Hollywood Be Thy Name
40 min · 10 tracks · blues
A vibrant mix of New Orleans rhythm and blues infused with playful funk and jazz, reflecting Dr. John's signature style.
Top tracks — play these first
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New Island Soiree Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Hollywood Be Thy Name — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit, merging storytelling with a catchy melody that highlights Dr. John's distinctive vocal style and piano prowess.
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Yesterday — This rendition transforms the classic into a reflective blues piece, showcasing Dr. John's ability to reinterpret well-known songs through his unique lens.
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Medley: It’s All Right With Me / Blue Skies / Will the Circle Be Unbroken — The medley serves as a testament to Dr. John's musical roots, interweaving different genres while demonstrating his skillful piano playing and deep respect for tradition.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong musicianship and genre blending but lacks the cohesive impact of Dr. John's earlier work.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a vibrant brass section that sets a lively tone, followed by rhythmic piano lines that are characteristic of New Orleans R&B.
- The medley track combines three distinct songs into one performance, creating a seamless transition that highlights Dr. John's versatility in blending styles.
- 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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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
- playful lyrics celebrating life
- steady mid-tempo groove
- for social gatherings
- vibrant rhythms to energize
- head-nodding background enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer intense emotional weight
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked Dr. John's return to polished production, enhancing his recognition.
- Themes
- New Orleans celebration· fame's complexities· boogie-woogie roots
- Career context
- Released in 1975, Hollywood Be Thy Name marked Dr. John's return to a more polished production after his groundbreaking work in the late '60s and early '70s. Following the critically acclaimed In the Right Place, this album sought to further solidify his identity within the evolving landscape of American music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Professor Longhair· Allen Toussaint· The Meters
Tracklist
- 1 New Island Soiree Start here 3:13
- 2 Reggae Doctor 3:19
- 3 The Way You Do the Things You Do 3:46
- 4 Swanee River Boogie 2:51
- 5 Yesterday 5:21
- 6 Babylon 6:11
- 7 Back by the River 4:01
- 8 Medley: It’s All Right With Me / Blue Skies / Will the Circle Be Unbroken 5:32
- 9 Hollywood Be Thy Name 3:16
- 10 I Wanna Rock 3:15
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Rejuvenation
The Meters
Captures the same New Orleans funk vibe with rich grooves and playful instrumentation.
Southern Nights
Allen Toussaint
Merges New Orleans rhythms with soulful storytelling, reflecting on life's celebrations and complexities.
Crawfish Fiesta
Professor Longhair
Shares vibrant boogie-woogie roots and a lively celebration of New Orleans culture through eclectic sounds.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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