Graceland
Paul Simon
1986
Album Summary
Graceland is the seventh solo studio album by the American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. It was produced by Simon, engineered by Roy Halee and released on August 25, 1986, by Warner Bros. Records. In the early 1980s, Simon's relationship with his former musical partner Art Garfunkel had deteriorated, his marriage to actress Carrie Fisher had collapsed, and his previous record, Hearts and Bones (1983), had been a commercial failure. In 1984, after a period of depression, Simon became fascinated by a bootleg cassette of mbaqanga, South African street music. He and Halee visited Johannesburg, where they spent two weeks recording with South African musicians. Further recordings were held in the United States, with guest musicians including Linda Ronstadt, the Everly Brothers, Louisiana band Good Rockin' Dopsie and the Twisters, and Mexican-American band Los Lobos. Graceland features an eclectic mixture of genres, including pop, rock, a cappella, zydeco, isicathamiya and mbaqanga. Simon wrote songs inspired by the recordings made in Johannesburg, collaborating with African and American artists. He received criticism for breaking the cultural boycott of South Africa because of its policy of apartheid. Following its completion, Simon toured alongside South African musicians, performing their music and songs from Graceland. Graceland became Simon's most successful studio album and his highest-charting album in over a decade; it is estimated to have sold more than 16 million copies worldwide. It was lauded by critics, won the 1987 Grammy for Album of the Year, and is frequently cited as one of the best albums of all time. In 2006, it was added to the United States' National Recording Registry as "culturally, historically, or aesthetically important".
Wikipedia“Graceland” by Paul Simon (1986) Please listen. I became very familiar with this fine album when it first came out in 1986, and it has been a favorite of mine ever since. Very well recorded and produced, with sublime if quirky lyrics and ear-opening instrumentation, “Graceland” pioneered a refreshing development in popular folk/rock. The most striking aspect of the work as a whole is its ready deployment of African musicians, such as the vocal group Ladysmith Black Mombazo (led by Simon Shabalala), guitarist Ray Phiri, and superb fretless bass player Bakithi Kumalo. Listen to Kumalo’s run at 3:43 on “You Can Call Me Al”. Tell me if it’s like anything you’ve heard before. Indeed, listen to this entire song for the inimitable bass playing. Also, listen to the first 27 seconds of this album (Forere Motlohelo on accordion [!!], Vusi Kumahlo on drums, Bakithi Kumalo on bass). Loud. You’ll know you’re in for a treat. Highly referential lyrics—South Africa, 1970s & 80s, Apartheid—perfectly bound to the melodies and phrasing. As subtle as it needed to be. God, this good music. And screw the accusations of cultural appropriation. Those accusations are just another glaring instance of liberals unnecessarily and inconsequentially eating their own. The African National Congress can sit on it. (The only ‘appropriation’ I objected to was when the 2000 Al Gore for President campaign used “You Can Call Me Al” as a theme song. Simon no doubt approved, but hey . . . Spoiled the song for me.) Overall, great album. Wanna decrease racial tensions? Get together across the racial divides. Produce music together. Solve problems together. Make babies instead of killing them. Peace, dude. 5/5
Ugh. Sanitised world music for middle class drones with no imagination and less soul. Horrible
This was a favorite when I was growing up and is a family favorite now. It's great on road trips, especially with children. Has a positively enchanting atmosphere that is so beautifully pristine and rich. Love everything about this album. From the wonderful guitar, bass, percussion, and vocal work, to the superb production with just the right mix of reverb and delay in all the right places. But what I think is the album's most outstanding feature is probably the lyrics. Absolute poetry with just the right amount of idiosyncratic conversational flashes to keep it down to earth. Not to mention perhaps the most culturally significant aspect of the album in the incorporation of the African musicians and blending of styles that was absolutely revolutionary at the time. Only David Byrne/Talking Heads and maybe Peter Gabriel had really ventured into that type of fusion on the US pop charts at that point.
One of my all time favourite albums and I’m struggling to pick any faults with it. There’s something about the African Choral sound that instantly gives me those euphoric goosebumps. This is also my mum’s favourite album of all time so I spent most of my childhood bopping along to the Graceland cassette tape. You Can Call Me Al has a big claim to be high on the list of greatest songs of all time but there’s some hidden gems in here too such as Under African Skies, Crazy Love II & Homeless (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo who are also absolute legends). The naughty little saxophone hook in Gumboots is absolutely stonkin’. Had the biggest grin on my face all day listening to this back.
