Released 37 years ago this October
Rei Momo
David Byrne · 1989
63 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant fusion of world music influences and eclectic rhythms that reflects Byrne's adventurous artistic spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Independence Day Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Make Believe Mambo — This track exemplifies the album's playful approach, merging catchy melodies with complex arrangements that highlight Byrne's unique storytelling style.
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Dirty Old Town — Byrne's rendition of this classic folk song brings a fresh perspective through its rhythmic drive and emotive vocals, encapsulating his ability to reinterpret traditional material.
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Loco De Amor — This song stands out with its infectious blend of Latin rhythms and introspective lyrics, showcasing Byrne’s skill at marrying upbeat sounds with deeper themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Rei Momo showcases Byrne's eclectic style and world music influences, making it distinct yet cohesive in its adventurous spirit.
- 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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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 rhythmic exploration
- lyrical storytelling journeys
- immersive listening experiences
- dynamic shifts in mood
- colorful sonic landscapes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — First solo album post-Talking Heads, gaining significant attention and wider recognition.
- Themes
- Latin-inspired love· cultural fusion· social commentary rhythms
- Career context
- Released in 1989, Rei Momo is David Byrne's first solo album after the disbandment of Talking Heads, marking a significant shift in his creative direction. At this point, Byrne was exploring diverse musical styles, incorporating Latin, African, and Caribbean elements into his work as he sought to establish his individual identity outside the band's legacy.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Talking Heads· Brian Eno· The B-52's
Tracklist
- 1 Independence Day Start here 5:45
- 2 Make Believe Mambo 5:23
- 3 The Call of the Wild 4:53
- 4 Dirty Old Town 4:13
- 5 The Rose Tattoo 3:51
- 6 Loco De Amor 3:46
- 7 The Dream Police 3:00
- 8 Don't Want to Be Part of Your World 4:58
- 9 Marching Through the Wilderness 4:30
- 10 Good and Evil 4:35
- 11 Lie to Me 3:37
- 12 Office Cowboy 3:41
- 13 Women vs. Men 4:06
- 14 Carnival Eyes 4:04
- 15 I Know Sometimes a Man Is Wrong 3:11
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Remain in Light
Talking Heads
Shares a vibrant fusion of world rhythms and eclectic rock with rich textures and layered sounds.
Graceland
Paul Simon
Explores cultural fusion through diverse rhythms and storytelling, echoing Byrne's Latin-inspired themes.
Kiko
Los Lobos
Combines rock with Mexican folk traditions, offering rhythmic diversity and lyrical depth similar to Byrne’s work.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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