. The song’s simplicity and heartfelt storytelling make it a timeless classic that set the tone for his poetic style.
2. “The Heart of Saturday Night” (1974)
The title track from the album The Heart of Saturday Night embodies Waits’s jazz-influenced sound, with a relaxed, smoky atmosphere. Its lyrics evoke the loneliness and charm of late-night city life, emphasizing his mastery of mood and character. This song helped establish Waits’s reputation as a songwriter with a cinematic vision of urban Americana.
3. “I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love with You” (1974)
This song is a candid, vulnerable take on romantic anxiety, featuring a simple guitar and piano arrangement. Its honest lyrics and relatable theme made it a favorite among fans and a staple in Waits’s live performances. It exemplifies his ability to turn everyday life into poetic art.
4. “Step Right Up” (1976)
From the album Small Change, “Step Right Up” is a spoken-word piece that mimics a carnival barker’s pitch, filled with wit and social commentary. Its inventive structure and satirical tone showcase Waits’s experimental side and his knack for blending performance art with music. It’s a standout example of his creative storytelling.
5. “The Piano Has Been Drinking (Not Me)” (1976)
This humorous, autobiographical song features Waits’s gravelly voice and jazzy piano, capturing the drunken, down-and-out vibe of a late-night bar. Its candid humor and raw emotion make it an iconic piece that reflects his gritty realism and love for character-driven songs.
6. “Downtown Train” (1976)
Although later popularized by Rod Stewart, Waits’s original version on Small Change is more atmospheric and haunting. The song’s lyrical imagery of longing and urban decay perfectly encapsulates his poetic style. It’s a testament to his songwriting prowess that others have covered it so successfully.
7. “Martha” (1973)
“Martha” is a poignant ballad from Closing Time, depicting a bittersweet love story with delicate piano and gentle vocals. Its emotional depth and simplicity exemplify Waits’s ability to craft heartfelt narratives that resonate deeply with listeners.
8. “Georgia Lee” (1974)
From The Heart of Saturday Night, “Georgia Lee” is a storytelling song that portrays a young girl’s tragic life in a small town. Its vivid imagery and empathetic lyrics highlight Waits’s talent for capturing the human condition in song, making it a compelling listen.
9. “Kentucky Avenue” (1974)
This track offers a nostalgic reflection on childhood and innocence lost, set against a simple, repetitive musical backdrop. Its poetic lyrics and emotional honesty make it a powerful piece in Waits’s early catalog, emphasizing his gift for storytelling.
10. “Blue Valentine” (1974)
“Blue Valentine” is a haunting, melancholic ballad about love and heartbreak, with sparse instrumentation that allows Waits’s expressive voice to shine. Its raw vulnerability and poetic lyricism make it one of his most enduring songs from the 1970s.
How to Choose
When selecting your favorite Tom Waits songs from the 1970s, consider what aspects resonate most—whether it’s his lyrical storytelling, vocal style, or musical experimentation. Some listeners prefer the tender, poetic ballads like “Martha” or “Ol’ ’55,” while others are drawn to his more theatrical, satirical pieces like “Step Right Up.” Pay attention to the mood you enjoy: mellow and introspective or gritty and lively. Ultimately, the best song is the one that captures your own sense of storytelling or emotional connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Tom Waits’s 1970s songs distinctive? His use of poetic lyrics, experimental arrangements, and gravelly voice created a unique sound that blended jazz, blues, and folk, setting him apart from contemporaries.
- Which album should I start with for 1970s Tom Waits? Closing Time and The Heart of Saturday Night are excellent starting points, showcasing his early acoustic and jazz-influenced style.
- Did Tom Waits write these songs entirely himself? Yes, all the songs listed are written by Tom Waits, often in collaboration with his wife, Kathleen Brennan, although their collaborations became more prominent in later decades.
- Are these songs still relevant today? Absolutely. Their themes of love, loss, and urban life remain timeless, and his songwriting continues to influence artists across genres.
- How did Tom Waits’s style evolve after the 1970s? He shifted toward more experimental sounds with albums like Bone Machine and Rain Dogs, but his 1970s work remains foundational for understanding his artistic roots.
Final Thoughts
Tom Waits’s 1970s catalog is a treasure trove of poetic storytelling, innovative arrangements, and emotionally raw performances. These songs not only defined his career but also left an indelible mark on American music as a whole. Whether you’re exploring his early work for the first time or revisiting these classics, they offer a glimpse into the mind of one of the most distinctive voices in songwriting history. Dive in, listen closely, and let his gritty, poetic world draw you in.
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