I don't have to listen to this masterpiece to know its a 5 out of 5 for me, but I will! The 25th anniversary edition as well, what a treat! It is a glorious example of two different genres coming together and creating something even better. Paul Simon's lyrics and soothing melodies are gorgeously complimented by the Soweto choir. African and western instruments combine wonderfully. Every contribution is perfect. I love the bass lines. Every track is different and danceable, singable and just fantastic. Every time I listen, I hear even more wonderful musicianship. I can't see how anyone could listen to this and not feel elevated. Anyway, I would happily play just this album for the rest of time.
One of my favourite albums of all time. Of course, it is impossible to extricate Graceland from the political environment from which it was born, and the folks who would tell you otherwise are ignoring a significant and real part of its history. The album is a beautiful mixture of American pop, rock and jazz, and traditional black South African music. However, it would be remiss of me to not draw a connection through Graceland to Elvis Presley, a white man who popularized black music among white audiences. I don't believe his intention was ever to take credit wholesale for the sounds of Graceland, but it's not an unfair comparison, and one worth considering as you listen. Still, Simon's goal was to create new musical expression free of political boundaries (such as the ongoing Apartheid) and at this, I think he succeeds, creating one of the most vibrant and diverse feeling albums I've ever heard. Exceptional.
Great album, I loved that they used Ladysmith Black Mambazo in a lot of the songs. Had some very powerful subjects like moving forward after divorce, and the pain of losing everything in "Homeless". Also, cant ignore "You Can Call Me Al", great album, 8/10.
Clearly the more talented of the duo, Paul Simon’s “Graceland”, is an album where I can understand why his solo career was so successful. Albeit, this album isn’t my favorite musically, it’s evident that Paul Simon’s talent was on full display here. Bands like Vampire Weekend clearly draw influence from this album, however stylistically just not my thing. Drawing influence from an African style, Louisiana jazz and all the accordion you can handle, this album makes its mark as one of Simon’s better solo offerings.
Cultural appropriation aside, this album is a tremendous feat in bringing together different influences - notably, African - to create a completely singular sound. Consummate production, especially in the bass and rhythm tracks.
Probably my favorite album of all time. When I first heard it in 2012, this record changed how i listened to and thought about music. There are so many songwriting and production decisions here that just totally floored me, from the combination of the upbeat accordian grooves with totally programmed drums to the super melodic bass lines. What really made me become obssessed with this album, though, is how conversational and impromptu his vocal delivery is. There are sooo many lyrics on this album, and his phrasing throughout is very cluttered and erratic. It risks sounding clunky and awkward, but instead it makes this whole record feel unpredictable and lively. One of the few albums i wish i could hear again for the first time
Clearly a great musician and an interesting pop sound. Really catchy songs. Not all of it is my vibe, but I can respect it. On one hand I think it's rad how Simon brought sounds of African musicians into his music and featured them in front of a wider audience, but at the same time, seeing him use their sound while recording in South Africa during aparthied and just throw his hands up and say effectively 'uhhh i don't know how to write protest songs' and making note of how black musicians would get anxious in late night recording sessions, and not doing much is dissappointing, especially given that he knew enough to try to hide his recording in south africa due to other cultural boycotts...
I would listen to this while driving through rolling mountainous rural areas or while baking banana bread in a sunny kitchen with my grandma. Might also be good for dancing to in a low lit living room after drinking white wine. Overall, fosters a happy ambiance with memorable melodies and an artisan-craftsman-house vibe.
My dad was big Simon and Garfunkel fan but somehow Graceland never came on his radar. I always wondered what my life would have been like if the sounds of this album had been played around the house in the mid 80s. (I probably would have hated it.) This album absolutely feels like the creative work of a middle-aged man who has hit a creative rut and has taken inspiration from other cultures in other to get his groove back. There are some good tunes but ultimately it feels a little overwrought.
i am rather conflicted on how to approach my rating and review. i read deeply into the polarizing controversy with this album; it’s fascinating that this album is so deeply beloved when so much contention surrounds it. while the african music is gorgeous, it is not the place of a white westerner to steal and profit from it, let alone during apartheid. that being said, i cannot deny how amazing some tracks are—diamonds, al, graceland. those songs alone can explain why this album is so memorable, more than 35 years later.
Ugh, more overrated music by a guy who appropriates African music to benefit himself. The music sucked, too
This is almost aggressively bad. I can't stand either Simon's twee songwriting nor his powder-puff non-event of a voice. But the biggest crime is just how absolutely terrible this sounds, production wise. Crappy synth sounds clash with noise-gated drums and that weird farty bass sound that plagued the era. I can't believe this plastic, milquetoast grab bag of cheap pop and world music borrowings is considered a classic. Dogshit.
Absolutely not. Paul Simon has nothing to say for an hour. There is absolutely nothing interesting or noteworthy about this album. Skip it. Listening to the rest of the album has ruined "You Can Call Me Al." Absolute garbage.
Weirdly country-ish and totally rubbish. Don't like his voice, the music is both nuts and terrible. No idea what's going on.
for all the things from the 80s that people make fun of, it's wild to me that "aging rock/folk dudes find relevance by appropriating African music" isn't higher on the list. and people STILL hold this trend in high regard. Simon's voice, not really evolving past his folk days, sounds confused, sing-speaking over a semi-eclectic group of songs, ensuring he can ruin as many genres as efficiently as possible. were people clamoring for white guy beat poetry over zydeco music in the 80s? also holy shit the tone on that fretless bass is the absolute worst, it's almost impressive how they zeroed in on the single most nasal, farty midrange frequency and pushed that ALL the way up. I hate almost everything about this and that's not even including the nagging gross feelings about Simon heading to apartheid-era South Africa to plunder black music. Even with You Can Call Me Al being catchy, this album's lucky that I can't rate lower than 1 star.
Absolutely nothing stuck with me. It was like I forgot I listened to it right after I listened to it. But remembered enough to know I didn’t want to hear it again.
Absolutely terrible
One of the best albums ever. Every song is a jam. Already listened to this album 100 times, but it’s still so good.
One of my all time favourite albums, every song is really good at a minimum and some are amazing!!
Reading about the album, apparently he heard a bootleg cassette of South African street music and got on a flight out there to record new sounds. What a extraordinary final product
With the exception of "crazy love", this is a pretty perfect, timeless album to me. It's the kind of album that you can put on when you're on a long road trip.
Excellent release that has been the reference point for several acts to come afterwards, such as Vampire Weekend. As we've moved further from the original release, some more unsavory aspects of the album have come to light, but overall has a very important place in widening the general populaces musical knowledge. Plus, You Can Call Me Al is a bop.
hard to be objective about this one, since i've always loved it. i loved his up-yours by working with a black group from south africa during apartheit; i loved the music in general, and i honestly loved the swahili in particular. i spent the better part of a week reading along with the lyrics until i knew the intro Diamonds by heart.
Grácil, exuberante y positivo. Creo que es de esos discos (y artista) que en nuestro círculo jamás se menciona y es una obra maestra que todos deberían conocer. Con 30 años de carrera se da el lujo de sacar su mejor disco. Lleno de mezclas inesperadas y sonidos que en su momento eran tan nuevos que crearon toda una sección en la tienda de discos con la cantidad de imitación que inspiró. Ritmos africanos, latinos, callejeros mezclados a la perfección con pop que no se siente vacío y, lo que a mí me impresiona más, echando la guitarra al fondo y dejando TODO el disco para que sea el bajo el líder musical. Una maravilla de los 80s.
Might have to be a full marker for this one! Absolutely brilliant and rightly universally considered one of the best albums of all time. Bravo. So joyful - great for the beginning of the working week
Wow, where has this album been my whole life? Very fun and engaging with top tier musicianship. I think it has the potential to be in my top 10 albums, but I'll have to give it a few more listens. Definitely a major influence for Vampire Weekend.
Fighting it out for my personal top 10. We listened to this on family trips in the car. Still puts me in a great mood.
Albüm başlangıcından sonuna kadar çok iyiydi amk. Özellikle giriş şarkısında good vibes vermeye başladı. Diamonds on the soles of her shoes deki bassline iç kıpratıyor. You can call me al daki synth hemen adamı zıplatıyor
Song tracks on this album reminds me of west African music like what was playing when I was in Burkina Faso. I had a nice walk around sunny kenilworth listening to P.Simon
Controversial for valid reasons, yes. But this album is solid and remains uniquely wonderful.
There are a few albums that you can play and listen all the way through, without feeling like skipping any tracks. This is one of those albums. I love this album. The music is great, and the lyrics are clever and often playful. I love the contributions from Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who help create some of my favorite tracks on this album ("Homeless", "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes"). I also love the great hamonies from Linda Ronstadt on "Under African Skies". I've heard "You Can Call Me Al" so many times, and I'm not tired of it yet. This is an album that I recommend and share.
Great album. Nice chill, feel-good 80s pop that is genuinely interesting to listen to with Paul Simon's unique style with some popular bangers in the mix. You Can Call Me Al is, of course, a great track. Got it on vinyl - wouldn't have it if it wasn't very decent. 4.5 from me
allround great album with a unique sounds and well written songs not much else to say here
Call Me Al has been one of my favorite jams and most favorite music videos for years now. This album would get 4 stars just for that. The other songs are new to me, but are all infectiously good. Glad Paul went to Africa.
Impressive. An amazing mix of african rhythms into folk-pop music with creativity and energy. Very cool how someone can start with a blank page and end up with music like this. Very enjoyable.
An outstanding album by Paul Simon, arguably his best. The songs are perfectly crafted, with a rich, eclectic sound. It’s a clear labor of love for Simon, who worked with an extremely talented roster of musicians in South Africa and in the US. But it feels like a real collaboration between artists, not just Simon playing musical tourist. Simon’s exceptional songwriting is the icing on the cake, some of the best of his career. Musically, the songs are joyful, warm and engaging, with gorgeous arrangements. Hard to single out any one performance because it's all amazing. I can’t imagine many artists being able to pull off such an ambitious effort, but Simon delivers an album for the ages. Fave Songs: You Can Call Me All, Gumboots, Graceland, The Boy in the Bubble, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, That Was Your Mother
I prefer my Simon with a Garfunkel but this album is pretty close to faultless. Easy 5/5.
I was introduced to this as a child and still listen to it regularly, especially on hot summer days. The lyrics are great and the music is joyous, and it still sounds fresh after all these years. The blend of African and American music was clearly very influential on future artists.
I've got some catching up to do so I'm glad to get another album that I know very well. There's so much to love about this album I don't know where to begin, just fills me with so much joy and excitement every time I hear it
I heard about this album on reddit. People rated this album as a 5 stars album, saying it was a "family trip" favorite. I listened to it from there and found it magical. Now I listened to it when I travel and I really love it :)
Amazing album. 5/5. I just had Ladysmith Black Mambazo come up in my list a couple of days ago and immediately thought, I wanted to hear this album - and here it is.
Whenever the topic of cultural appropriation comes up, this album gets a mention. Maybe I'm naive, or probably just nostalgic, I saw this in a positive way - would I ever have been exposed to South African music styles? I still enjoy this album, upbeat, bass, love it! (again, nostalgia!)
Superb. All the elements are finally balanced between commercial and experimental. This is an album that rewards you from the first listen. An absolute timeless classic that still sounds fresh 35 years later.
A classic album full of love, life and passion, has any album so popular been so controversial? Critics argue Simon broke the South Africa boycott to make this album and took a musical genre he had no right to play; his supporters argue he crossed the colour line and collaborated with African artists, helping to hasten the end of apartheid. It is for each listener to determine for themselves how they feel about this album. Judged on the product alone, however, this is an exquisitely crafted collection of songs with Simon at the height of his lyrical powers and an assembly of musicians playing beautiful melodies and memorable polyrhythms. A great singalong album, a road trip album, a unique album in its blend of Western song writing and African music (is Simon flying too close to the sun, evoking Elvis, a white artist accused of stealing black music?) with so many highlights- Boy in the Bubble, Diamonds in the Soles of her Shoes, You Can Call Me Al, Graceland -what a quartet of singles! - Whatever else, Simon took a massive risk with this album and what could have been a colossal, laughable failure turned out to be one of the greatest albums of all time.
Such a great album. Interesting, cohesive, original. It can draw you in or just kinda be there, comfortably, like your favorite blanket warming you up on a cold winter's night.
Great album by an amazing singer/songwriter. Great experimentation with the blending of different styles from South Africa.
