Tom Waits – Closing Time VG/VG+

“Closing Time,” the debut album by American singer-songwriter Tom Waits, was released on March 6, 1973. This album introduces Waits’ unique blend of jazz, blues, and folk influences, showcasing his distinctive gravelly voice and poetic storytelling. “Closing Time” stands as a departure from the mainstream rock of its era, featuring a more introspective and melancholic sound.

The album is characterized by its nocturnal ambiance, filled with piano-driven ballads and lyrical narratives that paint vivid pictures of life’s underbelly and the forlorn aspects of the human condition. The opening track, “Ol’ ’55,” which was later covered by the Eagles, is a highlight and offers a glimpse of Waits’ ability to combine lyrical emotion with melodic warmth.

Throughout the album, Waits’ songwriting skills are on full display. Tracks like “Martha” and “I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love with You” are poignant and evocative, telling stories of love, loss, and longing with a deep sense of authenticity. The instrumentation on the album, with its gentle guitar strums, subtle bass lines, and soft percussion, complements Waits’ raspy, expressive voice, creating a mood that is at once intimate and haunting.