Graceland

Oh my - this was wholly unexpected - a stunner of an album - with South African music - which at first inducting start to ring ‘cultural appropriation’ alarm bells, being at centre stage for most of the album, but after a bit of reflection they feel more like a collaboration with actual stars of the genre. Even more interesting is the story of the record and the divisiveness that ensued as Simon as perceived to be breaking the apartheid boycott… but as someone cleverer than me said - this record was not propping the apartheid regime - but rather giving jobs to black South African musicians. At least I hold that view - I might be wrong. Anyway this record is fantastic objectively.

lots of things i don't ordinary like, but the writing and songcraft is superb

Great and Underrated album

I like this record. It's got a really great feel to it. Good songwriting too.

Excellent eclectic international sound. A landmark album

It’s Graceland. It’s brilliant. I love it. Nice to see this on here and looking forward to listening again.

little boogie :) wahooo

Cat: instant 5 stars AJ: an album of miracle and wonder.

Paul is a treasure, as is this album.

Paul Simon at his best.

Phenomenal.

This is a brilliant album.

This was one of my very favorite albums when it came out and I had it on cassette. I have missed listening to it, so it was a happy reunion today. There's not a song here that I don't love.

I did not jump on the fanwagon for this album when it came out, just not ready to make the investment back then. I was happy to give it a listen today. I really enjoyed it.

I didn't pay much attention to this album when it came out but I picked it up a few years ago. That was the right time for me to find it. It's brilliant. And Boy in the Bubble seems especially relevant these days. Love it.

I bought this album not long after it came out after falling in love with You Can Call Me Al. The mixing of pop with South African street music is still pretty unique sounding. A classic from Paul Simon that sounds just as great today.

:)

Love

With this endlessly engaging and pivotal album, Paul Simon once again became the darling of the music press and reestablished his status as one of music's more reliable storytellers and forward-thinkers. While One Trick Pony was a nadar and Heart and Bones an underrated gem that put Paul back on track, Graceland was the tale that made him the comeback kid, weaving simple, everyday tales into a palette that encompassed Apartheid era South Africa rhythms, zydeco and highlife; thus, Graceland became not only a hotbed of controversy and intrigue but perhaps the most important album in Paul Simon's discography. While the uproar remains justified, the fact remains that Paul Simon pulled off a hat-trick that was inconceivable a few years before; a middle-aged musician gathering up not only increased goodwill but interest from a younger generation who saw him as a standard bearer for this intoxicating blend of music. Poor boys and pilgrims with families, we're going to Graceland!

An easy FIVE. the album is great, particularly the front half. I will likely revisit this album constantly, love the African influence, love it all

Easy 5 stars; grew up with and love this album. Just incredibly good. Will say that I think it tapers off a bit (I think that the first half is stronger than the second half) but it is all really special.

Absolute banger and one of the finest pop albums ever made.

Didn’t need to listen because I’ve heard it 100X

This is honestly the Paul Simon album to beat for me. The production is killer, the songs are varied and great, and I have a lot of nostalgia for it because my dad had it on repeat quite a lot when I was a kid. Waffling between 4 and 5 a bit here because on one hand I really really like it, and on the other hand I kinda need to be in the mood for it? But I also need to be in the mood for some of all time favorites, so... We'll give it the ol' 4.5 rounded up because nostalgia lol.

day 36. I got behind on my album listening because of this one - thrown off by all the negative reviews and wanting to listen to this multiple times to try to understand. But screw it, I’m going with my instincts and basing this off the music here. I love this album, it’s funky, it’s fun, it’s eclectic and it has heart. I can’t pick out a skip on the album because they’re all really solid. There are so many layers here between the horns, accordion, groovy bass, background vocals, and yet it never feels like too much, they all have their place and get to shine perfectly. This album puts me in a good mood, is unique and I could listen to it many times over, and for me that’s worthy of 5 stars. 5/5 Faves (besides Al) - Graceland, Gumboots, I Know What I Know, The Boy in the Bubble also I thought the “bodyguard” in Al was named Eddy, oops … I think I like Eddy more than Betty :)

Puur genieten

One of his best albums

Whimsical, witty, vivid and heartfelt vignettes about the idiosyncrasies of life. Set to a compelling blend of 80s pop and (a small slice of) African music. I wouldn’t want to live in a world where this album was never made. Indie music of today would be a lot less interesting and a lot more Western.

Cracking album, already loved it!

An instant classic and masterpiece. Great song writing and rich and enchanting arrangements. Rating: 5/5 Playlist track: You Can Call Me Al Date listened: 08/06/23

Graceland by Paul Simon is a masterpiece that seamlessly blends world music influences with Simon's impeccable songwriting. Released in 1986, it introduced the world to a vibrant fusion of African rhythms, infectious melodies, and heartfelt lyrics. Tracks like "You Can Call Me Al" and "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" are timeless classics, showcasing the album's infectious energy and Simon's distinctive storytelling. Graceland's production is polished and rich, allowing each instrument to shine. The album remains a testament to Simon's musical exploration and ability to create an album that transcends borders and genres, making it a true gem in his illustrious career.

Saying that there are 1001 albums that are better than all others is arbitrary and suggests there is one album is better than all others which is frankly ridiculous until you hear this album and realise that there is a best album of all time and it is Graceland.

5 stars from start to finish. A damn near perfect album.

An album of deep beauty and respect for the collaborative process. Wildly important given its anti-apartheid roots. A genuinely deserved AOTY winner.

One of my favorite albums, grew up listening to it

Close to a perfect album. Standouts: Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, All Around the World - who am I kidding, all the songs are standouts. One of the first ultra-popular albums to merge non-American influences (South Africa) with American pop. Cannot believe Paul got crap for violating the boycott of So. Africa and working with these musicians. This definitely accelerated the end of apartheid. One of my favorite albums.

One of the most famous left-turns in pop history. He’d been making music for 23 by this point? It takes a lot to make world music this accessible, this succeeds. I don’t always feel like listening to the whole thing, but it objectively earns the 5th star. The a capella opening to Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes is the standout moment

Again this is one of my faves. There's a lot of haters though I guess. I think they're forgetting this is the height of the 80's here. It's 80's sensibilities. Let them hate. The rhythms, melodies are hypnotic and the lyrics cutting. One of the best.

