Belafonte on Campus cover

Belafonte on Campus

Harry Belafonte · 1967

42 min · 11 tracks · folk music

A vibrant blend of calypso rhythms and folk storytelling, evoking the warmth of island life and collective memory.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Roll On, Buddy Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face — This track showcases Belafonte's emotive vocal delivery paired with poignant lyrics that reflect deep personal connection, highlighting his ability to convey intimacy through song.
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    Waly, Waly — A traditional English ballad that Belafonte interprets with a haunting sincerity, demonstrating his skill in transforming folk narratives into compelling performances.
  • →
    Delia — This song tells a captivating story of love and loss, allowing Belafonte to display his storytelling prowess while drawing listeners into its emotional depth.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo grooves
  • vibrant storytelling through song
  • reflective moments of nostalgia
  • sing-along melodies with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced excitement
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Celebrated by fans for its cultural significance and vibrant sound.
Career context
In 1967, Harry Belafonte was enjoying significant acclaim following his crossover success in the early '60s. 'Belafonte on Campus' came shortly after his groundbreaking album 'Calypso', which established him as a leading figure in popularizing Caribbean music in America. This album captures Belafonte's commitment to social justice and education, resonating with the youthful spirit of the era.
Stylistic neighbors
Miriam Makeba· Pete Seeger· Odetta

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Waly, Waly

    The narrative shifts from sorrowful reflection to an acceptance of love’s impermanence.

    This transition underscores the complexity of human emotions while enhancing the song's thematic exploration of longing and regret.

Tracklist

  • 1 Roll On, Buddy Start here 2:46
  • 2 The Hands I Love 4:57
  • 3 The Last Thing on My Mind 3:47
  • 4 Delia 3:42
  • 5 The Far Side of the Hill 3:30
  • 6 Waly, Waly 4:43
  • 7 Sail Away Ladies 3:21
  • 8 The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 3:37
  • 9 Hold on to Me Babe 3:40
  • 10 Those Three Are on My Mind 3:43
  • 11 The Dog Song (Your Dog) 4:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata