Graceland

Graceland is the seventh album by American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. There is a mix of genres on this album, including pop, rock, folk, a cappella, and traditional music from South Africa, that creates an unique sound throughout every track. This critically acclaimed album is Simon's most successful, won the 1987 Album of the Year Grammy, and was added to the National Recording Registry in 2006. Paul Simon faced controversy for recording this album in South Africa during its period of apartheid, when people were supposed to be boycotting South Africa as a result. Some people supported him, and in the end he created a great album. Graceland can be considered the soundtrack of the world, because it combines so many genres, instruments, and cultural points together. The tracks almost tell a story while they flow into each other and above all - it was beautiful. I enjoyed this album and believe everyone should give it a chance if they haven't listened to it before.

You Can Call Me Al is killer. I'm not super into this record but I can see why others might be.

Bakithi Kumalo's agile fretless playing is an easy highlight of the album (Graceland, Diamonds). In my opinion, this addition is so important that the tracks that don't feature Kumalo seem to be lacking something both sonically and in terms of groove; something on which this album relies heavily. Simon's lyrics are natural and casual, though the laid back delivery through much of the album can, at rare times, obscure a clearer melodic statement (Gumboots) which to me is a vital part of Simon's songwriting (Call Me Al). Overall, Simon is satisfyingly exploratory in his arrangements throughout the album, smoothly incorporating a wide variety of instruments and sounds throughout though without any particularly clear statement. I quite like the incorporation of Ladysmith Black Mambazo as well; they make a strong impression on the tracks on which they appear. To me however, the cleanliness and slickness of the albums production can at times make the music feel slightly impersonal and a touch dated, something that sits at odds with the universality and human focus of Simon's lyrics. Favorite Tracks: Graceland Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes* Homeless

world up

I'm a bit torn over this one. The involvement /appropriation of S. African \"world\" music was really different at the time. Some of the tunes are really good and I like PS. I find some of it a bit twee and some of the clunky 80s production affects some tracks. Its a 3.5.

Pop com referências ampliadas. Reconheci uma música.

Ik weet en hoor dat dit een geweldig album is, maar ik krijg het altijd maar met moeite uitgezeten. Blijf moeite houden met die Afrikaanse ritmes en die lijzige stem van Simon.

I listened to it yesterday day and today I can’t recall any of it. Must be not very interesting to me.

Well if you ignore the accusations of picket line against Apartheid or cultural appropriation the album is quite solid and fun even if it sounds dated.

Good album, better then was expecting

63/100

Allt ska vara så jäkla präktigt. Albumet har dock en del sköna låtar och flera stora hits.

Had no idea "You can call me Al" was a Paul Simon song. I also didn't know that Paul Simon was half of Simon and Garfunkel. Very afro-beat inspired album and was pretty enjoyable to listen to

Country. Folk gringo. La 2da mitad >>>>> la primera mitad.

This is an old favorite. Such a fun, bright album. Mbaqanga, Mbube, Zydeco, and Soukous are the four African-based musical traditions featured here, two of them finding their origins in South Africa, whereas the other two developed more in the Americas as African immigrants and slaves brought their music with them. I’m not going to get political here, but I can’t help but wonder how much this album helped Western (white) ears tune into sounds beyond their borders. Clearly music aficionados are always listening outside their cultural experience, but this album seemed to bring African music to the forefront in the popular American consciousness. It was a big thing to do in the 80s.

Very different styles: country, african, pop, salsa … but Marco did some funny dances

Rating: 4.8 Best Track: You Can Call Me Al

The boy in the bubble Graceland Diamonds on the soles of her shoes

Maaaamaaaaaa what a groovy groove, I love the african music sonorities, really chill and packed with good vibez. 3.5 / 5

Great listen, I don't know if I would rember it and go back to listen to it but it was definitely good, nothing on the incredible side to me however 3/5

It’s fine.

Top 3 Songs: 1 - Graceland (2) 2 - That Was Your Mother (10) 3 - You Can Call Me Al (6)

I can never get into this album. I don't know what it is, but the music just doesn't speak to me. I do love his self titled and Crazy After These Years more. It's aesthetically weird. I love the tribal drums but I just don't like how he tries to mix rock folkish sound with it. Some of the songs I will get into because I love the rhythm of the percussion and sounds used but I get disinterested once Simon's voice slides through.

A pretty decent album. Favorite songs: I Know What I Know, Under African Skies. Rating: 3.5

It's Paul Simon. You either like him or you don't.

Overall good. Nothing bad.

First thing I noticed was the jazz fusion-esque bass tone. Very 80s, clean production, nice analog warmth.

it was an interesting choice to do the things he did certainly 6/10

經典的鄉村民謠風，令人感到舒適的旋律走向，但比較難讓我有記憶點，適合做背景樂

You Can Call Me Al is the best song and a classic. Overall a decent album to throw on in the background

I have a feeling that Vampire Weekend were big fans of this record.

Listening to Paul Simon is like sitting at a bar and hearing the local drunk ramble on and on but it’s enjoyable

Homeless tem uns vocais bem legais, mais afro!

Another pleasant surprise for me. I wonder if he would make the album in today's racially charged environment, due culture misappropriation, or whatever it is called (excuse my ignorance). Anyway, was very good background music to start my day. Favorites include, the boy in the bubble, Graceland, I know what I want, gumboots and diamonds on the sole. Not a fan of you can call me Al. Solid 3 for me, even 3.5

3 It’d be hard to not have heard of Paul Simon or the song You Can Call Me Al but I definitely had never heard much else by him. Since he was part of S&G I was worried we were in store for another folk-rock album but this isn’t that at all. Apparently released near the end of apartheid and motivated by that you can hear the African influences in its rhythms and themes. At times you could almost imagine them all in the studio recording the different parts. The baselines were pretty groovy too. think it’s influence has only come to harm it though. It won a Grammy at the time but now it’s nothing I haven’t heard 1000000 times before in one way or another. Something about it seems off as well. Like he’s not quite on time or the reverb is bad, which definitely took me out of the experience. Catchy but mostly forgettable 80s fare. Favorite songs: I Know What I Know, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, You Can Call Me Al, Homeless

