It is amazing how even albums that are over a half century old still manage to be some of the most impactful pieces of music history to this very day. Today’s entry is one of those albums, one that is perfect in it’s execution and frankly only get’s better with each subsequent playing. I present to you, Harry Belafonte’s Calypso.
Why This Album?
I was first introduced to this album via the 1988 film Beetlejuice. In the course of this film, several of the iconic songs from this album were used as it was a favorite album of one of the lead characters played Alec Baldwin.
Upon leaving the theater, I knew I had to hear more of this music and soon had in my hands the source material in the form of Harry Belafonte’s Calypso and boy was I not dissapointed.
Each track on this unassuming album is an amazing tribute to the island music of Trinidad and Tobago known as ‘Calypso’. Being born to emigrants from the Caribbean islands, Belafonte decided to introduce American listeners to the folk music of his family creating what would become the very first Platinum record in the history of music.
To this day, this is an album that I revisit from time to time. It is one of my favorites and honestly, anyone who says they don’t like it really has no appreciation for music. There is something magical about Belafonte and his voice and this album is him at his finest.
Favorite Tracks
Come Back Liza: This is a tragic song about a man who misses his love and is begging her to return.
The Jack-Ass Song: A great tune about an unruly Donkey and, lets be honest, what kid doesn’t want to sing that says the phrase ‘Jack Ass’!
Jamaica Farewell: This is such a gorgeous song about a sailor saying farewell to Jamaica and a woman he fell in love with as his ship sets out once again.
Ok, Where do I get it?
You can pick up a deluxe edition which includes a second disc with many more tracks outside of his core album for around $14. It is really worth it if you want to dive in. If not, Spotify is a great option to test the waters.
No matter what you do, give it a go. It may surprise you!
Late to the Game 7/7/2020 (originally published 5/7/2019)
Thanks for reading, If you would like to read more reviews I have a weekly series called Key Movies Of My Life that comes out every Thursday and also check out some retro tv goodness with the ongoing series Retro TV Reviews here. You can also find a few of my other Music Reviews Here.
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