From start to finish, I love this album. It's euphoric, melancholy, funky, folky, melodic, harmonic... just about one of the most effective blending of different musical styles, and all of the emotions seem real. Well done Mr Simon.

One of the all time best.

PREFS : TOUT MOINS PREF : RIEN

A perfect fusion of 80s pop and African styles. Peter Gabriel and David Byrne had been experimenting with some combinations before, but Paul Simon really went ham with incorporating so many different styles that each song stands out for some unique instrumentation or playing technique that you will will never hear anything like it. It's groovy and optimistic; you could almost dance to it. Yet it knows to only take the background, with Paul Simon's vocals and excellent songwriting taking the forefront at all times. My first time listening to this was actually on my drive to Graceland when I visited Memphis, and I truly was not prepared for every song to stand out. But he really put thought into each and every one. My only complaint is that I wasn't too crazy about some of the last few tracks, but they were still interesting ideas.

This is a low 5 for me but kinda just barely. Lots of 'experimentation' and blending of South African stuff right into his more 'traditional' American style. I have a lot of nostalgia associated with this one that helped bump it up a notch for me. A pleasure to listen to even though the shine of surprise/newness have worn off.

I was well aware of most of the controversies when this album was released (and I did not buy it at the time), but not aware that Paul Simon stiffed both Heidi Berg (who introduced him to South African music) and Los Lobos (who co-wrote the final track and were uncredited). But I'm trying to judge these albums on their musical (& lyrical) content, not on the performers. The 1980s drum sound dates it, but this is a 5⭐ album.

Wow, wow, wow. You can just feel the importance of this album as you listen to it--just fantastic. To cover this many genres in a cohesive way is something only very few artists could have pulled off. Granted, not all of the artistic decisions made here landed for me, but the overall project is so interesting that I have to give it 5 stars without a shadow of a doubt. Favorite track is obviously You Can Call Me Al, but Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes and Homeless are right there as well.

You Can Call Me Al is a goddamn masterpiece, and the rest of this album slaps just as hard. 80s Paul Simon has so much BDE that you can’t help but get swept up in his strange little pop rock fantasy party.

I've heard this before and thought it was alright but for some reason on this listen it just clicked - absolutely joyful from start to finish. These are going to be in my head for a long time, and I'm definitely going to listen to it again soon.

Not much left to say about this one. Take your 5 stars and get out of here Paul.

One of my favorite albums of all time.

I have and still do love this album

I’m already very familiar with this album. I love it!

It was a slow day And the sun was beating On the soldiers by the side of the road There was a bright light A shattering of shop windows The bomb in the baby carriage Was wired to the radio These are the days of miracle and wonder This is the long distance call The way the camera follows us in slo-mo The way we look to us all The way we look to a distant constellation That's dying in a corner of the sky These are the days of miracle and wonder And don't cry, baby, don't cry Don't cry Thats how this incredible album starts - which maps the global music of the mid-80s, a time when technology had become the new favorite deity and drugs were cheap and plentiful. Did he appropriate music and culture from Africa and the Caribbean? You bet your fucking ass he did. It doesnt detract from the album, which is outstanding. Paul Simon, who couldnt write a bad song if he tried, stealing from global music and writing a masterpiece. 5/5

Poppy, catchy, lyrically lovely. Something where my chief criticism is that You Can Cal Me Al lives rent-free in my head.

A fantastic album. Between the Cajun/Creole/zydeco vibe on songs like "Gumboots" and "That Was Your Mother," and the contributions from African artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and the Gaza Sisters on "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes," "Homeless," and "I Know What I Know," it's a true multicultural treat.

Given my usual taste in music, people are often surprised that I count this as one of my all time favourite albums. I listened to it a ton when I was a kid and with the tracks involving African artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo it was an ear opening experience to "World Music" Super fun to go back and revisit this classic.

Excellent.

One of my favorites.

Wish there was a 6th star for this favorite

I guess it's the most careless and life-affirming album in my dark playlist. These vibes of "Lion sleeps tonight" and african folklore, my inner child loves it so much!!!

This definitely deserves its place on the list, as it hit the world like a bombshell, putting South African (and African American) musicians at the center of a musical sound during Apartheid. In fact, the politics of this album are controversial - many criticized Paul Simon for violating the embargo against South Africa, while others congratulated him for bringing attention to Apartheid. (I was only 10 years old at the time, so I didn't have deep opinions about that issue back then.) There is also the title and the explicit connection that Paul Simon makes to Graceland and Elvis, which I now find a bit creepy (Elvis profited on bringing African American music to white audiences). Paul Simon "helped" black musicians with this album, but also made a nice pile of change. There is complexity here. That said, Paul Simon's songwriting really takes center stage in this album, with the sounds of South Africa and the Southern United States included for texture, but never totally appropriated. I think it was that skillful meshing that saved this album from being more problematic than it was. Paul Simon's songwriting could never be confused with anyone else's - it is so distinctive and unique. Furthermore, I think Simon did a good job of letting his guest artists express their own creative powers, without forcing them into his mold too much. I think this is why the album has aged so well. It's so unique. There's nothing that sounds like it. An important and unique album, and distinctively of its time. 5/5

i love vampire weekend

My favorite album when I was 12, even got to see the tour at the Royal Albert Hall, anti-apartheid protesters and all! Still love it to death

Good memories

Hele fijne muziek, vier sterren lijkt me. Vooral een blij album, met ook lekker wat verschillende invloeden (o.a. Afrikaans) erop. Nee, toch gewoon vijf sterren, ik heb eigenlijk van het hele ding genoten.

classic

Loved it

Do you enjoy 80s pop and New Wave? Ever find yourself thinking "Gee, I wonder what it would sound like if the intricate polyrhythms and harmonic structures from traditional African music joined with pristine engineered, 80s pop in some kind of fusion. Is there anything like that that even exists?" Well guess what: Yes. Graceland fills that niche perfectly. In the hands of a lesser musician and a lesser producer, this album would sound over-produced and kitchy. But with the melodic hooks devised by Paul Simon and his collaborations with various South African musicians, the atmosphere of the record is one that provides a rare feeling nowadays: Joy. No songs wailing about how the government is failing its citizens or how you'd rather be dead than caught by police, and even the song "Homeless" has an optimistic twang to it, only heightened by the smooth interweaving of the acapella arrangements. The eclectic choice of instruments and arrangements provide a unique experience that few albums could boast about. Standout Songs: "Boy in the Bubble" "Graceland" "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" "You Can Call Me Al" "Homeless"

Love this!

I bought the cassette from Columbia House Records and Tapes back when this album came out. Nearly wore it out. African sounds have always been at the core of American made music - jazz, blues, rock, bluegrass (that banjo), hip-hop, rap. Sounds and rhythms brought here through the instruments and voices of enslaved humans. Whites condemned it and took credit for it when they figured out how to appropriate and profit from those who were responsible for it's roots and development. I understand how Simon also did this. I also see that he went to the source and brought forward the music and voices of those oppressed by colonization and apartheid. Would I have had the same opportunity to attend concerts and support the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo were it not for this album? Perhaps breaking that cultural boycott opened a door that helped wake up white people and did some service toward ending apartheid. This album helped this white girl understand better the African roots of all the music that I loved. After this album I ate up roots music, I started listening to Zydeco. Simon doesn't deserve all the credit for broadening my listening landscape. It was the African voices that this album incorporated celebrated who made me keep listening. African voices and rhythms were the best thing that happened to the over synthesized music of the mid-80s. I still love this album

5*

I love the Zulu-style tracks. Since these songs are written or co-written by Paul Simon, they are as perfect as a pop song can get.

One only understands so much about cultural appropriation but one knows this is a great record – and knew it from the first time one ever heard it. One's a bit of a Simon skeptic (if not quite a hater), but there is such enthusiasm and appreciation for the music he’s sharing and co-creating that it’s hard not to like. In a more just world, the South African artists would’ve had top billing and enjoyed more of the benefits, but there was at least some upside for them. “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” is an all-time pop song, easily one of the best of the ‘80s. Too good to be just a 4 though maybe not the highest 5.

Graceland the single fucking kills it. Gumboots is killer. Under African Skies slays. This album is so full of rich texture.

Great 80s vibe

Very Very Good!

Pretty pretty pretty good 5

Een van de eerste albums ooit die ik luisterde en Paul Simon was de eerste die ik tijdens een concert zag ❤️ ly4ever Paul

The soundtrack of my teen years. Not a bad song on this album. From the cheeky You can call me Al to the harmonies of Under African skies - such deep and rich music. Although, I never understood why an album with such African music influence was named after, and a song about, Elvis’ home.

10/5 one my all time favorites..fantastic music…whole new insight into international music

One of the best albums ever

Probably one of my wife's favorite albums. Most people think of the one song "You Can Call Me Al," but there are so many great songs here. Paul Simon was firing on all cylinders on this. Probably one of my favorites is "Under African Skies", very underrated song. I'm sure that people would say this is the album that pretty much represents Paul Simon's work, and I would have to agree (although The Rhythm of the Saints is a great work of his, too.). Highly recommended.

As I said when his debut album made the list, Paul Simon has many other better albums. This may be his best. A masterpiece. The composition and musical arrangements are incredible (and his lyrics are some of his most clever/witty). So much sound right from the get go in Boy in the Bubble. And a lot of the album's sound is unusual for the typical listener (native African instruments & vocals, other worldly sounds, accordion, woodwind and brass for days) and yet he makes it all sound so familiar or normal. Graceland, Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes, and You Can Call me Al are all stone cold classics; the last one perhaps the most typical pop rock on this album but the other two more of the worldly sound he sought on this album. His many collaborators deserve a lot of the credit too for making the songs so magical. Don't know what I mean? Listen to Homeless - beautiful. Or I Know What I Know - super fun. I could listen to this album on loop over and over and over.

Cultural appropriation or beautiful mix of cultures? Far be it from me to decide. I know what I know, as the song goes, and I know this is an absolutely perfect album. We had Ladysmith Black Mambazo as a pick in the 1001 albums and I rated it pretty low because an album of just their singing was kind of meh. Combine them with Paul Simon's voice and writing as well as a wealth of other styles, and suddenly you have a classic. It's all about the synergy of styles that makes it wonderful. It's good to see Paul Simon treated the artists very well - he paid his band far above scale and made sure all the South African acts received writing credits. He received a ton of criticism for violating a cultural boycott of South Africa over apartheid, but it's questionable how it was a good thing to have a cultural boycott of the very people oppressed by apartheid. Regardless, I've loved the album since it came out and never get tired of it. Easy 5. Favorite tracks: The Boy in the Bubble, Graceland, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, You Can Call Me Al (even if the video was all kinds of overplayed), Under African Skies (I had no idea that was Linda Rondstadt or that it was so controversial), Homeless.

This might have been one of the only good albums I had as a kid.

A flawless album if there ever was one. Everything is so goddamn smooth! From Paul Simon's melodies to the fretless bass (well done Bakithi Kumalo) everything seems to melt together in a perfect blend. Graceland is a true rebellion against division and the road to harmony.

The full force of Paul Simon’s creativity and ingenuity is on full display on Graceland. The controversies regarding his trip and work in South Africa taken aside, the mbaqanga influence is what makes this album - and there’s no way that could’ve been this successfully recreated in a US studio. For such a rather complex album it’s impressive that it managed to create singles in the scale that it did - everything just works here. Looking forward to re-listen to some more Paul Simon later on this list.

Be sure to watch the 2012 documentary Under African Skies for a look at the making of and the controversy surrounding the album.

Love it

Classic. Even if he did rip off Los Lobos. Prick.

Shortarsed song thieving genius.

This is a perfect album in my opinion. I listen to it fairly often but I may as well listen again! Unfortunately, you do have to take into account the allegations of cultural appropriation and the (far more serious issue) of breaking the cultural boycott of Apartheid. I'm glad to see now that the other artists are credited on each song on Spotify, because this was much more collaborative effort than the original album credits show. However, if you take the music on its own, this is nothing less than a 5 star album, and it did also bring a new style of music to western audiences.

Great

This album owns. I didn't know it, but yeah, I really dig it. Now I know where Vampire Weekend got a lot of their sound. 4.5/5

Amazing album, very engaging and fun, excellent bass

This album was phenomenally good, I was blown away by the composition and depth present in each song. I will definitely be listening to this again!

