Graceland

What a joy of an album. Listening to it throughout my life it’s peaked my interest to explore African music multiple times. I think when popular musicians explore other genres, or use international musicians to change there sound it either sounds trite or forced. With this album it never feels that way, with most of the songs using different musicians from South Africa keeps each song and the album from coming repetitive. Love this album, also was Vampire Weekend founded to be a Graceland cover band, then they realized they’re actually great musicians in there own rite? Haha

one of the happiest albums of all time (minus Homeless, maybe)??? just so full of joy and so well done and so cultural? or something? reminds me of my (and Tipton’s) dad, Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes went platinum in the car

Essential, pretty good

It was fun music, but it's just not my jam.

i'm so sorry, but the story behind this album and the musicianship involved is much more interesting to me than the album itself. this feels kind of bizarre to say-- and i didn't think i'd find myself saying it for our first paul simon record-- i think he really did need art garfunkel. i know he's an asshole, but those two together wrote music that so much better (to me; i am but one person) than paul simon's original stuff. this album got soooo much recognition, but minus a couple of songs, i just don't see the staying power in my own personal library. i like paul simon as a moody, mystical songwriter with an occasional upbeat track, but this whole album sounds like it could be played at the beginning of a late 80s romcom where the quirky girl and the stuffy guy haven't found each other yet but it's obvious that their lives are less fulfilling than they will be when they connect. it just isn't for me, cool history besides.

This was yet another album that I had always intended to listen to, but never did. I've never really listened to any of Simon or Garfunkel's solo stuff, and had no idea what to expect going into it. I had only really heard You Can Call Me Al. I was worried that without the whole duo, it wouldn't hit. Thankfully, I was dead fucking wrong. This album was so good. It was extremely fun. All the cool background vocals had me entranced. I had such a good time listening to this, and it is for sure one I want to come back to regularly. I never should've doubted my boy.

I enjoyed just about every song on this project, but it didn’t really scream 5 stars to me for whatever reason. Just about there, though. 4.5

Not sure how many times I've listened to this album, but I've never taken the time to read about the album's background before. WOW. I never would've thought Paul Simon had threats against his life for writing "You Can Call Me Al."

perfect.

Sheer jubilance! There's so much to like about Graceland, lyrically and tonally. Minus one star because I got rear-ended the first time I listened to this album back in 2016 and that's stained this record for me. I didn't tempt fate by putting this on in the car this time!

His only solo effort I liked, Greta album of the time, but hasn’t aged well

I like the different instruments and the history of this album.

Second Paul Simon album and the last in his included discography. It's been a while since the last Paul Simon - 130 albums, to be precise. I've been busy since then, however, as I've rolled two Simon & Garfunkel albums in the wait for his return. Can't say I'm sold on Simon's band or his solo career, to be honest. Bridge Over Troubled Water and Bookends had some decent moments, though I can't say the same for his self-titled debut album - I remember nothing of it. Maybe. Maybemaybemaybemaybe this album will be the one to win me over, though I must admit that the odds aren't in his favour. That being said, I am favourable to these late-career albums because of their relative scarcity on the list, so there's that going for it. Uh oh, this was pretty alright. I'm having a faith crisis right now. I couldn't have been wrong about the previous albums, could I? The African sound was a big surprise. It wasn't immediately evident to me while I was listening to the first two tracks, though it really smacks you over the head with the third track and onwards. I never thought I'd care for African music, but it works pretty alright here. Simon's sensitive vocals are paired nicely with the laid-back sound, making for a soothing listen. There wasn't anything in here which really hooked me and I thought the gimmick lost it's luster as it went on, though to be generally alright is a huge compliment in my book. "The Boy in the Bubble" is decent. I like the bassy sound, and Paul Simon's vocals are well-matched with the flow of the song. That music video sure is something else, however. The title track is decent, too. It's impressive how laid-back the song is while also having a frenetic energy coming from the bass guitar. "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" has a good bassline, and I especially like the flittering guitars that appear intermittently. Book time. Created during the apartheid controversy. Blends African music with Simon's own sensibilities. Nothing else in there besides that. Wikipedia says that this album is Simon's most successful release, won a Grammy, was a critical slam dunk and helped to popularise African music in the West. Yeah, this is a strong pick if I've ever seen one. I cosign this inclusion.

