Reviews (page 3 of 14)
genuinely very fun to listen to, but less fun to think about the borderline cultural appropriation edited to 5☆ even though i feel sorta bad about that
I mean, again, no hot takes, this album is just fantastic.
Absolutely brilliant album, near the top of this list. Seemed ethically dodgy when he did it, but it proved itself in retrospect.
Honestly the easiest review for me so far - possibly my favourite album ever, the best kind of eclectic storytelling and genre bending goodness :)
9/10 Paul Simon writes music that is deceptively deep and complex. There’s so much going on, but there are enough fantastic hooks and choruses that the nuance could easily get missed if you weren’t paying attention. His vocal delivery is, seemingly without exception, flawless. He has this laid back, conversational lilt to his voice that he can flip into a more driven, engaged pace at the drop of a hat and it’s so satisfying to listen to. The blend of his more folksy rock roots and the music of southern Africa is a stroke of genius and the production does a great job of blending those styles, even though it does lean a touch too far into the 80’s gated reverb sound to make it truly timeless. The southern African guitar style that uses really arpeggiated lines that dance around each other in a staccato, rhythmical way is something I’m fond of anyway with bands like Bhundu Boys and Four Brothers, but it brings so much rhythmical style to the more anchored drums that the whole album has this body moving groove to it that’s hard to resist. The fretless bass typically sits between the two worlds and there are echoes of Jaco Pastorius in the tone and delivery, which is always pleasing. This is an album that gets regular replay with me already, so it was never going to get a low score. There are a few lulls here and there that keep this from being a 10/10 album for me, but the strength of the songwriting, hooks and the demand for focused repeat listening, while also offering reward for casual ears too sits makes this a really solid record that I’ll no doubt be back to again soon enough. The Boy In The Bubble - A very good start to the album. The bass line is great. It’s got some great hooks and his vocal is just quality. The slow build of the backing vocals is nice too. It’s not stylistically or dynamically that varied, which is probably the only drawback, but it’s a lovely kick off. Graceland - And now we’re pumping. This just shifts along with a beautiful, bouncing rhythm. Some of the reverby guitar lines are just exceptional. They’re subtle, but add so much depth. I love the little blend of staccato bass and lead guitar lines that skip around together. It all just keeps you grooving and sticks in your head. I Know What I Know - The combination of the different guitar lines in this track are nice, as are the blends of backing vocals. Everything sort of dances around each other, but it’s all grounded by the kick drum. I would often find that a bit relentless, but the fact that it everything else is shifting so much gives it real purpose. It’s not vastly varied across its runtime, but its still really good. Gumboots - This charges along at a clip again. I really love the delivery of the lead vocal on this. He sings in a relaxed way, but leans into the frantic nature of the song at points too. It’s not necessarily the most interesting song on the record, but it’s a solid album track. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes - Fantastic song. The blend of different guitar lines and the dancing bass are just great. There are so many different sound textures to the different elements of the track and it just melds together into this smooth, danceable, understated production. The horn sections provide a dynamic change that keeps you on your toes and, again, the vocal delivery is just so, so fluid and effortless. You Can Call Me Al - Another banger. That synth chord line that opens the track is absolutely iconic, the bass line is immense, the ‘call me Al’ vocal when he goes high is just perfect. The rhythms are so solid and everything just compliments everything else so beautifully. It’s an absolute masterpiece. It’s got a palindromic solo too, so yeah… Under African Skies - A change of pace now. There are some beautiful harmonies in here. Again, the bass line is great and provides a lot of the rhythmical drive to the track. There’s a lovely flow in the dynamic of the track too as different parts ebb and flow. Homeless - So lush. Ladysmith Black Mambazo bring it here, it’s like a bed of voices, but there are loads of cool little vocal flourishes that pop up all over the place to add rhythmic range and interest. There’s a great groove to this too, which is achieved so well using only voices. Crazy Love, Vol. II - There’s such beautiful guitar work on this track, with the arpeggiated, intertwining lines of the verses and then the more legato, delay enriched lines in the chorus. There are so many parts that contribute subtly to the tone of this one that it really does reward close, repeated listening. I think this would be an easy one to overlook, but it really is lovely. That Was Your Mother - This a more swinging number with a folksy rock ’n roll base. It really moves and fells like it speeds up as it goes. It’s pretty impossible not to jiggle your way through this one. It’s not the most complex composition, but it’s another solid album track. All Around The World Or The Myth Of Fingerprints - The intro and chorus are so solid. Great rhythmic choices and drive. Lovely change of dynamic between the verse and chorus too. The lilt of his vocal in the verse is so good, and the chorus has some really engaging guitar lines. It’s another toe tapper and if anything, it ends too soon. Give us another chorus Paul!
What is there to say about this album that hasn't been said? What an absolute masterpiece. There's the melding of the South African musicians and rhythms with the very New York City artists perspective ...there's the superb use of Linda Ronstadt ("Under African Skies") and Los Lobos ("All Around the World/Myth of Fingerprints")...there are some of the best songs of his career (too many to list)...what an achievement. I actually like the album that followed "Graceland," "The Rhythm of the Saints," even more but this was one of the greatest examples of the melding of world music with pop, something that David Byrne, Peter Gabriel, and Sting were all doing at the same time. 1986 was a great year for me personally and it was made even better by this album coming out then
Many would view this as Paul Simon's magnum opus and I have to agree. I love a lot of Simon's work, from every part of his career, but on this one he's not just the folky artist of Simon and garfunkel or the "adult contemporary" artist. He is these things still, and more, layering on the African rhythms and vocals, the jazzy brass, the powerful lyrical imagery. I think the accusations of appropriation are unfair, its clearly a collaboration with black South African artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who got royalties and wider recognition from audiences at a time when South Africa was under a fascist, racist regime. It says a lot when You Can Call Me Al, an absolute banger, is one of the weakest tracks. Title track is so emotionally resonant and beautiful, but I think my favorite is Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes, never get tired of it.