3.5 I really enjoy Simon & Garfunkel, but I haven't listened to much of Paul Simon's solo stuff. I'm not sure how indicative Graceland is as to the sound of the rest of his solo work, but it's evidently a lightyear away from his Bridge Over Troubled Water days. He clearly leans into an African-inspired sound on this record which was fun and provided a unique-listening experience, but that's likely because I haven't exposed myself to enough music of the culture. Still, it's cool to hear an accomplished songwriter like Simon weave it into his music so seamlessly. That being said, there weren't a ton of specific standout moments to me on this album, so I don't feel like I have ton to say on this one. Good album listen, but not one I feel like I'd go back to specific songs for - had to re-listen to pick my favorites below. Favorites: The Boy in the Bubble, Graceland, Homeless

Todo un icono de la música norteamericana. Estilo folk y, en ocasiones, algo étnico. Sin ningún título destacable, pero agradable de escuchar.

This was truly an exciting album when it hit. I feel like Paul Simon's album here was the siren call to usher out the nastiest parts of the 80's-- the unfettered capitalistic republicanism that threatened to destroy America. And for a brief ebullient moment, Simon put is in touch with out hearts. This album gave love and human kindness a reason to hope. the album reminds me of my long deceased best friend from childhood and weekends at my Dad's house. Cool. That said, it is not the best Paul Simon album in my opinion. That honor goes instead to the lesser known album 'Hearts and Bones'. And if you don't know that one, please go give it a listen.

Ja borde ha givit hearts and bones en två frrrrr

Nice enough albeit underwhelming. Crossing cultures can only do so much legwork. I do particularly enjoy the title track

Inte så greppande

Legal

Part. Good but plastic.

The MIssissippi Delta, is shining like cultural appropriation

Funke fett for meg. Men ikkje heilt oppe i fire stjerner. Nesten.

Erlend prøver alltid å sette på Paul Simon men eg er ingen fan

It was an a-ok listen. This album was never my jam but I'd never actually listened to the whole thing in a go.

Don't tell Alex I didn't enjoy as much as he wanted me to. I just don't think that the slick production goes really well with the "world music" it wants to incorporate, but maybe it's just me. There are some solid compositions though, but considering its reputation, I gotta say that I was expecting more from that one.

Well produced material that has not aged well. This album is like a very pleasant and gentle little cruise, to do once in a lifetime, but without necessarily wanting to go back.

Weird

I always thought this was an album from the early 70s, not the late 80s.. damn. Kind of a weird combination of synths and African singing. I've had the "Ladysmith Black Mambazo" album on here before and I quite enjoyed that one, but I think the song with them on this album was my least favorite one. Cultural appropriation? I don't know, I haven't read enough about the production of this album to know how he treated them and hell, I'm not the one to decide if this is or isn't cultural appropriation. I'm just happy to be exposed to South African music because I would never seek music like this on my own. Overall nice to hear something different because I've been in an uninteresting meh music limbo the past two weeks. A strong 3/5 I think.

Aika kasarit soundithan tässä on! Ja kunnon hittibangerii! Melkeen enemmän itse tykkään vanhemmasta tuotannosta. Sit en oikeen osaa olla noista afrokuorohommista oikeen mitään mieltä. Hämmentävää! 3/5

I like it. Även om det är rätt jobbigt ibland

The music is ok. It is easy to listen to. Not very exciting and it doesn't invoke anything in me. I may listen to it again.

Some of the songs were familiar, Call Me Al is probably the most well known song. I have actually heard this entire album previously. I like Simon and Garfunkel and Paul Simon by himself can be good too. There is nothing wrong with the album, but I just don't see myself picking to listen to this album again.

The good: there's something irresistable about this album. The middle of it especially is very happy, and upbeat. Paul Simon's singing and songwriting in particular shines like nothing else. The bad: The heavy reverb, super 80s drums and overall MIDI sound of the opening track had me a little disheartened and it got better as the album went on, but the last couple of songs are... ugh. I can't for the life of me get over those dumb 80s heavy reverb snare hits. Combine that with hoompah drumming and it's just very off putting. The ugly: The bass lines that sound like wet farts. Paul Simon's singing is just so damn happy, though. It just about manages to balance out those negatives. Still, not something I'd listen to again, apart from some select songs. 3/5

A left turn of a Paul Simon album that eschews his usual warm, bare-bones guitar-based style for a distinctly unique take on the 80s. A wealth of genres and styles are sampled on this LP, but none clash or overwhelm in the way that most 80s records tend to do; this is still Simon's sound and songwriting, just clad in the sounds of its time.

Bien aimé mon écoute, le mix zeideco pop africain est particulier c'est certain que c'est original. La grosse bass fretless ne m'a pas gossé étrangement, les grooves sont cool, c'est rarement convenu ou inintéressant, pour un disque pop ça voyage pas mal. J'écouterais pas tout les jours mais je ne rechignerais pas d'en trouver une copie pas trop cher usagé mettons

Best Song: I Know What I Know. Nice storytelling style to communicate a very slice-of-life ordinariness, while being backed by some great South African music. Worst Song: Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes. Sometimes writers can enjoy the sound of a lyric they've a little too much, and repeat it to the point where it loses its lustre. This is one of those times. Overall: Quirky little album, with Simon telling these quaint little stories over varied African rhythms. The juxtaposition didn't really feel like it added much though, and the whole was no more than the sum of its parts. I often found myself wondering why I wouldn't just listen to the African artists themselves, without Simon overtop, as they were often the most interesting part of the music.

I don’t understand why this is rated so high. I didn’t hate it, but can’t say much stood out to me other than it being generic like world music. 3

Maybe a 3.5, I actually liked this much mroe than I thought I would. very 80's in parts though.

Call me allll

Had quite an interesting sound, seemed almost like sea shanties at points. Quite interesting, but not my favourite.

More upbeat than BOTW. Lot of familiar tunes.

Bueno

On one hand this is an album with some great songs the opened the door to people listening to more South African artists. On the other it can be seen as musical colonialism and didn't do much more for the black South Africans apart from steal their tunes. I am torn as I would like to believe Paul Simon went into this project with the best intentions and the legacy of this album is a mostly positive one.

nothing spectacular. some songs were good, others were bad. it just wasn’t intriguing.

Sooooo The very first song had me saying this sounds like "you can call me Al" . It carries on and I just keep thinking g why do all these songs sound like an extension of that son..then lo and behold! That fucking song comes on. I'm sorry, I don't get the raves about this album. Its not bad but it's also not great. A solid 3.

I see what Vampire Weekend was talking about.

Different and interesting

great basslines, some catchy tunes

Not as good as his self titled, but still good.

7/10

Pleasant listening. At the time it was released, it brought a group of talented but often overlooked musicians from Southern Africa to a huge audience, with follow on success for many. A gentle and beautiful collections of songs.

Really catchy songs with pretty hooks, wonderful lyrics giving each song an enjoyable listening experience. However the album can get pretty boring in parts. Really dislike the bass sound though, and the massive amount of reverb on each instrument. But that’s the 80s I guess! 3/5 - A fun ride.

The rave reviews make me feel like there's something I'm missing out on, or perhaps this particular brand of... 80's African-inspired folk(?) just isn't for me. It's okay.

I sort of enjoyed it.

A real mixed bag. Loved some, some was shit. His voice is a bit meh.

Ok aber bisschen nervig am Ende

Good album... Production/sound quality is lacking.

Loved it once but now realise how shitty Paul Simon was to the musicians. Plagiarism and appropriation with terrific lyrics

The beginning was great

Классная обложка

Decent classic album

Upbeat but synth-y

Meh

A few good songs, but not my favorite album from Paul

some gooders I knew like "call me al". cool to hear the south african influence, but all in all not an overly memorable album

Enjoyed it way more than I thought. Strong 3.5

Thought I would like it better but wasn’t bad

Another three attempts at the famous Graceland album… to me it’s cohesive and an easy listen. But it doesn’t reach any particular heights. Most of the instrumentals are good. I’m eagerly awaiting Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” album.

Interesting, varied production. Pretty fun pop album even if it's not the type of thing I'd normally listen to.

Sasvim dobar album

I love all of the different genres morphed into all of the songs. Diamonds on the soles of her shoes is absolutely incredible. Always liked Simon and Garfunkle, but never listened to much of the solo stuff. Will revisit Paul Simon, and this album

Pros: love their mix of country (pedal steel and chugging drums) and Africa-indebted vibes Cons: tad long Not so hot take: Vampire Weekend (especially their latest output and their jammy live shows) owe their career to this album 🌟🌟🌟

elvis died on a toilet in graceland and i bet he didnt gave a crap and neither do i about this album that much lmao

On my first listen I wasn’t too sure about this one but once I got to “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” the summer vibes were flowing and the aesthetic of this album started to click. Top tracks were “Diamonds...”, “You Can Call Me Al”, and “Crazy Love, Vol. II” which I’m pretty sure is the song that Vampire Weekend modeled their entire sound after.

It's fine

Minus 2 Sterne einfach weil mir das gewisse Garfunkel gefehlt hat

Gutes Album. Für meinen Geschmack nicht sonderlich einzigartig.

Didn’t finish but was good a little soft

Not too shabby

Særegen vokal, digger den! Sikkert "objektivt" bedre enn en 3er, men må innrømme at jeg ble ganske lei av Afrika-greiene. Fortsatt mye kule låter da! Favoritter: graceland, i know what i know, call me al (åpenbart)

Graceland is an album with great influence from African music and with the help of African musicians and Paul Simons songwriting, this album is indeed a classic and have clearly inspired many. This isn’t my favourite musically, but I'm always up for a dance to "You Can Call me Al" anytime.

Hit or miss for me.

Classic mellow album

call me al is a banger

I think I like Paul Simon, but he really layers a lot of nonsense into his music.

More nostalgia for the geezer. This album was HUGEly popular when released, and i remember most of these. Pretty good hummable adult pop. The African themed songs were viewed as pretty cutting edge, which seems surprising to me now. 3.5 stars, but rounding down because I’m feeling crabby.

It wasn't my favorite but it had some cool spots in it.

Graceland by Paul Simon - I have very mixed feelings about this album. All the songs are well put together, but the first two songs sound a lot like jokes. Even though they use atypical instruments and are played with a certain lack of precision, the songs work pretty well- not that I’m really a fan. I only ended skipping a few songs. I’m interested in why the 80’s had lots of African (maybe “Hollywood” African) influenced or incorporated music, this album has a bunch. I think that Paul Simon is the butt of jokes or is generally snubbed by people, but don’t really know why that is- did he later come out as a nazi sympathizer or something?

hmmmmmmm didn't particularly need any more paul simon... Some of it was good, he is after all a talented musician. I actually liked the alternate unreleased version of Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes but does that count if it's not really on the OG album??

O ile z solowego Simona slyszalem wczesniej albumik samonazwanczy, to z Grafunkelem troche posluchalem, ale ten albumik calkowicie odbiega od tego z czym kojarzylem tego grajka, opening na harmonii z grubej rury, bo przeciez tytul albumiku graceland, czyli hamerykanska wioska gra i huczy i taki klimat sie w dwoch pierwszych trakach, ale potem niespodziewanie klimaty murzynskie sie odpalaja, pamietam ze nawet na tym tytularnym materiale mial czesto murzynskie drumsy, ale tutaj doslownie czuc, ze ten album byl tworzony w RPA, bebnienie, trabienie, chorkowanie, teraz juz wiem skad taka popularnosc simona wsrod przedstawicieli zlotej ery rapersowania, bo ilu bialych artystow ma intra od big daddy kane i bizziego marka w swoich teledyskach, troche w tym wszystkim albumik traci na lirycznosci, bo album z zamyslu ma byc lekki i przyjemny, na plejke leci tytulowy graceland i the boy in the bubble

Discazo!! A++

Folk muy bien logrado en arreglos y coros. Si no te gusta el género es complicado pero vale la pena. No le pongo 4 porque la voz es plana. Rol: gumboots

Nice

Typ world music. Call me Al är OK - resten meh...

