Reviews (page 10 of 15)
hmmmm no
A classic
Lots of 70s pop, can only handle in small doses
You can call me Al is good. The rest is just meh
Singer/songwriter pop with a twist
Sehr entspannte Lieder für gute Laune, vor allem Gumboots und das letzte Lied des Albums haben mir gefallen
The music itself is creative for its time. I don’t care for Paul Simon’s voice. You can call me Al is ok tho
Love it.
Good album, just not my genre
Good stuff
It was fine? I listened to it but don’t have any strong feelings. You Can Call Me Al is catchy as hell and it makes sense why that song became huge. It was the most memorable in my eyes. It’s really fascinating how controversial this album is though.
I can’t not give this album a 5. I may be clouded by nostalgia, but it makes me so happy. In fact, I was listening to it, and I was like “how can anyone hate this?” Then I read the other reviews lmaooo.
Another "white man discovers Africa" album from the 80s, haha. Really good though
I remember the music video for You Can Call me Al. I think Chevy Chase was in it? Love Paul Simon and this album.
Love this album, front to back. Paul Simon's masterpiece.
Enjoyed Graceland, You Can Call Me, Under African Skies, and Crazy Love Vol. II. I think the others were just a little out there with me in terms of instrumentals. I liked when there was a harmony with a woman singing like on African Skies, and also really liked the flute. Not used to folk so I think this was a good introduction.
Didn’t grab me but was pleased to see the South African connection. Will probably give it another listen.
Pretty decent world music
This is one of the greatest albums ever produced. For an explanation just * listen *
Decent album but nothing necessarily playlist worthy
#352. Like all of Paul Simon's work, this is just bland. 2/5: meh Song added to playlist: You Can Call Me Al I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
Alors là, on tombe sur un os, un putain d'os de mammouth. Quand le grand livre des "1001 Albums" me balance Paul Simon "Graceland", j'ai failli m'étouffer avec mon café noir. Paul Simon, pour le mec de 16 ans que j'étais en 1986, c'était le son des parents. Le genre de disque qui passe le dimanche après-midi pendant que ton père tond la pelouse et que ta mère prépare un rôti. Le summum de l'ennui poli, l'antithèse absolue de The Cure et de leur "Pornography" qui tournait en boucle dans ma chambre d'ado mal peignée. C'était la musique que les yuppies triomphants des années Mitterrand écoutaient dans leur R5 Turbo en allant à leur cours de squash. Une musique proprette, intelligente, vaguement exotique pour se donner bonne conscience. Bref, tout ce que je pouvais dégueuler à l'époque. Une gentille pop mâtinée de "World Music", ce concept marketing fumeux inventé par des Occidentaux en mal d'authenticité pour vendre des disques à d'autres Occidentaux en mal d'authenticité. J'avais rangé ça dans la case : sympathique, mais totalement inoffensif. Et puis, il y avait l'autre casserole, la grosse, la rouillée, celle qui fait un bruit de tous les diables : l'Apartheid. En 1986, l'Afrique du Sud était au ban des nations. Un boycott culturel international était en place, et qu'est-ce qu'il fait, notre petit Paul ? Il prend son baluchon et va enregistrer à Johannesburg avec des musiciens locaux. Tollé général, on a crié au scandale, à l'opportunisme, au pillage culturel. Simon, le petit malin, qui brise le boycott pour se refaire une santé commerciale sur le dos de musiciens noirs opprimés. La polémique a été aussi énorme que le succès du disque. Alors, presque quarante ans plus tard, il a fallu que je me replonge dedans. Sans a priori, ou du moins en essayant de les laisser au vestiaire. J'ai posé le vinyle sur la platine, le coeur un peu lourd, m'attendant à une purge polie, à un pensum de bonne conscience musicale. Et là... la claque. Merde. Il faut être honnête, ce disque est une putain de merveille. Dès les premières secondes de "The Boy in the Bubble", on est happé. Pas par Paul Simon, non. On est happé par cette section rythmique incroyable, par cette basse fretless sautillante et joyeuse de Bakithi Kumalo qui danse comme un diable, par la guitare de Ray Phiri qui tricote des mélodies lumineuses. C'est un son que l'Occident n'avait jamais vraiment entendu comme ça. C'est frais, c'est vivant, c'est une explosion de couleurs dans le paysage musical souvent synthétique et glacial des années 80. Le génie de Simon, et c'est là qu'il faut ravaler son cynisme de vieux punk, ça n'a pas été de composer cette musique. Non, sa genialité a été de la laisser exister car il a eu l'intelligence suprême de ne pas essayer de la formater, de la noyer sous des arrangements de producteur américain bedonnant. Il a posé sa voix, ses textes de songwriter new-yorkais un peu intello et névrosé, sur un tapis volant musical qui était déjà là, vibrant de sa propre vie. C'est une conversation, pas une OPA hostile. Et quelle conversation ! Le contraste entre la mélancolie douce-amère des textes de Simon et l'exubérance quasi-constante de la musique est ce qui fait toute la force de "Graceland". Prenez "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes", avec la majesté des choeurs de Ladysmith Black Mambazo. C'est d'une beauté à chialer. Et puis bien sûr, il y a le tube interplanétaire, celui qui a fait danser la Terre entière : "You Can Call Me Al". Impossible de résister à ce riff de synthé et à ce solo de basse. Même le métalleux le plus endurci se surprend à taper du pied. C'est un fait scientifique. L'album n'est pas qu'un simple aller-retour en Afrique du Sud, c'est un véritable road-trip musical. On y croise les Texans de Los Lobos sur "All Around the World or the Myth of Fingerprints" et les légendes du zydeco de Louisiane comme Rockin' Dopsie Jr. sur "That Was Your Mother". C'est un disque qui respire l'Amérique dans sa diversité, tout en étant profondément imprégné par l'Afrique. Alors, on en pense quoi, de ce disque maudit et adulé ? Est-ce que le Paul Simon de 1986 était un salaud d'opportuniste ? Peut-être un peu. Est-ce qu'il a brisé un boycott qui avait son importance ? Oui, c'est un fait. Mais il a aussi offert une vitrine mondiale à des musiciens exceptionnels qui, sans lui, seraient peut-être restés dans l'ombre. Il a fait plus pour la connaissance de la musique sud-africaine que n'importe quel concert caritatif de l'époque. C'est toute l'ambiguïté du personnage et de l'oeuvre. Aujourd'hui, en réécoutant Graceland, je dois bien l'admettre : mon moi de 16 ans était un petit con snobinard. Ce disque est un chef-d'oeuvre de production, un miracle d'équilibre entre des cultures, un concentré de joie de vivre et de mélodies imparables. C'est un disque qui donne le sourire, qui donne envie de bouger, qui réchauffe le coeur. Est-ce que ça en fait un de mes albums de chevet ? Non. Il reste pour moi un objet un peu à part, un album "soleil" dans une discographie majoritairement "nuageuse". Il ne détrônera jamais Joy Division ou Nick Cave dans mon coeur. Il y a un côté un peu trop "propre", un peu trop lisse, qui m'empêche de l'aimer totalement, sans réserve. C'est un compagnon de voyage exceptionnel, mais pas le confident des nuits blanches. Mais bordel, quel voyage ! C'est un excellent album de World Music, un excellent album tout simplement. Un classique qui a mérité sa place dans le grand livre, n'en déplaise au pisse-froid que j'étais. Verdict : Une bouffée d'air frais qui a balayé les certitudes et les préjugés, une leçon d'ouverture musicale, même si elle est née dans la controverse. L'album parfait pour réaliser qu'on a parfois été un con fini, et que c'est pas si grave de changer d'avis. Un solide 4/5, parce que la perfection n'est pas de ce monde, et surtout pas du mien.
A delight.
I like to think I’m fairly knowledgeable about pop culture in general, but the whole ‘Simon & Garfunkel’ saga sort of flew under my radar. I was familiar with their popular hits, I was aware they were a groundbreaking act, I was not overly familiar with them outside of their big hits. This can also be applied to Paul Simon’s solo work. This is essentially me listening to a full LP in this bubble of music for the first time; and it seems to be a fantastic place to start. The opening track really surprised me with its yin/yang nature of dread and terrorism mixed with hope and optimism, layered on top of uplifting melodies featuring surprisingly great use of an accordion (which features in many tracks). It made me think: “Wow, what am I getting into here?”. The social and political commentary on Africa seems to continue throughout other tracks on the album: ‘Under African Skies’ and ‘Homeless’. Paul Simon has somewhat mastered the art of expressing his lyrics through a conversational style. The love song about an odd relationship between a poor man and a rich woman in ‘Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes”, featuring an almost relaxing, albeit addictive and subtle melody backed by African percussion instruments. The chronicles of a man going through a midlife crisis in ‘You Can Call Me Al’, partnered with one of the greatest keyboard riffs you’ll ever hear. Musically - the sounds of African music are in virtually every track. The pop sensibility seems almost unrivalled, yet nothing is really too bombastic or overproduced. It makes Paul Simon’s simple, yet efficient vocals fit perfectly with the music itself. In all honesty, there isn’t a single track I dislike in any capacity; and I very quickly listened to it another two times. From start to finish ‘Graceland’ is nothing but addictive melodies, a wide variety of instruments, extremely well written lyrics, and slick production. 5/5
This was one of the most important albums of the 80s. Shocked to see this app only has a 3.76 rating for it. Such a great collaborative effort.
