AMG Review of Pure Gold

Cub Koda
All Music Guide

A straight-up budget reissue of a '70s golden hits package (minus the fake electronic stereo), this brings together all of Harry's early calypso hits. Highlights include "Matilda," "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)," "Jamaica Farewell," and the obligatory "Day-O (Banana Boat Song)." Belafonte was the first great popularizer of calypso music in America, and this is where it all started.