"The Heart of Saturday Night" is the second studio album by singer-songwriter Tom Waits, released on October 15, 1974, by Asylum Records. This album marked the beginning of a significant collaboration between Waits and producer Bones Howe, who would work together for nearly a decade.
The title track, "The Heart of Saturday Night," serves as a tribute to the literary icon Jack Kerouac, reflecting Waits' deep appreciation for the beat generation and its influence on his music and lyrics. The album showcases Waits' signature blend of jazz, blues, and folk, highlighting his distinctive gravelly voice and evocative storytelling.
The album cover is inspired by Frank Sinatra's In the Wee Small Hours, featuring an illustration of a weary Tom Waits observed by a blonde woman as he steps out of a neon-lit cocktail lounge late at night. The artwork, created by Lynn Lascaro and directed by Cal Schenkel, captures the late-night vibe that permeates the album, complementing its themes of longing and urban melancholy.
The Heart of Saturday Night further established Waits as a unique voice in American music, setting the stage for his future explorations into more experimental sounds.
