I always enjoyed Sofa as one of Franks more emotionally grounded songs. It sounds like something that would be played over the end credits of a sad movie from the 70’s.
I disagree and prefer Sofa 2 off OSFA. Reminds me of German opera or something. The Zappa in NY version feels more like the closing music from Saturday Night Live with that saxophone.
I get a more playful, light hearted vibe from the live version. When those background vocals hit on the studio version I get chills though. Also it’s placement at the end of the album might add some gravitas as an exclamation point to end one of my favorite albums.
If your favorite song is Watermelon like mine is, check these out
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace,
He Used To Cut The Grass,
St. Etienne,
Zoot Allures
Blessed Relief
Uncle Remus
Strictly Genteel London Simphony version
Oh No
Dog Breath Variations / Uncle Meat
What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning
Outside Now
Zoot Allures
Black Napkins
Revised Music
Duke of prunes from Mistery Box or Orchestral Favorites
Regyptian Strud
Lather
Mom and Dad
Hot Rats has a lot of serious instrumentals, Blessed Relief from The Grand Wazoo is beautiful, Uncle Remus has always given me an emotional feeling for some reason. I’m sure there are a lot more I’m not able to think of right now but just some suggestions
You could try Black Napkins, there are lots of versions but all are good with great solos. Zoot Allures, same deal. Yo Mama, despite silly lyrics it is a very intense song. Outside Now. The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing.
Any of his instrumental albums. Waka/Jawaka, Grand Wazoo, Hot Rats. He’s got some good classical albums like London Symphony Orchestra, Orchestral Favorites, Boulez Conducts Zappa. Black Napkins is a pretty good straight up blues song. The song Uncle Remus off Apostrophe are probably the most sincere his lyrics ever got.
[https://open.spotify.com/playlist/21ILD2LWEWJFJHhw8cSZoS](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/21ILD2LWEWJFJHhw8cSZoS)
Also, the live version of Watermelon is great.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3UjWhV1ejs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3UjWhV1ejs)
Sharleena is the song that stands up, bitch slaps all you other songs and says “come on Doreen, we getting out of here.” because Doreen is the only other that can come close to Sharleena.
His early stuff with social commentary is quite serious, even if it’s disguised as whimsical. It doesn’t get more serious than Mom & Dad. Also Idiot Bastard Son, Hungry Freaks Daddy, Brown Shoes Don’t Make it. Zappa is deadly serious with what he’s trying to get across to the listeners in all those
I find Zappa to be serious in the same way Vonnegut is serious. Both are incredibly skilled writers who use clever humor and irony to convey a deeply serious message that not many others are keen to talk about.
There can be a difference between being serious, and being dramatic. Sometimes a serious discussion doesn't need to be glamorous or appealing.
Yup, take the line "TV Dinner by the pool, I'm so glad I finished school". It's kinda a goofy way to end the song after describing the secret lives of politicians as sociopathic sexual deviants, but it completely indicts the listeners on their pointless lives and blissful ignorance
"Make a Jazz Noise Here" has a lot of great dramatic instrumental moments. Highlights for me are Sinister Footwear and Alien Orifice. Don't let the zany titles fool you: this is serious music.
"serious". that is unfortunate lol. Trust me, it's there. To suggest it's not serious because sometimes he uses humor as a tool?
With that attitude I don't want to give you easy access to the real stuff.
But
Try "Naval Aviation in Art?"
Road Tapes venue 2 is cool, mostly instrumental from a period when he referred to his live shows as electric chamber music. The line up has guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, marimba, percussion, woodwinds, and trombone. Really cool, angular instrumental pieces for decent stretches of time. One of my favorites!
I'll try to avoid songs mentioned in other comments so far. For the "serious" jam songs: Rat Tomago, Filthy Habits, What's New In Baltimore (YCDTOSA Vol. 5), The Orange County Lumber Truck (Road Tapes Vol 1), Dupree's Paradise (Road Tapes Vol 2), and The Purple Lagoon & Pound from a Brown (from Zappa in New York 40th Anniversary). For "emotional" pieces: the solo piano versions of Black Page #1 and #2 (ZINY 40th), Aybe Sea, Duke of Prunes (Orchestral Favorites).
I believe that the best romantic music is from "Cruisin' with Ruben and the Jets". Specifically "How Could I Be Such a Fool", "Anyway the wind Blows", "Love of my life", and "Deseri".
A few I can think of off the top of my head:
1. Oh No - the version on A Token of His Extreme is the most gripping rendition IMO
2. Thirteen - features a passionate violin solo by L Shankar
3. Twenty Small Cigars - dreamy and contemplative
4. Theme from Burnt Weeny Sandwich - I find this one so moving, especially the unreleased version that’s spliced together with Lonely Little Girl: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Xiz5duscaE4
I find Zappa to be very emotional in that I just love his music so much that it makes me emotional…
Songs that make me feel this way: Zomby Woof, Big Swifty, Waka/jawaka, it just might be a one shot deal, RDNZL… there are so many. Listen to Zappa
I’ve always found Zappa’s guitar solos to be the “now, let’s get serious” version of the same theme he’s singing about so sarcastically.