It was just alright! I don't know why, but I'm always surprised when I listen to Paul Simon - in a more neutral type of way than you might be thinking. It's never bad, but I'm always waiting for him to really hunker down and say something more profound than I can find. He kind of feels like a war-time photographer - but one that's more concerned about his camera settings, than what's actually happening on the battlefield. I definitely didn't dislike it, but there's something with Paul Simon's brand of art that never really connects with me. I always feel like I'm talked to, instead of hearing someone's heart beat throughout the musical background.

Un disco extremadamente variado. Valiente uso del acordeón que la verdad queda perfecto. Vibra muy alegre y bastante entretenido. No es mi tipo de música y me parece una agradable sorpresa, aunque tampoco me vuela la cabeza. Sólido 3.5 pero se queda en 3. Tracks: Diamonds on the soles of her shoes, The boy in the bubble.

Songs sound the same..... you can call me al

I had heard things about this album but had not listened to it. I actually thought it was older, like 60's. Can definitely hear the 80's in it though. It was a good listen, I liked a number of the songs. At times it felt disgustingly pleasant, a bit too much. I liked "Graceland" the most probably.

Meh, okay.

This, after "From Elvis in Memphis", it's the kind of thing that makes you question: is it truly random? Lot of coincidences in a set of only 1001. I remember when this album was absolutely everywhere. It's excellent but maybe a tad lightweight.

Nice instrumentation and fantastic vocal harmonies. The influence of African music is ever present in the album and were easily the highlight. Felt a bit repetitive in areas. Enjoyable experience but did not really grip me. In no rush to revisit

No tenía idea de que estuvo casado con Carrie Fisher ni que fuera el de Simon and Garfunkel, conocía la rola obvia y la verdad es que siempre creí que era afroamericano. Me gustó mas la version temprana de 'All around the world' que la del disco

De pronto es demasiado de ese sonido ochentero muy feliz, optimista y con mucho reverb, trompetas de sintetizador y escalas de bajo con slap. La rola de Zydeco (Gumboots) me gustó y esperaba algo más de las colaboraciones con Linda Rondstadt y Los Lobos.

More pop/folk music, its simon from garfunkel, good music for a hot summer night

interesting influences of African music. Good music but not exactly my thing

Nice enough.

Talented artist, not my cup of tea. Graceland(song) was good.

Peppy, catchy, lots of Cajun sound. I always thought "Call me Al" was pretty corny but the album is catch for sure. Would be good to listen to with the kids someday.

Appreciate it’s a classic but I don’t particularly enjoy Paul Simon. An easy listen. He went to extreme lengths to record this in Africa due to the conflict so kudos for that

I knew a bit about the making of this album, but not the whole story, which was really interesting. Unfortunately, reading the story was a better experience than listening to the album. It's very 80s, with fadeouts on nearly every song. And the percussion - for a genre that's supposed to be built on the bass line and not the drum set, why is it so damn forward in the mix? For a collaboration it featured a bit too much Paul Simon, which feels weird to say, but nevertheless I think it's true. Points for creativity and for introducing the world to a different kind of music. Best track: You Can Call Me Al

I mostly avoided this album because I've never been a huge fan of "You Can Call Me Al". It's a fine record with some of the problems I have with that song being carried over here (some instruments sound dated as heck). Not really my favorite, but I can see people enjoying it. Favorite tracks: "Homeless", "Gumboots", "I Know What I Want"

Meh, siento que por mucho tiemp la USA sacó música muy plana Aquí hubo un poco más de variedad de sonidos, pero nada impresionante

Es triste lo que me pasa con este disco. Entiendo su importancia y me parece innegable lo rico, diverso y creativo del proyecto, así como el talento de todos los implicados en crear ritmos y melodías que transportan a uno a las planicie de África. Pero con todo y con eso, se me ha hecho completamente cuesta arriba. Esa mezcla de música africana con folk, si bien está perfectamente integrada, se me hace muy complicada de escuchar. Estoy seguro de que es buen disco, pero no es para mí.

It's ok

didn't do much to me, but it's not necessarily bad

I don't remember much from this album and I don't want to go back to it to rate it accurately. I think that this statement in itself means it must be a 2.

God hygge, men heller ikke noget specielt. Lidt pop-folk amerikansk? Mindede mig lidt om REM. Det har heller aldrig rigtigt fanget mig.

Folk rock.

Todo bien con Paul pero no. 2/5

Ehhh... digo, el cuate es una leyenda, pero hay mucha producción que no me dejó disfrutar su poesía.

L’écoute de l’album ne sonnait pas comme un 2, plutôt un 3 ou 4, mais le plus gros bémol de l’album était pour moi Paul Simon lui même. Je ne vois pas comment je pourrais mettre une meilleure note que cela. Par contre, cet album m’a permis de m’intéresser aux groupes et musiciens qu’il a invité et je suis ravi de ces découvertes! Bref un album sympathique mais gâché par son « auteur ».

Pas ce que j'aime mais je dirais pas horrible

Maximal production, minimal enjoyment

nope

the cultural significance of this album is pretty much the only thing that makes this album worth a listen. other than that, this is pretty unremarkable and paul simon's music remains unstomachable to me.

Não gostei de nenhuma

not really my thing

Mixed feelings on this one - You Can Call Me Al is amazing and an instant classic. Graceland, Diamonds and Boy in the Bubble are very good; the collaborations are weak and some of the songs belong on the Lion King Soundtrack - not here. Paul’s voice is in fine form and I’m happy to get a taste of his genius here.

I couldn't escape this for more than a year. Now it's like deja vu.

My interest peaked whenever the African influences came up. Those were the highlights for me! As for the rest, it feels like I haven’t unlocked the right context to appreciate his music. Don’t get me wrong, there’s clearly a lot of talent on display, but I’d be lying if I said his songs moved me in the way I feel like they’re supposed to. Standouts: Gumboots • Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes • Homeless

Tråkigt

Den der afrikanske indflydelse er ikke lige min kop te, og når han samtidig selv lyder relativt uinspireret og halvkedelig på de fleste numre, så glider jeg ud hurtigere, end du kan sige Garfunkel. Det bliver lidt klovnet 2.3

I think I get why do people praise this album - it's refreshing and full of new sounds. Unfortunately, the overall texture and sound of this album annoyed me for some reason.

