What makes Bellybutton by Jellyfish notable?

The album received critical acclaim upon its release, praised for its meticulous production and songwriting. It has since become a cult favorite within the power pop community and has influenced subsequent bands in the genre, securing Jellyfish's legacy despite their short-lived career. Bellybutton is Jellyfish's debut album, released in 1990 as they emerged from the thriving California music scene. At this point, the band was gaining momentum after forming in the late 1980s, showcasing their unique blend of influences ranging from The Beatles to Queen.

How many songs are on Bellybutton?

Bellybutton has 15 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Bellybutton

Jellyfish · 1990

56 min · 15 tracks · power pop

Bright melodies and intricate harmonies fuse with clever lyrics, crafting a vibrant sonic landscape that defines the power pop genre.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The King Is Half Undressed — This track captures the essence of Bellybutton with its catchy chorus and lush harmonies, showcasing Jellyfish's knack for blending pop sensibilities with heartfelt lyrics.
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I Wanna Stay Home — With its infectious melody and relatable theme of introversion, this song exemplifies the band's ability to create engaging narratives through their music.
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Baby’s Coming Back — The upbeat tempo and dynamic arrangement highlight the band's musical versatility, making it a standout track that embodies the playful spirit of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

Bellybutton showcases strong songwriting and production, establishing Jellyfish's unique sound within power pop.

What we noticed

Several songs incorporate unexpected tempo changes, such as 'I Wanna Stay Home,' which shifts from a brisk pace to a more reflective section.
The lyrics often employ clever wordplay and storytelling, particularly evident in tracks like 'The King Is Half Undressed' and 'She Still Loves Him.'

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Man I Used to Be 4:33
2 That Is Why 4:16
3 The King Is Half Undressed 3:46
4 I Wanna Stay Home 4:06
5 She Still Loves Him 4:32
6 All I Want Is Everything 3:44
7 Now She Knows She’s Wrong 2:36
8 Bed Spring Kiss 5:03
9 Baby’s Coming Back 2:57
10 Calling Sarah 4:07
11 No Matter What (live) 2:46
12 Let Em In / That Is Why (live) 4:56
13 The King Is Half Undressed (live) 3:36
14 Jet (live) 3:06
15 Now She Knows She’s Wrong (live) 2:45

What to play next

Listen next

Spilt Milk

1993

Go back to

Fan Club (Jellyfish album)

Full Jellyfish discography Artists like Jellyfish

power pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata