The Essential Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte · 2005
153 min · 37 tracks · folk · calypso
A vibrant collection of calypso, folk, and pop that showcases Belafonte's rich storytelling and vocal charisma.
Why this album works
The album serves as a testament to Belafonte's enduring legacy, featuring classic tracks like 'Banana Boat Song (Day-O)' which has become synonymous with his career. It highlights his role in popularizing calypso music in the U.S., achieving critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying his place in music history.
- Best for
- vibrant storytelling through song dynamic collection for gatherings nostalgic sing-alongs with friends
- Context
- Released in 2005, this compilation captures Harry Belafonte's diverse musical journey, following his significant contributions to the civil rights movement in the 1960s. By this time, he was celebrated as a cultural icon, blending Caribbean rhythms with mainstream appeal, and influencing generations of artists across various genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Julio Iglesias· David Bowie· Modern Talking· Grace Jones· Lucio Battisti· Adriano Celentano· Harry Nilsson· Nancy Sinatra
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Midnight Special 3:57
- 2 Island in the Sun Standout 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 Standout 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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