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This Complete List Of Warren Zevon Albums And Songs presents the full discography of Warren Zevon studio albums. Warren Zevon was born on Warren Zevon hailed from the area of This complete Warren Zevon discography also includes every single live album. All these spectacular Warren Zevon albums have been presented below in chronological order. We have also included all original release dates with each Warren Zevon album as well as all original album covers. Every Warren Zevon album listed below showcases the entire Warren Zevon album tracklisting.
WARREN ZEVON STUDIO ALBUMS
Wanted Dead or Alive
Released: 1970
“Wanted Dead or Alive” is Warren Zevon’s debut album. The album was a commercial disappointment, and it would take another six years for Zevon to achieve significant recognition. However, it was an early display of Zevon’s lyrical prowess and eclectic style.
The album featured Warren Zevon on vocals, piano, and guitar, along with various session musicians. It was produced by Kim Fowley and Marty Cerf. The album was released on Imperial Records and was recorded at various studios in Los Angeles in 1969.
CD Track Listings:
- “Frank and Jesse James” – 4:33
- “Mama Couldn’t Be Persuaded” – 2:53
- “Backs Turned Looking Down the Path” – 2:27
- “Hasten Down the Wind” – 2:58
- “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” – 3:04
- “The French Inhaler” – 3:44
- “Mohammed’s Radio” – 3:40
- “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” – 2:56
- “Carmelita” – 3:32
- “Join Me in L.A.” – 3:13
Warren Zevon
Released: 1976
“Warren Zevon” marked Zevon’s second attempt at a career in music, and it was the album that would finally get him the attention he deserved. Featuring the classics “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” and “Carmelita,” this album put Zevon on the map as a serious singer-songwriter.
The album featured Warren Zevon on vocals, guitar, piano, Jackson Browne as producer, and various guest musicians like Lindsey Buckingham. It was released on Asylum Records. The album was recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles in 1975.
CD Track Listings:
- “Frank and Jesse James” – 4:33
- “Mama Couldn’t Be Persuaded” – 2:53
- “Backs Turned Looking Down the Path” – 2:27
- “Hasten Down the Wind” – 2:58
- “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” – 3:04
- “The French Inhaler” – 3:44
- “Mohammed’s Radio” – 3:40
- “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” – 2:56
- “Carmelita” – 3:32
- “Join Me in L.A.” – 3:13
Excitable Boy
Released: 1978
“Excitable Boy” was Zevon’s breakthrough album, featuring hits like “Werewolves of London” and “Lawyers, Guns and Money.” The album was a commercial success, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The album was produced by Waddy Wachtel and Jackson Browne, and it featured Warren Zevon on vocals, piano, guitar, along with guest musicians like Mick Fleetwood and John McVie. It was released on Asylum Records. The album was recorded at The Sound Factory and Elektra Sound Recorders in Los Angeles in 1977.
CD Track Listings:
- “Johnny Strikes Up the Band” – 2:49
- “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner” – 3:47
- “Excitable Boy” – 2:40
- “Werewolves of London” – 3:27
- “Accidentally Like a Martyr” – 3:37
- “Nighttime in the Switching Yard” – 4:15
- “Veracruz” – 3:30
- “Tenderness on the Block” – 3:55
- “Lawyers, Guns and Money” – 2:59
Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School
Released: 1980
The album was a follow-up to his successful “Excitable Boy” but didn’t quite reach the same commercial heights, peaking at No. 20 on the Billboard 200 chart. However, it continued to showcase Zevon’s wit and narrative ability.
Produced by Warren Zevon and Greg Ladanyi, the album featured various guest musicians like David Lindley and Linda Ronstadt. It was released on Asylum Records. The album was recorded at Record One, Los Angeles, between May and October 1979.
CD Track Listings:
- “Play It All Night Long” – 2:54
- “Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School” – 2:57
- “A Certain Girl” – 2:17
- “Jungle Work” – 4:01
- “Empty-Handed Heart” – 3:15
- “Interlude No. 1 / Play It All Night Long” – 0:34
- “Jeannie Needs a Shooter” – 3:33
- “Bill Lee” – 1:37
- “Gorilla, You’re a Desperado” – 2:44
- “Bed of Coals” – 5:00
The Envoy
Released: 1982
“The Envoy” is a more politically focused record than Zevon’s earlier work. Although the album wasn’t commercially successful, it is critically acclaimed for its songwriting. The album peaked at No. 93 on the Billboard 200.
