Released 21 years ago this October
The Essential Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte · 2005
153 min · 37 tracks · folk music
A vibrant collection of calypso and folk melodies that showcase Belafonte's rich vocal delivery and cultural storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Midnight Special Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Day-O (Banana Boat Song) (live) — As one of Belafonte's signature songs, this track blends an infectious rhythm with call-and-response elements that engage listeners, making it a staple at his performances.
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Island in the Sun — This song captures the essence of longing for paradise and showcases Belafonte's smooth vocal style against lush instrumentation, solidifying its status as a classic.
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Jamaica Farewell — With its heartfelt lyrics and gentle melody, this track exemplifies Belafonte's ability to convey deep emotion while celebrating his Jamaican roots.
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Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair) — This poignant ballad highlights Belafonte's storytelling prowess and emotional depth, offering listeners a reflective moment amid the lively tracks.
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Hava Nageela — As a traditional Jewish folk song infused with Belafonte's unique style, this track showcases his versatility and commitment to cultural inclusivity through music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
A broad collection that highlights Belafonte's vocal strength but lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio album.
What we noticed
- Several tracks include live recordings, which add a different energy and audience interaction compared to studio versions.
- The sequencing alternates between upbeat and slower songs, creating a dynamic flow that maintains listener interest throughout its length.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
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 storytelling through song
- dynamic collection for gatherings
- nostalgic sing-alongs with friends
- uplifting tunes for sunny days
- reflective moments in quiet spaces
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced music
- seek single-focused listening
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — A comprehensive collection, ideal for new listeners to explore Belafonte's work.
- Career context
- By the time 'The Essential Harry Belafonte' was released in 2005, Belafonte had long established himself as a pioneering figure in music, having risen to fame in the late 1950s with hits like 'Banana Boat Song'. This compilation serves as a retrospective of his influential career, highlighting both his commercial successes and his role as a cultural ambassador during the civil rights movement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Miriam Makeba· Pete Seeger· Odetta
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Midnight Special Start here 3:57
- 2 Island in the Sun 3:23
- 3 Zombie Jamboree (Back to Back) 3:20
- 4 Delia 3:39
- 5 Cocoanut Woman 3:22
- 6 Danny Boy (Live) 5:21
- 7 Jamaica Farewell 3:03
- 8 Turn the World Around 4:29
- 9 The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 4:07
- 10 Cu Cu Ru Cu Cu Paloma 5:30
- 11 I'm Just a Country Boy 3:05
- 12 Venezuela 2:58
- 13 Hava Nageela 3:10
- 14 Scarlet Ribbons (For Her Hair) 2:46
- 15 Man Smart (Woman Smarter) 2:34
- 16 Shenandoah 3:46
- 17 Angelina 3:56
- 18 Matilda 3:13
- 19 Empty Chairs 5:20
- 20 Jump in the Line 4:22
Disc 2
- 1 Jerry (This Timber Got to Roll) 2:19
- 2 Waly Waly 4:44
- 3 In That Great Gettin' Up Mornin' 3:18
- 4 Cotton Fields (live) 4:29
- 5 And I Love You So 4:41
- 6 Those Three Are on My Mind 3:47
- 7 Goin' Down Jordan 5:37
- 8 Abraham, Martin and John 4:22
- 9 On Top of Old Smokey 5:59
- 10 My Lord What a Mornin' 4:29
- 11 Jump Down, Spin Around 2:00
- 12 Mary's Boy Child 4:23
- 13 Mama Look a Boo Boo (live) 5:18
- 14 (There's a) Hole in the Bucket 8:49
- 15 Take My Mother Home 5:55
- 16 Try to Remember 4:08
- 17 Banana Boat Song (Day O) (live) 3:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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