I love this album. Part of that is nostalgia from my childhood and from various phases of life, returning new and different each time. Part of it is the imperfect connection it gives to South Africa through the amazing musicians he worked with to make it, a home in that for me due to my own complex relationship to that part of the world. A lot of it is their contributions and the wild expansiveness in much of the sound, the musical dances and interplays. Something too in that 'working together', the interweaving. It's also the mastery with which it's crafted as an album imo, the way the ordering of the songs adds and builds and takes you on a proper journey. I find a playful, emotional, expansive, every day human religious undercurrent in it that is right up my alley too. Some aspects of the context of this album and some of the lyrics on some tracks seem very of their time and a turn off, but in general it's just so damn beautiful imo.
Excellent! One of my all time favorites. May write a more detailed review later. Favorite Track: The Boy in the Bubble
This is an easy 5 for me. I’ve loved this album since it first came out and have listened to it countless times. It’s the rare album that I enjoy every single song on. It’s fun, it’s interesting, and was a unique departure from Simon and Garfunkel music, which I also love. I recently listened to Malcom Gladwell’s audio book, “Miracle and Wonder: Conversations with Paul Simon”, and they had a great segment where Paul talked about the inspiration and making of Graceland, the controversy at the time of him breaking the boycott of South Africa to make the album, and why he did it. Good listen.
Now this is something I can get behind! I’ve added The Boy In The Bubble and Graceland to my playlist! Paul Simon was my preferred artist in Simon & Garfunkel! This album was a delight!
5/9
Excellent - have heard many times
I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun listening through an album for the first time. I was so excited for the next song every time, and every time it delivered. Best Track: Graceland
De la période années 80 de Paul Simon j'écoute plus souvent Graceland que Hearts and Bones.
Excellente 1ere partie, je rush encore et toujours avec la 2e. 4.5 étoiles arrondies à 5.
Man, what an album, almost every song is a hit. The Boy in the Bubble, Graceland, I Know What I Know, Diamonds on the Soles...You Can Call Me Al. Infinitely repeatable and unique. 9.25/10 (4.625/5)
Love this. Paul Simon with amazing artists, known or not he wanted them celebrated. Bakithi Kumalo goes wild on the bass, and was one of 2 inspirations for me to start playing fretless. Simon's wordplay and lyrical rhythm is always phenomenal. Good stuff
Somewhat controversial at the time for apparently breaking the cultural boycott of apartheid-era South Africa, but also partly resposnsible for introducing black South African street music to the West. A variety of styles, from Zydeco, to Folk-Rock (title track "Graceland"), to Worldbeat ("Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" and "Homeless" both with Ladysmith Black Mambazo), this is a great album. And let's not forget the massive hit "You Can Call Me Al".
1001 Albums Challenge (3/100) 1. The Boy In The Bubble (5/5) 2. Graceland (5/5) 3. I Know What I Know (5/5) 4. Gumboots (5/5) 5. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes (5/5) 6. You Can Call Me Al (5/5) 7. Under African Skies (5/5) 8. Homeless (4/5) 9. Crazy Love, Vol. II (5/5) 10. That Was Your Mother (5/5) 11. All Around The World Or The Myth Of Fingerprints (5/5) Total (5/5)
i liked this album it has a certain warmth to it, it’s got an interesting mix of accordion, south african, and 80s music mixed together, sometimes all in one track, but other times separately. i dig though, lots of good sounds on this one
love love love
- Very nice - 1 nummer toegevoegd aan MMMM - 1 nummer reeds toegevoegd aan MMMM
Paul Simon!
Yep. 5 stars. Even a little dated but oh, the memories with this one!
Such a beautiful album. Highly recommend the documentary about the making
Classic.
own
Excellent album with one of my favorite Paul Simon songs. A lot of African influence.
Great album. A very tuneful man
Fantastic album. Front to back. The incorporation of African rhythms was eye opening for me when it was released 40 years ago. This album definitely held up much much better than most from that time period.
I do not understand all the hate on this album. It is a masterpiece of songwriting, rhythms, world beats, and fun.
Every song from top to bottom gets a like.
So much talent crammed into such a little guy.
A genuine classic. Timeless.
p555. 1986. 5 stars. One of the best albums of the 80s. Not a weak track on this, and Under African Skies might be the finest thing he's ever written. And as for those sad fucks who condemn Paul Simon for cultural appropriation and breaking the apartheid ban in place at the time: Nelson Mandela supported the Graceland project and met with him during Simon's visit to South Africa in the mid-1980s. Mandala recognised the importance of Simon's invitation to tour South Africa and the album's success in raising global awareness of the country's music and culture. An inconvenient truth, eh?
Lowkey masterful.
Totally held up, remember it very well and it came right back. The songs are quick, catchy, well written, i thought it was awesome. 9-9.5/10
Listening to this album now when world music is much more common and accepted, I can see how someone can think this is appropriation. But in the mid-1980s it was viewed as a glorious example of multiple different genres coming together and creating something even better. Paul Simon's lyrics and soothing melodies are gorgeously complimented by the Soweto choir. African and western instruments combine wonderfully. Every contribution is perfect. I love the bass lines. Every track is different and danceable, singable and just fantastic. Every time I listen, I hear even more wonderful musicianship. 5⭐️
All bangers, no skips
Graceland – Paul Simon (1986) This album is like if guilt, wanderlust, and a pair of immaculate white New Balances went on a road trip through the American South and accidentally stumbled into South Africa. Simon basically said, “what if I healed my divorce with a world music fusion project?” And somehow, it slaps. The rhythms are light, the lyrics are surgical, and the vibe is “I’m sad but also profoundly grooveable.” Rating: 4.9/5 Short Review: A midlife crisis set to the sounds of a cross-cultural jam session, but like, respectfully. Favorite Track: “Graceland” — yes, the title track. It’s a whole pilgrimage through poetic regret.