Perfect album for introducing a mass audience to a "new sound," South African music. Graceland is a "Put it on and let's dance" record with lively melodies and fun lyrics, though probably the least meaningful written by Paul Simon. Though I still give it a 5 Star and will always regard "Graceland" as a timeless classic, this listener would recommend to others looking around - maybe the Putamayo label or a collection of Hugh Masekela-produced music, which I got an a pretty inexpensive price on Itunes - to get a "real intro" to African pop music.

One of my absolute favorite albums. It might be the album Dree and I have listened to together more than any other. Hard to imagine a road trip or a long car ride for vacation without us putting this on in the car. The music bursts at the seams with joy. Paul Simon writes some of the best pop songs of his career, blending his style perfectly with African melodies and rhythms. His lyrics are also sharp, funny and endlessly quotable. Always a pleasure to revisit this one.

Really incredible album that I have not listened to enough. This comes up on "top albums of all time" lists very often, but more when it's like "top 10" or "top 100". The songwriting is so spectacularly great and is my favorite facet of the impressive album. The songs are fun, timeless, and thoroughly enjoyable to hear in any situation in life. Easy 5/5!

As a big fan of Simon & Garfunkel, and of the song “You Can Call Me Al,” it’s a shame I had never listened to this album before.

Un grand classique. Une musique qui allie traditions africaines et cajuns, avec des textes intelligents et une instrumentation toujours originale.

"Graceland" is the seventh solo album from Paul Simon. In 1984, Paul was in a period of depression with a deteriorating relationship with Art Garfunkel, a collapsing marriage with Carrie Fisher and the commercial failure of his previous album "Heart and Bones." He became fascinated by South African music from a bootleg cassette and visited South Africa for two weeks recording with South African musicians. This and the whole album were quite the controversy as he was breaking the United Nations' cultural boycott of South Africa due to apartheid. He also received a lot of criticism for using Linda Ronstadt as a backing vocalist due to her playing a few years back in Sun City. Additional recording was also done in New York City. Well, musically this is a mixture of pop, rock, a capella, zydeco and South African isicathimiya and mbaqanga. Caribbean too. It is bass-driven with the outstanding playing of Bakithi Kumalo. Outstanding backing vocals too. Quite an album. It was Paul's most successful album, won the 1987 Grammy for best album and was added to the US National Recording Registry as "culturally, historically or aesthetically important." "The Boy in the Bubble" gets things going with an accordion and that bass. Elements of both South African and zydeco music. It's about starvation and terrorism but there's optimism to lighten it up a bit. The bass continues to star on "Graceland" along with some unique guitar and steel pedal. The Everly Brothers on backing vocals. The song is about his break-up with Carrie Fisher. I did not know that. "I Know What I Know" is my favorite song on the album. That funky bass, rhythm and guitar. And the backing vocals by General M.D. Shirinda and the Gaza Sisters totally steal this song. Almost an instrument unto themselves. Playful Paul. Tremendous. The fourth single "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" ends the first side with great South African starting vocals and then contrasting and combining with Simon's. This song is also kind of fusion of South African and Caribbean with the horns. And speaking of horns, side two begins with the first single "You Can Call Me Al." Again, a South African and Caribbean music vibe. And, yes, immediately I think of Chevy Chase. About a mid-life crisis. "Under African Skies" is a very happy-sounding sound with Adrian Belew on guitar. Continued great bass playing. Linds Ronstadt on backing vocals good. "Homeless" is sung a cappella by Lady Mambazo and Simon introducing us to Zulu isicathimiya music. The global music journey continues to the end on "That was Your Mother" with backing zydeco band Good Rockin' Dopsie and the Twisters and "All Around the World or the Myth of Fingerprints" with Los Lobos. Each song bringing the backing bands' style of music. I think one of the great things about this album is that it sounds fresh and great today as it did back then. When it came out, I really didn't get into the politics and stayed away today commenting just focusing on the music which is great.

bizarre but it was class

Fajne

Liked it.

Every song on this album is amazing. So well written, great lyrics. An all-time classic album.

Fantastic album!

Classic album. Marrying the cajun south and African sounds without losing the distinctly Paul Simon songwriting, all without feeling derivative or contrived. As with many great albums, it's the singles that seem to lose their lustre the most, personally, over time. I still enjoy You Can Call Me Al, but the other tracks really shine.

Yea. Best album

I already know. It’s a goat.

Fantastic.

I love this album, Graceland in particular. He has a real knack of couching deeply moving/upsetting/profound ideas in beautifully melodic songs.

Controversy aside, musically this is a culmination of Paul Simon’s musical meanderings during his solo career. He had flirted with exploring non western music throughout his career and he achieved that vision most fully in this album. The instrumentation is superb and the use of South African musicians and singers lends this album a bit of legitimacy in the face of the controversy of its creation during the cultural embargo. The lyrics (aside from ‘Under African Skies’) are contemplative and explore themes of self and finding one’s place in a larger world. This is truly one of the greatest albums of all time.

So much nostalgia for this. On my first listen it felt like hit after hit after hit. On my second listen I tried to figure out which ones are my faves for the purpose of this exercise and while the first 5 tracks are great You Can Call Me Al is incredible and Homeless was also a highlight.

Is it problematic? Yeah, probably. Is it a five star album? Absolutely! I have a lot of nostalgia for this - more so for the singles that would have been playing during my formative years than the album itself. I have to imagine they primed me to be more receptive to world music as I got older, so hats off for that reason if for no other! Fave track - "You Can Call Me Al" for the childhood nostalgia factor, but as an adult "I Know What I Know" is the stand out track...

Already listen the shit out of this

Great album. Simon be good.

I hadn’t heard this album in ages. Great album. I’ll make sure to listen again soon.

Great album, excellent songwriting, nice mix of serious lyrics with a light tone.

Leuke mix van pop en Afrikaanse muziek. Een album om heel vrolijk van te worden

Amazing

So I'm from South Africa and of age when this was formative for me but not old enough to be socially conscious of the frankly strange political set up (80's) What is great that this album now makes me contemplate these things. Great album

What’s not to love?

All-time classic.

Solid album.

Love Graceland, beautiful album from Mr Simon

Enjoyed it. Little bit of unfortunate 80s production (that vocal reverb!) but that fades quickly and the songs stand out. Is it cultural appropriation for a white guy to make South African-style music?

A favorite

Opinion 80s album and the album that brought the music of Soweto to the masses. A cynical attempt to cash in on South African political unrest or an earnest attempt to help these great musicians to North American ears. Whatever the motivation Simon absolutely hit his stride on this masterpiece. His best most consistent album. Every song is a success, whether straight ahead pop; You can call me Al. Or beautifully South African harmonies; Homeless and Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, or even a credible stab at zydeco; Crazy Love. There's just not a note put wrong or a rhythm not perfectly timed. 5 🌟

The variety of sounds on this album kept the listen engaging all the way through, and the music was really well put together.

Wonderful album. Fully delivers on the world infused feel good tunes.

Loved it then, love it now 😁

Paul Simon was naive, stupid, and arrogant to visit South Africa during apartheid to make this album. However, I don't believe it was done with ill intent, and the musicians he collaborated with clearly love him. Kendrick Lamar said on Sunday night that “imperfection is beautiful”. The result of this imperfect collaboration is a real pleasure to listen to. Every song on this album is full of joy, happiness, and hope. It makes for a superb start to the day! (or end). (or middle).

5/5. Damn good from the first song to the last.

Sure, people think that Pauls voice could benefit from being less douchie, but I think it works. Though there's a dip in the tenor that carries through the album, it's mostly fun, carefree and mellow. The Zydeco and international flavors keep this lively. Overall, this is a very different album than I've heard on 1001. The Graceland track plays almost as if he's exposing a darker past and a brighter future. I love it, and Graceland is a clear winner, but truth be told, all of the tracks here are inspired and worthy. Great listen.

A meticulously crafted, deeply felt masterwork.

My first boyfriend was convinced that Paul Simon sold his soul to the devil after his failed relationships (with both writing partner Art Garfunkel and wife Carrie Fisher) to come away from those failures with Graceland. The album is a blend of such unique styles and sounds and it is amazing to me how joyous the album sounds despite the preceding failures of Simon's personal and professional life. My first boyfriend was not the brightest but he may have been correct in this case.

Peak comfy

I could listen to this album everyday. Absolutely love the sound mixed with so many cultural musical expressions being celebrated.

Brilliant album showcasing rhythms and styles from Africa.

My first cassette. Who knew I would select such a timeless opus magnum? 1000 stars.

9.5/10

Kiinnostavia elementtejä tuotettuna maksimaalisen hiotuksi kokonaisuudeksi. Tätä paremmin tehtyjä poppislevyjä en oo montaa kuullut. Tykkään myös tekstien vaatimattoman optimistisesta tyylistä -- tuntuu, että tässä on mies, joka elämän vaikeuksien jälkeen suunnistaa kohti valoa. 5/5

Rare poetry

This has been my favourite album for a very long time. Paul’s words and his elegant voice mixed with the fun, joy, beauty and celebration of South African music, mixed with American roots of blues and country, made for a historical album and a cultural moment in the history of popular music. It will always be an important album and meets every definition of “must hear”.

Great Album, can't help but to feel happy and in an elevated spirit when listening to those upbeat African rythms. Paul's great voice and folk style singing is the perfect bridge to make this combo easy listening

So so great!!

This album is mostly just great but there's a couple of real clunkers. The bad songs pull this down from a 5 but just a little. 4.5 stars.

All-time classic. Still sounds great even after all these years. 5 stars.

Rating: A- or 91% A gem of an album. So difficult to choose a single track, seamless in its world beat / afro beat soundscapes and fun filled escapades. Paul Simon's best solo work hands down. Picks: The Boy in the Bubble, Graceland, Gumboots, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, Crazy. Well almost the whole darn album.

Really great album. Love how visionary it was for the time...really nothing like it. 4.5/5

masterpiece. just amazing the blending of paul simon's folk and black ladysmith mambazo. feels like it could have been made yesterday.

Banger

Love this one

Een van mijn favoriete albums! Vroeger als kind ooit gehoord bij de ouders van een goede vriend. Nu nog steeds kan ik elk nummer waarderen. Misschien voor mij wel het beste album dat ik ken. *****

Immaculate. One of the most beautiful albums ever. 10/10 1. Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes 2. Graceland 3. The Boy in the Bubble

Overall I really liked this album. I think it has some good folk vibes, and I was reading about it so I learned a bit about South African township music, which the album was heavily inspired from. I appreciate that Paul Simon used prominent artists that were a part of South African township music as features in his album. My favorite track on the album as a whole is probably Graceland, the title track. Overall, very strong, nice to listen to, but not life-changing. This one got the big like.

great songs on this album. so many good things have been said about this album. song "Homeless' is great, with a great lyrics. remember when this premiered, Paul said "this is my best album" and everyone was wishing for more music from him and Garfunkal. when it came out, everyone was amazed with it. different types of music and instruments. maybe this started more globalization of music, seemingly it was ahead of its time.

Game over. Best Paul Simon Album ever IMO. I love the African influence and recognition given to those contributors. Is and will always be one of my favorite albums, period.

Another album I’ve not actively listened to in ages. Dug out the vinyl. Drums, bass and accordion really drives the rhythms. Loved it. But it’s his vocals and the production that adds some grace, depth and lightness of touch when it’s needed. Really need to listen to this more. Staying on the turntable for tomorrow.

When this arrived as my album of the day today I was thrilled. It’s been a long while since I’ve listened to this album and my love for it hasn’t changed. Now added to my favourites and will be listened to again and again

5 stars for the bass player alone

Brilliant 👏

Listened Before? N This turned out to be an amazing album. It feels like the 80s, but it's timeless in its musical composition and eclectic sound. Everyone is familiar with You can Call Me Al, but the rest of the record is just more of the same! I never knew. This is why I am doing this project. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: You Can Call Me Al, Graceland

classic.

omg so wonderful

A fantastic album that has been on my playlist since it was released.

9/10. Spectacular album. Graceland and You Can Call Me Al are the obvious stand-outs, and everything else seemed solid as well. Could easily go up to a 10 on a relisten, only reason I am holding off is because nothing really blew me away on the more filler-y songs, but I think that might have just been me multitasking homework and forgetting about it.

One of my favorites. I hadn't listened to it in a while, so it was good to get back into it.

Ok so it might be a bit problematic but still great

Classic

This album is fantastic. Except for "You can call me Al" that single song kept me from listening to this masterpiece for decades. Not that it is a bad song. It is an example of record companies back in the day pushing singles that did not match the rest of an albums's aesthetics.

