Belafonte
Harry Belafonte · 1955
42 min · 11 tracks · folk music
A vibrant tapestry of Caribbean rhythms and heartfelt storytelling, blending folk melodies with the essence of calypso music.
Top tracks — play these first
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Waterboy Start here — This track showcases Belafonte's charismatic vocal delivery and rhythmic energy, embodying the lively spirit of calypso that defines the album.
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Matilda — A narrative-driven song that highlights Belafonte's storytelling prowess while seamlessly weaving traditional Caribbean themes with contemporary folk influences.
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Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair) — This poignant ballad exemplifies Belafonte's ability to convey deep emotion through simple yet powerful lyrics, showcasing his range as a vocalist.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends folk and calypso elements effectively, showcasing Belafonte's storytelling but may not deeply reward repeated listens.
What we noticed
- Most songs are structured around simple verse-chorus forms, allowing for storytelling to take center stage.
- The instrumentation prominently includes acoustic guitar, percussion, and occasional brass, creating a lively and rhythmic backdrop.
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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 pacing for relaxed listening
- vibrant storytelling through song
- morning coffee background vibes
- catchy sing-alongs with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy intensity
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This debut album established Belafonte's mainstream reputation with major hits.
- Career context
- Released in 1955, 'Belafonte' was Harry Belafonte's debut album, marking his entry into the mainstream music scene. At this point, he had already gained some recognition through his performances at the Village Vanguard in New York, paving the way for his groundbreaking fusion of calypso and pop music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Miriam Makeba· Pete Seeger· Odetta
Tracklist
- 1 Waterboy Start here 3:44
- 2 Troubles 3:41
- 3 Suzanne (Every Night When the Sun Goes Down) 3:18
- 4 Matilda 3:36
- 5 Take My Mother Home 5:55
- 6 Noah 4:50
- 7 Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair) 3:15
- 8 In That Great Gettin’ Up Mornin’ 3:18
- 9 Unchained Melody 3:22
- 10 Jump Down, Spin Around 1:59
- 11 Sylvie 5:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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