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 it is often cited as a concept album. It is also the only Extreme record to feature drummer Mike Mangini.
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.

Title

Extreme's previous two albums had contained sequential numbers. Their first album was self-titled, the full title of their second album was Extreme II: Pornograffitti and the third album was called III Sides to Every Story. This practice was seemingly abandoned with the fourth album, but 'for' in 'Waiting for the Punchline' could be interpreted as a play on 'four'.

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.
  1. "There is No God" - 6:07
  2. "Cynical" - 4:41 *
  3. "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" - 6:25
  4. "Hip Today" - 4:42
  5. "Naked" - 5:46
  6. "Midnight Express" - 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" - 4:49 **
  13. "Waiting for the Punchline" - 6:00 ***
* Listed as "Cynical Fuck" in the album liner notes only.
** Not included on US edition.
*** Hidden track. It follows after several seconds of silence.

Credits