An Evening with Belafonte
Harry Belafonte · 1957
45 min · 11 tracks · folk music
A vibrant blend of calypso rhythms and folk melodies, evoking the warmth of Caribbean culture and storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Merci Bon Dieu Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Hava Nageela — This track features lively rhythms and communal sing-along spirit, encapsulating Belafonte's ability to engage audiences in cultural celebration.
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Danny Boy — Belafonte's rendition brings a heartfelt interpretation to this classic, showcasing his emotive vocal style and connection to timeless themes of love and loss.
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Mary's Boy Child — The song highlights Belafonte's skillful blending of traditional folk elements with calypso, offering a unique take on a well-known Christmas classic.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends folk and calypso elements, showcasing Belafonte's vocal prowess and cultural storytelling.
What we noticed
- Many tracks utilize a prominent percussive backing, creating an infectious danceable quality that invites listener participation.
- The sequencing alternates between slower ballads and upbeat numbers, maintaining a dynamic flow throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Defined its genre or moment. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent listening experience
- cultural storytelling immersion
- reflective late-night vibes
- melodic journey through themes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album established Belafonte's reputation and popularized calypso music.
- Career context
- Released in 1957, An Evening with Belafonte was Harry Belafonte's breakthrough album that solidified his status as a major figure in American music. This album followed his successful single 'Banana Boat Song' and showcased his ability to merge diverse musical styles, including calypso and folk, during a time of growing interest in Caribbean music in the U.S.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Miriam Makeba· Pete Seeger· Odetta
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Danny Boy
The shift from a nostalgic remembrance to a poignant farewell occurs in the final verse, emphasizing deep emotional resonance.
This structural choice elevates the narrative from mere storytelling to a profound personal reflection on loss, enhancing the song's emotional impact.
Tracklist
- 1 Merci Bon Dieu Start here 2:54
- 2 Once Was 4:44
- 3 Hava Nageela 3:14
- 4 Danny Boy 5:48
- 5 The Drummer and the Cook 3:55
- 6 Come o My Love 4:23
- 7 Shenandoah 3:45
- 8 Mary's Boy Child 4:19
- 9 Cu Cu Ru Cu Cu Paloma 5:28
- 10 Eden Was Just Like This 2:58
- 11 When the Saints Go Marching In 3:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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