The Most Popular Tom Waits Song, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the song you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:51
Determining the most beloved Tom Waits song can be as eclectic and nuanced as the artist's own discography. Fans might argue passionately in cafes or online forums, each championing different tracks for their poetic lyrics or distinctive soundscapes. Such debates often highlight the diverse musical preferences within his fanbase and the personal connections listeners have with his songs.
By casting a vote on your top picks, you contribute to a collective exploration of Tom Waits' influential music. This voting process not only reveals which songs resonate most with the wider audience but also provides newcomers a guided introduction to his extensive works. Each vote helps shape a living snapshot of admirer preferences, enriching the discussion around this iconic musician's legacy.
What Is the Most Popular Tom Waits Song?
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155votes
Downtown Train
Tom WaitsThis song became a hit for Rod Stewart in the 1980s, but it was originally written and performed by Tom Waits. It remains one of his most popular and beloved songs.Downtown Train is a popular song written and originally performed by Tom Waits. It was released in 1985 as part of his album 'Rain Dogs'. The song has since been covered by various artists and has become one of Tom Waits' most well-known tunes.- Release Year: 1985
- Album: Rain Dogs
- Genre: Rock/Pop
- Length: 3:52
- Label: Island
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226votesThis melancholy love song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Elvis Costello and Norah Jones.I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love With You is a popular song by Tom Waits that was released in 1973 on his debut album Closing Time. The song is a timeless, melancholic ballad that explores the complexities of romantic relationships and the fear of falling in love. It showcases Waits' distinctive gravelly voice, heartfelt lyrics, and a simple yet captivating instrumentation.
- Release Year: 1973
- Album: Closing Time
- Genre: Folk / Singer-songwriter
- Duration: 3:54
- Lyricist: Tom Waits
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337votes
Tom Traubert's Blues
Tom WaitsAlso known as "Waltzing Matilda," this song is a tribute to a friend of Waits who has passed away. Its haunting melody and lyrics have made it a fan favorite.Tom Traubert's Blues, also known as Waltzing Matilda, is a melancholic and poignant song by American singer-songwriter Tom Waits. It was released in 1976 on his album 'Small Change'. The song is a powerful ballad that tells a story of lost love, loneliness, and longing. It showcases Waits' distinctive gravelly vocals and heartfelt storytelling.- Year of release: 1976
- Album: Small Change
- Genre: Blues
- Length: 6:40
- Lyrics language: English
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414votes
Jersey Girl
Tom WaitsOriginally written for Waits' wife, this song has been covered by Bruce Springsteen and is a staple of his live shows.Jersey Girl is a song that was originally written and performed by musician Tom Waits. It was later popularized by Bruce Springsteen when he recorded a live version of the song. The song captures the feelings of love and longing for a girl from New Jersey.- Genre: Rock
- Album: Heartattack and Vine
- Year: 1980
- Length: 5:13
- Label: Asylum Records
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517votes
Hold On
Tom WaitsThis upbeat tune with a gospel feel has been featured in movies and TV shows, and is one of Waits' most recognizable songs.Hold On is a soulful and melancholic ballad, written and performed by the renowned American singer-songwriter Tom Waits. The song was originally released in 1999 as part of his critically acclaimed album Mule Variations. Hold On showcases Waits' distinctive gravelly voice and his masterful storytelling ability. With its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful instrumentation, the song has resonated with audiences around the world, becoming one of the most popular tracks in Waits' extensive discography.- Album: Mule Variations
- Year: 1999
- Genre: Singer-songwriter, Ballad
- Length: 3:45
- Lyrics: https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/tomwaits/holdon.html
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624votes
Ol' 55
Tom WaitsThis song was covered by the Eagles, but the original version by Waits remains a fan favorite. Its nostalgic lyrics and melody make it a classic.Ol' 55 is a song by American singer-songwriter Tom Waits. It was released on his 1973 album 'Closing Time' and has since become one of his most popular songs. The song has a mellow, nostalgic vibe, featuring Waits' signature gravelly vocals and a beautiful blend of folk, rock, and blues elements. It tells the story of a journey, reflecting on life's ups and downs and the passage of time.- Release Date: 1973