This album is fantastic. Except for "You can call me Al" that single song kept me from listening to this masterpiece for decades. Not that it is a bad song. It is an example of record companies back in the day pushing singles that did not match the rest of an albums's aesthetics.
One of my favorites. I hadn't listened to it in a while, so it was good to get back into it.
9/10. Spectacular album. Graceland and You Can Call Me Al are the obvious stand-outs, and everything else seemed solid as well. Could easily go up to a 10 on a relisten, only reason I am holding off is because nothing really blew me away on the more filler-y songs, but I think that might have just been me multitasking homework and forgetting about it.
Listened Before? N This turned out to be an amazing album. It feels like the 80s, but it's timeless in its musical composition and eclectic sound. Everyone is familiar with You can Call Me Al, but the rest of the record is just more of the same! I never knew. This is why I am doing this project. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: You Can Call Me Al, Graceland
When this arrived as my album of the day today I was thrilled. It’s been a long while since I’ve listened to this album and my love for it hasn’t changed. Now added to my favourites and will be listened to again and again
Another album I’ve not actively listened to in ages. Dug out the vinyl. Drums, bass and accordion really drives the rhythms. Loved it. But it’s his vocals and the production that adds some grace, depth and lightness of touch when it’s needed. Really need to listen to this more. Staying on the turntable for tomorrow.
Game over. Best Paul Simon Album ever IMO. I love the African influence and recognition given to those contributors. Is and will always be one of my favorite albums, period.
great songs on this album. so many good things have been said about this album. song "Homeless' is great, with a great lyrics. remember when this premiered, Paul said "this is my best album" and everyone was wishing for more music from him and Garfunkal. when it came out, everyone was amazed with it. different types of music and instruments. maybe this started more globalization of music, seemingly it was ahead of its time.
Overall I really liked this album. I think it has some good folk vibes, and I was reading about it so I learned a bit about South African township music, which the album was heavily inspired from. I appreciate that Paul Simon used prominent artists that were a part of South African township music as features in his album. My favorite track on the album as a whole is probably Graceland, the title track. Overall, very strong, nice to listen to, but not life-changing. This one got the big like.
Immaculate. One of the most beautiful albums ever. 10/10 1. Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes 2. Graceland 3. The Boy in the Bubble
Een van mijn favoriete albums! Vroeger als kind ooit gehoord bij de ouders van een goede vriend. Nu nog steeds kan ik elk nummer waarderen. Misschien voor mij wel het beste album dat ik ken. *****
Really great album. Love how visionary it was for the time...really nothing like it. 4.5/5
Rating: A- or 91% A gem of an album. So difficult to choose a single track, seamless in its world beat / afro beat soundscapes and fun filled escapades. Paul Simon's best solo work hands down. Picks: The Boy in the Bubble, Graceland, Gumboots, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, Crazy. Well almost the whole darn album.
This album is mostly just great but there's a couple of real clunkers. The bad songs pull this down from a 5 but just a little. 4.5 stars.
Great Album, can't help but to feel happy and in an elevated spirit when listening to those upbeat African rythms. Paul's great voice and folk style singing is the perfect bridge to make this combo easy listening
This has been my favourite album for a very long time. Paul’s words and his elegant voice mixed with the fun, joy, beauty and celebration of South African music, mixed with American roots of blues and country, made for a historical album and a cultural moment in the history of popular music. It will always be an important album and meets every definition of “must hear”.
Kiinnostavia elementtejä tuotettuna maksimaalisen hiotuksi kokonaisuudeksi. Tätä paremmin tehtyjä poppislevyjä en oo montaa kuullut. Tykkään myös tekstien vaatimattoman optimistisesta tyylistä -- tuntuu, että tässä on mies, joka elämän vaikeuksien jälkeen suunnistaa kohti valoa. 5/5
I could listen to this album everyday. Absolutely love the sound mixed with so many cultural musical expressions being celebrated.
My first boyfriend was convinced that Paul Simon sold his soul to the devil after his failed relationships (with both writing partner Art Garfunkel and wife Carrie Fisher) to come away from those failures with Graceland. The album is a blend of such unique styles and sounds and it is amazing to me how joyous the album sounds despite the preceding failures of Simon's personal and professional life. My first boyfriend was not the brightest but he may have been correct in this case.
