In My Quiet Room cover

Released 60 years ago

In My Quiet Room

Harry Belafonte · 1966

39 min · 10 tracks · folk music

A soothing blend of folk and calypso rhythms, with introspective lyrics that evoke a sense of tranquility and reflection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Quiet Room Start here — The title track establishes the album's reflective tone, weaving together imagery of solitude with a gentle melody that invites listeners into Belafonte's inner world.
  • →
    Raindrops — This track beautifully captures the essence of longing through its lush instrumentals and poetic lyrics, showcasing Belafonte's ability to convey complex emotions effortlessly.
  • →
    Try to Remember — Belafonte’s rendition imbues this classic with warmth and nostalgia, highlighting his vocal prowess while underscoring themes of memory and time.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album blends folk and calypso with introspective lyrics, creating a soothing and cohesive listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a gentle, flowing melody that sets a tranquil mood, which is maintained throughout most of the tracks.
  • Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, particularly in the choruses.
  • The instrumentation often includes acoustic guitar and soft percussion, contributing to the soothing atmosphere.
  • Lyrically, the themes revolve around introspection and nature, with imagery that evokes calmness and reflection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

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

  • intimate moments of reflection
  • steady pacing for relaxation
  • for quiet afternoons
  • serene background for contemplation

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high energy
  • prefer fast-paced listening

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Represents a shift to more personal, introspective themes in Belafonte's music.
Career context
Released in 1966, In My Quiet Room marked a transitional phase for Harry Belafonte as he shifted from his calypso roots to explore more personal and introspective themes. This album followed his successful career peak in the 1950s and early 1960s, showcasing his versatility as an artist seeking to connect on deeper emotional levels.
Stylistic neighbors
Miriam Makeba· Pete Seeger· Odetta

Tracklist

  • 1 Quiet Room Start here 4:35
  • 2 Portrait of a Sunday Afternoon 3:22
  • 3 Raindrops 2:55
  • 4 Our Time for Loving 5:19
  • 5 The Honey Wind Blows 3:42
  • 6 The Girls in Their Summer Dresses 3:48
  • 7 Long About Now 4:31
  • 8 I'm Just a Country Boy 3:25
  • 9 Summertime Love 3:50
  • 10 Try to Remember 4:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata