Waiting for the Punchline
Waiting for the Punchline is Extreme's fourth album, which was released in 1995. It is known by fans as a distinctively raw sounding record—especially when compared to the big production of the two previous albums—with a significant influence from grunge, while still showcasing guitarist Nuno Bettencourt's talents. Due to its lyrics focused heavily on social matters (ranging from religion to fame) it is often cited as a concept album.[5] It is also the only Extreme record to feature drummer Mike Mangini (on 3 tracks). After the album's tour, the band subsequently disbanded in 1996 when Bettencourt informed Extreme that he was leaving the band to pursue a solo career. After the breakup, singer Gary Cherone also joined Van Halen in the same year as their new singer, but left three years later.
| Waiting for the Punchline | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | January 19, 1995 | |||
| Recorded | 1994 | |||
| Genre | Hard rock, funk rock, alternative metal | |||
| Length | 65.35 | |||
| Label | A&M | |||
| Producer | Nuno Bettencourt, Bob St. John | |||
| Extreme chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   [1] |
| The Daily Vault | B− [2] |
| Entertainment Weekly | B− [3] |
| Q | [4] |
Track listing
All songs written by Gary Cherone & Nuno Bettencourt, except "There Is No God", "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" and "Naked" by Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt & Pat Badger, and "Leave Me Alone" by Gary Cherone, Nuno Bettencourt & Mike Mangini.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "There is No God" | 6:07 |
| 2. | "Cynical" (Listed as "Cynical Fuck" (official title) in the album liner notes only) | 4:41 |
| 3. | "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" | 6:25 |
| 4. | "Hip Today" | 4:42 |
| 5. | "Naked" | 5:46 |
| 6. | "Midnight Express" (Instrumental) | 3:58 |
| 7. | "Leave Me Alone" | 4:47 |
| 8. | "No Respect" | 3:51 |
| 9. | "Evilangelist" | 4:49 |
| 10. | "Shadow Boxing" | 4:34 |
| 11. | "Unconditionally" | 5:01 |
| 12. | "Fair-Weather Faith" (Not included on US release) | 4:49 |
| 13. | "Waiting for the Punchline" (Hidden track that follows after several seconds of silence) | 6:00 |
Credits
- Gary Cherone - lead vocals
- Nuno Bettencourt - guitars, keyboards, vocals
- Pat Badger - bass guitar, backing vocals
- Paul Geary - drums
- Mike Mangini - drums on "Hip Today", "Leave Me Alone" and "No Respect"
Chart information
| Year | Album / Single | Peak Chart Positions | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard 200 | UK Albums Chart | US Mainstream Rock | US Modern Rock | AUS | ||
| 1995 | Waiting For The Punchline | 40 [6] | - | - | - | 51[7] |
| "Hip Today" | - | - | 26 [8] | - | 99[9] | |
References
- Waiting for the Punchline at AllMusic
- Christopher Thelen (1998-08-15). "The Daily Vault Music Reviews : Waiting For The Punchline". The Daily Vault. Retrieved 2013-01-14.
- Chuck Eddy (1995-01-27). "Waiting for the Punchline Review". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2011-08-26.
- "Extreme - Waiting for the Punchline CD Album". CD Universe. Retrieved 2013-01-14.
- "Extreme: | Daily Vault". dailyvault.com. Retrieved 2021-06-01.
- "Extreme Album Chart History". Retrieved 2008-09-03.
- Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010. Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing.
- "Extreme Singles Chart History". Retrieved 2008-09-03.
- "The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles Chart – Week Ending 12 Mar 1995". Imgur.com (original document published by ARIA). Retrieved 2017-02-09.
