Himself
Bill Cosby · 1982
45 min · 7 tracks
A candid exploration of family life and personal anecdotes delivered through Cosby's signature storytelling style and humor.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Dentist — This track humorously recounts Cosby's childhood fears related to dental visits, showcasing his ability to transform mundane experiences into relatable comedy.
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Natural Child Birth — In this track, Cosby discusses the absurdity and challenges of natural childbirth, highlighting his knack for tackling sensitive topics with humor that resonates with many parents.
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Chocolate Cake for Breakfast — This piece cleverly reflects on childhood indulgence and parental discipline, encapsulating Cosby's unique blend of nostalgia and humor that characterized much of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends personal storytelling with humor effectively, showcasing Cosby's unique style during his peak.
What we noticed
- Each track features a distinct narrative arc, with Cosby transitioning smoothly between personal anecdotes and observational humor.
- The album employs a conversational tone, often breaking the fourth wall to engage directly with the audience.
- Cosby uses varied pacing throughout, with some segments building tension before delivering punchlines, while others maintain a steady rhythm.
- 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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8/10
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
- relatable stories of everyday life
- engaging humor for casual listening
- for light-hearted gatherings
- easy-going pace for relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeks intense emotional experiences
- prefers fast-paced entertainment
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in December 1982, 'Himself' marked Bill Cosby's transition from television star to a prominent stand-up comedian. This album came during his peak, following the success of 'The Cosby Show', which had premiered just a year earlier, solidifying his status in popular culture.
- Stylistic neighbors
- George Carlin· Richard Pryor· Eddie Murphy
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Dentist 6:01
- 2 Natural Child Birth 8:17
- 3 Brain Damage 4:21
- 4 Kill the Boy 4:09
- 5 Chocolate Cake for Breakfast 7:44
- 6 Same Thing Happens Every Night 7:57
- 7 The Grandparents 7:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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