CD Tom Waits – Closing Time

The essential debut from an American original.

Released in 1973, Closing Time marked the arrival of Tom Waits, an artist who stood apart from the mainstream landscape of his era. Far from the typical singer-songwriter, Waits introduced a unique, gravelly voice and a masterful talent for storytelling that leaned into jazz, blues, and moody balladry. Critics hailed the debut for its "sardonic, vulnerable, and emotionally charged" persona, establishing Waits as a significant new voice in American music.

Through the haze of late-night bars and lonesome city streets, Closing Time offers a glimpse into a world of missed opportunities and raw human sentiment. The album features some of his most structured and poignant songwriting, including the stand-out track "Ol' '55," later famously covered by The Eagles, and the intimate, observational classic "I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love With You."

Album Highlights:

• Genre: Rock / Singer-Songwriter / Blues
• Key Tracks: "Ol' '55," "I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love With You"
• Legacy: Voted #880 in Colin Larkin’s All Time Top 1000 Albums
• Critical Acclaim: Praised as a "remarkable debut" by Rolling Stone and noted for its honest, bittersweet sentimentality.

Whether you are a longtime fan or discovering his catalog for the first time, Closing Time remains the definitive starting point of Tom Waits’ legendary career.