This is a very Paul Simon album. Like all his solo work sounds similar to me so this is just like, yeah it's a Paul Simon album. I prefer him with Garfunkel personally.

Impressing fusion of western music with south african music makes of this album unique experience.

There are definitely some bangers on here, but it does fall short of being a 5. "I Know What I Know" "Homeless" and of course "You Can Call Me Al" are my faves on here.

Good album. I enjoyed listening to Paul Simon.

nooojhs

I'm going to ignore the political, racist and cultural appropriating hullabaloo surrounding this album. Tricky, I agree. That leaves the question of whether I am enjoying what I hear. I don't think I do, particularly. I don't hate it much either. A middling 3/5 then.

Naja…

I like it more every time I listen to it.

Vraiment bof, pas mon style du tout

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

World music comes to Paul Simon. An outstanding showcase album.

Yllättävänkin mukavan kuuloinen levy tämä Simonin soololevy. Ei oo tullu sen duohommien ulkopuolelle hirveesti vilkuiltua, mutta kelpo platta. Mielenkiintoisia soitin viritelmiä ja jopa etnisiä fiboja. Ei kuitenkaan ihan neloseen nosteta

Semihirveetä kamaa. Tämmöstä jotenkin teennäistä hyvepaskaa. En kestänyt kuunnella edes koko levyä läpi. Ahdisti.

Ihan letkeää meininkiä ja poljentaa.

Joo ihan letkeetä ja hyvää saundia. Parit tutut hitit jotka tietty saattaa tulla vähän korvista ulos. Pauli Simo on hakenut innoissaan maailmanmusiikin kaikuja mukaan ja matkaan. Ei tätä kyl montaa kertaa jaksa, mut on hetkensä. Kepu.

Tätä levyä on tullut kuunneltua paljonkin. Kourallinen ihan hemmetin kovia biisejä, kirkkaimpina helminä avausraita, nimikappale sekä vanha kunnon radionovaklassikko You Can Call Me Al. Ehdottomasti taas sitä parempaa kasaria. Useammassa biisissä on vahvoja afrikkalaisrytmejä ja soundeja. En ole perehtynyt, että onko tässä oikeasti afrikkalaisia soittoniekkojakin, vai onko vaan härskisti omittu kulttuuria - joka tapauksessa tykkään niistä todella paljon tässä yhteydessä. Ehdottomasti Paul Simonin paras soololevy, ei toki yllä S&G parhaiden levyjen tasolle. Helppo neljä tähteä kuitenkin.

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

This album was incredibly popular back then (and still is). It was played over and over again on the radio. I still listen to it with great pleasure.

Heard the hype and it's true. Classic and fresh at the same time. An album that offers variety while being instantly recognizable.

Creative lyrics, cool how he integrated world music into his sound.

Fun listen, loved the vocals and creativeness

Not my favourite album by Paul Simon but it does have some absolute bangers

Oh man there's just so much to love about this record. For reasons I haven't pinned down it doesn't feel cheesy at all to me even though it uses so many sounds I would classify as cheesy. It's somehow timeless regardless of how timely to production sounds are. Such beautiful guitar playing all over, I think that's the highlight for me if I had to pick one thing. Diamonds on The Soles.. fav track? Reverse bass lick moment in Call Me Al is amazing The reverse delays at the end of Under African Skies The vocals on Homeless (jeeez). Didn't realize Ladysmith Black Mambazo was a vocal group and not an individual person.

A gorgeous and lush record. Percussion is immaculate, bass lines are incredible, vocal arrangements are heavenly. Graceland, Diamonds and You Can Call Me Al are all timers of course. Sometimes I wonder if even Paul Simon knows what he’s talking about in his lyrics. They’re always interesting though. The African guitar playing is always compelling. That JC chorus sound. The record does drag a bit for me in the second half. Some beautiful stuff but not as much with staying power. It was really interesting reading up on the controversy around this record. I was always under the impression it was all based in cultural appropriation, but it turns out it was much more politically charged re: the anti-apartheid movement. I had also always heard he didn’t credit the African musicians but that’s not the case, and he paid them 10x their normal rate. There’s definitely an interesting conversation to be had about the album’s role in exposing the masses to African musical influence, myself included, vs. the idea of ‘white man discovers African music’. Nonetheless, the record is beautiful and the songwriting is brilliant.

Melodic and purely Paul Simon at his finest.

Graceland, Diamonds and Homeless always affect me when I hear them.

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

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

I've always loved this album so I'm giving it all the stars

4.5 (43:18, 7th solo album (excluding the S&G days) 16 tracks in orginal bonus material is worth a once around if you have time too, especially Paul talking on the making of the song Graceland, 1986) Great album - this is how you culturally appropriate 'right' (note I didn't say misappropriate). Paul someone weaves American country, pop, zydeco, and mbaqanga (South African street music) into a very cohesive beautiful album. I owe this a longer review if I find time to come back to it.

As a listening experience it veers from very listenable to a feeling of having your head patted. Paul simon knows more than you and lyrically is never shy of showing it. 2 thirds of a good album but the last third is as dull as ditchwater.

Simple yet interesting. Paul simons stream of consciousness lyrics get a bit annoying. They are the only blemish on the album. 4/5

Bit all over the place, few out there tracks but overall a good listen Fave track: You can call me Al, a given. Just get Chevy Chase tf outta the music video

A pleasant listening experience, certainly. I had no idea of the controversy surrounding this albums creation until now. Has ‘You Can Call Me Al” on it too. Much to consider. 3/5

Throwbacks to sitting in the back of my dad's car. The old man is gone and I am hit with a warm sense of nostalgia everytime I hear the album. Some bangers, some snoozers. Every criticism of this album is totally valid tho.

One of the greats. Also one of the best album ever.

Nokka med at det som i sin tid e nyskapanes fort ikke virke sånn når man høre på det x antall tiår etterpå, og da også på en sånn måte kor man ikke helt sett pris på det. Men det e noen aldeles fantastiske sanger her, bare så det e sagt.

Adored this album. Easy and fun to listen to

Really loved his voice and the african inspiration. Just a chill album that makes me smile.

I've listened to this album many, many times and every time, I fall more and more in love. Paul Simon has such a gift for melody and lyricism. Graceland, Diamonds on The Soles of Her Shoes, You Can Call Me Al, all songs on a single album?! When this came out, I'm sure multiple people had a fit.

spectacular

The unmistakable sound forced reality back into sharp focus as a brief panic spiked his adrenaline. Crushing the forgotten menthol languishing in his fingers, he cursed himself for his laziness.

Top 10 all time albums. Start to finish a masterpiece.

This was less my style than other Paul Simon albums, but still very well written pop

I want to give this a five. Objectively, it's probably a five, but it also showcases everything about the typical 80's production/sound that I hate. The appropriation of African music, the very 80's synths, the electronic drum kits. Outside of this though, it's a beautifully written, recorded, and produced album.

A couple of really strong singles, but just average overall IMO

What truly makes this album special and interesting is the blend of the singer-songwriter style and the various styles coming from the south african music. The rhythms, the voices and the melodies taken from these genres add a lot of personality, charm and energy to the overall sound. However, after multiple listens, I'm not that interested anymore. I think Paul Simon takes a lot of energy brought by the abroad sounds, with his calm voice. And his lyrics also didn't do anything for me. Either way, still a good album and I wasn't really bored at any moment.

He succeeded in making music that has no soul.

