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 with a significant influence from grunge, especially when compared to the big production of the two previous albums. Due to its lyrics focused heavily on social matters (ranging from religion to fame) it is often cited as a concept album. It is also the only Extreme record to feature drummer Mike Mangini (on three tracks). It is also the band's last album before their eleven-year hiatus, which lasted from 1996 to 2007. After the album's tour, Extreme disbanded when Bettencourt informed the band that he was leaving to pursue a solo career. After the breakup, singer Gary Cherone joined Van Halen in 1996 as their new singer, but left three years later.
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.
Personnel Extreme Gary Cherone – lead vocals Nuno Bettencourt – guitars, keyboards, vocals, producer Pat Badger – bass guitar, backing vocals Paul Geary – drums (except "Hip Today", "Leave Me Alone" and "No Respect") Mike Mangini – drums on "Hip Today", "Leave Me Alone" and "No Respect"
Production Bob St. John – co-producer, engineer Carl Nappa, Chris Carrol, Chris Nix, Michael Thompson, Scott Perry, Steve Robillard – assistant engineers Bob Ludwig – mastering at Gateway Mastering Studios, Portland, Maine
Charts Chart (1995) Peakposition Australian Albums (ARIA) 51 Finnish Albums (The Official Finnish Charts) 13 French Albums (SNEP) Select Extreme from the menu, then press OK. 10Japanese Albums (Oricon)4 US Billboard 200 40
Certifications
References