Produced by Warren Zevon and Waddy Wachtel, it featured guest musicians such as Don Henley and Lindsey Buckingham. The album was released on Asylum Records and was recorded at various studios in Los Angeles in 1981.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Envoy” – 3:12
- “The Overdraft” – 2:44
- “The Hula Hula Boys” – 3:02
- “Jesus Mentioned” – 2:45
- “Let Nothing Come Between You” – 3:00
- “Ain’t That Pretty At All” – 3:34
- “Charlie’s Medicine” – 4:48
- “Looking for the Next Best Thing” – 3:41
Sentimental Hygiene
Released: 1987
The album marked a comeback for Zevon after a five-year hiatus. It was a commercial and critical success, reaching No. 63 on the Billboard 200.
Produced by Warren Zevon, Niko Bolas, and Andrew Slater, the album featured contributions from Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and members of R.E.M. It was released on Virgin Records and was recorded in Los Angeles in 1986.
CD Track Listings:
- “Sentimental Hygiene” – 5:08
- “Boom Boom Mancini” – 4:49
- “The Factory” – 2:46
- “Trouble Waiting to Happen” – 3:33
- “Reconsider Me” – 3:20
- “Detox Mansion” – 3:14
- “Bad Karma” – 3:14
- “Even a Dog Can Shake Hands” – 3:00
- “The Heartache” – 3:18
Transverse City
Released: 1989
“Transverse City” was a departure from Zevon’s earlier work, with a more futuristic and cyberpunk-inspired aesthetic. However, the album was not a commercial success, peaking at No. 158 on the Billboard 200.
Produced by Warren Zevon and Duncan Aldrich, the album featured guest appearances by Jerry Garcia and David Gilmour. It was released on Virgin Records and was recorded at various studios in Los Angeles in 1988.
CD Track Listings:
- “Transverse City” – 4:19
- “Run Straight Down” – 4:05
- “The Long Arm of the Law” – 3:47
- “Turbulence” – 4:09
- “They Moved the Moon” – 4:31
- “Splendid Isolation” – 4:34
- “Networking” – 3:04
- “Gridlock” – 5:31
- “Down in the Mall” – 4:32
Hindu Love Gods
Released: 1990
Originally a side project involving members of R.E.M. and Warren Zevon, the “Hindu Love Gods” album gained significant attention. It was primarily a cover album and did not chart, but it has a unique place in Zevon’s discography.
Produced by Andrew Slater and Niko Bolas, the album features Warren Zevon on vocals and piano, Peter Buck on guitar, Mike Mills on bass, and Bill Berry on drums. It was released on Giant Records and was recorded at A&M Studios, Los Angeles, in 1987.
CD Track Listings:
- “Walkin’ Blues” – 4:13
- “Travelin’ Riverside Blues” – 4:01
- “Raspberry Beret” – 3:52
- “Crosscut Saw” – 2:45
- “Junko Pardner” – 3:17
- “Mannish Boy” – 5:05
- “Wang Dang Doodle” – 3:08
- “Battleship Chains” – 3:05
- “I’m a One Woman Man” – 2:37
- “Vigilante Man” – 3:16
Mr. Bad Example
Released: 1991
The album blends dark humor and serious themes, and it did relatively well commercially, peaking at No. 161 on the Billboard 200.
Produced by Waddy Wachtel, it featured Warren Zevon on vocals, guitar, and keyboards, among other musicians like Jorge Calderón and David Lindley. It was released on Giant Records and was recorded at various studios in 1990.
CD Track Listings:
- “Finishing Touches” – 3:29
- “Suzie Lightning” – 4:04
- “Model Citizen” – 2:46
- “Angel Dressed in Black” – 3:11
- “Mr. Bad Example” – 3:21
- “Renegade” – 2:47
- “Heartache Spoken Here” – 3:38
- “Quite Ugly One Morning” – 3:03
- “Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead” – 2:53
- “Searching for a Heart” – 4:17
Mutineer
Released: 1995
A mix of originals and covers, “Mutineer” was not a commercial success but has gained a cult following. It did not chart on the Billboard 200.
Produced by Warren Zevon, the album was released on Giant Records and was recorded at various studios in 1994.