- Genre: Rock, Folk, Blues
- Album: Closing Time
- Length: 3:58
- Label: Asylum Records
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75votes
Innocent When You Dream
Tom WaitsThis dreamy ballad has been covered by many artists, including Iggy Pop and Emmylou Harris. Its ethereal quality and poetic lyrics make it a standout.Innocent When You Dream is a popular song by American singer-songwriter Tom Waits. It is featured on his album 'Franks Wild Years' released in 1987. The song showcases Waits' unique storytelling style and his raspy, emotive vocals. With its melancholic and dream-like atmosphere, Innocent When You Dream has become one of Waits' most beloved and timeless compositions.- Album: Franks Wild Years
- Year: 1987
- Genre: Rock, Experimental
- Length: 3 minutes and 9 seconds
- Lyricist: Tom Waits
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85votesThis song tells the story of a man reminiscing about his lost love, and has been covered by artists such as Meat Loaf and Tim Buckley. Its heartfelt lyrics and simple melody make it a fan favorite.Martha is a heartfelt ballad composed by the iconic American singer-songwriter Tom Waits. It was released in 1973 as a part of his album called 'Closing Time'. The song tells the story of a man reminiscing about a past love and wondering what could have been. Martha reflects on the passage of time and the longing for a lost connection.
- Release Year: 1973
- Album: Closing Time
- Genre: Folk
- Song Length: 4:31
- Songwriter(s): Tom Waits
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96votes
Rain Dogs
Tom WaitsThe title track from Waits' 1985 album, this song has become a cult favorite among fans. Its gritty lyrics and bluesy sound capture the essence of Waits' style.Rain Dogs is a song by Tom Waits, one of the most popular songs from his 1985 album also titled 'Rain Dogs.' It showcases Waits' unique blend of blues, rock, and avant-garde styles, accompanied by his distinctive growling vocal delivery. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of urban life and the struggles faced by people on the fringes of society. Rain Dogs is known for its gritty atmosphere and poetic storytelling, making it a standout track in Waits' discography.- Album: Rain Dogs
- Year: 1985
- Genre: Blues Rock
- Length: 3:54
- Label: Island Records
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107votes
Jockey Full of Bourbon
Tom WaitsThis song has been featured in movies and TV shows, and is known for its infectious rhythm and intriguing lyrics. It's a perfect example of Waits' unique style and sound.Jockey Full of Bourbon is a popular song by Tom Waits that was released in 1985 as part of his album Rain Dogs. The song showcases Waits' distinctive gravelly voice and his unique blend of jazz, blues, and rock influences. It has become one of his most beloved and widely recognized tracks, often cited as a quintessential example of his signature style.- Album: Rain Dogs
- Release Year: 1985
- Genre: Jazz, Blues, Rock
- Length: 2:44
- Lyricist: Tom Waits
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Ranking factors for popular song
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Critical acclaimThe songs that have been particularly well-received by critics and have helped solidify Tom Waits' status as one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
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LegacyThe songs that have had a lasting impact on popular culture and have been covered or sampled by other artists, or have influenced the work of other songwriters.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Tom Waits song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 4022 views
- 168 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular tom waits song
Tom Waits is a beloved American musician, songwriter, and actor known for his distinctive voice and unique blend of blues, jazz, and rock music. Born in California in 1949, Waits released his first album, "Closing Time," in 1973 and has since become a cult favorite among music fans. Over the years, he has released over 20 studio albums, each with their own distinct sound and style. With a career spanning over four decades, Waits has earned critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. In this poll, we'll be taking a look at some of his most popular songs and asking you to vote for your favorite. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual listener, we hope you'll enjoy participating in this poll and discovering some of Tom Waits' best work.
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