Hoy arrancamos más tarde de lo habitual pero arrancamos. Hoy, con Paul Simon, artista que también ha tocado en éste reto y del que sólo ubico muy por arriba por Simon & Garfunkel. Quizás es por la época en la que estamos en la que estas músicas suenan anacrónicas, quizás es porque es un artista que no me llama la atención, pero el disco no me pareció tan célebre como describe en la reseña. Algunas canciones me suenan de haberlas escuchado por la radio de niño, pero nada más. Hasta mañana, genchi.

Good music, would have loved to hear Hedi Bergs original version

really enjoyed the guitar of it all, i guess i need some more time with it!

A couple of good songs, some duff ones

Listened to on my Apple AirPods Max. You know, this album is quite a challenge for me to describe in terms of my feelings. There is certainly appreciation to be held in Paul Simon's songwriting, and in the exploration in fusing his American pop/folk ideas with South African musical ideas, but this album on the whole just sounds grating to my ears. Throughout the album, I was really turned off by the drums, which has this 80s trademark gated reverb thing going on that makes them sound stadium ready and fake as hell, totally at odds with this kinda "man with guitar" kinda music, even in it's expanded band sense like this album presents. I also didn't find myself connecting to a lot of the storytelling by Simon. There are moments, like the title track 'Graceland', in which a heartfelt tale of lost love and moving on is sung in a way where the lyrics and delivery come together for something great, but I so often found myself annoyed by both of those aspects. It's that singing by Paul combined with a lot of the instrumentation, whether it be the instrument itself (like the several accordion passages) or the engineering on the sound that makes the thing sound tacky and synthetic--it's all these forces coming together in ways that feel totally at odds with my ears. It isn't impossible for me to see how this album reached the heights of success that it did, but I just personally do not like much of what the album has to offer. Whether that be the vocal delivery or the clashing fusion of South African music with overwrought studio-pop sound, it's just not for me. The album art's nice, though.

146. no

Fine

Muy folk. Usa mucho coro como instrumento casi. Está bueno, pero it's not my cup of tea

Not my cup of tea

Pretentious as hell. Not awful, but not as impressive as it thinks it is. The worst part is that I typically like Simon? Oh well.

eh, not really for me honestly

No está mal parece un poco reggae

Not my type of album but great lyrics

I know it's a classic, but it's kind of boring for me. It does have one of my top 10 all-time favorite songs though (the song Graceland). I appreciate the album for what it is, but I would never intentionally sit down and just listen to the entire album.

One of those albums that seemed to be everywhere in the mid 80s. The music is cool. I just don’t think Paul’s weak voice fits the music. It’s jarring. 2

Not the biggest fan of American music. Had a couple good songs

Sounds like a response to Phil Collins at times, and a mess at others. Technically sound, but all over the place. I guess after 20 years of performing, Paul said “idc anymore”. ⭐️⭐️

Sophie - ehhhhhhhhh

Well. New Ick unlocked. 60’s/70’s singer songwriters entering the 80’s. The lore behind Paul Simon and his African influences is cool and all, but this shit does not land at all for me. Idk, maybe I’m a hater but his song writing does not jive with the production for me. Also his voice.. I can’t see him doing anything other than earthy folk music. You can call me Al is clearly the most palatable song here, but that can’t even save it for me. Sorry Paul.

Meh: it’s like sad Paul Simon was able to neuter the joy out of everything. And I would be okay if I never heard You Can Call Me Al again.

I say... something weird! She says... arbitrary crap! He says... hemisphere!

Pas trop ma came

Musicalmente es bueno, pero no es lo mío para nada. Me aburrió bastante.

It's not great. Inoffensive at best but not very good. I'm not really the biggest fan of Paul Simon on his own, and this album was kind of hard to sit through. I found myself zoning out a lot of the time. I think there's a reason that Call Me Al has over 150 million more streams than any of the other songs on this album.

dosta conutryish/religious vibez al je okej 5/10

A very polarising album. It didn’t really do much for me (although I have always liked You Can Call Me Al). It’s ok, but not one I’d revisit.

a really interesting blend of traditions, not my vibe though:(

Alle vores forældre delte deres første kys til You Can Call Me Al på et tilrøget værtshus et sted, og det ser rosenrødt ud i bakspejlet. Men i virkeligheden var det nok lidt tåkrummende, og lige nu er det mest den tåkrummende del der når mig. 2,6

Tja, jo, nej, måske og så skidt da Det er sgu Paul Simon! Jeg er egentlig overhovedet ikke til den der afrikanske indflydelse på dette album, og når han samtidig selv lyder relativt uinspireret og kedelig på de fleste numre, så glider jeg ud hurtigere, end du kan sige Garfunkel. 2.3

Lindo, alegre. Tiene sonidos como africanos, lo cual me sorprendió pq no me esperaba eso. Suena barbaro. No me voló la cabeza igualmente, es para escuchar un par de temas. Himno: You can call me Al

It has very folk vibes, but the beats are nice especially the second song on the album, but other than that , it just wasn't something i can see myself listening to again

flop

This album is about a racist man in the 1980s

I didn't get it at all, it's some kind of experimental music where sometimes the lyrics are just spoken rather than sing.

oh my god dude

Getting gospel church pop and it brings back memories of choir boy days that I didn't particularly love. Some redeeming qualities though.

Pretty funky start album and different to what I'd usually listen to. Particularly enjoyed the collab with 'The Gaza Sisters' Got a bit boring though and I can't really imagine myself coming back to it in a hurry. 2 stars.

I didn’t like this so much

its not bad its just not my style. i think its produced well and flows nicely

Just not great. Kinda spoken word off beat isn’t my vibe

Mid

I think Paul Simon is a great songwriter and maybe talent wise is a good singer but subjectively I don't care for his voice much. Also this album has a very 80s feel but it gets a little cloying after a while.