Paul Simon became a favorite and this album started it all. His ability to keep making fresh music by experimenting with different genres and co-oping them into his own style sounds like joy even in his darker periods. He was an old dude to me when Graceland came out, but it was a gateway into a world of really cool music. As an American kid in 1980’s I didn’t know what Apartheid meant - We Are The World and Graceland were my introduction to conversations about what was really happening globally.
Solid, great writing that has held up extremely well
This album shouldn’t have been made. Breaking the cultural boycott of South Africa is an unpardonable faux pas from Simon, but the record he produced still has its merits nonetheless. I was first told about Graceland my a music teacher in high school, who told me to focus on the bass playing. Back then, I was gobsmacked by the fretless slapping on this record, but to my ear now it sounds a bit… well, shit. That’s more of a production quibble, but it’s far from minor. This album has aged a lot, both in its concept and its execution. Simon is a songwriting powerhouse, but you’d be better off going to the source of Graceland’s influences directly, rather than his bastardised brand of African soukous. Still, for all its many flaws when heard from a contemporary perspective, there are a couple of Simon’s trademark bangers to be found. Altogether, Graceland is less an album you should listen to before you die, than it is a record that you should listen to before the passing of time kills off any of its appeal.
Favorite Track: You Can Call Me Al
One of the greatest albums of all time. 10/10. Magical. Paul Simon never stops learning and listening, and it is gift he then shares with lucky us.
Two minds on this. It was definitely noteworthy when released. However, I don’t think I need to listen again. 3 stars for the memories.
this was fine, a bit bland in my opinion
Not as good as his other albums You can call me Al is still one of his best songs.
Mainstream breakthrough for world music. Still holds up today!
Classic
Really good album but it doesn't really hit my personal tastes to really be in love with it
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.
Super nostalgic. Bass is insane. Every song is a banger. One of the greatest albums ever.
You all know the rants against it. But two points for Al.
Man, I’d never heard Graceland but I’d heard all about it. The bar was high, and at least on first listen, not really met.
To paraphrase Ian Malcolm, Paul Simon was so caught up in seeing if he COULD culturally appropriate African music, that he didn't stop to think if he SHOULD. Some catchy tunes but an overall feeling of being annoying.
It's alright. Definitely an interesting listen, but nothing really stuck out besides the hit songs I already knew. Average.
I liked the upbeat African influences. Didn't enjoy the repetitiveness. The goofy lyrics and cadence is charming at first but gets old.
4.5
Such a cool synthesis of sounds here. Paul Simon went to Africa to find new concepts for this album and it payed off. It’s a perfect fusion of the 80s pop and soul sound with the sounds of Africa. Not a single song on here sounds trite, repetitive or dull. One of my favorites on the list so far.
Wait, Paul Simon was married to Carrie Fisher? No way! Anyhow... I think "You Can Call Me Al" is the first song I knew from Paul Simon, and it's still awesome. Otherwise I didn't really know this album. The Boy in the Bubble sounds like it could be a Bob Dylan song. The album is OK but I don't like it nearly as much as some of the Simon/Garfunkel albums, especially Bridge Over Troubled Water.
In a vacuum, I'd probably give this 4 stars. There's a lot I like about it, musically. But, going to knock it 1 star for some problematic politics surrounding its creation.
Even if I could get past the culture vulture nonsense at the heart of this album, there's something just utterly milquetoast about this - like the people who enjoy this also enjoy the Beach Boys 'Kokomo.'
Paul Simon on his own just doesn't hit the same. Still a pretty good listen.
I’m starting to think I’m not a Paul Simon fan…It just felt dated and a little forced. I see the idea and the intention behind the album’s sound, but I think I’d just rather hear a South African band?? Favorite song: You Can Call Me Al (solely for the familiarity) Least favorite song: everything else? Knew before? No
the album started REALLY good and i really should have listened to it earlier but the last couple songs really dampened the whole thing. would have been way better without all the features but i think his voice and the top 75% of the album are good enough to keep it at a low 4 stars
Very messy tracks call me al best song by a mile. But he tried something with all the African inspiration.
This is a very different album. I love some of the songs and Paul's use of back up singers/music is brilliant on this album. A fun listen!
I like the idea of Paul Simon more than I actually like listening to Paul Simon. Some awesome standout tracks but as a whole, I want to like it more than I actually do.
Find blend av musikkstiler. Meget bra. 4/5
Listening to this on record it always was hard to convince myself to listen to the second side because the first is so great. First side alone is 5 stars and even if the second side isn't as good to me, it doesn't bring it down at all
I really like his voice! That’s it.
No joke?? This is like the 4th amazing 5 star record in a row. And this is truthfully on my 5 album Desert Island Discs list. (Only Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here, Tom Petty Wildflowers and Tool Lateralus came to mind first). Again, the history and writing. The instrumentation. The GAUL of a short little New York Jew mixing Negro Native music with his. It is brilliant and fun and deep as hell and it helped expose Americans for the divided deep seated separatism that they held at the time (and sadly still do). And if I had to pick a top 5 SONGS list for a DID the title track would be a strong contender. I also deeply recall my mother referring to Paul as the “weird one” for this album. Literally one of my favorite records.
Fantastic album, no bad tracks, all classics
Another album I love and probably Paul Simon's best work since Bridge Over Troubled Water. I got into this album after noticing how my son when he was a toddler was dancing to You Can Call Me Al on the radio so I bought the album & found out it was fantastic. A beautiful mix of pop, folk and African music blended together to make an all time classic album Boy In The Bubble, You Can Call Me Al, Diamonds On The Doors Of Her Feet, Homeless & Under African Skies are stunning but my personal highlight is Graceland what a song.
Remember buying it. Good solid album.
Interesting mix of sounds and influences.
This is like a weird folk/post punk child. The instrumentation didn't really work for me. Going from sweet south african drumming to a drum machine was jarring.
Bland
go white boy go!
It's certainly music
Volvemos
A musically unique and ambitious album with some of Simon's best songwriting.
Perfect album
One of those albums you listen to and wonder why you don't listen to it more often. During gumboots I was thinking: wow he really nailed the African feel for this song not realizing it's played by an actual African band
Album a bit all over the place. Couple of decent tracks, and 'You can call me Al' is obviously a banger.
Very much like the use of the African music.
Always pleasant and uplifting 7/10
I mean this just illustrates the bullshit music industry for what it is. Oh let me go to Africa for two weeks so the corporate record label can have an orgasm. This is crap, and it really put me into a shit mood.
80s country/folk/pop with a South African feel. Nice.
Oh my god Paul Simon what the hell was this. On one hand, I have to give this album some props for how damn joyful it feels. If this is his most popular solo album (which I think it is), I can see why. It has some catchy stuff and it just feels like a really happy album. But I gotta be honest… I never really believed this version of Paul Simon. It’s really difficult to detach myself from his folky origins with Art Garfunkel and that beautiful sound. I know he’s done way more work outside of that pairing than he has as part of it, but I just don’t buy it. I can’t picture him as some pop artist like this. I had the same problem on the other album of his I listened to, “Hearts and Bones.” He just isn’t that guy to me, so anything other than his folk work feels like a farce to me. Throw in the fact that this sounds so dated and I just can’t buy in. I know people love it and they espouse its greatness but I just can’t get there. Thematically it’s unfocused. The inclusion of African musical elements and musicians, while probably a huge part of why it feels so joyful, feels out of left field and a little forced. After some reading, I see that he was criticized for breaking a cultural boycott with apartheid South Africa by working with these artists. He claims it was a political statement and he was following his instincts…yeah ok I guess. But the accusations of cultural appropriation do kind of ring true, but I do feel like the inclusion of genuine African artists on this record does take some of the wind out of the sails of that accusation. But I don’t really have a strong opinion on this. Someone explain to me the greatness I’m missing here because I don’t see it. Three stars. I do feel like this could've been an influence on Vampire Weekend though. And it definitely has some Talking Heads/New Wave influence in there, too. Standout Tracks: Gumboots, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, Homeless, That Was Your Mother, All Around the World or the Myth of
I love the happiness of the music that Paul Simon has always produced. Graceland is no different in that regard. It puts me in a good mood despite what the day is throwing my direction.