Great album by an amazing singer/songwriter. Great experimentation with the blending of different styles from South Africa.

The best.

Paul Simon was in the doghouse when he decided to record this album in South Africa during the international boycott. Also people accused him of stealing ideas from (African) musicians as he had none. In the end it was a great musical and commercial success and it helped a lot of African music to get in the picture again. It songs are fabulous. "You can call me Al" is maybe one of the weaker ones, but the thought of the accompanying video always makes me very happy.

Such a great album. Interesting, cohesive, original. It can draw you in or just kinda be there, comfortably, like your favorite blanket warming you up on a cold winter's night.

A classic album full of love, life and passion, has any album so popular been so controversial? Critics argue Simon broke the South Africa boycott to make this album and took a musical genre he had no right to play; his supporters argue he crossed the colour line and collaborated with African artists, helping to hasten the end of apartheid. It is for each listener to determine for themselves how they feel about this album. Judged on the product alone, however, this is an exquisitely crafted collection of songs with Simon at the height of his lyrical powers and an assembly of musicians playing beautiful melodies and memorable polyrhythms. A great singalong album, a road trip album, a unique album in its blend of Western song writing and African music (is Simon flying too close to the sun, evoking Elvis, a white artist accused of stealing black music?) with so many highlights- Boy in the Bubble, Diamonds in the Soles of her Shoes, You Can Call Me Al, Graceland -what a quartet of singles! - Whatever else, Simon took a massive risk with this album and what could have been a colossal, laughable failure turned out to be one of the greatest albums of all time.

Paul Simon is the real deal and always was.

Superb. All the elements are finally balanced between commercial and experimental. This is an album that rewards you from the first listen. An absolute timeless classic that still sounds fresh 35 years later.

Whenever the topic of cultural appropriation comes up, this album gets a mention. Maybe I'm naive, or probably just nostalgic, I saw this in a positive way - would I ever have been exposed to South African music styles? I still enjoy this album, upbeat, bass, love it! (again, nostalgia!)

Amazing album. 5/5. I just had Ladysmith Black Mambazo come up in my list a couple of days ago and immediately thought, I wanted to hear this album - and here it is.

I heard about this album on reddit. People rated this album as a 5 stars album, saying it was a "family trip" favorite. I listened to it from there and found it magical. Now I listened to it when I travel and I really love it :)

This album is amazing

Любимейший альбом

I've got some catching up to do so I'm glad to get another album that I know very well. There's so much to love about this album I don't know where to begin, just fills me with so much joy and excitement every time I hear it

I was introduced to this as a child and still listen to it regularly, especially on hot summer days. The lyrics are great and the music is joyous, and it still sounds fresh after all these years. The blend of African and American music was clearly very influential on future artists.

I prefer my Simon with a Garfunkel but this album is pretty close to faultless. Easy 5/5.

A classic, even if Steve Berlin's story gives me pause...

Love this album!

Brilliant.

My favorite of his, so far

Marvellously intelligent.

An outstanding album by Paul Simon, arguably his best. The songs are perfectly crafted, with a rich, eclectic sound. It’s a clear labor of love for Simon, who worked with an extremely talented roster of musicians in South Africa and in the US. But it feels like a real collaboration between artists, not just Simon playing musical tourist. Simon’s exceptional songwriting is the icing on the cake, some of the best of his career. Musically, the songs are joyful, warm and engaging, with gorgeous arrangements. Hard to single out any one performance because it's all amazing. I can’t imagine many artists being able to pull off such an ambitious effort, but Simon delivers an album for the ages. Fave Songs: You Can Call Me All, Gumboots, Graceland, The Boy in the Bubble, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, That Was Your Mother

Impressive. An amazing mix of african rhythms into folk-pop music with creativity and energy. Very cool how someone can start with a blank page and end up with music like this. Very enjoyable.

Mikil nostalgía, skemmtilegar sögur og frábær hljóðfæraleikur.

A classic album, with truly memorable melodies and lyrics.

Great album.

I like it very much!!

5/5 Well produced and nice sounds

Mon préféré de Paul Simon. Tellement bon 5/5

Call Me Al has been one of my favorite jams and most favorite music videos for years now. This album would get 4 stars just for that. The other songs are new to me, but are all infectiously good. Glad Paul went to Africa.

allround great album with a unique sounds and well written songs not much else to say here

A five star classic album

Great album. Nice chill, feel-good 80s pop that is genuinely interesting to listen to with Paul Simon's unique style with some popular bangers in the mix. You Can Call Me Al is, of course, a great track. Got it on vinyl - wouldn't have it if it wasn't very decent. 4.5 from me

Nice

Done.

One of my all time favourites.

Absolute classic

So good

This album is so good, that I have seen others ask "What is your SECOND favorite Paul Simon album?", because the consensus that this is Simon's best work. I love this album. There are a few albums that you can play and listen all the way through, without feeling like skipping any tracks. This is one of those albums. The music is great, and the lyrics are clever and often playful. I love the contributions from Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who help create some of my favorite tracks on this album ("Homeless", "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes"). I also love the great hamonies from Linda Ronstadt on "Under African Skies". I've heard "You Can Call Me Al" so many times, and I'm not tired of it yet. This is an album that I recommend and share.

A masterpiece from a proper musical genius.

Controversial for valid reasons, yes. But this album is solid and remains uniquely wonderful.

What a journey ! A nailed on 5*.

One of the greatest albums of all time.

OH MY! 😍🥰😍

Great album, already knew it

Classic

Beautifully diverse

Song tracks on this album reminds me of west African music like what was playing when I was in Burkina Faso. I had a nice walk around sunny kenilworth listening to P.Simon

Great songwriting.

Classic.

Bomb. Duh

Discasooooo

Albüm başlangıcından sonuna kadar çok iyiydi amk. Özellikle giriş şarkısında good vibes vermeye başladı. Diamonds on the soles of her shoes deki bassline iç kıpratıyor. You can call me al daki synth hemen adamı zıplatıyor

Fighting it out for my personal top 10. We listened to this on family trips in the car. Still puts me in a great mood.

Wow, where has this album been my whole life? Very fun and engaging with top tier musicianship. I think it has the potential to be in my top 10 albums, but I'll have to give it a few more listens. Definitely a major influence for Vampire Weekend.