Folk isnt my favourite genre and I found this album to not be my favourite either. The only parts I really liked were the background vocals and the songs with South African musicians and the only song I really liked was 'You can call me Al'

Not so good

I spent my life avoiding Graceland, and now I feel vindicated; it's awful. I guess the main problem is Paul Simon himself, as he just doesn't seem to fit here at all. It's almost an embarrassment when he shows up in a track, especially when it's been flowing for half a minute or so before he turns in to taint it with his presence. He's not even singing on half of the songs, kind of mumble-speaking instead. There's a couple of brighter spots, but they don't last long enough to save the entirety. Without Paul Simon, this might be an unremarkable three star album, but it dips to a low two star album due to him ruining most of it.

Well, it has a lot of great musicians on it. At times they make a joyful sound. But this is the third Paul Simon album in a week. Enough. Why does he get so much representation?

Poor Paul never had a chance. Some interesting musical elements but I just do not care for him

Not really for me but I did like a couple of so gs

Really wanted to enjoy this more.

An inspiring story about how no matter where in the world you're from, you too could one day be part of a pretty crap album

These songs are dumb. I like Paul Simon but not this one

Mheu

Not really my thing

Overrated, mostly boring. Does everything with an African beat need to be included in this list? I guess the editor thought so.

Jamais écouté avant. Le mélange de pop 80's et de d'influences sud-africaines est très efficace, pas de doute là-dessus. Mention spéciale aux lignes de basse de Bakithi Kumalo. Mais aller enregistrer un album à Johannesburg en plein apartheid, avec des musiciens africains, et assumer ouvertement de ne pas vouloir en faire un objet politique, ça laisse un arrière-goût désagréable dans la bouche... Top : I Know What I Know Flop : Under African Skies

Holy Schmeep, this is the first one I could not fully get through. I am somewhat shocked how you could possibly make so many songs sound like nothing.

Paul Simon is a musical icon and as someone who grew up religious, middle class, and somewhat white, Paul Simon was a huge part of my childhood. That being said, most of Paul Simon’s portfolio from later in his life reeks of early midlife crisis. His solo career post Simon & Garfunkel had promise but Graceland was a difficult and confusing choice made by a man trying to find himself again in other people’s culture. And for what it’s worth, we all do it from time to time. Trying to reinvent ourselves in the shape of someone else? Much easier than finding internal creativity. I refuse to comment on the politics surrounding Paul Simon’s choices of making white people mbaqanga during apartheid simply because that would take me all day. Regardless, I find Graceland to be overall fine with a few hits and at least one big miss. Season: Early Fall Favorite Song: You Can Call Me Al

it was fun. nothing special imo

The contributions from the other musicians were great, Paul was a snooze.

Не мое, жанр совсем не зашёл

I was aware of this album, and I knew a couple of the songs, especially You can call me Al due to it's popularity on both radio and MTV. Its an okay song, not one I would seek out, but catchy enough to listen to once in a while. As for the rest of the album? What is all the fuss about? I really don't get the adulation. It's weird, Simon's voice is alright at times, and annoying at others. I guess I am in the minority on this one, but I just didn't care for it. I don't even think it is a 2, but it is better than a 1, so 2 it is.

For gods sake Paul, give Art a call! Boy in the bubble is spot on, no amount of explaining exonerates the classlessness of this work Apartheid aside, I find the work mixes and merges musical styles well but leaves an empty feeling, and an unease that feels like somebody trampled all over your mother's best linen. 2 for me

This is just not an album I would ever listen to. Good opening driving song, familiar, jangly nice. Graceland is such an Americana song. Third song gets us to the collaborative Paul Simon… don’t really like this. Now we’ve stepped into some sort of jug band dance and spoken word melody… saxophones… too much of a bayou jig. Here’s the soft bongos and groovy Paul Simon… horns and more upbeat… Of course into Call Me Al as a natural next song… I think you have to at least sort of like this song.. Yeah.. we’re getting a little country/African ramblingish here… almost a church croon going here. More African chanting collaboration… nope. Crazy Love is sort of back to that brightness of Call Me Al. That Was Your Mother brings us right back to the jig-band bayou… I just am not into this sound. Last song with Los Lobos… jig-band, driving drums… country twangs… again, no. Not offensive, but this album is not for me.

I’ve been meaning to get around to this album for a while. It started off really strong, but honestly, it fell apart at the end for me. I did dig the world in African influences, but I almost feel like it was too much there towards the middle and end. This is a really good album with some great tracks, but just fails to achieve greatness overall.

not my thing

I was willing to give this one a try. Not for me.

Coldplay left me well, cold

I'd heard a lot of good things about this album but this was just dull.

Not my type of music, but as a South African it was nice to hear that touch if it, maybe more of the type of music my dad would like tho

all sounded the same lowk

3 eme et (enfin) dernier album de Paul Simon. J'avais trouvé les 2 précédents terriblement ennuyeux (notés 1/5). Cet album est un peu plus intéressant que les 2 autres (inspiration world plutôt que folk), mais rien ne me donne envie d'y revenir. => 2/5

It was okay I am really not a Paul Simon fan

segunda canción y lo deje de escuchar. no es de mis gusto.

Only listened to half the album. Oops.

2.5 - Not bad

1. Graceland - Paul Simon: 5.5/10 - maybe it’s not my vibe, but I thought it was a cute album.. I thought the musical composition was interesting, I like how you could hear different types of cultures musically referenced throughout. I also got a very surfy and yeehaw vibe listening to it and a weird happy coming of age film aura🏄

Ok to listen to, doesn’t really hit my taste. Random banger with you can call me al. Rest is feels a bit boring and not very memorable

The boy in the bubble: Hopeful rock made with some unconventional instruments, feels very southern US. not bad. Graceland: The usual southern US yankee song about a breakup finding new family in the "graceland". okay I know what I know: Another southern song, the choir in the background sounds like something you'd hear in a tribe, I don't really get this one. Gumboots: nothing interesting Diamonds on the soles of her shoes: a big genre change, the song is more like a tropical pop like today's George Ezra. You can call me Al: pretty good, 80s pop with some rock, okay Under African skies: nothing interesting, it's a duet homeless: there's a black afro-american choir as the main singers. Sounds a lot like the Day-o song. As I'm listening to the album more and more I'm discovering that this album is mixing the southern US yankee songs with songs that sound african. Crazy love vol. II: nothing interesting, western rock pop. That was your mother: meh All around the world or the myth of fingerprints: again, meh

