Waiting for the Punchline is the fourth album by American band Extreme, 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. Due to its lyrics focused heavily on social matters (ranging from religion to fame) it is often cited as a concept album.[2] It is also the only Extreme record to feature drummer Mike Mangini (on three 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.
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Waiting for the Punchline | ||||
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Studio album by Extreme | ||||
Released | January 19, 1995 (1995-01-19) | |||
Recorded | 1994 | |||
Genre |
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Length | 65.35 | |||
Label | A&M | |||
Producer |
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Extreme chronology | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
AllMusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
The Daily Vault | B−[2] |
Entertainment Weekly | B−[3] |
Q | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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 |
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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 |
Chart (1995) | Peak position |
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Australian Albums (ARIA)[5] | 51 |
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)[6] | 37 |
Canada Top Albums/CDs (RPM)[7] | 30 |
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[8] | 65 |
Finnish Albums (The Official Finnish Charts)[9] | 13 |
French Albums (SNEP)[10] | 10 |
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[11] | 46 |
Japanese Albums (Oricon)[12] | 4 |
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[13] | 29 |
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[14] | 24 |
UK Albums (OCC)[15] | 10 |
US Billboard 200[16] | 40 |
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
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Japan (RIAJ)[17] | Gold | 100,000^ |
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
Extreme | |
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Studio albums | |
Live albums | |
Compilations |
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Singles |
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Tours |
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Related articles |
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