Обожнюю Пола Саймона. І особливо цей альбом.
One of my favorites. Husband loves Justin Townes Earle's cover. Husband's review- "I like Paul Simon's music but I never go out of my way to listen to him. Did I ever tell you about this story with my dad?" -then the story wasnt about this album. 10/10!
This is a wonderful album and not a single lackluster track. Each collaboration adds so much to Paul’s style of music and elevates this to timelessness. I have listened to this for a few years now and never get tired of it. Easy 5 stars.
Amazing album. Last two songs are pretty lame, but everything else is a 10/10
5/5 no notes
One of my top all time
Such cool, classic sounds; it still sounds fresh and new today.
"Graceland" was Paul Simon's comeback album. After completely disconnecting from Art Garfunkel amid a well known falling out, poor album sales as a solo artist, and a difficult divorce, you might have thought that Simon was at the end of his career. But "Graceland" proved that he had more to say. It was an unlikely comeback from a folk legend to make an African influenced pop album. And it wasn't without controversy. Recorded during apartheid, many people criticized Simon for ignoring the South African boycott. Paul Simon countered that he was supporting the oppressed people and drawing attention to their cause. History seems to have vindicated him but other critics have accused him of cultural appropriation which is a thornier one to argue against. Clearly though, Simon did see something special about the music and invited local musicians to contribute to the sound of the album. Despite the controversies, it really holds up well as an album. For me personally, I listened to it with my son who spontaneously started dancing and dragged me up to join him. So it's pretty hard not love it after that. Such is the power of great music and honestly, this is a great album.
I actually really really enjoyed it I didn't think I would but it just made me sit and think and wonder really suprised me and one of the greatest first listens I've ever had
Some things are just a 5. Those classic albums that sit above everything else. When they come along they are obvious because you already know they are.
I remember this, it was so amazing... and we were taking knowledge (at least in my country, anyway!) of the tragedy/crimes of apartheid and what was going on in South Africa! Listening to several artists showing their art and their collaboration and showcasing what wasn't being told (at least, once again, not in the country where I live!) was an eye opener and a maturing process. If I recall, later on, in 1987, Paul Simon did a tremendous gig in New York's central park, which was nothing ever seen at that time, such a large amount of people went there :-) Overall, I really love this album and "Diamonds on the sole of her shoes", alone, it always will be a masterpiece IMHO
I neverhelesshow good this album was.
One of the all time greats, pretty much every song is a pop slam dunk. No notes.
Another one of my favourite albums of all time
Muy buen disco
great album
Classic. I loved Graceland in 1986, and I love it now. The tracks are amazing, moving from one spectacular song to another. Even the one or two “weaker” songs (near the end) are downright solid. Damn. And, of course, the sound was like little else in 1986. It still sounds fresh—and interesting. My ideal album probably has a little more sonic edge to it. But is that a good reason to withhold the fifth star?
Classic album. A Jew rips off African culture
Paul Simon is an all time great songwriter, so this album is a treat. Graceland, Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Feet, and You Can Call Me Al are some of my favorite Paul Simon tracks. Just listen to any Paul Simon you can - a master of lyrics and tempo. Other notables from the album include The Boy In The Bubble, I Know What I Know…at this point I’m just going to list every song on the album. The whole album is great. Every song is great. This is the kind of album that makes you thankful to be alive and in awe of human creativity.
I haven't listened to Paul Simon in a long time. I forgot how much I liked his stuff. I like the variety and cool instrumentals
Why don't I have this album? Paul Simon knocks it out of the park. Love the instrumentals. Love it all.
A truly classic album! This would certainly rank in my Top 1000! Paul's musical style and lyrical content make this a great listen. The older I get, the more and more I love the music from the 80's! Graceland & You Can Call Me Al are right up there as some of the best songs from the best decade of music!
one of his best, still.
No i to jest Paul Simon, jakiego znam i kocham. Wciąż bywa sentymentalnie, ale nie jest to cała płyta ballad. Kompozycje są ciekawe i odważne, glos jak zawsze - najczystszy kryształ. 9/10 i więcej takich proszę.
A great album. Definitely from a specific point in time but still holds up well. Interesting blending of musical genres and cultures and great, catchy lyrics.
Good Good Good. Great use of layers
Je suis trop fan pour être objective peut être
This is an album that was integral to my musical tastes in 1986 and many elements persist. I've been listening to 'World Music' (crummy label though that may be) for a long, long time. I took a course in non-Western music in undergrad, probably around 1984 or 5, and I was the only one who could instantly recognize a Balinese ketjak, or monkey chant, courtesy of Peter Gabriel's World of Music and Dance compilation from a couple years earlier. Mr. Simon took some of the most pleasing elements of South African music and made them immensely popular. There is sadness here, but mostly, I can't help tapping my toes and smiling as he and his wonderful group of musicians pull all those influences together.
Simon’s pleasant voice and the great musicians make this album both relaxing and energizing- oftentimes simultaneously. The combination of the music and his voice allowed me to overlook his obtuse lyrics.
This is a 5-star album
Brilliant from beginning to end. A real treat. And genuine 10/10 rather than a 9 rounded up to a 5. Fantastic
If somebody said they were going to combine Simon and Garfunkel with Ladysmith Black Mambazo I would have said that sounds horrific. And yet somehow it's one of the best things i've ever heard. Very happy to listen to it in full again. This is a genuine 5 rather than a 4.5 rounded up
I already love this album! I think it's one of the best singer songwriter albums of all time. I appreciate the use of world music sounds in his songs, I think it really takes it over the top.
Popularized township jive and brought African music to the fore. The combination with Simon’s voice and poetry works brilliantly at times.
By far Paul Simon's best album. His depth of songwriting is highlighted here, both musically and lyrically. "...Every generation throws a hero up the pop charts." There is so much variety of musical styles and musician groupings. It had a huge impact on the world, exposing (not exploiting) a few African styles of music. Somehow with all of this variety it works. Liked Songs Added: The Boy In The Bubble Diamonds On The Soles of Her Shoes You Can Call Me Al Homeless
classic great as always
Love this album! The African influences are amazing. And the more pop-like songs are catchy and fun to listen to. Rating: 5 stars (will definitely listen again)
Just for that bass in You Can Call Me Al.
One of my favorite albums.
My favourite
Great music. I have listened to this for years.
Goated
It may be because I'm a middle aged white guy, but I love this album. I love the way that Paul Simon has drawn from other inspirations and worked them into something that is his. The harmonies are gorgeous, the rhythms catchy and the African influences brilliant. It is a really vibrant and diverse feeling album.
On my personal top 10. This album has been a constant companion in my life and has stood the test of time. It's as good in the car on a roadtrip, as it is for living room dance parties, as it is in my headphones all alone. Paul Simon is an unapologetic fan of music and it shines through here. He leaves room to share his spotlight with other incredible artists and he's not afraid to change his sound in order to prove the universality of good songwriting that speaks to your soul.
There's a lot of hate for this album, but I was surprisingly blown away by it. Fantastic all around. Graceland is probably the 5th best track, which is wild to me.
I adore the hooks on this thing, the boy in the bubble, and all around the world especially. Its all very pleasing to the ears but in particular on the title track there's a Mathy upbeat folk quality to it. There's great song structure across the entire album the intro in Diamonds is a standout giving way to Paul's beautiful voice. Extremely catchy and light riffs all across this thing that immediately put you in a good mood. You can call me Al is a song you've heard a million times but when you actually sit down and listen to this thing you realise the complexity, depth and beauty to the track. Masterpiece 10/10
Such a contrast to the other albums we’ve had from him. I love this record, feel good start to finish, some all time classics with call me Al and diamonds on the soles of her shoes. The titular song is my personal favourite. An all time great
Can't imagine one of these lists without this album. He always somehow makes something so Paul Simon whilst always mixing in new elements. A constantly evolving artist with a flair for taking inspiration and turning it into something other worldly. This album is such a beautiful mixture of western pop with traditional African sounds that create something completely hitherto unfamiliar to the audience of the former. Magic
Great album
Day530 - this is one of my favorites. paul simon was at the top of his game with some help from amazing background singers like the every brothers and los lobos
The is one can be divisive, but it’s perfect. Simon is in constant search for the perfect groove. After the folk days of Simon & Garfunkel he went on to find sounds outside of the western canon that he could incorporate. He got attention for African artists that had none especially during apartheid. And he made a badass record!
Just beautiful.
I just couldn't stop smiling and bobbing my head the entire time listening to this.
Classic 10 out of ten album
This is the best Vampire Weekend album.
Quite possibly the greatest singer/songwriter of all time. This album is Paul at his finest. The infusion of South African musical influences shouldn't work, but it does. "Call me Al" will make the 1001 best of playlist, because duh. ~4.8 stars
This record is incredible, and every reason is so obvious. The mix of genres, the songwriting. But not just the songwriting, but the composition. It almost feels like a broadway musical in that each song is its own universe or moment in the show that connects to the overall album. And while that's how every album should be, this one really lands the plane. I think the genre experimentation is also why this album ages so well. Sure, some songs do sound a bit "80s," but it feels 80s in the way that Bon Iver does. Its taking the good things about synths and mixing into a really cool and unique sound. The collaborations with South African musicians is so freakin cool and probably why this has such a unique sound, but I love that he just went South Africa to record and album with local musicians. It feels less *appropriation* and more *collaboration.* Its really beautiful. This is an album that I've listened to a handful of times, and I'm always excited to revisit. Its kind of the reason why I like this 1001 project. These are the albums that really stand out to me.
The platonic ideal of an album.
Unsterblicher Klassiker - eine der vielen Sternstunden von Paul Simon. 5/5
I loved this album for a long time, but this was the first listen in a while, and it hasn’t aged wonderfully well. I don’t think it’s fair to level cultural appropriation at it, as this is largely collaborative with full credit to the artists, but the production is very 80s with the gated reverb on the drums and the synth sound is not great. Having said that, the actual writing is really strong, and You Can Call Me Al, Boy In The Bubble, Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes, Crazy Love and The Myth of Fingerprints are all really, really good songs.
I clearly remember hearing this album for the first time, with no idea of what to expect. That distinctive accordion wheezing followed by staccato gunshots of the drums, and a lyric that evoked the horrors of South Africa under apartheid. Yes, this was controversial at the time, with a cultural boycott in place but Simon was clearly championing black African music by paying the musicians three times the going rate and giving writing credits. It certainly brought bands like Ladysmith Black Mambazo to a much wider audience than they would have had otherwise. Does it hold up now? Well, I’ve listened three times and I’m listening again which should tell you something.
Grossartig!
This was one of four CD’s I was bought to go with my first ever CD player. Whilst I am a big fan of this album I cannot remember how or why I came to like it. My main musical taste is Prog which sound wise this album isn’t but could be regarded as such due to the relative new fusion of African music with western pop and rock. Back then there was none of this modern woke nonsense of white men appropriating black music for their own ends and degrading it. I believe Paul Simon genuinely wanted to bring African music to a new audience to experience the joy he also had when discovering it for himself. Had it not been for this album and those of Peter Gabriel I would have never have discovered African music and doing so has enriched my life. So I think it was the freshness and absolute joy, which I still get, which attracted me to this album. 5/5 20/5/25
Ik vind het laatste nummer op dit album echt top, zie mezelf al wel zitten op een strandje met een box met dit nummer aan, de rest vond ik ook leuk
muy bueno, tiene algo mántrico, medio hipnotico
This album was so fun. I actually listened twice and enjoyed it even more the second time through. I liked the variety on this album.
My thought process before listening: Oh, Paul Simon. This will be ok. I've heard a few of these. There's not a bad song on here. It seems I like the African rhythm. Favorites: The Boy in the Bubble, Graceland, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, You Can Call Me Al, Under African Skies, All Around the World or the Myth of Fingerprints
Unbelievably listenable and varied album
I really enjoyed the harmonies and rhythms on this album. The stories were well told. Great album.
This is one of the most formative albums of my life. I remember when my dad brought this home. The sounds that Paul Simon captured with the amazing and talented South African musicians on this record really blew my mind. It's a record that transported me to another world. Standouts for me are "The Boy In The Bubble", "Graceland", "I Know What I Know" and "Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes", both about Carrie Fisher, "You Can Call Me Al", "Homeless", "Crazy Love, Vol II", and "All Around the World Or the Myth of Fingerprints".
Aside from “Call Me Al” and “Graceland”, this album should have been credited to Ladysmith Black Mambazo (feat. Paul Simon). But the aforementioned tracks are bangers, and the rest of this eclectic album holds up, even after 40 years.
I'm sure a 2025 critic could accuse this of cultural appropriation but viewed in the 80s during apartheid this has a completely different context. Probably did more than any other record to turn people on to non-Western sounds (I'd never heard ANYTHING like this as a kid) and has a bunch of killer tracks
great album! for „you can call me al“ alone this album deserves 5 stars.
Just great stuff innit? Not a bad song on there
Big sound, big effort, and it works. I remember this from childhood without knowing it. Some songs are playful, some hit deep, but the whole thing earns its place. Five stars.
AL
al
'People say I'm crazy, I've got diamonds on the soles of my shoes' Well, actually they say that because I actually rank this album lower than Hearts and Bones, or Rhythm of the Saints. The fact that I'm still giving it a 5 speaks to how great a run Paul Simon was on at the time (musically, at least. Hearts and Bones flopped commercially). There's still the political and moral question of whether Paul was right to technically flout the boycott (I lean towards it not being so), but the fact that he bypassed the criminal government and went directly to the musicians living there is a mitigating factor. And what music. Riffs! Percussion! Paired with Paul Simons lyrics, everything pops, and the production is also top notch. There is no bad song on the album, and it's no wonder it got this big. Tangent: All Around the World's not only the most dated sounding of the songs, but the plagiarism accusations also detracts from my enjoyment, even if I don't fully think it was Paul Simons' fault. (Bringing a new song you've made to a jam session with a fellow musician and then not telling him that it's your song is not a very smart idea) Favourite Song: Crazy Love Vol. II Least Favourite: All Around The World Strong Bad Demerit Count: 2
DISCOURSE.
I remember first listening to this album, such a surprise. Like everyone got introduced to Paul Simon through Simon and Garfunkel. That taught me about his beautiful voice and fingerpicking and folk arrangements. But Simon can do so much more! Out of the gate Simon hits you with weird accordion and a bass that’s somehow both funky and somber. If you expected folksy fingerpicking then you got something else coming. All throughout this album we have Simon exploring different style and ideas, a lot of African influences but we also get eighties synth pop and other stuff. You can hear the joy Simon has in exploring different approaches and ideas and mostly rhythmic variations. Now I consider Paul Simon to be one of the greatest songwriters ever, so of course he takes a bunch of fresh ideas and makes timeless songs like Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes. Great album from an all time great. Let’s do five stars.
Probably the greatest album of all time.
I really like the world music and some of the songs are fantastic: Graceland and Diamonds in particular. It’s not all great and there are some dull songs, but you gotta go with what your heart says
It’s Graceland. Nuff said
Paul Simon I’m pouring honey on you goat
Great
Sounds great still and just so nostalgic to me
Magnificent and so touching. American folk seamlessly sharing space with and amplifying African soul - what a treat.
It's funny when music artists have distinct periods like painters, but this era of Paul Simon's music can definitely be defined that way. And I can understand how making this shift is considered when Paul Simon got his song writing mojo back after suffering from writers block for a while. The album is a masterpiece.
I love this album. Incredible from start to finish and honestly, nothing else like it.
Adventure of a lifetime ahh album
The African influences push this from OK to amazing. The few songs that lack that are what brings it down a tick.
4.5
So many all time classics. Non of these songs make it into my personal top list, but they are so ubiquitous it's hard not to love them anyway
Music at my house growing up was mostly classical music, show tunes and hymns. My folks had very little interest in pop, R and B, jazz or really any popular music. However, this one somehow broke through to my father's ear, and it was on rotation for years. This might have been the first time my 6 year old brain got a taste that there was more out there musically. I'll always have a soft spot for it.
Love the earthly rhythms of this album. It seems primitive and cosmic at the same time. Kudos to Paul for capturing this authentic human sound. “I have reason to believe We all will be received In Graceland.”
You can call me Nick
Classic. Who doesn't love Paul Simon and his African phase. The fretless bass is iconic. I love this album.
I was 11/12 when this came out so probably heard this before listening to much Simon and Garfunkel. I loved the African influences and featured artists.
Bought this album when it first came out and was an introduction to African music. As far as I am concerned a land mark album that is faultless and beyond my critical sphere.
Still a cracking album, the highs are extremely high
I did not use a private session for this one. Great hits on this one, Simon use of the african rythms and singing really work, gimmicky, but it works.
Goede artiesten slaan hun hele leven lang nieuwe wegen in. Waarom zou je eeuwig hetzelfde blijven doen. Op eerdere albums zagen we Paul Simon al andere paadjes verkennen, en hier laat hij zich inspireren door (Zuid-)Afrikaanse muziek. Het resultaat is een ware klassieker: relaxt, verrassend, vervoerend, energiek, en het staat vol heel plezierige oorwurmen. Deze plaat reist al heel lang met me mee en zal dat blijven doen.
An excellent album that I have heard many times. It has a nice combination of musical styles with some excellent vocal guests. I think that all of Paul Simon's work is excellent but this is probably at the top for me, it has a little bit of everything and is a joy to listen to from beginning to end.
What a brilliant album. Quite varied tracks but all so good. Wonderful to hear it in full again.
Amazing album. Grew up with the music. Love the African influences.
Upbeat fun and different 9 out of 10
This album is truly incredible. Was not aware of the context, w/ apartheid and breaking the cultural boycott etc. Is it cultural appropriation? Yeah, you betcha, but it's a tasteful and hopeful type. I like it and so do a whole lot of others. Time to go do deep dives on South African music.
Banger of an album!
Perfect album. 10/10
Most musician's forays into international and broad genre collaborations devolve into cultural appropriation or gimmicky tropes. Simon's simply enhances it all with a brilliant melding on this collection of songs. Simply brilliant, all the way through.
Album 714 of 1001 Paul Simon - Graceland (1986) Rating : 5 / 5 One of my all time favorites. Happy to see this one pop up this morning. Enjoyed it as much as I did back in 1986. This one holds a lot of memories. Certainly in contention for overall favorite when this listening journey is over.
really solid album
Incredible to think that this is nearly 40 years old. The controversy at the time, when Paul Simon defied the UN (?) embargo on South Africa seemed to be overtaken by the attention the album drew to the South African musicians who played with Simon and arguably on the Apartheid regime as well. The music stands up and is as entertaining and fascinating as it was back then, melding Simon's songwriting to music from African and American cultures. We have Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Youssou N'Dour, Los Lobos, Cajun accordionist, Rockin' Dopsie, The Everly Brothers and, particularly influential to the overall feel of the album, an incredible African band featuring Ray Phiri's guitar and the astounding bass player, Bakithi Kumalo.
Still sounds fantastic
amazing. Start to finish. So upbeat and smooth and lovely.
Simplemente maravilloso
The album that launched Ladysmith Black Mambazo onto the wider world. "Eclectic" somewhat fails to cover it, to be honest. I first heard this as a 15-year-old and I couldn't get into it at first, but it won me over and I ended up playing it and playing until the tape broke. The most famous track is of course You Can Call Me Al, though my favourite is the opener, The Boy in the Bubble. The collaborations are a joy: Homeless, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, Under African Skies, and That Was Your Mother are all excellent. In short: I love it. If you haven't heard it, try it out and see if it has the same effect on you.
Graceland by Paul Simon. This is why I'm doing this project, I get so close to being burnt out listening to either really forgettable shit or ...just shit that it's such a breath of fresh air when I get something I listen to and I'm like oh...oh this is different. I really enjoy the variety of instruments used throughout. You can call me Al is a wild trip of a song. It's a 5, it's added to my wish list on discogs
Hér eru stórkostleg lög og önnur mjög fín, og eitt eða tvö sem ég er ekki að dansa við. Platan dalar smá á hlið B, en þetta er nú samt fimma.
This is quite possibly the perfect album.
Forever Classic
One my absolute favorite albums of all time. The lyrics, the melodies, and the African vibes are just amazing. By most accounts Paul Simon is an absolute demon, but my god can the dude make music.
This album stands the test of time. Every track is enjoyable
We all will be received.
This is perfection. Every song was brilliant.
What a wild album, the multicultural influences from all around the world are really cool, mad respect for actually working with artists from said cultures, also really like Paul’s meandering vocals. I don’t think this album should work, but it really does
Top 10 album of all time. Just makes me feel good.
To me, this is as near to being a perfect album as one can get. Paul Simon, one of the truly great songwriters, goes into a completely new direction and creates something new. I get that people are critical of him and accuse him of cultural appropriation, but I don't buy into that. He brought visibility and profile to African rhythms and artists, and, above all that, when it comes to music, there should be no boundaries or rules over who can play what.
A fantastic album from the 1980’s. A classic from that time.
Inspirational zydeco and African rhythms and instrumentation. Always loved you can call me Al, under African skies has an amazing bass line. Homeless remind me of the lifesavers commercial. Ladysmith black mambazo for more African vocal harmonies. Vampire weekend for more pop instrumentation over African clave like crazy love vol 2
All day.
This is a really interesting album and I mean that in the best possible way. The songs are very different with Pauls distinctive voice and the guitar as some of the only things that binds the album together. I cant stop listening to the album as a whole. The switch from an African choir singing in what I assume is their native tongue to an accordion is insane and yet it somehow works. And then suddenly "You can call me Al" comes on. How have I never heard the rest of this album when I've heard this song so many times before? Very good album throughout and an awesome experience to listen through it.