возможно альбом и не плохой, но явно не в моем вкусе, слишком ярковыраженное катнтри

It’s yachty, it’s fun and breathable but not for me.

this aint it

Mais um álbum sem sal de Paul Simon. As músicas são bem produzidas, e o baixista é muito bom, então ganha alguns pontos com isso. O problema são as músicas em si, que tem uma falta de personalidade grande. Melhor do álbum: "Graceland". Pior do álbum: "Gumboots (with Boyoyo Boys)".

this is the kind of music cady heron's parents were listening to

it was cute! i wish i could 2.5 it

Ikke helt min stil

Nop nop nop

meh alright not his classic stuff nothing id really listen to again x

fun vibe, definitely enjoyed a few songs but nothing I would really listen to again.

Just not my cup of tea. Paul Simon is fine for a little diddy (Me and Julio), but a full album was tough to get through for me. Homeless specifically was like what the hell is going on.

Just super bland. If this album were a spice, it’d be flour.

nao eh ofensivo e nem ruim, mas meu deus do céu como é CHATO!!!!!!! quando eu pensei "putz nem eh tão chato" começou o acapella. vai tomar no CU tá ali na BEIRADA da apropriação cultural. pelo menos o mano chamou uns artistas africanos pra contribuírem.

At first, I thought i wouldn't like it but ended up grooving to it.

I just didn't really care for this kind of music. Which is disappointing because I know how legendary he is and I'm a big fan of Simon & Garfunkel.

I definitely still prefer Still Crazy After All These Years, but this is also the first time I have listened to Graceland all the way through. I've heard most of the album on it's own but have never sat down and gone through it from start to finish. I don't think Paul Simon's voice really does anything to complement the sound of the album at all and just feels very flat. Underwhelming for what this album has always been chalked up to be.

Just not for me.

Definitely interesting sounding with the use of African musicians adding a unique flavor compared to most western music. Doesn't really grab me though and a lot of songs feel like they don't go anywhere. I love You Can Call Me Al though and I think it's the zenith of what this album is trying to do in terms of combining kinda softer pop rock, Simon's odd and infectious delivery, and the African sounds.

Not a massive fan of the folksy style and instrument use, however nicely mixed and can appreciate the musicality. Graceland still an enjoyable song but no other standouts.

Really not my thing, sorry Paul

I did not like this album. I can appreciate it lyrically, but sonically the album feels disjointed. Which made for a disappointing listen. Two stars. (Favorite track: You Can Call Me Al.)

Not my favorite it just didn't speak to me

This is not a good album. At least the songs have an energy to them that makes the album easier to get through. I liked the accordion in the track "The Boy in the Bubble".

Где гарфункел

I don’t like him for this.

I guess I like early Paul Simon

Vraiment bof, pas mon style du tout

Dans la jungle, terrible jungle, Simon a sorti Graceland. J'ai eu envie, de tout arrêter, t'es un putain d'anglais ! Dans la jungle, terrible jungle, Simon s'est approprié. Et j'ai trouvé, ça assez mauvais, on est pas dans un Disney !

I’d always heard about this record featuring African sounds quite prominently however I didn’t realise how little he does with them. Like it’s just standard Paul Simon songs with some bongos.

This album has a ton of sentimental meaning to a lot of people I know. I have several friends who grew up with this record being regularly played by their parents and have lots of memories tied into it. My parents were not really big music people so I don’t share that experience. I heard this album much later in my life and was somewhat mystified by its beloved status. It’s definitely better than Hearts and Bones but I don’t really enjoy it. I dislike the production. The drums sound really terrible. This also was the beginning of so much terrible global fusion music.

I feel like he gets cancelled for this record if he released it in 2018.

He succeeded in making music that has no soul.

Mixed feelings about this album. On one hand, the history behind it makes Paul Simon seem like a real piece of garbage. Basically Heidi Berg was like "I love Afrikans music and want to make an album that uses South African music and influences, this tape is kinda what i'm going for." Paul then listens to the tape and is like "LUL GOOD IDEA THANKS FOR THAT I"LL TAKE IT FROM HERE, NERD!" Real dick move. This was also made during the height of Apartheid, the period of extreme racial segregation in South Africa. Huh...sounds familiar....I wonder if any other countries did something like this? Only this time the world grouped up and tried to completely boycott all things South Africa until they stopped. There were also economic sanctions. Queue Paul Simon going to South Africa to make his stolen idea for an album a reality. Many people were upset. In hindsight, boycotting all cultural and artistic elements of South Africa was completely idiotic. The black citizens were suffering and it should have been encouraged to work with the indigenous population rather than also boycotting local black artists. It does feel a bit like appropriation, and I think he gets away with it specifically due to the complete global boycott of South Africa. We Are The World just came out, which was Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie's charity event to raise money for the famine in Ethiopia which was HUGE and included basically every famous singer ever and raised the today equivalent of $230 million. So Africa was hot and it was the perfect time to rebel and go to Africa to record an Africa-influenced album and also shine the light on some of the horrible stuff still going on there. So that is why this album is important. I totally get the "appropriation" angle, and agree to an extent; but there wasn't going to be a South African artist emerging to represent their culture at this time specifically because of the world's complete boycott of all things South Africa. But it's irrelevant. The FACT is that Paul Simon made it and DID bring a incredible amount of awareness and appreciation to African music....and he ALSO profited greatly off 1) Stealing another persons idea verbatim and 2) Taking the music of another culture and selling it under his own name. But if we hate Paul Simon for this, then there's a long list of other artists we also have to hate for doing the same thing.....The Beatles for example for appropriating Indian culture and music into some of their later albums. It's kinda what the industry does. So we can take it for what it is and use it to transition into supporting more authentic artists. Listen to a Ladysmith Black Mambazo album or two after this. Shaka Zulu or Zibuyinhlazane, which has the song Homeless without Paul Simon. With all that soapbox stuff over with......god Paul Simon sucks. I'm just not a fan of his style at all. I do like the African elements and the music in general......but I just do not enjoy his personal style of lyricism and singing. Ignoring the history and drama behind this album, I think there is a number of artists that could have done a better job. I have to give it a 3 for bringing the normie worlds attention to music in Africa, but it doesn't deserve any more because he stole the idea for this album from someone else.

