Released 60 years ago
Calypso in Brass
Harry Belafonte · 1966
40 min · 11 tracks · folk music
A vibrant celebration of Caribbean rhythms and brass instrumentation that invites listeners to dance and revel in joyous melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Jump in the Line Start here — This infectious track perfectly encapsulates the album's spirited energy, combining catchy rhythms with playful lyrics that encourage listeners to join in the fun.
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Cocoanut Woman — Blending storytelling with vibrant instrumentation, this song highlights Belafonte's unique ability to weave cultural narratives into engaging melodies.
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Man Smart, Woman Smarter — This track showcases Belafonte's charismatic vocal delivery and clever lyricism, making it a standout moment that reflects gender dynamics through humor and wit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends vibrant brass arrangements with traditional calypso elements, showcasing Belafonte's artistry.
What we noticed
- The album features a prominent brass section that drives the rhythm and melody across nearly all tracks, creating a lively atmosphere.
- The first half of the album maintains an upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slightly slower tracks, providing a dynamic range.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- 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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7/10
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 rhythmic celebration energy
- for lively gatherings
- engaging sing-along moments
- inviting dance floor vibes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective music
- dislike upbeat, cheerful sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Expanded calypso's popularity, building on the success of 'Calypso' and solidifying Belafonte's reputation.
- Career context
- Released in 1966, Calypso in Brass came during Harry Belafonte's peak popularity, following his groundbreaking 1956 album Calypso, which introduced the genre to mainstream audiences. This album showcases his continued evolution as an artist, blending traditional calypso music with orchestral brass arrangements, further solidifying his place in popular music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Miriam Makeba· Pete Seeger· Odetta
Tracklist
- 1 Jump in the Line Start here 4:23
- 2 Jump and Bray (medley) 4:23
- 3 Cocoanut Woman 3:22
- 4 Tongue Tie Baby 4:11
- 5 Zombie Jamboree 3:20
- 6 Sweetheart From Venezuela 3:33
- 7 Man Smart, Woman Smarter 3:54
- 8 Reincarnation 3:26
- 9 Judy Drownded 3:15
- 10 The Naughty Little Flea 3:38
- 11 Mama Look a Boo-Boo 3:09
What to play next
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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