Going for Broke
Eddy Grant · 1984
39 min · 10 tracks · pop music
A vibrant blend of reggae rhythms and pop sensibilities, underscored by socially conscious lyrics and infectious melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Romancing the Stone Start here — The album opener combines catchy melodies with lively instrumentation, establishing a celebratory tone that resonates throughout the record. Its commercial success helped to elevate Grant's profile internationally.
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Political Bassa-Bassa — This track showcases Grant's knack for blending social commentary with infectious grooves, addressing political themes while maintaining an upbeat feel. It reflects his commitment to using music as a platform for activism.
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Only Heaven Knows — A poignant ballad that highlights Grant's vocal prowess and emotional depth, this song stands out for its introspective lyrics and soulful delivery. It adds a contrasting emotional layer to the otherwise upbeat album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends reggae and pop effectively but lacks the depth for lasting impact.
What we noticed
- Tracks like 'Political Bassa-Bassa' incorporate socially conscious lyrics, contrasting with more upbeat tracks such as 'Come On Let Me Love You'.
- 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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6/10
- 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
- steady, consistent energy levels
- mid-tempo groove exploration
- vibrant and uplifting atmosphere
- engaging and rhythmic flow
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established wider recognition with hit single 'Romancing the Stone'.
- Themes
- political activism· Caribbean rhythms· social commentary
- Career context
- Released in 1984, Going for Broke was Eddy Grant's fifth album, following the success of his previous work, 'Kaya' (1983). At this point, he had established himself as a prominent figure in reggae-pop, with a growing audience in both Europe and North America.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bob Marley· Toots and the Maytals· Jimmy Cliff
Tracklist
- 1 Romancing the Stone Start here 4:54
- 2 Boys in the Street 4:17
- 3 Come On Let Me Love You 3:39
- 4 Till I Can't Take Love No More 2:47
- 5 Political Bassa-Bassa 5:06
- 6 Telepathy 3:37
- 7 Only Heaven Knows 3:55
- 8 Ire Harry 4:05
- 9 Rock You Good 3:06
- 10 Blue Wave 4:01
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Labour of Love
UB40
Combines reggae rhythms with pop hooks and socially aware themes, creating a similar vibrant sound.
Graceland
Paul Simon
Merges world music influences with pop sensibilities, sharing a rich lyrical depth and infectious melodies.
Reggae got soul
Toots and the Maytals
Offers upbeat reggae-infused tracks with catchy melodies and messages, resonating with Grant's style.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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