Might have to be a full marker for this one! Absolutely brilliant and rightly universally considered one of the best albums of all time. Bravo. So joyful - great for the beginning of the working week

Grácil, exuberante y positivo. Creo que es de esos discos (y artista) que en nuestro círculo jamás se menciona y es una obra maestra que todos deberían conocer. Con 30 años de carrera se da el lujo de sacar su mejor disco. Lleno de mezclas inesperadas y sonidos que en su momento eran tan nuevos que crearon toda una sección en la tienda de discos con la cantidad de imitación que inspiró. Ritmos africanos, latinos, callejeros mezclados a la perfección con pop que no se siente vacío y, lo que a mí me impresiona más, echando la guitarra al fondo y dejando TODO el disco para que sea el bajo el líder musical. Una maravilla de los 80s.

Bops on bops

hard to be objective about this one, since i've always loved it. i loved his up-yours by working with a black group from south africa during apartheit; i loved the music in general, and i honestly loved the swahili in particular. i spent the better part of a week reading along with the lyrics until i knew the intro Diamonds by heart.

Excellent release that has been the reference point for several acts to come afterwards, such as Vampire Weekend. As we've moved further from the original release, some more unsavory aspects of the album have come to light, but overall has a very important place in widening the general populaces musical knowledge. Plus, You Can Call Me Al is a bop.

I will always enjoy listening to this record.

Yeah, really f-ing good.

My favorite Paul Simon album ever

With the exception of "crazy love", this is a pretty perfect, timeless album to me. It's the kind of album that you can put on when you're on a long road trip.

Just a fantastic album

Great. Duh

10/10

Wonderful

I love Simon & Garfunkel, and I love Simon. Funky, fun, and interesting sound.

A wonderful album. This is such a sound.

Reading about the album, apparently he heard a bootleg cassette of South African street music and got on a flight out there to record new sounds. What a extraordinary final product

Likely one of the best albums of all-time. Such a showcase of talent.

Fantastic message. great vibes. some tribal energy here. Loved it

loooove

One of the best

One of my all time favourite albums, every song is really good at a minimum and some are amazing!!

9

jag tyckte detta var klockrent. kulturell appropriering eller ej.

Great album, holds up so well.

Paul motherfucking Simon

Paul Simon literally one of the GOATs

Groovy, eclectic, and rich. Not much else I could wish for here.

9/10

One of the best albums ever. Every song is a jam. Already listened to this album 100 times, but it’s still so good.

FAVOURITE: You Can Call Me Al / Graceland LEAST FAVOURITE: That Was Your Mother

Delightful, saved!

I don’t think there was anyone alive in the 80’s that didn’t hear “You Can Call Me Al” over and over again whenever you turned the radio on. I never had the album, wasn’t really my ballpark at the time, although I didn’t mind the few tracks I heard. I have listened to it in later years, and have always enjoyed it. Still holds up and a very pleasant listen.

I remember this album pretty well and figured it was going to be a 3 - used to like it but that was a while ago plus the whole cultural appropriation thing sits a bit weirdly now. But 3 seems harsh. I'm not sure I love any of the songs (apart from Boy in the Bubble maybe) but there's something about PS's wordy songwriting that appeals even if I'm not crazy about any of the actual songs. I don't know.

I don't think I ever encountered an album where the difference between the quality of the sound and that of the text bothered me so much. I understand that using stories that sound mundane and are told in a casual descriptive way are a style choice, it's just one that doesn't get me. The sound on the other hand is beautiful and rich. Especially the tributes to African cultures are an obvious inspiration and the musician's love for them really comes though. Best songs are I Know What I Know and Under African Skies. 7/10, held back by its lyrics.

Very good album. Couple bangers but I can't consider it great top to bottom. But worthwhile listen and good sound.

YAYYYY favoriet van mn moeder <3

Love the bass and all the different rhythms. Much more my thing than the very slow stuff.

super fun and enjoyable.

Pristine pop songwriting marred by annoying ass 80s music production trends. I don't always hate gated reverb, I just mostly do.

Out of the park The reminder that graceland is really good Obviously his use of African music can detract but at a certain point it on the listener to search out and learn the sound used in this Paul Simon introduces you if you like it search it out

Easy to see why this album sold 16 million copies, not sure if I prefer this or say Peter Gabriel 3 which this album quickly reminded me of, Simon's voice always sounded tired to me leading to a feeling of a lack of energy sometimes

Good album. A little samey.

Listened previously. Expectations: High - Verdict: Near Perfect - The Boy In The Bubble immediately sets out the modus operandi for this album with a bouncing rhythm and bright, joyous instrumentation. The title track is a classic that just shows that Paul Simon's masterful skill as a songwriter is still at the level it was almost 20 years earlier in early S&G work. I Know What I Know is also phenomenal and I always end up singing along. Gumboots is a good track but maybe not quite up to the quality of the opening trio. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes immediately brings things back up to a very high standard with the stunning vocal intro followed by maybe my favourite song on the album. You Can Call Me Al was always destined to be a big hit, it's just impossibly catchy. Homeless has more beautiful vocal arrangements and Crazy Love, Vol. 2 is another good song. I think That Was Your Mother is the weakest track on the record but it's by no means a bad song. All Around The World is a good closer but is definitely not up to the high standards of some of the album.

Strong strong 4

This is one of those albums that I avoided for a long time because of the hype. When I first heard it a few years ago I was glad to find that it was pretty good! The first two songs are the best on the album, followed by Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes. The rest of it ranged from fine to mildly enjoyable.

Decent album the sound doesnt change much but its a good sound so cant complain. My mum used to and still listens to you can call me al so my memories of this album are from long trips in the car with my mum so naturally I have no negativity towards it

I 80'erne kom der 2 albums fra engelske solokunstnere, der lige var blevet forladt af deres partnere og havde udviklet en stor interesse i afrikansk musik af en eller anden grund? Begge kunstnere var med i et populært band i 70'erne. Jeg foretrækker Peter Gabriels soundtrack til The Last Temptation of Christ, men jeg kan også virkelig godt lide den her

Pretty Great album. My dad says it's his favorite. I didn't like it quite that much. If you like this you need to check out Mr. Jambo. Captures the spirit for a modern audience.

