Rei Momo


Rei Momo is the first solo album and second studio album overall by David Byrne, released on 3 October 1989. The album consists of diverse Latin music styles from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Brazil. This mélange of Latin rhythms is delivered by Byrne with his characteristic witty lyrics, vocal style, arrangements and production. The album is mostly sung in English and features guest appearances by Kirsty MacColl, Willie Colón and Celia Cruz, among others.

Release and promotion

The album was co-released by Luaka Bop and Sire on 3 October 1989. Initially, the album included three more tracks on the cassette tape than the LP; all songs are present on the compact disc. David Byrne performed "Dirty Old Town" on Saturday Night Live's Thanksgiving show in 1989.

Reception

The album was well-received by critics. In a retrospective review for The Guardian, Alexis Petridis wrote "Byrne’s first post-Talking-Heads solo album is a cut above and an underrated joy".

Track listing

All tracks composed by David Byrne; except where indicated.
  1. "Independence Day" – 5:45
  2. "Make Believe Mambo" – 5:23
  3. "The Call of the Wild" – 4:55
  4. "Dirty Old Town" – 4:12
  5. "The Rose Tattoo" – 3:50
  6. "Loco de Amor" – 3:51
  7. "The Dream Police" – 3:00
  8. "Don't Want to Be Part of Your World" – 4:55
  9. "Marching Through the Wilderness" – 4:30
  10. "Good and Evil" – 4:35
  11. "Lie to Me" – 3:40
  12. "Office Cowboy" – 3:40
  13. "Women vs Men" – 4:06
  14. "Carnival Eyes" – 4:04
  15. "I Know Sometimes a Man Is Wrong" – 3:11

    Release history