Harry Belafonte - Calypso

When Harry Belafonte released Calypso, with its memorable songs "Day-O", "I Do Adore Her", and "Jamaica Farewell" sung in his personable, warm voice, it quickly became a bestseller. Like any good folk music, the songs are accessible, yet they also bear the exotic lure of the Caribbean. From the songs of hard work, such as "Day-O" and "Hosanna," to the sly good humor of "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)" and "The Jackass Song," Belafonte's voice helped bring the richness of Caribbean culture to the North American consciousness. While a couple of the songs here are featured in arrangements that may sound a bit corny to modern ears, most sound delightfully fresh and have definitely stood the test of time. --Jeff Grubb Amazon.com

Great Calypso Oldies!!

I purchased this CD for a surprise 70th birthday party for my mom. She loves Harry Belfonte and loved this CD!! I also used the "I Adore Her" song for a video montage that I had a photographer put together for me with pictures of my mom from as far back as the early 50's back in Jamaica. Even though the song is about a man adoring a woman, I love my mother dearly and thought the title was lovely. The only reason I rated it a 4 and not 5, is I am in my 30's and I liked most of the music but not all.
September 1, 2008

Calypso

Received the cd in excellent condition and on time. I attended several
Belafonte concerts at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles' Griffith Park. Enjoyed them all. I would still like to get a CD one of his many performances at The Greek Theater. May 26, 2008

Cure for the winter blahs

This is a really fun album. There's more authentic Caribbean music from the early 60s than this, but probably nothing as uniformly accessible. Play this in February to chase the winter blahs away.

If you host a lot of parties, try putting on "Calypso" instead of the standard Rock/Pop hits. The start with "Day-O" is sure to impress your hipster friends, but the rest of the album is almost sure to get a few inebriated sing-alongs going. December 31, 2007

A Good Belafonte Sampler

If you don't want to spring for the definitive box-set and wish only to sample the King of Calypso, this CD release of a best-selling RCA Camden vinyl LP will do nicely.

The digitally remastered sound quality is excellent but there are, however, no liner notes included and, in terms of his hit singles, the only ones included from among the 10 he charted between 1953 and 1957 are: Jamaica Farewell [# 14 in late 1956]; and Banana Boat (Day-O) [# 5 early in 1957], along with its flipside, the very similar Star-O.

Some labels have long since re-released CDs that originally offered up 10- or 12-track versions of vinyl LPs, inserting additional tracks to make them more palatable to the consumer. Some examples include Sarah Vaughan, several Elvis Presley albums, and Donovan.

This one would go to 5 stars at once with the addition of: Hold 'Em Joe [# 84 in 1957] and its follow-along B-side, I'm Just A Country Boy; Mama Look At Bubu [# 11 in 1957] and its flipside, Don't Ever Love Me [# 90]; and Coconut Woman [# 25 in 1957] and its B-side Island In The Sun [# 30].

That would bring it to a more acceptable [by today's standards]17 tracks, and if they wanted to even it out they could add the other side of Jamaica Farewell, Once Was. And if they REALLY wanted to do us all a favour, they could go to 20 tracks and add his 1956 Christmas hit, Mary's Boy Child [# 12] and its B-side, Venezuela.

But I'm not holding my breath. August 23, 2007

AH--MAMA--ITS CALYPSO TIME--BELAFONTE STYLE!

Like many reviewers who remember 33 1/3 LP, I do own this one. I can't give it up as it is autographed by Mr Belafonte...I stood out in the rain behind the stage door after a concert by Belafonte and he graciously autographed this cover LP to me. The music is great! But I can't play the LP anymore for fear of damaging it. So I have purchased the CD so I can play it on our cruise to the Caribbean Islands this Christmas. Even if you aren't going to cruise, this CD is great for the pool or beach or tropical parties. Everyone seems to know the words and, like pineapples and coconuts in lush settings with tropical drinks, "it's party time!" While I know there is a more serious side to most Island music and performers, including Belafonte, this is still a full recording for a fun evening. June 14, 2007

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