Awesome! One of the best albums ever.
The African guest artists are interesting to me, Paul Simon absolutely is not. This album also sounds very dated for 1986.
3/5
Exceptional album, one that I've always loved.
This is an amazing album. The African influences are weaved in so seamlessly that they align with the songwriting without seeming contrived. Beautiful music, production, everything. Catchy and dancey too. At its best, pop genius. The songs are less interesting from track #7 onwards, although 7 itself is beautiful - just not my thing. "That was Your Mother", for example, is forgettable... although I guess the speeding up tempo through the song is the attraction. If you don't really go for that worldy feel, it won't be your cuppa. It is a gentle album, no biting teeth here. I do find myself wondering how influenced Sting was by this in his post-Police output. Really good album.
Joyous and rhythmical. Such great lyrics. Paul Simon is a gift.
Very good album, after growing up hearing this was always one of the best albums ever I think now its a but overrated but its still an amazing album. Growing up in Puerto Rico this sound is part of our music, naturally an american singer took it and showed the american masses what it was and how it could be incorportated in american folk and experiment mixing cultures perfectly. I still think is great and his best album thou. Maybe not a great deal to me bit I understand the cultural importance of the album.
Great world music vibe. Couldn’t avoid the hits during high school.
Great stuff
Overplayed cultural appropriation much? Sill, it fucking rules. Damn.
What do I even need to say
I got another Paul Simon album about 2 weeks ago and I really loved the sound, the vibe, his voice is great, but I didn’t personally like most songs. I was glad to get him again and my eyes have been opened here, this album is great. The first 6 songs are just great & hoping for more of him down the line.
I often fall short of loving Paul Simon's work, but I do enjoy about half of S&G's albums, as well as his first few solo records. Other white musicians have been inspired by African music. This isn't a bad thing. Talking Heads took inspiration from afrobeat and turned it into post-punk masterpieces that have aged like fine wine. This, however, feels different but bad. The shitty synth sounds, the muddled layering of indigenous-sounding choral tracks underneath obnoxiously cluttered lyrics, the poor-man's-Jaco bass tone, the schlocky/smarmy/saccharine lyrical content... it's all so try-hard. And I probably wouldn't even like Call Me Al if the music video didn't make me like it in the 90s.
I liked Chevy Chase in the music video
Another album I actually own. Have loved this since it was released.
One of the all time greats, I’ve promoted two shows by mates Paul Simon tribute band in Edinburgh playing Graceland and assorted other songs, they were incredible. Massive regret not seeing the man himself live when I had the chance
A great song writer expanding his vision. This stands the test of time.
I have memories of my dad playing this in the car occasionally when I was a kid and I wasn't particularly impressed by it then and I'm not now. There's nothing wrong with it per se, but there's nothing that draws me in or excites me. The only song that I would go out of my way to listen to is Call Me Al and even that I'd be perfectly happy to never hear again. Threeth Kens out of Val.
I love Graceland. It's not a perfect album, despite my vanilla preferences, but I love this.
You were right about Paul S
This is great. A couple of weaker spots though bring it down. And as for American cries of cultural appropriation, if it’s good enough for Ladysmith Black Mambazo, then it’s good enough for the rest of us
J'ai vraiment préféré cet album à l'autre de Simon que j'ai eu plus tôt. Beaucoup plus varié, très original. L'incorporation de musique africaine est spéciale, bien faite, mais je comprends les critiques d'appropriation culturelle car ça se démarque bizarrement. Un bon score pour l'effort et le risque. 7.5/10
Na mijn enthousiasme voor alle Simon en Garfunkel albums die ik heb gehad tot nu toe spring ik natuurlijk een gat in de lucht voor zn solo werk! Maar ik probeer hier neutraal in te gaan, misschien is het solo werk minder saai en zaaddodend dan waneer ze samen muziek maken? Mwah, niet echt. Er zitten wat Afrikaanse invloeden in de muziek heb ik het idee? En er staat een hit op, waarvan ik eigenlijk niet eens wist dat ie van Paul Simon was, sorry! Maar verder, klinkt het grotendeels toch gewoon als Simon en Garfunkel; een beetje saaiig en allemaal hetzelfde. Had liever gehad dat Paul nog verder de Afrikaanse invloeden op zou gaan. Of nog beter; gewoon een Afrikaans album op deze lijst?? Daar had ik best een Paul Simon of Simon en Garfunkel album voor opgegeven... Wel moet ik toegeven dat sommige nummers me wel echt beter pakken! Crazy Love vol 2 is instrumentaal gewoon echt leuk! Mag ook gezegd worden hoor. Album in zn geheel is gewoon een beetje saaiig voor te veel nummers, met een paar hoogtepuntjes, waarvan Crazy Love vol 2 het beste is voor mij. Alles bij elkaar; wederom een ok album van Simon en/of Garfunkel FAVO: Graceland, You can call me Al, Homeless, Crazy Love vol 2
I don't think degrees of perfection exist. Something is either perfect or it isn't. But Graceland is perhaps the most perfect album of all time. Paul Simon's lyrics floor me time and again, his way of poetically portraying any emotion and making it beautiful is just unmatched. And here, he went outside the realm of popular music and brought the very best of what he found back with him. There isn't a wasted note, word or moment here, one I can listen to anytime, every time and hopefully many more times to come.
Бесхребетная музыка
Probably the best of Paul Simon's solo albums. Has a few songs that are ultra-classics, and the rest of really interesting and listenable. That all being said, the one thing that brings this album down is his un-credited and appropriating use of central African music. I know that there is some controversy about this whole album for this, and while some songs like You Can Call Me Al are obviously much more classic Paul Simon, the essence of the album is steeped in African roots. Its funny that his best work is off the back of music that he had no part in creating. That all being said, is the album good? No, it's excellent. As long as you can recognize where the brilliance of this album comes from, its cool to enjoy it.
Nice and inventive, i liked the african? elements
Apua miten söpö kansi :D Tykkään a-puolen humpasta (avausbiisi). Miks tuo Afrikka-biisi on keskellä… no, herättää huomion. Hymyilin levyn aikana muutaman kerran, joten positiivisen puolella ehdottomasti ollaan. Ei liian vakavaa, vaikka leikkimään ei varsinaisesti lähdetäkään. Söpöjä stemmoja. B-puoli kyl tylsempi.
Olisi epäoikeudenmukaista kiistää artistin taito säveltää pop-musiikkia vain koska hänen esteettinen makunsa tuntuu vähän kornilta. "Omimista vai arvostusta"-debatissakin olen enemmän jälkimmäisellä puolella, koska musiikki on riittävän laadukasta. Mutta omaa esteettistä makuaan ei voi paetakaan: siinä missä vierailu Bob Marleyn maailmassa tuntuu seduktiiviselta, Simonin universumissa pakaroilleen ei löydä koskaan ihan sopivaa asentoa. 3,5
This is the third solo album by Paul Simon that I have received on this list. Again, I prefer his music with S&G more than the solo stuff. This album is upbeat with a happy vibe, and fun to listen to. It is probably my favorite of his. Reading some of the comments left by others (which I do for every album) I see many comments attacking Simon's character for what they call "cultural appropriation". This is funny to me since cultural appropriation is a way to introduce the world to other cultures as long as it is done without taking advantage of the culture which the music is borrowed from. Apartheid is the act of keeping cultures separated so that one may have mastery of the other. If we truly want unity why not blend all cultures and remember the histories of the cultures where music came from? Most of my favorite music has been derived from southern delta blues and it has had a profound effect on the development of rock and roll and pop music. If white artists had not taken these influences where would we be now? I for one enjoyed listening to the African musicians on the album and I am glad that their contributions were recorded. If they were not, then many people would miss out on what they have to offer. As long as they were treated fairly and compensated accordingly, then I think we all win. Is Paul Simon a good person? I don't know him or what he has done one way or another. I don't judge the music based on the artist's character. If I did, many on this list would be graded poorly.
I really appreciate Paul Simon. I think he's original, takes risks, brings energy and perspective, but not super timeless in that I feel like he's very much of his time and playing to a pretty specific generation (not mine). With all due respect, he can tend to feel pretty corny haha. The African influence/collaboration here is super cool though.
1. bubble - 1 2. graceland - 1 3. knouu - 0 4. gumbootz - 1 5. diamondz - 1.5 6. call me- 1.5 7. african zkiez - 1 8. homelezz - 1.5 9. crazy love - 1.5 10. mother - 1 11. uuorld - 1
You know, this kind of works. Call Me Al was definitely what marketed this album but the rest was beautifully crafted and should be listened to carefully.
