How Could It Be cover

How Could It Be

Eddie Murphy · 1985

34 min · 8 tracks · contemporary R&B

A vibrant blend of funk and synth-pop showcasing Eddie Murphy's comedic flair within catchy R&B grooves.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Party All the Time — The track is not only a commercial success but also exemplifies Murphy's ability to merge humor and catchy music, making it an enduring favorite.
  • →
    How Could It Be — The title track showcases Murphy's smooth vocal delivery and introspective lyrics, highlighting his artistic ambition beyond comedy.
  • →
    C-O-N Confused — This song cleverly blends playful lyrics with an infectious beat, illustrating Murphy's knack for storytelling even in a musical context.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album blends humor with catchy R&B grooves, showcasing Eddie Murphy's unique approach to music.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a funky tone, followed by a series of upbeat songs that maintain a consistent groove.
  • Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response sections, emphasizing Murphy's comedic style within the music.
  • The final track shifts to a slower tempo, creating a contrast with the preceding upbeat songs and providing a reflective conclusion.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • vibrant party atmosphere
  • steady groove for dancing
  • infectious melodies to sing along
  • lighthearted fun with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer intense, heavy themes
  • seek long, contemplative pieces

Where this album fits

Career context
How Could It Be was Eddie Murphy's debut album, released shortly after his meteoric rise in the comedy scene with Saturday Night Live and his successful film career. At this point, he was transitioning from a stand-up comedy icon to a multi-faceted entertainer, seeking to establish himself in the music industry as well.
Stylistic neighbors
Prince· Rick James· George Clinton

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Do I 3:57
  • 2 C-O-N Confused 3:40
  • 3 How Could It Be 4:39
  • 4 I Wish (I Could Tell You When) 4:24
  • 5 Party All the Time 4:13
  • 6 I, Me, Us, We 4:40
  • 7 My God Is Color Blind 4:41
  • 8 Everything’s Coming Up Roses 4:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata