What makes Double Time by Leon Redbone notable?

Double Time is significant for its role in popularizing early jazz and blues styles during the 1970s revival of roots music. The album received positive reviews upon release, cementing Redbone's status as an influential artist in the Americana genre and appealing to a diverse audience that appreciated traditional sounds. Released in 1977, Double Time was Leon Redbone's third studio album and followed his breakthrough debut, On the Track. At this point in his career, Redbone had established himself as a unique figure in the music scene, known for his whimsical performances and vintage musical style, drawing from early American music traditions.

Who is Double Time for?

Double Time works well if you're into steady pacing for relaxed afternoons, nostalgic vibes for cozy gatherings and sing-along moments with friends.

How many songs are on Double Time?

Double Time has 11 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Double Time

Leon Redbone · 1977

34 min · 11 tracks · blues

A charming blend of ragtime, blues, and jazz that evokes a nostalgic atmosphere with playful instrumentation and warm vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Diddy Wa Diddie — This opening track captures Redbone's playful spirit with its infectious rhythm and lively banter, setting the tone for the entire album.
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Nobody's Sweetheart — This track showcases Redbone's smooth vocal delivery against a backdrop of jazzy instrumentation, highlighting his ability to merge humor with heartfelt emotion.
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Crazy Blues — Redbone's rendition of this classic blues number reveals his deep connection to the genre while infusing it with his distinctive charm and personality.
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Shine on Harvest Moon — This song exemplifies Redbone's knack for interpreting standards with a unique flair, blending nostalgia with a fresh perspective that resonates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional styles with engaging performances, making it both distinctive and cohesive.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of traditional jazz instrumentation, including banjo, piano, and brass, creating a lively atmosphere.
Each track maintains a playful tempo, with several songs incorporating call-and-response elements that engage the listener.
The vocal delivery is warm and conversational, often accompanied by subtle harmonies that enhance the nostalgic feel of the music.

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

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for relaxed afternoons
nostalgic vibes for cozy gatherings
sing-along moments with friends
subtle charm for background enjoyment
evocative melodies for reflective moods

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer instant gratification styles

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1977, Double Time was Leon Redbone's third studio album and followed his breakthrough debut, On the Track. At this point in his career, Redbone had established himself as a unique figure in the music scene, known for his whimsical performances and vintage musical style, drawing from early American music traditions.
Stylistic neighbors: Tom Waits· Randy Newman· Nick Lowe