You can call me…still in love with this album

What can I say other than it’s Graceland by Paul Simon, an epic perfect album! 10/10!!! A forever love!

Paul Simon is a national treasure. He has produced so much brilliant music. One of the greatest living songwriters.

Sure this gives off more than a slight whiff of cultural appropriation but as an album I really enjoy this. The songs are fun and bouncy and the South African musical touches give it something unique and, well, exotic. It is very clearly a slick and commercial mid-80ies album but it still sounds pretty fresh - and yes, not un-Vampire Weekend-esque... - in 2025. The rubbery bass in a song like You Can Call Me Al never ceases to make me happy, even after having heard it thousands of times.

One of the all time greats!

Better than I remember but there are parts that drive me buggy.

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

Muchos años antes de que se pusiera de moda acusar a los artistas de apropiación cultural, Paul Simón acometía este proyecto de fusión entre el folk-rock americano del que era estandarte y la música tradicional sudafricana. La cosa le salió redonda, ganando tropecientos mil premios y el reconocimiento de la crítica y del gran público gracias a sus temas radiables y la sensación de que estaba haciendo algo nuevo pero accesible y nada pretencioso. Maravilloso.

Like many albums on this list (especially the 4- and 5- star efforts), this album owes its success to a lot more people than what’s written on the cover. I’ve listened to this one many times, and the thing that I always hone in on is the excellent guitar work and tone from Ray Phiri. Especially on the title track (which I was surprised to learn also features the Everly Brothers on backing vocals). The first half of the album is pretty much perfect for me, but starts to drop off when we get to “Under African Skies.” Love my Paul’s and my Linda’s, just not today. Also don’t know how Paul Simon got a songwriting credit on “Homeless” – seems like LBM is doing a lot of the work in terms of performing and vocal style. Once again, a great record, but attribution is important here.

Paul Simon is a fantastic song writer. I almost always enjoy the stories he tells. Sometimes they are too drawn out for my taste though. After experiencing his 1983 release, I was reluctant to listen to this "Legendary" album. I was going to write it off as a sign of the times. Maybe give it 3 stars. I had no idea what it had to offer. I'm left with 4 stars of plesant surprise. I knew Paul Simon worked with South African musicians but wasn't aware of how well he synthesized his rooted-in-folk pop music with the genre. I really did enjoy just about every track, especially the ones that featured African guitar styles. Some that I would be interested in returning to (I Know What I Know, Gumboots, You Can Call Me Al, Under African Skies, and Crazy Love Vol. II) and others that I just enjoyed in passing.

Great album

Nice and calm album, Me and Julio is definetly the best song, no other standout songs.

Good

One of his best works in my opinion

In his book Yeah Yeah Yeah, Bob Stanley puts forward his theory that Paul Simon has soundtracked more family car journeys than any other musician in history, which rang true to me. Graceland was definitely a favourite in our car when I was a kid, but that's only one of the reasons I was smiling all the way through this. Despite some of the questions hanging over how it was recorded (and how credit was shared), this is just a really great, joyful collection of songs.

Still a favorite for me. I haven't listed to it in a while so I had forgotten that there are no skips here for me (although I would tire first of You Can Call Me Al if I relistened a few more times). There are some accusations that Simon didn't always give credit where credit was due, and I find those accusations credible. Nevertheless, I think the album is a masterpiece. I have a strange, find memory of walking across my empty college campus late when night when another guy came walking the other way playing Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes on a boombox. It was charming, ethereal, and fleeting. Any time I hear this song now, that delicate memory rises up.