Great album, has some classics on it. I hadn't heard the cultural appropriation complaints until reading the reviews section, so I guess I'll investigate those a bit more.
Fint nok. Call me Al er en klassiker, resten var undervældende og ville ikke rigtig frem. Homeless var ret god til lige at fange min opmærksomhed igen.
Det er godt nok et mærkelig sammensat album. Det stikker i alle mulige retninger. Og ikke på den gode måde. Hittet er egentlig et ret sjovt nummer, desværre formår resten af albummet ikke at ramme det samme.
Started playing You Can Call Me Al while I was about to call my friend Al, 10/10 timing
Every generation sends a hero up the pop charts
Love Graceland. Weirdly the randomiser gave me a S&G album yesterday (Bookends) so it was quite interesting to get a Paul Simon solo album from two decades on, which obviously marked a big departure from his normal style with the influence of the African musicians he worked with. It's almost like another artist Not sure I buy into the cultural appropriation angle - there are contributors credited as writers / performers on a lot of these tracks, and let's face it, would people in North America / Europe be listening to these without the exposure of Graceland? Not to the same extent surely? Great set of songs including some classic hits, and the arrangements bring plenty of nice touches that add to the sound. By far my favourite Paul Simon solo album!
Not sure I like this as much as S+G work. Good for him for branching out. Backing vocals in Diamonds on the soles reminded me of the Nickelodeon theme song. The songs I enjoyed the most here were the more african-influenced ones. 3* Highlights: gumboots, homeless
Не знаю что за земля благодати, похоже на елден ринг. Но на старте! На старте дуда и гармонь. Это мы слышим нечасто, это мы уважаем Слушайте, а кайфы. Очень разнообразные мелодии, не успеваешь заскучать, добрый голос мужика рассказывает жизненные микростори, приятненько.
Not my type, but sound so energetic
Pretty decent album.
What a wonderful album. Perhaps his high water mark.
I am fortunate enough to have been raised by a dad with excellent taste in music, who introduced me to many fantastic albums on long car rides when I was a kid. Graceland is one of those albums, and although this is my first time listening to it start-to-finish in at least a decade (maybe even two!), it makes up for the quantity of listens with its quality of music.
Not a bad album, but not one that I was interested in. Some African stuff in there which sounded cool. Not keen to why this is historical. I liked the one song I knew, which was You Can Call Me Al. Can’t put a pin in why this didn’t mesh with me. Standouts: Gumboots and You Can Call Me Al.
Losing love is like a window in your heart. Everybody see you’re blown apart, everybody feels the wind blow. And don’t even get me started on the music.
I liked it. I’ll need to return to it and listen to the lyrics more.
I like the piece you can call me AI
Such a delightful mix of sounds and fun songs.
A true classic, genre bending masterpiece
Probably my least favorite Paul Simon album. It feels experimental, but the experiments all work. So like chocolate, the worst is still pretty good.
Not the first time Paul has slipped in some tasty Afro beats
If you want to hear mbaqanga, just listen to the real stuff. Miriam Makeba is even on this list.
Never heard of him and no idea what to expect. Rock folk and pop sounds enjoyable, unless it's too basic. I don't have high expectations for this one, though I love that it's an artist I haven't heard before, so I hope I found my new favourite artist. Lot's of features which is unexpected from a rock fella. First song, I like the instrumental fusion already. His voice is nice, literally folly. Songs are decently listened, so they must be suitable for almost every person. I don't like that that instrument is only making one type of sound, but lyrically it's fun. Ooh the break was short but necessary. Feels like he's talking and makes me want to learn the lyrics. God he actually worked with Art Garfunkel and I don't know much of him, but this album will be even better I think. Second song, sonically it's good, really good, long intro which is quite necessary here tbh. The chorus has such a good lyrical delivery. He doesn't have vocals, not a bad thing, just what I think. That clapping (not hands) sound is addicting. Chorus is still the best part in the song. Outro is also long, not needed tho. It's not rare, but I'm still amazed when permanent wave songs sound this good. Third song, first song featuring others. It's energetic kinda. Oh the background vocals are the features, love that touch. It's such a weird song tbh, those sounds make it as funky as scary. He has a lot of dialogues here. General's OO OO OO-s are the best part in the song, because it's in sync with the beat. 4th song, Paul invited African artists mostly here I suppose, gotta appreciate that, just read and some people take that negatively, weiiird. Anyway this song didn't really stand out to me, it's too short and it didn't let me get to know it, and sonically it wasn't as interesting. 5th song, no way I already love this song because of the start, I absolutely devour the unique and rarely used sounds in songs and this is one of the best examples. Dunno why there is no feature tho. The vibe fully changed after the first verse wtf, it's tropical now, love that, but also why. I liked the intro more in a way I have to say, but the afrobeat and the background sounds make this equally good I guess. The break is jazzy, but doesn't stand out. This will be an ever better listen if I do it second time, because I'll be familiar with it, it's basically a grower. Outro is a little boring, but fits the concept. 6th song, his most listened song this one is. It has a catchy start already. He sounds like Bob Dylan in some parts, but also extremely doesn't sometimes. Idk why this is the most popular song on the album, it must be connected to smth. Oh the magical instrument came in(I say that when idk the name of it), It's rainforesty. Oo the jazz after that is quite fun. God the music video shows how they play the music and it's so fun to watch them do it. 7th song, there was a woman's voice along with his in the beginning, and oh it just came back. I like this song the least, it's too slow and uninteresting, a filler song I presume. Nevermind, I checked how they played this live, basically a music video, and seeing them together is too good to ignore. Outro is weird af, love it still. 8th song, this one is sang in Zulu, feels like I'm in a church. The production is quite well done I must say. The vocal delivery is the best part here. Oh it's progressing into gospel, buut nope it doesn't. What an unique track, can't get over it anytime soon. 9th song, again the tropical vibes. This is one of the worst produced songs somehow. Even tho just now it has a rock element in it, I find it painful to listen to. Just no, it had some good parts but it ain't enough. 10th song, FUN start. It's danceable and jazzy. There is a big band playing definitely. I'd actually dance to it if I wasn't sick lol. It's not lyrically fun, as in I don't want to learn them. Dunno what else to say, it was just too short. 11th song, the beat at the start is everything. I thought he'd sing more happily, but only sonically I can hear it being upbeat. I think he naturally sounds sad. One of the best songs here. Honestly I want to give this 5 stars, but it's not perfect perfect, 4 stars is the right choice here. It has one of the most unique sounds I've ever heard to be honest, not some basic pop-folk-rock shit, thank god it wasn't that. The black artists being featured is such a cool thing, and I could never hate him for that. Actually I don't even the see rock part in it, which is not a bad thing nor good. I expected way less and I was impressed how the production got better and better.
MORE paul simon whatevvvveerrrrr just f off im over it theres so much other music i would rather listen to
Fun, eclectic album. You Can Call Me All is a fun song.
I love every bit of this album - I find Paul Simon weird enough to be interesting without being pendantic and that is a very fine balance
This one was interesting, not at all what I was expecting.
It's his best album. And the songs haven't aged poorly.
what a sick little ditty! this album is genuinely so important with the messaging and themes and times and there's truly almost nothing like it. Shoutout Paul Simon man. while i do prefer his folk work, this is undeniable. 1.) under african skies 2.) you can call me al 3.) homeless
Pretty catchy but didn’t blow me away
This is one of my favorite albums of all time. It is up there on my 'Most Played Albums' list and I don't think I'll ever get bored of it. It's got an amazing blend of musical styles. The vocals are amazing, the songs are so catchy, and the african instruments blend so well with Paul's song writing. I love that each song features different artists. This is easily my favorite Paul Simon work. 10/10
some of songs felt not as enoyable as others, didnt felt them same yk. i still find this work pretty exciting, especially the first half of the record. Worth listening a lot.
A classic
4-5 stars
A good album to rediscover. Quite the powerful album at the time, I found it very approachable and was a window to many new forms of music for me, both the past of Simon and Garfunkel and the breadth of some musics from Africa. It's an occasional listen for me, I don't know the matching occasion. Maybe a long afternoon drive? Maybe painting a room? Unsure. 4 wobbly stars.
You Can Call Me Al generated
if I was a bookworm whimsical woman living on my own in a bustling city that never sleeps, I mightve given this a 4
I remember this being all over the place when it came out but never listened to it. It's very solid
The first half is quite strong, but I find it kind of falls away after that, making for an inconsistent record overall which is a shame, because as a whole, I wanted to like ‘Graceland’ more than I did.
