From Branch to Branch
Leon Redbone · 1981
34 min · 11 tracks · blues
A whimsical blend of ragtime, blues, and jazz infused with playful storytelling and vintage charm.
Top tracks — play these first
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(Mama's Got a Baby Named) Te Na Na — This track exemplifies Redbone's playful lyrical style and blends infectious rhythms with traditional folk influences, setting the tone for the album's joyful exploration of vintage sounds.
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Your Cheatin' Heart — Redbone's interpretation of this classic country song highlights his ability to infuse bluesy undertones into well-known melodies, reflecting his unique stylistic fusion.
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When You Wish Upon a Star — In this rendition, Redbone offers a tender and soulful take on the beloved Disney classic, demonstrating his knack for reimagining familiar tunes with heartfelt sincerity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends blues and ragtime with storytelling, showcasing Redbone's unique charm and vintage sound.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of vintage instrumentation, including banjo and acoustic guitar, which creates a nostalgic atmosphere throughout.
- Each track typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with Redbone's storytelling style evident in the lyrics and delivery.
- Several songs incorporate playful tempo changes, particularly in the transitions between verses and choruses, adding to the whimsical feel.
- The last two tracks slow down significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- whimsical charm for playful moments
- steady pacing for casual listening
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- sing-along fun with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of intense emotional depth
- fans of lengthy immersive pieces
Where this album fits
- Career context
- From Branch to Branch is Leon Redbone's second studio album, released in 1981, following his debut album, On the Track, in 1975. By this time, Redbone had established a unique niche in the music world, characterized by his distinctive voice and eclectic style that harkened back to pre-war American music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tom Waits· Randy Newman· Nick Lowe
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 (Mama's Got a Baby Named) Te Na Na 3:00
- 2 A Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight 2:26
- 3 Sweet Mama (Papa's Getting Mad) 2:43
- 4 Step It Up and Go 3:40
- 5 Your Cheatin' Heart 3:05
- 6 Seduced 2:43
- 7 Why 4:43
- 8 My Blue Heaven 2:23
- 9 Extra Blues 4:04
- 10 When You Wish Upon a Star 2:02
- 11 Prairie Lullaby 3:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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