Foreign Affairs is Tom Waits' fifth studio album, released in 1977. It was recorded during a transitional period for Waits, who began moving away from the more traditional sound of his early work. Critical reception was mixed, with some praising its lyrical maturity and others finding it less cohesive than its predecessors.
The album's sound blends piano ballads with orchestral arrangements and jazz touches, maintaining Waits' characteristic bohemian atmosphere. Notable tracks include 'I Never Talk to Strangers', a duet with Bette Midler, and 'Burma Shave', showcasing his ability to tell stories with vivid imagery.
Although not a massive commercial success, Foreign Affairs is considered an important bridge to Waits' later experimentation. Its legacy lies in the evolution of his lyrical style and the incorporation of more theatrical elements, foreshadowing the radical changes of the following decade.