Brilliant
What was this Didn't like it - instruments going wild, screeching backing vocals, some sort of talking over the songs? Bad It got an extra star purely because of You Can Call Me Al and the nostalgia it brought me 2 ⭐️
I’ve know about the reputation of this album for a while. So maybe my expectations were too high. I thought it was solid. There are a few songs I’d consider great. But as a whole I wasn’t blown away. 3.5/5
Easy 3 - I liked a few songs, but wouldn't choose to listen to this. Felt very generic Paul Simon. Bloody loved call me al though.
Really enjoyed this - so happy. Love the African influence too
This will always be a 5* album for me. Every song is incredible.
Such a fun album! Call me Al is one of my all time favorite songs, and Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes was also a hit. This was a very very high 4 for me, though it didn’t quite reach the 5 threshold.
The best parts were the African musicians. The worst parts were Paul Simon. I don’t dislike him in general, or at least, conceptually (come to think of it, maybe he’s one of those artists who I feel I “should” like without actually being that familiar with) but this album - which I expected to enjoy - strikes me as cheesy and ersatz. Favorite track: Homeless
i was looking forward to this album, i didn’t know what to really expect, it was different to what i would thought, you can call me al and graceland are both amazing songs, i found the album had this semi african style brought into it through the whole thing, i really enjoyed it overall
Not sure how much of this would fly today, but it is interesting. The African sounds work very well with Paul Simon’s music. Difficult to separate from The Lion King for modern ears but it was a good listen!
Much better than last few albums - really like
Love him, definitely eccentric
Not of my personal taste, but nice nonetheless, lots of african sound throughout the record which can be nice for lots of people.
best album ever
we'll just have to wait and confer...
This album was politically controversial when released. Apartheid was in the news, the South African music vibe was new to the States. Never heard the entire album til 1001, but knew it would show up, and rightfully so. The album has a wide variety of sounds, some totally different styles, and some good songs. Crazy Love Vol II is the best song, Homeless could have been left off the album. L felt the vocals were all too much like he’s talking or reading and very similar - rated the album at (1.8*s). Difference of opinions here, Simon is a songwriter with some good ideas and many, many folk hits. (I hope Garfunkel has an album that makes the list.) For J, Graceland comes in at a strong (2.9*s)
Is Simon actually better without Garfunkel? I never gave that any thought, but here this album is to test theories. What a weird exploration in zydeco, African drumming, and tribal chanting. I can see how this was monumental at the time but there's a few flaws. I don't like the weird fart bass, something about the overall sound feels too island-y, and I'll never get over Simon's talk-sing delivery (like he's just reading a poem). I also don't fully get the album art (15th century Ethiopian manuscript stored at the Peabody Essex Museum) and the album title itself is a bit irksome. This combination of styles already feels like a middle-aged white man doing cultural appropriation, why pay homage to Elvis (a literal middle-aged white man who popularized black music)? In spite of all this, I somehow don't hate it (but I also don't love it).
Digging Simon post divorce from both his wife and bandmate. Have not been impressed by the duo and I am much more into this exploration. Although heartbroken, this album sounds pretty upbeat. Collabs with artists from a variety of genres and it works well. Why does Paul want to be called Al though? 3.2
I've really only been exposed to Simon (and/or Garfunkel) through various hits. I've never really sat and listened to a Paul Simon album prior to this list. I respect him as an artist but for the most part I've just considered him an musical icon but not in my wheelhouse. With Graceland it's nice to hear him with a little pep in his step as opposed to the very somber and sleepy work I'm familiar with. I wasn't familiar with the backstory of this album but the African influence is pretty evident all the way through. While it's a solid album there's only a couple songs I'll come back to. I understand why it's important and it's not something I'll turn off, but like plenty of other Paul Simon just something I'll move past. 2.83
Graceland is such a great story. It's fun and charming and wistful at the same time. This is accessible world music which sounds terrible but I wonder if some of the issues in South Africa or the quality of some of its musicians wouldn't have gotten as much attention without it. A lot of great stories in these songs and just a hopeful feeling throughout. This album has a distinctive sound, even if I didn't know if a specific song was from this album it feels like it would be pretty evident. Ladysmith Black Mombazo have beautiful voices. This is such a departure from Simon and Garfunkel. Zydeco is a universally bad genre and Paul Simon's voice (accent and tone) does not pair well with it. The back half of the album is a significant disappointment after the first half.
I remember this as being immensely popular but also rather controversial because of Simon's relationship with the South African musicians. That aside, it's a lovely sounding album, if not to my taste. The thing is that the mid-80s production is so perfect and so smooth that the songs just pass by.
I was really not expecting to like this as much as I did! A real fun album with a cohesive sound, makes for great background music.
I like it! Storytelling is good, the incorporation of African melodies and rhythms gives it unique vibes. I just wish for the sake of the drums that it hadn't been recorded in the 80s.
A unique album that is probably Paul Simon's best work. He incorporates various sounds that not many mainstream artists use. I can see why the unique sound might put some people off, as it feels like it can be somewhat repetitive across the songs. However, it's a good album. The best song is You Can Call Me Al of course.
I dunno, man. I had 2 very different experiences with this in 1 day. The first listen I found Some fun, jubilant moments. Pretty well written songs, particularly vocal parts. Inspiration from a variety of cultures. But it still don’t love it. It’s decent. My second listen left me contemplative, Inspired, and happy. I listened as I ran along the beach in Sag Harbor, NY (not too far from Simon’s solace in Montauk). I pictured Simon preparing to leave LI, searching for collaboration to fulfill his inspiration. I thought of myself - a scientist, a musician, a human - and how I seek inspiration and hope to synthesize that seamlessly with who I am and what I know. When does inspiration come? Where does it come from? How do we integrate it into ourselves? These are serious questions, but I finished the album with a sense of joy and fulfillment. Inspiration is there when we’re ready for it. When we find it, it comes out through a contagious exuberance and joy. We feel that in this record…but there’s still a few meh tracks.
Man you can tell he went on vacation for this one with the African paul simon shit haha
Lots of really good tracks on this album.
It swings allright and it´s a top ranked easy listening background album i would say. This because i can feel no real emotion in it, very flat most of the time, Simon´s singing like a voice-over does not help here.
A big hit album in 1986 despite all the controversy. The music is flawless, so 5 stars for that.
Still a hugely entertaining album. Lots of musical variation, tied together by Paul Simon's unique vocal delivery and lyricism.
Lovely album packed with gorgeous tracks that are very diverse but kept together by an overall African spirit.
one of my all time favorite albums
I like the addition of African music into Paul Simon, only knew the lead single earlier
Fantastic
No. I don't like most Simon and Garfunkel stuff. Them separately are way worse. Stop.
A top record I've loved since I was a kid and my parents played it around the house. Beautiful arrangements played in a way no Western musicians ever could or would - the African continent is audible all over this from the wonderful harmonies, polyrhythms, and unique tones and attacks of every instrument involved. Brilliant songwriting from Paul Simon - definitely a high water mark in a career already full of achievements.
This is a banger. So much warmth and fun projecting out of this. To the people who cry cultural appropriation, this is a celebration of African music not theft.
Heard the Album many times a great one
Homeless is nog steeds mijn favoriete nummer van dit album.
Mint
I get I should like this, but I never want to listen to this africadabra album. This is a charity 4
Best album opener ever?
First song I listened to with my now girlfriend was Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes. Great memories. This album is filled with great catchy songs and more of Paul Simons great writing. I quite like all the collabs here. This album is so close to a 5, but a few blemishes stop me from it. Does have an insane run from Diamonds to Crazy Love Pt. II though It's also uncanny hearing Paul Simon with 80s sounds
Listened whilst working... Recognised more than I expected. Enjoyable and worth another listen!
Hymns in those beautiful deep hums and bass that I’ve finally noticed the effect of. Talking about relationships with different people, journeys, movement both in lyrics and the sound. Obviously 3 of the best songs ever as well.
7 / 10 Folk de Paul Simon (Simon & Garfunkel), però muy fresco gracias al toque Africano. Sonidos diferentes, muy escucha le.
This album is super weak. Every time I hear Paul Simon's solo stuff I always think how much better he was with Garfunkel. He was a great songwriter for the most part but whatever Garfunkel contributed to the music really made it stand out for me. I'm kind of surprised that this is the second of his solo albums I've had so far on this list and I'm not even 20% of the way in. Surely we could have just had one or two S&G records and called this box checked. I saw another review that called this album something like 'sanitized world music for white people' and I think that's really the best description. I won't be coming back to this one. 2/5
Interesting combination of Africana inspired beats and American soft rock. You can call me Al clearly is the front runner on this album, but other than that I found most of the songs were mostly just for the background. Great for playing at a party with a ton of people there, where the music is something to drown out lulls in conversation.
Upbeat, catchy songs. Big fan so far. Really want to learn how to sing the “Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes” a capella part. I could listen to that song all day. You Can Call Me Al - absolute classic. A really good and enjoyable album.