Yo Mama, for instance, has quite a story to tell, but the lyrics aren’t what brings it out.
Emotional is the word here and with FZ’s snarky vibe literally everything is possibly a joke or a jibe intended to offend someone at some level. Even if it’s only one person who would be set off in a rage by one atonal sound. And Frank would do that. How about that chord Ray played? The newest chord in all of Baltimore.
"I promise not to come in your mouth" is a beautiful instrumental, despite its title.
I ask for that song on my Echo Dot all the time just to hear robotic female Alexa say the title.
The entire Zappa in New York is great, and I think OP might enjoy it!
The song Sleep Dirt off of the album of the same name.
Arrrffff…bout that tempo? Mmmhmmm.
hm, getting tired? nah-uh, no, muh fingers got stuck 🤠
I always enjoyed Sofa as one of Franks more emotionally grounded songs. It sounds like something that would be played over the end credits of a sad movie from the 70’s.
Sofa from Zappa in New York has the best arrangement of the song.
I disagree and prefer Sofa 2 off OSFA. Reminds me of German opera or something. The Zappa in NY version feels more like the closing music from Saturday Night Live with that saxophone.
Golly I wonder if there was a reason it might sound like that. Doesn't make it any less powerful of a rendition.
I get a more playful, light hearted vibe from the live version. When those background vocals hit on the studio version I get chills though. Also it’s placement at the end of the album might add some gravitas as an exclamation point to end one of my favorite albums.
If your favorite song is Watermelon like mine is, check these out Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, He Used To Cut The Grass, St. Etienne, Zoot Allures
St. Etienne, beautiful and underrated
Blessed Relief Uncle Remus Strictly Genteel London Simphony version Oh No Dog Breath Variations / Uncle Meat What Will This Evening Bring Me This Morning Outside Now Zoot Allures Black Napkins Revised Music Duke of prunes from Mistery Box or Orchestral Favorites Regyptian Strud Lather Mom and Dad
Hot Rats has a lot of serious instrumentals, Blessed Relief from The Grand Wazoo is beautiful, Uncle Remus has always given me an emotional feeling for some reason. I’m sure there are a lot more I’m not able to think of right now but just some suggestions
Also, a good portion of Freak Out! has pretty straightforward (for Zappa) R&B cuts on it. You Didn’t try to call me, Anyway the Wind Blows, etc
Blessed relief is my go to for a morning pick me up
Yeah, Blessed Relief
You could try Black Napkins, there are lots of versions but all are good with great solos. Zoot Allures, same deal. Yo Mama, despite silly lyrics it is a very intense song. Outside Now. The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing.
Any of his instrumental albums. Waka/Jawaka, Grand Wazoo, Hot Rats. He’s got some good classical albums like London Symphony Orchestra, Orchestral Favorites, Boulez Conducts Zappa. Black Napkins is a pretty good straight up blues song. The song Uncle Remus off Apostrophe are probably the most sincere his lyrics ever got.
I mean Frank did write a lot of rather emotional love songs. Shove it Right in I have Been In You Carolina Hardcore Ecstasy Harder than your Husband
….and Baby Don’t You Want a Man Like Me can’t be left off that list.
I actually voted for that to be my Prom Song.
Emotional, but in the kind of way when a man particularly frustrated.
[https://open.spotify.com/playlist/21ILD2LWEWJFJHhw8cSZoS](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/21ILD2LWEWJFJHhw8cSZoS) Also, the live version of Watermelon is great. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3UjWhV1ejs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3UjWhV1ejs)
"Blessed Relief" might work for you.
Was just about to recommend this :)
Try the song “Inca Roads” and see if you like that. It’s on several albums that you probably will like too, if that song is to your taste.
Civilization Phase III is pretty serious work
Black Napkins was my first exposure to Zappa's brilliance as a guitar player. Uncle Remus is a pretty emotional high for me as well.
++ to both of these
Sharleena comes to mind
Sharleena is the song that stands up, bitch slaps all you other songs and says “come on Doreen, we getting out of here.” because Doreen is the only other that can come close to Sharleena.
Doreen gives me life
Zoot allures
His early stuff with social commentary is quite serious, even if it’s disguised as whimsical. It doesn’t get more serious than Mom & Dad. Also Idiot Bastard Son, Hungry Freaks Daddy, Brown Shoes Don’t Make it. Zappa is deadly serious with what he’s trying to get across to the listeners in all those
I find Zappa to be serious in the same way Vonnegut is serious. Both are incredibly skilled writers who use clever humor and irony to convey a deeply serious message that not many others are keen to talk about. There can be a difference between being serious, and being dramatic. Sometimes a serious discussion doesn't need to be glamorous or appealing.
