Album: Sentimental Hygiene

Introduction
"Sentimental Hygiene" is the sixth studio album by American artist and singer-songwriter Warren Zevon, launched in 1987. After a five-year hiatus from his previous album, "The Envoy", Zevon returned with a revenge with this critical and commercial success. The album includes contributions from a number of popular musicians, consisting of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and members of R.E.M., who formed the support band for the album. The title track, "Sentimental Hygiene", sets the tone for the album that explores themes of psychological vulnerability, individual self-questioning, and handling life's obstacles.

Background
Warren Zevon's lack from the music scene was mainly due to his battle with alcoholism and unstable individual life. Zevon spent time in rehab and after that took an extended break to revitalize and concentrate on songwriting. This period of self-questioning and recovery resulted in an album that stands apart from the more negative and sarcastic tone of his earlier work.

The recording sessions for "Sentimental Hygiene" occurred at a number of studios, consisting of Record One Studios in Los Angeles and A&M Studios in Hollywood. Produced by Warren Zevon, Niko Bolas, and Andrew Slater, the album was released by the record label Virgin Records.

Music and Lyrics
"Sentimental Hygiene" boasts a range of musical designs, consisting of rock, ballads, and elements of blues and folk. The album opens with "Sentimental Hygiene", a catchy, guitar-driven track that presents the listener to Zevon's emotional vulnerability. The songs on the album come to grips with themes of romance, heartbreak, and personal development, frequently showcasing Zevon's wry humor and eager observational skills.

Some standout tracks in the album consist of "Boom Boom Mancini", an ode to the famous fighter and Zevon's own fight for personal control, and "Detox Mansion", which chronicles his own experiences in rehab. "Reconsider Me", a sincere plea for a second opportunity in love, strikes a more tender tone. "The Heartache", a duet with Bob Dylan, records the solitude of being away from a liked one.

Zevon's lyrics shine throughout the album as he tackles personal demons and reflections on the human condition. In "Trouble Waiting to Happen", he delivers an ironic commentary on his own self-destructive behavior, singing "I'm just a symptom of the ethical decay that's gnawing at the heart of the nation".

Reception
"Sentimental Hygiene" was met with generally favorable reviews from both fans and critics. The album reached No. 63 on the Billboard 200 and generated several successful songs, consisting of "Reconsider Me" and "Boom Boom Mancini". Critics applauded Zevon's return to form after his hiatus, noting the album's fully grown songwriting and reflective themes.

Rolling Stone magazine described "Sentimental Hygiene" as "the very best record Warren Zevon has made because 1978's Excitable Boy", calling it "more than a comeback, it's the supreme Zevon album". AllMusic echoed these beliefs, praising Zevon's "extremely clear-eyed perspective" and the "terse however fantastically effective" work of the backing band.

Legacy
"Sentimental Hygiene" strengthened Warren Zevon's standing as a gifted and introspective singer-songwriter and stays a preferred among his fans. The album marked a turning point in Zevon's career as he continued to produce critically acclaimed music up until his death in 2003. The sincerity and vulnerability showcased in the album's lyrics continue to resonate with those who have actually gone through individual battles, attesting to the long lasting impact of Zevon's music on his listeners.