I see there’s a lot of societal problems with the history of this album. I don’t like that Simon went to Apartheid South Africa to record this and then fucked off back to New York to finish it, nor do I like that there are apparently uncredited musicians. I don’t think playing another cultures music is appropriation. Claiming you came up with it is definitely appropriation but borrowing elements from other styles and writing your own pieces and so on is what music is about. And Simon rightfully acknowledges that he was inspired by and used African music and musicians. As for the music itself, I liked most of it. The bass and guitars are absolutely the part of the pan African sound he was utilizing, the drums less so. The bass lines in here are really good, and they sound like they’re on a fretless most of the time which is a treat. His singing has nothing to do with the sound, but his backup singers obviously do. I think the songs on here that borrow from African styles are the better ones (I know I know, Gumboots, Under African Skies) sound the best. The ones that lean toward American southern styles sound a bit corny to me, and almost out of place. “Call Me Al” is a great song, otherwise I’d put it in the latter category. It has a production style like the rest but the blaring horns and synths make it a bit out of left field comparatively. Is it good? Yeah it’s pretty good. It’s a shame it came with all this baggage, which is not something that should be ignored, but we’re not at the point of having to completely separate the art from the artist to admit to liking it, I feel.

It's not Simon and Garfunkel, but it was dynamic, and creative, and catchy, and culturally and politically relevant. I enjoyed the music without having the background on the album, and despite the boundaries Simon crossed to make it, I think it does what he set out for it to do.

Very good album. Had high expectations for this afternoon it being a massively hyped one. Not perfect, but very enjoyable. Almost felt like it spent the whole time building up and around 'You Can Call Me Al' really though. Which isn't a bad thing necessarily, just would have liked some more originality from the rest.

4.5 stars. Slightly overrated— only in the sense that, yes, most of the songs are pretty infectious and engaging, but as an overall work this is not necessarily an all-timer. Some of the Afropop arrangements are a bit distracting, in fact (maybe due to occasional novelty over craft).

I’d probably give it a 3.5 if possible. Well produced, fun world music stretches (though overall I don’t find it quite as compelling at the same year’s “So” from Peter Gabriel) highlights are the title track, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, You Can Call Me Al. Better than solid, definitely worth a listen, but not sure I’d give it regular listens end to end.

Mr Jambo!

Favorite Track: I Know What I Know

This is great stuff all round, was familiar with Simon and Garfunkel and the big singles from this album but this is a great versatile blend of sounds of styles.

It's a great record that combines Paul Simon's distinct songwriting skills with South Africa's prominent artists and music genres. One thing that caught my attention was the use of traditional US music in the album, which generates a very unique sound. I just felt that in many moments, the album is more Ladysmith Black Mambazo than Paul Simon.

Pretty enjoyable from front to back. I really do appreciate that they captured the sound and culture so authentically, and I think the songwriting compliments it well. Paul Simon’s vocals can really shine, but the singing mixed with spoken word really bugged me and some songs sonically didn’t stick out to me. Overall really entertaining and quite beautiful to listen to at times.

*Very unique sound, especially for Paul Simon *The African influence makes for some cool sounds on the album

Thought this was the original version of Mr. Jambo first. But the album was better than I expected.

Karret seg akkurat opp. Paul S sin stil fenger ikke helt, men anerkjenner en del alreite låter her. Andre halvdel av albumet er ganske kult.

I get it now

Mostly free-spirited songs with some diverse instrumentation. Some songs could've been cut but there are plenty of enjoyable ones to make up for it

The boy in the bubble - 4 Graceland - 5 I know what i know - 4 Gumboots - 3 Diamonds on the soles of her shoes - 4 You can call me al - 5 Under african skies - 4 Homeless - 3 Crazy love, vol. ii - 4 That was your mother - 3 All around the world or the myth of fingerprints - 3

Some great songs but not my everyday

Wonderful record - and the musicians and singers are incredible on here

Paul Simon - Graceland Han har ei sånn tidlaus aldri-irriterande stemme, Paul Simon. Som Will Oldham eller David Bowie. Til dømes. Eg likar den 80talske eimen denne plata (og særleg denne bassen) legg bak seg og dei afrikanske rytmane funkar betre for meg no enn for, tja, 20 år sidan. Den gong høyrte eg på “Still Crazy…” og den sjølvtitlerte på vinyl - ofte på dei før eg skulle på Mono og drikke øl og gløyme igjen kortet i baren. Av songane på “Graceland” syns eg dei varierer frå mildt irriterande (“Gumboots”) til perfekte (“Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes”). 8/10

really fun album to listen to. lowkey thought paul simon was that dude from psych. thought he was british or something when the bag pipes came in then the album switches to a kind of country vibe before letting some sneaky african instrumentals come in. made my ride to hershey really fun definitely gotta relisten 7/10

Good

Bakithi Kumalo deserves a Nobel Prize for that fretless bass. And he and accordion player Forere Motloheloa (RIP) should both be appointed as Supreme Rulers of the Universe for their performance on “Boy In The Bubble.” God, the grooves. This whole album bounces and skips in refreshingly relentless major key (with the exception of “That Was Your Mother,” which is coincidentally the weakest song on the album.) Paul Simon’s typically sardonic lyricism really shines beneath all the syncopated rhythms and rich, celebratory instrumentation: just melancholy enough to be meaningful, but not enough so to diminish the danceability and excellent hooks. My biggest critique is that Simon’s vocals are quite thin and feel as if they ‘re attempting to build up to something they just can’t quite get to, particularly on “Call Me Al.” All the other amazing elements make up for this, however, and I'll definitely be checking out more of Paul Simon's other solo albums, as well as the work of the South African musicians he collaborated with here.

I really enjoyed this! So upbeat, such a blend of sounds.

80/100

Just listening to this album without any of the baggage it carries around these days, I find it fun and spirited music. Back when it was released, it opened up an entire new wonderful world of African music for me that I wasn't aware of and couldn't have easily accessed even if I had been aware of it. I loved the percussion and the bouncy bass sounds that carried through each song and gave the album a peculiar lift. At a time when music was becoming increasingly artificial in terms of how it was written, made, and produced, this album stood out with its uniquely human warmth and craft. Watching interviews with Simon from around this time, it is clear that his interest in exploring other musical genres and art forms was not cynical or shallow in nature or scope.

delightful

Good album this. Much better than the Simon and garfunkle one. Bit cultural appropriasmey but I mostly enjoyed it