Ballads, Blues and Boasters
Harry Belafonte · 1964
39 min · 11 tracks · folk music
A rich tapestry of folk and calypso rhythms interwoven with poignant storytelling and soulful vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Black Betty — This track stands out for its energetic interpretation of a traditional American folk song, showcasing Belafonte's ability to bridge cultural divides.
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Pastures of Plenty — A poignant rendition of Woody Guthrie's classic that reflects themes of struggle and resilience, aligning with the social consciousness of the era.
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Tone the Bell Easy Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its infectious rhythm and captivating storytelling, embodying Belafonte's unique style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong vocal performances and varied instrumentation, but lacks a cohesive narrative arc.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, engaging the listener and creating a communal feel.
- The instrumentation varies across tracks, with some featuring solo guitar while others include fuller arrangements with strings and percussion.
- 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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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
Known within its scene. 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
- short narratives with emotional depth
- reflective moments for quiet evenings
- melodic storytelling with rich imagery
- warmth and nostalgia in vocals
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
- want heavy instrumental experimentation
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases Belafonte's range but isn't widely recognized as a standout.
- Career context
- Released in January 1964, Ballads, Blues and Boasters was Harry Belafonte's follow-up to the immensely successful Calypso album. At this point in his career, Belafonte was solidifying his status as a pioneering figure in bringing Caribbean music into the mainstream American consciousness. This album continued to showcase his versatility beyond calypso, incorporating blues and folk elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Miriam Makeba· Pete Seeger· Odetta
Tracklist
- 1 Tone the Bell Easy Start here 3:21
- 2 Blue Willow Moan 3:35
- 3 Ananias 2:51
- 4 Boy 3:49
- 5 My Love Is a Dewdrop 3:25
- 6 Back of the Bus 3:26
- 7 Pastures of Plenty 3:39
- 8 John the Rovelator 3:40
- 9 Four Strong Winds 2:54
- 10 Black Betty 4:14
- 11 Big Boat Up the River 4:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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