Paul Simon was naive, stupid, and arrogant to visit South Africa during apartheid to make this album. However, I don't believe it was done with ill intent, and the musicians he collaborated with clearly love him. Kendrick Lamar said on Sunday night that “imperfection is beautiful”. The result of this imperfect collaboration is a real pleasure to listen to. Every song on this album is full of joy, happiness, and hope. It makes for a superb start to the day! (or end). (or middle).
The variety of sounds on this album kept the listen engaging all the way through, and the music was really well put together.
Opinion 80s album and the album that brought the music of Soweto to the masses. A cynical attempt to cash in on South African political unrest or an earnest attempt to help these great musicians to North American ears. Whatever the motivation Simon absolutely hit his stride on this masterpiece. His best most consistent album. Every song is a success, whether straight ahead pop; You can call me Al. Or beautifully South African harmonies; Homeless and Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, or even a credible stab at zydeco; Crazy Love. There's just not a note put wrong or a rhythm not perfectly timed. 5 🌟
Enjoyed it. Little bit of unfortunate 80s production (that vocal reverb!) but that fades quickly and the songs stand out. Is it cultural appropriation for a white guy to make South African-style music?
So I'm from South Africa and of age when this was formative for me but not old enough to be socially conscious of the frankly strange political set up (80's) What is great that this album now makes me contemplate these things. Great album
Is it problematic? Yeah, probably. Is it a five star album? Absolutely! I have a lot of nostalgia for this - more so for the singles that would have been playing during my formative years than the album itself. I have to imagine they primed me to be more receptive to world music as I got older, so hats off for that reason if for no other! Fave track - "You Can Call Me Al" for the childhood nostalgia factor, but as an adult "I Know What I Know" is the stand out track...
Controversy aside, musically this is a culmination of Paul Simon’s musical meanderings during his solo career. He had flirted with exploring non western music throughout his career and he achieved that vision most fully in this album. The instrumentation is superb and the use of South African musicians and singers lends this album a bit of legitimacy in the face of the controversy of its creation during the cultural embargo. The lyrics (aside from ‘Under African Skies’) are contemplative and explore themes of self and finding one’s place in a larger world. This is truly one of the greatest albums of all time.
I love this album, Graceland in particular. He has a real knack of couching deeply moving/upsetting/profound ideas in beautifully melodic songs.
Classic album. Marrying the cajun south and African sounds without losing the distinctly Paul Simon songwriting, all without feeling derivative or contrived. As with many great albums, it's the singles that seem to lose their lustre the most, personally, over time. I still enjoy You Can Call Me Al, but the other tracks really shine.
Fantastiskt! FN hade infört reseförbud till Sydafrika pga Apartheid. Det sket Paul i. Han åkte dit och gjorde albumet tillsammans med lokala artister ändå. Nästan en 5:a.
Kuuntelin autoa ajellessa, aurinkoisena sunnuntaipäivänä ja oli todella osuva levy hetkeen. Uudelleen kuunteluun tämäkin.
Enjoyed very much. In all honesty, I feel I would need to listen more to give a 5, but I shall be revisiting this album.
Enjoyed very much. In all honesty, I feel I would need to listen more to give a 5, but I shall be revisiting this album.
I love his writing and storytelling but not a huge fan of some of the music - That Was Your Mother was particularly not good; I think the accordion is going in the shit instrument pile along with the banjo and fiddle. I did like the way he folded in some of the Africa influences though, especially at the start of Diamonds on Soles of Her Shoes. Obviously You Can Call Me Al is one of the all time great Ric's tunes, the bass breakdown deserves five stars alone. Four stars all things considered.
7/10 Best songs: diamonds on the soles of my shoes, you can call me Al. Interesting mix of African influences and electric pop. I like the percussion. Not sure I'm a Paul Simon fan now but very chill album - maybe good for a summer roadtrip.
This is an excellently put together album, expertly combining Simon's folk rock stylings with South African street music. It is an exceptionally high-quality recording and well deserving of a five star rating. ...but I'm not going to give it a five star rating because no matter how much he tries to disguise it, it is still a folk album and folk is bad. Get folked, Paul Simon.
A classic. Some great tunes and some interesting African sounds Favorite Track(s): “Diamonds in the Souls of Her Shoes” and “You Can Call Me Al”
Graceland is a nice track. A couple other songs had nice instrumentals and also a big variety of vocals.