Tom Waits
Tom Waits lives in the middle ground — 18 moderate songs that balance intensity with control. 12 quiet anchors and 5 songs where they let go completely.
Across the 35 Tom Waits songs we've measured, intensity averages 34/100 — calmer than the typical song we measure (46/100).
They run from Rosie (the calmest here, 11) to Hoist That Rag (the most charged, 65), with layered textures most common and changes you can mostly see coming. It spans 1973–2006.
The widest dynamic swing belongs to Walking Spanish.
The songs that hit hardest
The controlled burn
The quiet ones
Frequently asked about Tom Waits
Answered from our measurements of every song above.
What is the most intense Tom Waits song?
Of the 35 Tom Waits songs we've measured, “Hoist That Rag” scores highest at 65/100 for intensity — computed from its dynamic range, texture, sudden changes and tempo.
What is the calmest Tom Waits song?
“Rosie” measures gentlest at 11/100. It runs 65 BPM. The songs here span 11–65 on our 0–100 intensity scale.
How intense is Tom Waits overall?
Tom Waits averages 34/100 intensity across 35 measured songs — calmer than the 46/100 catalog average.
What is the average tempo of Tom Waits?
The Tom Waits songs we've measured average about 92 BPM — midtempo.
Which Tom Waits songs are calm enough for background listening?
These measure in our gentlest band (steady level, no sudden shifts): “Rosie”, “Time”, “Take It With Me”, “I Hope That I Don't Fall in Love with You”.
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