Homeward Bound
Harry Belafonte · 1970
39 min · 10 tracks · folk music
A rich tapestry of folk and calypso rhythms that intertwine heartfelt storytelling with lush instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Homeward Bound Start here — This title track captures the essence of longing and nostalgia, encapsulating the album's theme of yearning for home with a gentle, poignant melody.
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If I Were a Carpenter — Belafonte's rendition transforms this classic into a soulful meditation on love and sacrifice, highlighting his unique vocal interpretation and emotional depth.
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The Last Time I Saw Her — This track stands out for its evocative storytelling, blending personal narrative with universal themes of love and loss while showcasing Belafonte's expressive vocal style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong songwriting and varied arrangements, but lacks broad cultural resonance.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a slow build, gradually layering instrumentation before reaching a full arrangement.
- Several tracks feature intricate vocal harmonies, particularly in 'Don't Talk Now' and 'Little Bird', which showcase Belafonte's range.
- The sequencing alternates between reflective ballads and more upbeat songs, creating a dynamic flow throughout the record.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- wistful reflections on love lost
- gentle melodies for quiet moments
- soothing sounds for evening relaxation
- short stories of heartfelt longing
Maybe skip if you
- want high-energy tracks
- prefer upbeat party music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry in Belafonte's catalog, not widely recognized but appreciated by fans.
- Career context
- By 1970, Harry Belafonte was transitioning from his commercial peak in the 1950s to a more introspective artistic phase. 'Homeward Bound' is his first album after the successful 'Belafonte at Carnegie Hall' and reflects a shift towards personal themes and a focus on lyrical depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Miriam Makeba· Pete Seeger· Odetta
Tracklist
- 1 Homeward Bound Start here 3:49
- 2 Sad Heart 4:35
- 3 The Last Time I Saw Her 5:20
- 4 The Dolphin 2:54
- 5 If I Were a Carpenter 3:37
- 6 Don't Talk Now 3:09
- 7 Softly 3:40
- 8 Suzanne 4:10
- 9 Tomorrow Is a Long Time 3:27
- 10 Little Bird 4:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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