My parents listened to this album a lot when I was a kid and I hated it. Come to find out it’s considered one of the greatest albums of all time, critically acclaimed, blah blah blah. So I was excited to come back to it as an adult with new perspective. Sadly, still no dice for me. The biggest thing I can’t get over on this album is that I know Paul Simon can sing (see bridge over troubled water) but for some reason this whole album is mostly weird half singing/talking randomness. Even though I typically love a good brass section, it just really doesn’t do it for me here either. You can call me, unsatisfied.
You Can Call Me Al is a 5 star song. I didn’t mind the rest of the album, but I’m not going to be adding any of the other songs to a playlist. Nevertheless, very happy it came up on the list!
This album was all over the place, but in a good way. The different parts of the world represented on the album kept you on your toes, and somehow Paul Simon’s voice blended in with all of them. There were a bunch of songs I enjoyed and of course You Can Call Me Al is timeless. For me, this is one of those albums that gets shafted by the rating system. Easily a nine out of ten, but it’s rounded down on the smaller scale.
I really enjoyed this! "Call Me Al" has been a staple of many playlists of mine, but I'm glad to say the rest of the album fits right along with it. I can clearly understand the vocals, but I still couldn't tell you a single meaning to a song. The melodies are light and fun and sometimes that's enough.
It was good just not my cup of tea
Classic and even more appreciative of the album after listening to audio book Miracle and Wonder on Simon with Malcolm Gladwell.
Fell in love with this one. 'You Can Call Me Al' has been stuck in my head for days.
Always a 5!
cool guy asf!! his lyrics are literally like complex stories filled with spiritual stuff, and the cultural diversity of sound!! slay paul simon (and btw i actuslly rated the previous album too high, so that one gets a three)
Yeah yeah I know but it’s hard not to like this.
Echt fucking geweldig! Uniek, maar makkelijk te luisteren
When it's nice it's nice, however for all the talk of world influences present on the album, none of them really amount to anything beyond occasional bleached backdrop for this signature white people music.
This one I know by heart
The Boy in the Bubble Graceland Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes You Can Call Me Al
Need more time to listen to this album.
The hits are good, the rest is trying way too hard and puts me to sleep.
Based on my previous experience with Simon on this project, I was looking forward to revisiting him again. What struck me is that there doesn't seem to be any singular genre represented on this record. Where his album "Hearts and Bones" landed firmly in the easy-listening genre to me, "Graceland" has elements of 50s rock, big band, doo-wop, reggae, and traditional African sound with the song "Homeless" featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo. I keep forgetting about the sheer quality of Simon's songwriting and hooks only to be absolutely blown away, and this album takes the cake in that regard. An absolute blast to listen to. Notable Tracks: The Boy In the Bubble - love the bass horns Graceland - not surprisingly had a 50s rock vibe Gumboots - REGGAE MUSIC Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes - doo-wop intro which transitions into island vibes You Can Call Me Al - all-time catchy song with an all-time bass guitar breakdown Homeless 9/10
Ok, I tried listening to this album twice honestly. Maybe it's because I never gave Paul Simon or Simon and Garfunkel a fair chance, or maybe because I hate myself, who knows. Have you ever seen "Get Him to the Greek" where Russell Brand's band releases the album "African Child"? This is like the album that movie is trying to satirize. What a bunch of self-congratulating drivel this album was.
It's like Paul is having a party with a type of music only he likes.
Pretty good. I feel like Paul Simon is kinda boring but still good. He has a good voice. I like the bass
I couldn’t tell if I liked or hated this album, I still don’t know. Has some good songs though
Liked it a lot! Great Album! Love the african influence on this record! Really got the best out paul simon! And didn’t expect that he would go in this lane
An enjoyable album with catchy pop songs
I've been waiting for 241 albums to get to this. I know I can listen to it any time, but this has some kind of novelty to it. This is probably my favourite album ever.
Lots of African beats, not my cup of tea, but you can call me Al still gets me everytime!
A Simon classic.
love the African influence on this album. also has one of his biggest hits, You Can Call me Al. used to love the music video with Chevy Chase growing up. This album and Rhythm of the Saints is all the Paul Simon you need.
More interesting rhythms than I remember. Surprisingly, can have some more experimental elements than most pop from the time. Pop, folk, and definitely African influenced. Lyrics are often quite funny, and bordering on spoken word at times. Favorite tracks: Graceland, Diamonds on the souls of her shoes, You can call me Al
It was kk
Pretty good
Oh JEEZ, this is…a lot. So first off, is this appropriation? On one hand he’s collaborating with a lot of African artists…but on the other…he’s Paul Simon. Plus the allegations he stole ideas from people…what else did he steal in his “I’m violating a boycott of apartheid but I promise it’s fine because look black and white artists are working together!” Well how many of those African artists benefited, and who won the Grammy and critical acclaim and a classic album. I dunno this really feels like Paul jumping on a trend that sold like hotcakes to a new liberal class too scared to take real action to stop apartheid but boy howdy we do love this African sound. Yuck. Theres this genre today in South Africa called Shangaan electro, it’s great, and if Noah Kahan made an album inspired by it everyone would rightfully PLASTER him. What the fuck is Under African Skies. First, weird writing in general, stars in the southern hemisphere is clunky and like, yeah it’s Africa I know it’s in the southern hemisphere. But also like…Paul people in Africa aren’t all these tribal people guided by stars, people work office jobs and have cars, it’s the same “noble savage” shit that was going on with native cultures at the time. It’s insulting and infantile. God damn it Paul. I liked the Ladysmith Black Mambazo song until Paul showed up. Also the album sounds like ass. Except the bassist, the bass rules. I dunno if it’s my place to condemn this album, but I know how it made me feel, and it made me feel kinda gross. Which is worse than most albums I’ve disliked on this list. Ugh.
One of my favourite albums of all time. And for those complaining about "cultural appropriation" read around the making of the album. Music should be something that brings people and cultures together and it does.
Boring
O disco é impecável. Um prazer para os ouvidos com sons e ritmos variados.
Veel minder saai dan die albums met garfunkel
Favorite track - The Boy in the Bubble Least favorite - Crazy Love II It starts remarkably strong, and stays strong throughout. Although some songs certainly feel aged (Under African Skies, Homeless, Crazy Love II), what else can be expected from a 40 year old album. Generally speaking I’m not the biggest fan of Simon’s signature style, but it would be impossible to deny the skill found in every corner of the album.
So unique and fantastic songwriting. He explored the nature of life when writing this album and you can feel it, really cool
The Boy In The Bubble Graceland I Know What I Know Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes You Can Call Me Al
Eh sounds like an 80s soundtrack
So pleasant!
Awwwwwe my mom had this cassette! I remember listening to it when we lived in the trailer. So just for that it gets 5 stars. :) Loved it!
I had a coworker put me onto this album before, but it didn't really sink in then. I appreciated how different it was from his other work with Garf.
Great album, full of fun songs (with potentially questionable african influences), though I think a couple slower ones would fit well here to break the flow and occasional corniness. Stand-out: The Boy In The Bubble, Under African Skies
10/10 likely his best solo work, and a damn good album at that
Zydeco? At least it had call me Al
Diamonds on her soles was one of favourites
1. The Boy In The Bubble-8/10 2. Graceland-10/10 3. I Know What I Know-9/10 4. Gumboots-8/10 5. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes-10/10 6. You Can Call Me Al-8/10 7. Under African Skies-8/10 8. Homeless-9/10 9. Crazy Love, Vol. 2-9/10 10. That Was Your Mother-7/10 11. All Around the World or the Myth of Fingerprints-9/10 Final Rating: 95/110=86%
So I had been putting this off for ages and for various reasons so this is a return after about 2 months. I actually really enjoyed this a lot more than I thought i would - it reminded me a bit of the fifa World Cup 2010 soundtrack we had on the game
I will never know how I feel about this album. I just don’t know — I want to love it but I also want to hate it. I’m glad other people get so much out of it, I guess.
Well, it is a classic and it is for a reason! Truly great album full of wonderful pop tunes! Tinged with the African influence it’s really pleasant listening!
This was a catchy, fun album to listen to Top tracks: Graceland, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, You Can Call Me Al
Gun to my head, this is my favorite album of all time. No gun to my head and I have time to think, it still makes top 10 at least. Easiest 5 stars I've given so far, and I'm so glad this showed up within my first 50 albums generated. I love African music. I remember in college I bought a CD at Borders that included a sampling of songs of different styles from different countries. I still have that CD, and I recently found as many of the songs on Spotify as I could to add to my playlists. (I recommend the song Love is Just a Dream (Tatazela) by Johnny Clegg and Juluka if you love Graceland too) I think Graceland is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. "The Mississippi Delta was shining like a National guitar"...what a killer opening line. "And I see losing love is like a window in your heart / Everybody sees you're blown apart / Everybody feels the wind blow"...so beautiful. And even when I don't understand the words being sung, that beauty comes through. I would die for this album.
