Downtown Train Single: 1989

A Tom Waits Cover That Hit No. 10

Released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK on December 2, 1989, on Warner Bros. Records (catalogue: W 2758), Rod Stewart’s “Downtown Train” — his soaring cover of Tom Waits’ 1985 classic — was backed with “The Killing Of Georgie (Part I And II).” Produced by Trevor Horn, this emotional ballad peaked at No. 10 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, hitting No. 1 on both Adult Contemporary and Album Rock Tracks. Grammy-nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Originally a non-album single, later included on some editions of *Vagabond Heart* (1991). A career-highlight Stewart moment.

Single Overview

Release Details

Label: Warner Bros. Records.

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single.

Full Track Listing

Side A

Downtown Train (4:40) – Written-By: Tom Waits – Producer: Trevor Horn

Side B

The Killing Of Georgie (Part I And II) (6:31) – Written-By: Rod Stewart

Production and Context

“Downtown Train” produced by Trevor Horn. From the sessions leading to *Vagabond Heart*. B-side from *A Night On The Town* (1976). Stewart’s biggest US hit of the late ’80s.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

- UK Official Singles Chart: 10

- US Billboard Hot 100: 3

- US Adult Contemporary: 1

- US Album Rock Tracks: 1

- Canada: 1

Legacy and Collectibility

“Downtown Train” is Rod Stewart’s definitive Tom Waits cover — a global ’80s/’90s radio staple. Original UK Warner 7"s fetch £5–£15 on eBay/Discogs. Verify catalogue W 2758. Streams on Spotify keep the train rolling. This single is a must-have for Rod Stewart collectors.

Do you have Downtown Train in your vinyl stack? Does it still take you there? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Prince Vault, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube

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