Tom Waits-Rain Dogs (1985)

"His music is bizarre," a music critic once described Tom Waits, and he wasn't wrong. This actor, singer, and songwriter, with a career spanning almost 50 years, has garnered critical acclaim in underground circles and a cult following. However, Tom Waits has never achieved commercial success with any of his work, mainly due to his strange, experimental, and risky music, his unmistakable style, and that raspy voice, a product of tobacco and alcohol, which has kept him from reaching a wider audience. In fact, he has a small but dedicated legion of fans who have remained steadfast in following all his work. Influenced by the Beat Generation writers, his lyrics deal with real life on the streets, the shady dealings in the underworld, and the nocturnal atmosphere of seedy neighborhoods. In 1985, his ninth album, "Rain Dogs", was released. It was another experimental work with an eclectic style, but looking back to his earlier albums, it had a more melodic and "accessible" sound (though it's certainly not very accessible). The music here continues to be eccentric to an unexpected degree, with nods to jazz and blues, and prominent double bass and percussion rhythms. Even so, Tom Waits has a special and unique aura, to the point that artists of the caliber of Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, and Rod Stewart, among others, have covered many of his songs.