I love this album, it’s like listening to a friend I’ve known forever. First heard it when I was 16 and it’s lived rent free in my head for 30+ years. It was my first foray into world music and Simon and the South African artists blend together so wonderfully.
Thoughts before listening: One of my favorite albums ever. Some of my earliest music memories are of Chevy Chase in the \"You Can Call Me Al\" video, but I wouldn't actually listen to this album until much later in life when I bought the vinyl as an adult. It's just such a a cool sound with very memorable songs. Review: Yeah this is such a great album. I see a bunch of negative reviews on here talking about cultural appropriation, but are we not allowed to be influenced by other cultures? Paul Simon recorded in South Africa and employed South African musicians for both the album as well as the associated tour bringing them much more fame and success than than they would have achieved otherwise. I don't see how that's a bad thing. He also produced a masterpiece of an album. I love the general vibe and sound of these songs, many of which are getting added to the playlist. The bass and drums are especially fun on this album. Easy 5-stars.
I used to listen to this album all the time. Great album a lot of social commentary.
zu chaotisch
Incredible evolution in the fourth track, overall a solid and clear idea for the soundscape, wanted it to explore it further.
Ultra eclectic sweet and chill album full of global genres with toe tapping rhythms and the light falsetto of Paul Simon. Great album but it might drive some crazy for how upbeat it is.
This album is just such a nice listen, so pleasant in every way. The South African influence enhances and inspires an already brilliant base to create something you just don't ever really want to end. I could listen to this for hours, I am at peace. Fav songs: - Graceland - Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes - You Can Call Me Al - Under African Skies - Homeless - Crazy Love Vol II
I can see where Vampire Weekend got their inspiration.
Thought that this album was one was "too nerdy" or "too safe" for today's standards, but it is actually a fun album to listen to. I would rate it with 3.5 stars.
Catchy and popular with many.
When I first heard this album (waaaaay back) I remember not liking it all that much - I think I mainly found the African music fusions tacky when paired with the generally 80s-styled folk and pop-rock sounds. Returning to it now, I find I missed the entire point of this album because listening to it now, I see that it's just beaming with joy and happiness. Easy listening would be an understatement - every song here is just so pleasant to listen to musically, and Paul's talk-sing style on many of these songs is parts witty, vivid, and hilarious. 'You Can Call Me Al', even with its cheesy 80s horn and synth, perfectly encapsulates Paul's talents here as a songwriter. While I still have my issues with this album - primarily with its sporadic genre fusion attempts which don't always land for me, I certainly see the appeal of this widely praised album now more than ever. I think I'm just in a better place to appreciate it; not that I'm in the most "happy" place in my life now or anything, just that I'm more open to what this album's world, filled with love and passion, is willing to offer.
I didn't like this back in the day. I liked the music, but thought Simon's lyrics and singing were a bad match to the great stuff going on. There wasn't a universal feeling to them. Kind of a NYC experience superimposed on African grooves. Might have been better if the vocals were much further back in the mix.. I also felt like he wasn't showcasing the musicians very well. Kinda felt demeaning in some way. Maybe this was because I disliked his vocals so much. But it brought interest in very cool African music. Kudos for that. Some good songs when he got back to music styles he really knew: Call Me Al. Homeless, Diamonds. Under African Skies. I guess 3 stars.
Een klassieker in één van de meest cringy muziekgenres: Worldbeat. Wereldmuziek in het algemeen kent een dubieuze titel, die de verhoudingen tussen het Westen en 'de rest' op scherp zet. Maar dat is een ander verhaal, eentje voor tijdens een hoorcollege Sociale Geografie. Op dit album pakt het wel goed uit, en lijkt Paul Simon de lingua franca der muziek wel te verstaan. Het oliet op de meeste nummers erg goed met de uiteenlopende sessiemuzikanten, vooral afkomstig uit Afrikaanse uithoeken. Maar - net als bij het meeste solowerk van de man - zie ik er niet veel meer in dan gewoon goede popmuziek. Het album begint voortvarend met een drietal puike songs, dat aan het einde van de rit nog steeds bestempeld kunnen worden als hoogtepunt. Het middenstuk met vintage 80s 'You Can Call Me Al' is ook wel behapbaar, maar daarna keldert het album de afgrond in. Het wordt daarna wel heel plat en carnaval-esque, wat de toch al problematisch genretitel niet ten goede komt. Een beetje een vervelende nasmaak geeft het wel. Desalniettemin, 'gewoon goede popmuziek'. 6,5/10 Highlights: The Boy in the Bubble Graceland I Know What I Know
Ik ga wel lekker op de toevoeging van de wereldse klanken in de popmuziek van Paul Simon. In veel andere genres die hem voor gingen pakte het ook goed uit (India in de Beatles, Jamaica in de punk). Niet altijd komt het even lekker uit de verf. Graceland is een heel lichte plaat en daarom is er volgens mij ruimte voor de wereldse beats en instrumenten. Dat maakt de simpele poppy songs net iets complexer. You Can Call Me Al is een zieke banger (check liveshow op Hyde Park op YouTube) 7,5/10 Highlights I Know What I Know You Can Me Al
Relentlessly joyful. Too much.
Pop rock, singer-songwriter. An eclectic collection of pop rock songs heavily influenced by African music. I don't know enough about the different styles presented, but I really enjoyed the variety. It would be hard to listen to this album and not have a fun time. Very political lyrics layered over cheerful instrumentals. Overall a beautiful album colorfully mixing light and dark. Definitely would like to revisit. 5/5
Some great songs, some great lyrics, I wish there was a 3.5.
Musically speaking, really a great album. I should listen It more times to undertand better how much i could like it
Look, this was always going to be a 5.
Enjoyable the whole way through. You Can Call me Al puts it over the top for me.
When you know every single song on the album by heart, it's clearly a 5-star album.
Quite interesting and different album, if you consider what Paul Simon had done before. I remember that my dad recommended this album, but after hearing it the first time I wasn't that impressed. It took a few listens to get there. Conceptually I think this is quite a clean album, the songs meld well together and the African influences and sounds shine through "just enough" so that it's still a pop album, but with a touch of other sounds. What makes the album interesting hinges quite a lot on how it was produced and made together with an African band in Africa, so if you don't know that it might not as special. Generally I think the album has its ups and downs. There are some definite top songs on here, like 'You Can Call Me All', 'Graceland', and 'Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes'. In-between those songs it ain't that interesting always, but I think they serve their purpose in tying it all together, and the top songs are worth sitting waiting for in my opinion. I was debating between 4 and 5, but I'll give this a weak 5 out of generosity. I think conceptually it's a really cool album, and there are some really good songs with interesting vocals, twists, and turns. It could really be a bit more consistent though, and some songs are just a bit too weak for my taste.
A really great and chill album by Paul Simon. Just breathes of an easyness that is perfect for a warm afternoon. The African beats mixed with more folkey pop-tunes work really well. All tracks are good tracks. "Graceland" is a classic, "Diamonds on the soles of her shoes" and "Under African Skies" are also great. Honestly one of my least liked tracks is "You Can Call Me Al" not because it's bad but I feel it doesn't really fit on the album and it has been played to death. Debated on giving this a 5 but I'll settle for a very strong 4 since i gave Paul Simon a 5 already.
5.5/10
Pleasantly surprised.
Meh. It’s alright, quite like how it’s different to a lot of other pop records of the time. Call me Al obviously a total classic (imagine how buzzing you’d be if you were dicking about on a keyboard and come up with that tune?!), quite liked Under African Skies too. Most songs here are decent and forgettable. Painfully beige at times.
First off, terrible album cover. Theres a joke involved 'Art' Garfunkel I can't quite reach, but regardless the cover is bad. Paul Simon definitely can definitely write a pop song, a lot of this was better than it had any right to be. That said, the African-influenced 80s sound is far too close to Phil Collins territory for me to truly enjoy it. Better than expected but not brilliant.
I prefer Simon and Garfunkel. I think Paul Simon, left to his own devices, can get a little twee. You Can Call Me Al, and Graceland, are the best tracks on the album. The guitar-focussed songs are also generally better. This is a 3.5 for me.
Didn't realise Paul Simon was the Simon in Simon and Garfunkel..... Didn't particularly like this, it's very twee and found it pretty irritating in parts. This weird faux conversations he describes in some tracks. Diamonds in the soles of her shoes for example. Call me Al is obviously pretty iconic, although I'm not sure how much I actually like that song. Probably the best thing here though 2
this was such a breath of fresh air in mbaqanga and zydeco we trust amen
Please stop giving me Tom Waits albums.
all time favorite album
listened on 08/08/25 whilst looking for jobs
Classic and chill
Fun and easy listening - unique melodies with pop influences and a lot of fun
I listened to this album at 1am while reading a gory monster romance novel and it absolutely did not fit the vibes. This needs to be listened to on a summertime solo road trip with the windows down and smelling of sunscreen.
