OK, with my tag as "waitsfan", I can admit to bias. On the other hand, the bias isn't personal. It's the ultimate rating, so I consider it valid. I grew up with poetry and appreciated Elton/Taupin, Lennon/McCartney, and so many others, but I believe Waits is without peer. He uses terminology & jargon combined from years on the road and a more mature period after, where he's never lost his touch and relevance in the 34 years since the release of Closing Time. I've changed my mind at least 25 times on which album/CD is his best in music, lyrics, and overall. A tremendous talent far more appreciated in the industry than by the general public. Those who know his work love it, as evidenced by a show I saw a few years ago for $85 in NYC, where a later Elvis Costello show was on the docket for $35-$45. As a singer, he taught me to listen and not give up on a song after my initial impressions, as opposed to hearing and judging. As a writer, if there are phrases I don't get, I know it's something I may learn in years to come. Educational on so many levels.

One of the best- Jersey girl,Downtown Train,Alice etc.

He's a songwriter without any peers. He will use anything, mix circus music with blues, use the most anguished sounding voice or instrument and set it to a lullaby, and crack the corniest of jokes in the middle of the most serious sounding song. And he will never settle into a rut. Just when you have caught up to what he is doing, and learned how to listen to him, he turns 180 degrees and then starts running sideways.