CD Track Listings:
- “Seminole Bingo” – 3:12
- “Something Bad Happened to a Clown” – 4:28
- “Similar to Rain” – 3:20
- “The Indifference of Heaven” – 3:33
- “Jesus Was a Cross Maker” – 2:52
- “Poisonous Lookalike” – 3:37
- “Piano Fighter” – 4:07
- “Rottweiler Blues” – 3:00
- “Monkey Wash Donkey Rinse” – 3:30
- “Mutineer” – 3:16
Life’ll Kill Ya
Released: 2000
A precursor to Zevon’s final days, “Life’ll Kill Ya” is a darkly comedic album that muses on mortality and human folly. It peaked at No. 178 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Produced by Paul Q. Kolderie and Sean Slade, along with Warren Zevon, the album features Zevon on vocals, guitar, and piano, and a variety of guest musicians. It was released on Artemis Records and was recorded at various studios in 1999.
CD Track Listings:
- “I Was in the House When the House Burned Down” – 3:02
- “Life’ll Kill Ya” – 2:50
- “Porcelain Monkey” – 3:32
- “For My Next Trick I’ll Need a Volunteer” – 3:08
- “I’ll Slow You Down” – 3:14
- “Hostage-O” – 4:05
- “Dirty Little Religion” – 3:30
- “Back in the High Life Again” – 3:13
- “Fistful of Rain” – 5:51
- “Ourselves to Know” – 3:19
My Ride’s Here
Released: 2002
This album saw Zevon teaming up with guest writers and authors, including Hunter S. Thompson and Carl Hiaasen. Though not a commercial hit, it received generally positive reviews.
Produced by Warren Zevon and others, it was released on Artemis Records and was recorded at various locations between 2000 and 2001.
CD Track Listings:
- “Sacrificial Lambs” – 3:55
- “Basket Case” – 4:12
- “Lord Byron’s Luggage” – 4:40
- “Macgillycuddy’s Reeks” – 3:01
- “You’re a Whole Different Person When You’re Scared” – 5:18
- “Hit Somebody! (The Hockey Song)” – 5:28
- “Genius” – 5:00
- “Laissez-Moi Tranquille” – 3:31
- “I Have to Leave” – 3:04
- “My Ride’s Here” – 3:42
The Wind
Released: 2003
Recorded after Zevon was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, “The Wind” is an emotional, yet uplifting album that garnered two posthumous Grammy Awards. It peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard 200.
Produced by Warren Zevon and Jorge Calderón, the album includes a variety of guest musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Dwight Yoakam. It was released on Artemis Records and was recorded at various locations between 2002 and 2003.
CD Track Listings:
- “Dirty Life and Times” – 3:15
- “Disorder in the House” – 4:36
- “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” – 4:07
- “Numb as a Statue” – 4:09
- “She’s Too Good for Me” – 2:49
- “Prison Grove” – 4:50
- “El Amor de Mi Vida” – 2:49
- “The Rest of the Night” – 4:05
- “Please Stay” – 3:34
- “Rub Me Raw” – 5:44
- “Keep Me in Your Heart” – 3:28
WARREN ZEVON LIVE ALBUMS
Stand in the Fire
Released: 1980
“Stand in the Fire” is a live album that captured Zevon at his high-energy best, recorded over a series of concerts at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles. The album was well-received and peaked at No. 145 on the Billboard 200.
Produced by Warren Zevon and Greg Ladanyi, the album features Warren Zevon on vocals, piano, guitar, and was released on Asylum Records. It was recorded at the Roxy Theatre, Los Angeles, in December 1980.
CD Track Listings:
- “Stand in the Fire” – 3:26
- “Jeannie Needs a Shooter” – 4:00
- “Excitable Boy” – 3:52
- “Mohammed’s Radio” – 4:45
- “Werewolves of London” – 4:48
- “Lawyers, Guns and Money” – 3:31
- “The Sin” – 3:06
- “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” – 4:13
- “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” – 4:39
Learning to Flinch
Released: 1993
“Learning to Flinch” is a live solo acoustic album that showcases Zevon’s songwriting skills and unique performance style. The album didn’t chart but received favorable reviews from critics.
Produced by Duncan Aldrich and Warren Zevon, the album was released on Giant Records and was recorded during Zevon’s 1992 solo acoustic tour.
CD Track Listings:
- “Splendid Isolation” – 4:35
- “Lawyers, Guns and Money” – 3:19
- “Mr. Bad Example” – 3:25
- “Excitable Boy” – 2:56
- “Hasten Down the Wind” – 3:01
- “The French Inhaler” – 3:44
- “Worrier King” – 4:04
- “Roland Chorale” – 1:00
- “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner” – 7:40
- “Searching for a Heart” – 4:06
Complete List Of Warren Zevon Albums And Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
