Turn the World Around
Harry Belafonte · 1977
47 min · 9 tracks · folk music
A vibrant tapestry of calypso rhythms and folk storytelling that reflects a rich cultural heritage and social consciousness.
Top tracks — play these first
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Marching to the Fair Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Going Down Jordan — This track features a powerful call-and-response structure that echoes traditional spirituals and emphasizes themes of hope and resilience.
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Turn the World Around — The title track serves as an anthem for unity and change, encapsulating Belafonte's vision of global interconnectedness amidst social challenges.
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(There's a) Hole in the Bucket — This playful yet poignant song uses dialogue to explore themes of responsibility and action, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady flow for reflective listening
- cultural storytelling with warmth
- celebratory vibes for gatherings
- engaging narratives throughout tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, high-energy songs
- seek standalone hits only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a return after a hiatus, showcasing social issues and cultural heritage.
- Career context
- Released in 1977, 'Turn the World Around' marked Harry Belafonte's return to recording after a five-year hiatus since the album 'Belafonte at Carnegie Hall'. At this point in his career, Belafonte was not only known for his music but also for his activism, which heavily influenced the themes present in this album.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Miriam Makeba· Pete Seeger· Odetta
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Turn the World Around
The narrator shifts from addressing personal struggles to invoking collective action among listeners.
This transition emphasizes a communal responsibility, inviting listeners to engage with broader societal issues rather than focusing solely on individual experiences.
Tracklist
- 1 Marching to the Fair Start here 5:44
- 2 Auntie Mary 4:32
- 3 Olga 3:48
- 4 Going Down Jordan 5:34
- 5 Sunbird 4:05
- 6 New York Taxi 5:38
- 7 Can't Cross Over (River Come Down) 4:44
- 8 (There's a) Hole in the Bucket 8:46
- 9 Turn the World Around 4:28
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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