Well this was a sorta fun trip to Jesusland land of Jesus ig?

I feel like I should've liked this, but I find Paul Simon sort of annoying for some indescribable way

Ever since I started this challenge and mentioned it to others, they'd ask if I got to this album yet. Because of that and my love for S+G through this challenge I was really excited for this album. I fear the hype is overblown with nostalgia glasses. Paul Simon sounds great, but my enjoyment stopped there. I'm not a big fan of the production choices I was shocked this is so beloved!

Not my cup of tea tbh...

Not really my thing. I knew You Can Call Me Al. The African stuff doesn't do anything for me.

I am not a Paul Simon fan, and this didn't win me over.

i don’t like HATE any of these albums but they are really just ok. fav song: you can call me al (and then i gave up hence the 2)

This sort of blew my mind the first time I heard it, but it's really quite a pale imitation of what it's trying to be, and the main songs don't hit like I thought.

Funfact fra Villiam, d e han eine i simon and garfunkle Beste sang: The boy in the bubble

A lot of this is going to come from my research into this that I do before I listen to the album. I was maybe 5 or 6 when this album came out. I definitely remember “You Can Call me Al” but as for the controversy of the album I was not fully aware of but now looking back on it not only should Paul Simon be reevaluated for being a terrible sex pest (see my review for Paul Simon / Paul Simon for more information) he should be ashamed of breaking the UN backed cultural boycott of South Africa. For those not in the know and the review for this does not go into detail. Much like what we are seeing with Israel South Africa was an apartheid state and there was a United Nations backed cultural boycott of South Africa. Basically band from around the world were refusing to play in South Africa to not play in a terrible place. In some way playing there lent credence to the apartheid regime and one could say that if you did you agreed with the South African policy. There are a lot of bands now that are starting to contemplate doing the same to Israel (look into Massive Attacks statements for more information if you want). A modern, non musical, analogy the Riyadh Comedy Festival where comedians were paid enormous amounts of money to basically white wash the terrible human rights situation in Saudi Arabia. Enough of all of that though. Except it’s also not like he could not be aware of what was going on he was 45 at the time so should have been plugged into HUGE world affairs issues. And for giggles his wife was 20 and in seven years she would marry him. The album is OK and for someone who broke a UN boycott to go make it you would assume that there would be quite a bit more songs about apartheid South Africa by my count there were only 3, and it’s not like you have to go to apartheid South Africa to make an anti-apartheid song Peter Gabriel showed everyone how to do so 6 years before this album came out with Biko. One would assume that the prolific and sexy pesty Paul Simon could come up with a full album since he was in apartheid South Africa writing this album.

no

Странный альбом, наполненный странными звуками. С одной стороны, попсовенький фолк-рок, с другой - африканские народные мотивы. Не понимаю что я чувствую по этому поводу. Второй раз бы не слушал, не зацепило.

Great musician, not really my thing.

It made me think of country music a bit? not really my style. I was also in a mood which it didnt make me feel better

La verdad es que pareciera que la única razón por la que música africana entra en esta lista es si un gringo decide buscarse a sí mismo en ese continente. Por lo demás, leyendo otras reseñas, este disco parece estar aquí más por nostalgia que por verdadera calidad.

Production might be good. It might've been influential in making the South African mbaqanga sound global. But it's so so boring.

I didn't listen to this album when it first came out, but the people in my circle in the mid 90s were obsessed with it and WAY overlistened to it. And it was never my thing. So I low-key hate it due to overexposure to something I didn't really want to hear in the first place. Besides that I find it to be really monotonous.

Cultural appropriation and boycott-breaking aside, I would gladly spend the rest of the day listening to Youssou N'Dour, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Linda Ronstadt and Los Lobos without Paul Simon's irritating voice and silly ditties.

(47/100)

Nice rhythms and a few familiar songs, but this album doesn't resonate with me.

uhhh no thanks brother. 2/5

Soft-spoken with some underlying tribal influence. Okay, but not great.

Eu não sei se bateu, legal, mas não é muito minha vibe

Wasn't really a fan of that. Just felt like a very sanitised, white 80s interpretation of African music. Super tightly mixed drums with lots of reverb and fretless bass aren't my favourite either. I did like all the featured artists! Homeless was probably the best song on the album, partially because it didn't have that damned band on it.

Didn’t like it then - don’t like it now. Give me a “neighborhood concert” in Central Park over this every day of the week.

Me aburre de sobremanera este músico, aunque tiene muy buenos arreglos, toca admitir.

Tsja, ik heb er niet zoveel mee. Voelt een beetje als een rijke amerikaan die in de jaren 80 naar Afrika is gegaan en het licht denkt te hebben gezien.

This album is like the extended family having a get together because your cousin is back from her gap year in London and has a photo slideshow to show. Oh wow, you saw the London Eye AND Big Ben? And you got in a black cab? You wish your uncle would offer to top up your glass of wine, but apparently we aren't allowed to interrupt this show. At least your grandparents seem to be enjoying it.

Some excellent classics (one mostly) but the rest feels dated and hasnt aged all that gracefully. Village party vibes on some of these.

- It sounds good - im so fucking bored

Paul Simon, as part of Simon & Garfunkel and right through into his solo career, is the genius behind some of my favourite music. You Can Call Me Al is an irresistable slab of 80s pop which hits all the nostalgia buttons. But, and there is a big but, I've never really found Graceland that interesting as an album - I don't really see what all the fuss is about, even less so 40-odd years on. It's too slick to sound authentic, and too pretentious to sound fun - obligatory chart-friendly moments aside. Not his best album by a long chalk, celebrated though it may be.

good. just good. 5/10

Not really a Paul Simone (solo) fan.