Doppelganger
Kid Creole and the Coconuts · 1983
51 min · 15 tracks · jazz
A vibrant fusion of Caribbean rhythms and jazzy grooves, infused with playful storytelling and social commentary.
Top tracks — play these first
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If You Wanna Be Happy — This track stands out for its catchy hook and upbeat tempo, transforming a classic message about happiness into a danceable anthem that resonated widely.
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There’s Something Wrong in Paradise — With its clever lyrics addressing socio-political themes wrapped in an infectious melody, this song highlights the band's ability to blend entertainment with commentary.
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Call Me the Entertainer — This track encapsulates the album's theatrical flair, showcasing Kid Creole's charismatic vocal delivery while celebrating the art of performance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositions and vibrant arrangements but lacks a cohesive flow across its length.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with prominent brass sections, while the second half shifts to more laid-back grooves.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocals, enhancing the playful storytelling aspect.
- The use of Caribbean rhythms is consistent throughout, with varying instrumentation that includes horns, percussion, and synthesizers.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- playful storytelling with vibrant energy
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- danceable rhythms for social gatherings
- upbeat tunes for sunny days
- eclectic mix for adventurous listeners
Maybe skip if you
- prefer slow, introspective music
- seek long, immersive pieces
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Doppelganger' was released in September 1983, Kid Creole and the Coconuts had established themselves as a unique act within the New York music scene. This album followed their successful debut, 'Fresh Fruit in Foreign Places,' and marked a continuation of their eclectic sound that combined elements of funk, jazz, and Latin music amid theatrical performance aesthetics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The B-52's· Squeeze· Talking Heads
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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There’s Something Wrong in Paradise
The verse shifts focus from personal grievances to broader societal issues, highlighting discontent within seemingly perfect surroundings.
This change in perspective broadens the song's theme from individual experience to collective awareness, reinforcing its critical stance on societal expectations.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Lifeboat Party 2:37
- 2 Underachiever 3:13
- 3 If You Wanna Be Happy 2:28
- 4 Distractions 2:57
- 5 Survivors 3:32
- 6 Call Me the Entertainer 3:26
- 7 There’s Something Wrong in Paradise 3:22
- 8 It’s a Wonderful Life 3:18
- 9 Bongo Eddie’s Lament 3:04
- 10 Broadway Rhythm 2:48
- 11 Back in the Field Again 3:24
- 12 The Seven Year Itch 4:24
- 13 Fireside Story (Fireside Chat) (B-side) 4:48
- 14 There’s Something Wrong in Paradise (12″ mix) 5:50
- 15 Don’t Take My Coconuts 2:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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