This is in the top echelon of storytelling albums. There’s John Prine and there’s this album. Only one bugs life, and that’s my man newman. Does he say the n word on this album a couple times, yes he does. He also has a friend in me. Is this some goofy shit, yes but got dang does this do it for this cracker. These songs are so good, he’s such a good songwriter. I love his ability to take something ugly and dissonant and make it beautiful so quickly. I want to hear him in a 10 person room with a piano and PBR on tap. I will not sing the n word I promise, but I also promise to love every second of it. Hearty 5/5. Please give me another Randy Newman album.