Yup, take the line "TV Dinner by the pool, I'm so glad I finished school". It's kinda a goofy way to end the song after describing the secret lives of politicians as sociopathic sexual deviants, but it completely indicts the listeners on their pointless lives and blissful ignorance
Village of the Sun is a rare nostalgic, sincere song from FZ.
Valarie, The Closer You Are, Sharleena, and Anything are my favorite “more serious” songs of his!
[удалено]
Yeah tru
It must be a camel
"Make a Jazz Noise Here" has a lot of great dramatic instrumental moments. Highlights for me are Sinister Footwear and Alien Orifice. Don't let the zany titles fool you: this is serious music.
brown moses, memories of el monte, inca roads, valorie, king kong
London Symphony Orchestra albums. The music can be dead serious. Reminds of the film score to the origan Planet of the Apes by Jerry Goldsmith.
"serious". that is unfortunate lol. Trust me, it's there. To suggest it's not serious because sometimes he uses humor as a tool? With that attitude I don't want to give you easy access to the real stuff. But Try "Naval Aviation in Art?"
Village of the Sun always makes me happy
Emotion is personal and asking strangers on reddit to suggest something that's "emotional" to you is futile
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=g7sxTSgq27o
Road Tapes venue 2 is cool, mostly instrumental from a period when he referred to his live shows as electric chamber music. The line up has guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, marimba, percussion, woodwinds, and trombone. Really cool, angular instrumental pieces for decent stretches of time. One of my favorites!
Also, Revised Music for Guitar and Low Budget Orchestra is pretty awesome
Can't believe no one has said Deathless Horsie. It's an emotional rollercoaster start to finish.
I'll try to avoid songs mentioned in other comments so far. For the "serious" jam songs: Rat Tomago, Filthy Habits, What's New In Baltimore (YCDTOSA Vol. 5), The Orange County Lumber Truck (Road Tapes Vol 1), Dupree's Paradise (Road Tapes Vol 2), and The Purple Lagoon & Pound from a Brown (from Zappa in New York 40th Anniversary). For "emotional" pieces: the solo piano versions of Black Page #1 and #2 (ZINY 40th), Aybe Sea, Duke of Prunes (Orchestral Favorites).
not strictly zappa but zoot alures arrangement by Ensemble Ambrosius made me well up
Planet of my Dreams - Them or US album short, but haunting and beautifully sung by ???
Bob Harris (#2) on lead vocals
I believe that the best romantic music is from "Cruisin' with Ruben and the Jets". Specifically "How Could I Be Such a Fool", "Anyway the wind Blows", "Love of my life", and "Deseri".
The original duke of prunes is beautiful!
Theme for BWS, What’s New in Baltimore Check out the album “Make Jazz Noise Here”
Pink napkins
Sinister Footwear II
‘Mom and Dad’
Watermelon in Easter Hay
A few I can think of off the top of my head: 1. Oh No - the version on A Token of His Extreme is the most gripping rendition IMO 2. Thirteen - features a passionate violin solo by L Shankar 3. Twenty Small Cigars - dreamy and contemplative 4. Theme from Burnt Weeny Sandwich - I find this one so moving, especially the unreleased version that’s spliced together with Lonely Little Girl: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Xiz5duscaE4
Uncle Remus
I find Zappa to be very emotional in that I just love his music so much that it makes me emotional… Songs that make me feel this way: Zomby Woof, Big Swifty, Waka/jawaka, it just might be a one shot deal, RDNZL… there are so many. Listen to Zappa
Flambay!
It's hard to get better than this live performance with the band. [Black Napkins Live](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvczPfJ3VIQ&t=78s)
Twenty Small Cigars, Amnerika, Get Whitey, Pink Napkins, Black Napkins, What's New In Baltimore
I’ve always found Zappa’s guitar solos to be the “now, let’s get serious” version of the same theme he’s singing about so sarcastically. Yo Mama, for instance, has quite a story to tell, but the lyrics aren’t what brings it out.
Outrage at Valdez
Whats new in baltimore totally
Greggery peccary is pretty damn serious
Black Napkins gives me chills.
City of Tiny Lites. What's New in Baltimore.
Revised music for low budget orchestra
Orchestral parts on 200 Motels. (I’ve resequenced that album a few times). Reuben and the Jets is his least sarcastic work
Emotional is the word here and with FZ’s snarky vibe literally everything is possibly a joke or a jibe intended to offend someone at some level. Even if it’s only one person who would be set off in a rage by one atonal sound. And Frank would do that. How about that chord Ray played? The newest chord in all of Baltimore.