Ok wow, that was unexpected, I absolutely love this. Really interesting riffs and instrumental arrangements on almost every song, as well as fantastic lyrics and great vocals.
great
This has long been a favourite album of mine. It's amazing to me how beautifully and tastefully Paul Simon blends African influences with his own folk style, creating some genuinely groundbreaking music - I'm not really familiar with any other album that sounds anything like this. The big hitters for me are a great testament to Simon's diverse skills as a songwriter. The titular Graceland is a driving piece of Americana, somewhat oddly out of place amongst the numerous other tracks with clear African influence. You Can Call Me Al is full of 80s bombast, but is just so irresistibly danceable. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes is one of those beautiful unique blends that could simply never be recreated. Not every track is a hit for me, its not a perfect album, but its pretty darn good. 4.7/5
Deilige sørafrikanske vibber. Beste produksjonen
What can I even say - this is one of my most adored albums of all time. It’s childhood, it’s nostalgia, and although there is far superior African music out there I think it does a pretty fantastic job (cultural appropriation/appreciation is a conversation for another time). Diamonds on the soles of her shoes has to be one of the greatest songs ever written (to compensate for his ordinary shoes I mean cmon!!!!). If Paul Simon has no fans I’m DEAD
Absolutely love this album - homeless and under African skies a pair of underrated gems.
I love this one. Hits every time
Classic album, very nostalgic.
Essential
So many good songs on this album, Graceland and You Can Call Me Al especially are timeless classics. GOATed
Duh
You know what, Paul Simon is an amazing songwriter, adding the African singers was inspired (I'm going to to ignore the controversy over this, as it seems there is controversy over so many albums/musicians and, as usual, I'm simply rating the music itself), and You Can Call Me Al is the most catchy song I can think of. Rating: 5
Een van mijn favoriete albums. Mooie melodieën, en nog mooiere liedjes.
ist super
My Grandmother got me a Simon and Garfunkel CD for my bday when I turned 11, and I loved it. This album definitively made me think of her and how great she was, amazing listen start to finish.
I enjoyed this album so much from start to finish! What a way to kick off this project.
Was ein geiles Album! So viele Erinnerungen an Autofahrten, wo die Songs liefen und Abende mit der Familie. 5 Sterne
I love this album without reservation. Everything I would say about another album (it's too of the era, etc) is negated by my memory of being a 10 year old driving in my Dad's Jeep with the top down singing along to all these songs playing on the tape deck.
call me paul simon the way i do art
Classic from start to finish. Groundbreaking
Love this one. One of the best but still prefer There Goes Rhyming
Still as fresh as it was the day it dropped. Still grateful for putting me on the path to discovering the “Indestructible Beat of Soweto” album
Bedste
I’m me of the best albums of all time. Easily top 10.
Really happy when this showed up yesterday.
This is my favorite album of all time, 5 stars isn't enough, unique and fun. Great Job Paul Simon.
This is the kind of music my parents like- and that's OK, I love my parents! 😀 Favorite song: "You Can Call Me Al"
I know song but this might be my first time with a complete listen.
Still really enjoy this album. Every songs a banger
Beautiful and unique
I love this album so much. It came out when I was 15. I knew of Simon and Garfunkel cause of my parents and I remember the video of You Can Call Me Al with Chevy Chase. This album was, I guess my first introduction to any type of world music and what an awesome way to discover it. No hesitation in awarding this a 5 even though there are a few tracks that don’t quite hit that number, it’s the sum of the parts.
Great album. I like the African musicians in the mix so fuck you to the culture appropriation police- stop the lame criticism
Personal favourite sice it was published. Should be on top of the 1001 - List!
Good
Cet album est génial ! Clairement un classique, et il est aussi bon que tout le monde le dit. Écoute-le tout de suite et tu vas en tomber amoureux !
Älskade den för 40 år sen. Och den håller än. Hans flow är typ definitionen av cool! 5
I can't think of anything I'd change and I enjoyed it despite going in with a mindset of "let's get this 80s bank manager music out the way". It won me over, I'll go back for more even, got to be a 5
Growing up in the 80s, this album was everywhere. From the video starting Chevy Chase to the cassette in every Toyota Tercel, I'd know all of these songs whether I liked them or not. Luckily, I think it's not JUST nostalgia that brings me back to this album fairly regularly. The songs are smart and catchy with a bit of swarmy yuppie ideology sneaking in (it was the height of Wall Street era after all). But most importantly it introduced so many to sounds from other places that had not appeared in pop music previously. For that alone, this is an essential listen.
Can't say I've ever listened to Paul Simon more than Call me Al, glad I did. I enjoyed this album a lot. A rare male voice that I really liked. The accordion was a nice touch, gave it a polka-y vibe. The lyrics were fun and light. Dug the African chants That's a ten
funky road side song, cool to listen to, not your taste but you do kinda like it
Fantastic from start to finish.
Wild album considering its age. Still enjoyable to listen to. Eclectic!
Appropriation in the same way that a Korean taco steals from two cultures to make a splendid blend. Paul approaches and borrows respectfully from African music. While I may not know enough about this to make a bold claim, I can say that I am amazed by the beauty of the blend and leave feeling an appreciation of African music, and for that reason it has to hold some value. That aside, this is sonically beautiful, and production forward heaven. Paul’s voice is one, the blend of synth and drum beats with mild guitar just present a magical recording. The music is peaceful and delightful. Just pure beauty. This deserves a good soundsystem or premium open backs to digest and appreciate.