I didn't think I'd enjoy this, but it was surprisingly good. A fairly eclectic album in terms of styles, but all the songs worked pretty well. 4/5
I suppose to be fair in a just world this would be an album that was well regarded in a post Peter Gabriel world. In an even more just world the magnificent band and Ladysmith black mambazo would have been world famous anyway. But we live in this world. And Paul Simon, a first rank songwriter, produces this after critically acclaimed but commercially subdued albums. And this is superb. IIt changes the world. I know Paul Simon may be a problematic figure. But the music here. And the lyrics. What is not generally noticed is that Simon doesn’t move far away from his usual lyrical themes - Manhattan life, relationship breakdowns. So diamonds on the soles of her shoes - possibly the standout track - is not about Soweto. They fall asleep among the bodegas of Broadway. The title Track may be Simon’s best lyrics. I know what I know is another standout. There’s no filler on this. I’m aware of all the criticisms. Is it exploitation? Did Paul Simon ripoff his musicians? Maybe, maybe not. I don’t know. If true they are valid. But this is a joyful, joyous and wondrous album. If you haven’t heard it, listen closely. Let it seep in. It is musical dna for me. 88 stars.
This is 5+ territory. The core of the core of the collection. Maybe The Grail album. Such completely new sounds to our ears and so very alive playful - the refresh and wake up we needed. Joyous, expansive. He brought new syncopations and celebrated African instruments and forms and a whole new feeling with this album. I leap at any opportunity to hear this again - my whole brain lights up, my body still smiles at the lyrics and musical glints and picks, and how does a voice do that beautiful happy sad whimsy? How to feel so poor yet so wealthy? I am going to Graceland, I am that ordinary boy, and meantime You Can Call Me Al.
Mike Haysman. Every couple of years there is a cricket tour of some sort to South Africa and Mike Haysman is a regular cricket commentator for internationals. So who is Mike Haysman and what does he have to do with Gracelands? Mike Haysman was a South Australian Sheffield Shield cricketer who was slated to play for Australia, but in 1985 and 1987 he decided to chuck that all in and go on an apartheid busting rebel tour to South Africa. He never came back. Whenever I hear him on the cricket I'm reminded that he is a direct link back to the economic/sporting and cultural sanctions and boycotts that ultimately brought down the racist regime. Apartheid sanctions were one of those issues where there was no grey area. You either actively adhered to the principal or you supported the racist regime. And it was music, art and sport that really hit home with white South Africans as to the way they were viewed. Some people I really love played Sun City, including the likes of Sinatra, Ray Charles, Linda Ronstadt, Rod Stewart and Elton, fucking hell! What Paul did here was in some ways worse; he made new music there, again normalising the apartheid regime. I'm not going to go into the appropriation nonsense, all of popular music is appropriated, there would be no Beatles without musical appropriation. That's not the point here, the point goes to breaching the sanctions and boycotts around apartheid to create art, for that he stands condemned. I can separate the artist from the work as a rule, but the oppression of the Palestinian people, taking money from that tyrannical homophobic and misogynistic Saudi state and Apartheid are examples of no go zones. He loses a point for that. Hence the tragedy that is this amazing album. Lyrically it is probably his best work. I was listening to Peter Gabriel's version of Boy in the Bubble and was shocked at the prescience of the lyric. Gabriel's quiet low key version brings the words to the fore and Paul well and truly predicted, anticipated what was coming with the 21st century. The sadness and joy of his journey through the metaphor of Gracelands and America, as great a road trip song laden with American symbolism and personal grief as you will ever hear. Diamonds is one of the best early days of new found love tunes you will ever hear. The singles are smasheroos, the arrangements and song writing with the South Africans are astounding. Every song was a surprise and full of surprises. Even listening to it here in 2026 you sit in days of wonder and enjoy the way the music comes at you. A great album tainted by compromising the sanctions against apartheid. Would I have preferred he didn't make it and stayed at home: yes.
The first four singles released off this album are all absolute winners: You Can Call Me Al, Graceland, The Boy In The Bubble & Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes are each outstanding. The fifth single was Under African Skies, controversially including Linda Ronstadt’s vocals throughout. But the other great song on the album is Homeless, which like Diamonds etc. features Ladysmith Black Mambazo & like Diamonds etc. was co-written by Simon & Joseph Shabalala from Ladysmith. It was difficult at the time of the album’s release to avoid the debate over whether or not Simon should go to a still-segregated South Africa, and whether or not the album represented him stealing music from an ethnic underclass. I had no idea what was right or wrong at the time. He was a bit of a hero & I liked to think he was promoting South African music. But I really am still not sure. But as for the record, I think it was the last great album Paul Simon ever recorded.
This is a really great sounding record, with catchy songs and some really great playing. I remember how fresh it sounded on the radio when it was released. Most of that is attributable to the collection of relatively unknown musicians who played on this, from South Africa, New Orleans, LA, etc. But, as I read about the album the more and more I get the ‘ick’ factor about it. While Paul Simon wrote some good lyrics and melodies for this record, he was really great at taking all the credit for the contributions of many others. I mean ALL the credit. Sure, there are some shared song-writing credits, but Simon decided who ‘deserved’ them. And some of his collaborators have publicly disagreed with his calls, which he brushes off, as he does with all of the controversial aspects of this record. Reading about the process, where Simon recorded session with bands doing their thing, which he then took back to America to edit and top-line, I think he claims too much of the credit. When it comes down to it, Paul Simon doesn’t think that rules apply to him. He decides who gets a song-writing credit (without consultation). He knew there was a cultural boycott on South Africa, but decided that didn’t apply to him. He spoke with Harry Belafonte to get some moral justification, but when he expressed reservations, Simon waved those away. He is moral arbiter on so many issues, and brushes off any criticism. He is a more talented version of Malcolm McLaren; a ‘curator’ of other people’s talents, keeping all the credit and cash for himself. It’s cultural appropriation, a type of musical colonialism. And, as time goes on, that just feels ickier and ickier. But am I happy to have been exposed to the music of Los Lobos, Rockin’ Dopise, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and all of the wonderful players on this record (especially the amazing bass player Bakithi Kumalo), who really bring the thing to life? Absolutely. Was it good to give those players a platform? Well, yes. But you can also do it like Peter Gabriel, who set up a studio and record label so that his collaborators could also release their own music under their own names. This album has some great songs on it and you really should hear it, but it’s hard for me to rate. It’s certainly a better introduction to world music than Malcolm McLaren’s similar magpie bricolage Duck Rock, so I’m going 4 stars overall, plus one for the great musicians, minus two for Paul Simon being a dick.
brilliant. lovely recording.
I always liked this album I just never loved it.
Controversial as it might be, and with doubts as to how much is really African artists being ripped off, this is still a really great album, whoever may need to share the credits.
An all time favorite.
Great music All the way through
Not feeling this one. I just don't like his voice. A lot of the songs also sound dated and cheesy in a bad way. I would give this a 3 but I'm subtracting a star for the apartheid stuff.
A must-listen. Great production, fantastic genre-mixing and cross-cultural nods. Lots of little quirks to discover upon a second or third relisten. You definitely notice Paul Simon's attention to detail and how he embraces the music of his global contemporaries. Add that to the kaleidoscope of different instruments meshing together seamlessly, and played excellently, and the entire album feels like a warm embrace between friends, amidst the surrounding chaos. You even have the large number of different vocalists contributing their little parts. Paul Simon's vocal is also very good here, but doesn't take the spotlight as much as his earlier material (including from Simon and Garfunkel). I like that. And no, this album isn't cultural appropriation. If the only people throwing around these allegations are white guys who raised themselves on classic rock and proto-metal of the 60s and 70s, and not the wide array of open-minded African and African-influenced musicians contributing to Graceland, then I think this speaks for itself. 5/5 Key tracks: Graceland, I Know What I Know, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, You Can Call Me Al
Nr. 170/1001 The Boy In The Bubble 4/5 Graceland 4/5 I Know What I Know 5/5 Gumboots 4/5 Diamonds on the Soles Of Her Feet 5/5 You Can Call Me Al 5/5 Under African Skies 4/5 Homeless 4/5 Crazy Love, Part II 4/5 That Was Your Mother 4/5 All Around The World 4/5 Average: 4,27 Really fun listen. Incredible songwriting with the African elements.
White guy"discovers"African music. Paul Simon is the least interesting musician on this album