History | ||||
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Studio album by Loudon Wainwright III | ||||
Released | September 21, 1992 | |||
Genre | Folk Rock, Folk, Country blues | |||
Length | 46:06 | |||
Label | Charisma | |||
Producer | Loudon Wainwright III, Jeffrey Lesser |
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Loudon Wainwright III chronology | ||||
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Professional ratings | |
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Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
Allmusic | link |
Robert Christgau | link |
Rolling Stone | (favorable) link |
History is the twelfth studio album by American singer-songwriter Loudon Wainwright III, released on September 21, 1992 on Charisma Records. The album was recorded following the death of Wainwright's father, Loudon Wainwright Jr.. Regarding his father's death and its influence on History, Wainwright stated that:
The album featured deeply personal compositions, with a musical style that ranges from talking blues ("Talking New Bob Dylan") to almost pure country rock ("So Many Songs") and modern folk ("The Picture", "Men").
History is often regarded as a breakthrough in Wainwright's career. Allmusic call the album "his masterpiece", and both Bruce Springsteen and Bob Geldof cited it as their favourite album of the year.
The final track, "A Handful of Dust" is an adaptation of a song written by his father.
"Hitting You" is the fourth song of Wainwright's career dedicated to his daughter Martha Wainwright, and "A Father and a Son" is directed to his son Rufus Wainwright.
Loudon Wainwright III - guitar, vocals