It’s been a week or so since I got a no-brainer 5 star album on this list, and with Graceland that dry spell is decidedly over. I love this album so much. I wouldn’t argue with anyone who calls it the best album of the 80’s, it’s certainly in my top 5 from that decade. I can’t add anything that hasn’t already been said about it: it’s worth the hype and lives up to all the acclaim it’s received. It has one of the great first halves or so ever. The run of The Boy In The Bubble to You Can Call Me Al is ridiculous. The songs that close the album are strong too. It’s a perfect album with a great backstory from an artist who for all his stardom somehow still feels underrated.
longtime You Can Call Me Al lover first-time all the way through Graceland streamer. Timeless but simultaneously nostalgic. Loved it all
Fantastic album. Maybe I'm biased as a Southern African but this incorporation of African artists/sounds to Simon's great songwriting is really amazing. He didn't just go to Africa and superficially take some interesting sounds, he really embraced the local music fully. Not really a bad track as well, very consistent.
Heard this album a lot as a kid. Love this album, a seamless blend of a lot of African rhythm and genres and Paul Simons western music. A joy to listen to throughout.
I’ve been in the hospital due to a serious work accident, going through some of the toughest times of my life, and this album has been the perfect spirit-lifter. Paul Simon himself was facing rough times before creating this album, and it feels like he came back to the music with a clean slate. His journey to South Africa to work with local artists brought such a culturally rich sound to this album. It’s like an 80’s pop rock album with art pop aesthetics, but so much more. It has folk elements and upbeat traditional African rhythms throughout. The lively, danceable tempo brings a strong sense of unity and openness, which made this album a great end to a stressful day. It’s lighthearted and uplifting, and the joy in the music helped lift my spirits and keep me going with a positive attitude. Music really does have a powerful impact.
Finally got around to listening to this on the record player. Interesting blend between African and pop music, especially in Homeless. Some extremely catchy tunes like You Can Call Me Al and Graceland. Great lyrics that feel like a friend telling me about the small dramas and stories of their life. Top album.
I think you’d have to tie me up and gag me to stop me singing along with You Can Call Me Al. If that was the only good song on the album, I think I’d still have to give it a 4. However, every track is decent, several are great, and despite the variety of styles and genres, it does not feel disjointed; each song feels part of a greater whole.
Superb. It’s got a good case for being my favourite so far. Although so do a few others. Simpsons: Yes
Listening to this when the temperature is in the negatives is weird but still enjoyable. Can’t wait to but this album on in the summer when it’s sweltering and I have an ice cold shandy in hand
Super qualitity audio, nice songs
Paul Simon 😊🌸
yes
I really like the instrumentation on this, very chill. Very good overall
Truly great. 10 out of 5 stars.
Such good vibes throughout.
I loved it. First couple of songs are such bops. Good rhythms, interesting collabs, and chill lyrics. I enjoyed the upbeat songs in particular, with a good use of the accordion. The slower songs were good, too.
One of the best albums ever!
An American album with a World sound. Was hooked years ago on the original familiarity of the music. The South African musicians elevated what already were fantastic songs.
Paul Simon all time favorite!
All time favorite
what to say. masterpiece. reminds me of visiting colleges with my mom in '86, we played it nonstop in the car - I still listen to this album, who doesn't haha
It really takes me back but doesn't feel like it's stuck in the past. I love his voice and storytelling.
This album hasn't aged a day. The sound seems to exist out of space and time. It checks all the boxes you want in an album. The songs. The playing. The craft. Unique. Singular. Endlessly singable.
Don't think this one needs words... it remains outstanding after all of these years!
Super enjoyable album
You Can Call Me Al was my first love but the older I get, the more I feel Graceland in my soul.
Hands down one of the best albums I’ve ever heard. Twelve year old me picked this up because of “Call Me Al.” And 5 seconds into “Boy in the Bubble,” I learned that there are more styles of music than what my local radio stations would have me believe. This definitively opened my mind to the music of the world and is an album I come back to any time I want to feel happy. I can understand some of the criticisms he received for violating the cultural boycott of South Africa. But to me this album played a tremendous benefit in introducing African style music to a wider audience. It would be absurd to say he or any of the artists who participated in creating this supported apartheid.
Brilliant! This is what happens when everything aligns. Thank goodness for that car trip south!
Great or the greatest album of all time?
About as close to a perfect album as you can get. I've been listening to this for close to 40 years and it's still amazing.
Love this album!
Arguably favorite album of all time
This is a near perfect album. Simon builds songs from deceptive simplicity with wonderfully intricate layers of talent from the many contributing artists. A work of cultural appropriation or rainbow synthesis of worlds meeting? Both, neither. It’s beautiful even if cynical, like the hopes of a well worn heart. It could be terrible, it could be embarrassing - David Brent dancing at Notting Hill Carnival - but instead it’s glorious.
Amazing Paul Simon at his best songwriting. Although he stole a bunch of the music from the South African musicians he worked with during recording. The songwriting is exceptional
Cool Afro vibes
Love it.
Good stuff
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.
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
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.
Mainstream breakthrough for world music. Still holds up today!
Classic
Super nostalgic. Bass is insane. Every song is a banger. One of the greatest albums ever.
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.
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
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.
A musically unique and ambitious album with some of Simon's best songwriting.
Perfect album
Very much like the use of the African music.
80s country/folk/pop with a South African feel. Nice.
Awesome! One of the best albums ever.
Exceptional album, one that I've always loved.
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.
What do I even need to say
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.
You were right about Paul S
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.
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.
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 my type, but sound so energetic
What a wonderful album. Perhaps his high water mark.
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.
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
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
A classic
I remember this being all over the place when it came out but never listened to it. It's very solid
Brilliant
This will always be a 5* album for me. Every song is incredible.
Much better than last few albums - really like
best album ever
we'll just have to wait and confer...
A big hit album in 1986 despite all the controversy. The music is flawless, so 5 stars for that.