"Franks Wild Years" is an album by Tom Waits, an American singer-songwriter and actor known for his distinctive, gravelly voice. Released in 1987, the album is a rock opera that tells the story of Frank O'Brien, a character Waits had created for an earlier album.
The concept of the album stems from an earlier piece by Waits called "Frank's Wild Years" on his 1983 album "Swordfishtrombones". Here, the character Frank O'Brien is a suburbanite who dreams of a life beyond his mundane existence. In the "Franks Wild Years" album, this dream comes true, as Frank sets off on a surreal journey across America. Waits showcases his unique blend of various genres, including rock, blues, and experimental music throughout the album.
"Franks Wild Years" is often seen as the third in a trilogy of albums that began with "Swordfishtrombones" and continued with "Rain Dogs", both of which saw Waits moving away from his earlier, more traditional jazz sound to a more avant-garde and eclectic style.
In the album, Waits assumes multiple roles, not just of Frank, but also the other characters Frank encounters along the way. The album features both spoken word pieces and songs, presenting an evocative journey through both the American landscape and the human heart.
