Love Is a Gentle Thing
Harry Belafonte · 1959
40 min · 12 tracks · folk music
A soothing blend of folk and calypso melodies infused with heartfelt storytelling and Belafonte's rich, resonant vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
All My Trials — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics that reflect on suffering and hope, encapsulating the album's overarching themes of resilience.
-
→
Fifteen Start here — The opening track introduces listeners to Belafonte’s narrative style and sets a contemplative tone that carries throughout the album.
-
→
I'm Goin' Away — With its evocative storytelling, this song reveals deeper emotional currents about departure and longing, making it a highlight of Belafonte’s vocal prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong storytelling through its compositions but lacks the depth for repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic instrumentation, primarily guitar and light percussion, creating a warm and inviting sound.
- Belafonte's vocal delivery is characterized by a smooth, narrative style that emphasizes storytelling in each track.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, typical of folk traditions, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
- The sequencing alternates between more upbeat songs and slower ballads, maintaining listener engagement throughout.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
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
- steady pacing for relaxed listening
- heartfelt storytelling through melodies
- gentle warmth for quiet moments
- for afternoon reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases Belafonte's style but isn't widely recognized as a standout.
- Career context
- Released in 1959, 'Love Is a Gentle Thing' came after Harry Belafonte's breakthrough with 'Calypso' in 1956, which established him as a major figure in popular music. At this point, Belafonte was transitioning into a celebrated artist known for his ability to merge various musical styles, particularly Caribbean influences with American folk traditions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Miriam Makeba· Pete Seeger· Odetta
Tracklist
- 1 Fifteen Start here 2:53
- 2 I Never Will Marry 2:46
- 3 I'm Goin' Away 3:10
- 4 Small One 2:56
- 5 Bella Rosa 3:27
- 6 All My Trials 4:35
- 7 Green Grow the Lilacs 3:57
- 8 Times Are Gettin' Hard 3:39
- 9 Turn Around 2:25
- 10 Go 'way From My Window 3:11
- 11 Delia's Gone 4:35
- 12 Walkin' on the Green Grass 3:20
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Pata Pata
Miriam Makeba
Shares the same blend of folk and world influences with vibrant storytelling and rich vocals.
Diamonds & Rust
Joan Baez
Combines heartfelt storytelling and folk melodies, echoing emotional depth similar to Belafonte's style.
The Weavers at Carnegie Hall
The Weavers
Features rich vocal harmonies and folk traditions, resonating with the warm, inviting atmosphere of Belafonte's work.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.