Warren Zevon: Five Standout Album Openers

Warren Zevon: Five Standout Album Openers

Warren Zevon is known for his heartfelt ballads, but he also had a knack for kicking things up a notch with some high-energy tracks. Let's take a look at five standout album openers from his impressive discography.

On his self-titled 1976 album, Zevon set the stage with the nimble piano work of "Frank And Jesse James," establishing his artistic identity and delivering a masterpiece.

With the release of Excitable Boy, Zevon found radio success with hits like "Werewolves Of London" and "Lawyers, Guns And Money." The album's leadoff track, "Johnny Strikes Up The Band," showcases a more upbeat sound and sets the tone for the record.

In 1987, Zevon made a comeback with Sentimental Hygiene, featuring the title track as the album opener. Neil Young's signature lead guitar adds a tough edge to Zevon's bluesy laments about soul cleanliness.

Life'll Kill Ya marked a creative resurgence for Zevon, with the killer opening track "I Was In The House When The House Burned Down." Despite its acoustic nature, the song packs a rhythmic punch and showcases Zevon's standout vocals.

On his final album, Zevon didn't shy away from his ne'er-do-well reputation. Tracks like "Dirty Life And Times" reference his past misdeeds with a wry smile, backed by Ry Cooder's deft lead guitar.

These album openers demonstrate Zevon's versatility and ability to captivate listeners with his unique blend of storytelling and musical prowess.