Sorry, I don’t get it. Take a guy who’s at least a decade past his prime, and mix in tribal rhythms, and we’re all supposed to oh and ah over an album that produced exactly 1 top 5 single? And that only did as well as it did because of the MTV video and Simon having the smart idea to laugh at himself. He may have been a legend but we’re it not for the political BS this album doesn’t get (or deserve) all the accolades.

i mean its fucking graceland bro

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

Enjoyed this , it boppy with solid lyrics and often fun instrumentals

Very wacky album. Diden't like it at first but then started falling in love with the african vibes

good album

This album is primarily an 80s pop album with some African music elements. It is somewhat inconsistent; while some songs are excellent, others are mediocre or terrible. Lyrics are often trite and lack the poetic nature of Simon's older work. Plagiarism controversies only serve to worsen the album's contents, but it's not bad in its entirety. In the end, I don't think it was anything life changing, but it certainly wasn't a bad album.

I so want to give this 1 star...Paul Simon sucks so bad and I've had to listen to 3 of his boring albums now, with more to come. Music for elevators. EDIT - I'm going too easy on albums that piss me off. This album pisses me off. 1 star.

Fun and groovy what's not to like

Wonderful blend of great music, cultural and historic references, and so bold and political at the time of its release - and continues to be. This is art evoking a response - a true great.

Second paul Simon only a couple dozen albums in - first repeat artist. Have listened to this one hundreds of times. All time classic & THE INTRO to African jams.

I didn't realize just how nostalgic this album would be for me when I went to listen to it. I didn't recognize the artist's name or the name of the album, but I realized quickly that I had heard them all when I was a kid. All of those songs seemed to have stuck with me, and I really enjoyed listening to them once again. Simon's vocals are very pleasant to me. I think this album is just so fun to listen to and really brought me a lot of joy.

be

he does a great job taking "world music" and making it feel-good dad rock, but why do i always see allegations of plagiarism when i read about an album he was part of? hmmm. it's clear that if he didn't have the spice of his collaborators, he would be left with something bland.

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

I wish this album was more exciting - in one direction or another. But I listened to it, and then immediately forgot nearly everything about it. My three star rating isn't an endorsement of this album, it's an acknowledgement that I am neutral on it.

Who'd have thought South Africa of all places would bring Mr Simon back to the forefront. Interesting project, could have went further down the rabbit hole of SA music tbh but not a bad effort. 3.8*, rounded up.

unique

Something different from Rhymin’ Simon. Also has some generationally good music

Nice record

Need to explore further!

10/10

Classic sound. Loved it.

I was so distracted, but I'd like to give this another lesson. It's a lot...peppier than I expected?

Own it and love it

Every opportunity to hear fretless bass is a gift, so for that reason I legally can’t rate this any lower

A sentimental fave

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

Not my cup of tea tbh...

Such a cool concept album. I'm not into Simons vocals much at all, but the work he did for this album is timeless. I suggest watching On Tiptoe, a great doc I saw during my Anthropology studies. It's about Ladysmith Black Mombazo, their collaboration with Simon for Homeless and Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, bringing them international recognition (and brings up questions of what cultural authenticity means to those presenting and viewing it, but thats neither here nor there.) Anyway, stellar album! You'll definitely find something to enjoy here, even if its just the silly fun of You Can Call Me Al. Simon brought a whole genre of music from another continent and made something special.

A tremendous album! The African singers are great, the storytelling is engaging, there isn’t a single bad song on here. Under African Skies was the standout track on this listen but I’ve heard this album so many times that every song has been a standout at some point

Not a single miss on this album. Graceland mixes the African sound with singer-songwriting so effortlessly. Truly an all time great.

not my cup of tea

Heard it before. Coincidentally I've been listening to this album non stop for the past couple of days so I would've listened to it today anyway. This is such a sweet album and has some serious bangers too. I think we need musicians to get obsessed with African music again 5/5

Fine

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

Artful, shimmering, graceful.

Hate this record for being so big when I was a teenager. Still, the recording is impeccable. The sound, the tunes, the blending of genres and the timelessness of the title track only mesmerize as they age.

Cool album that I can definitely see inspired vampires weekend! Good album all together but no crazy standout tracks for me!

The Vampire Weeked Rosetta Stone. Thoroughly enjoyed this one over repeat listens.

Cool piece of work. Melds his best poetic instincts pretty seamlessly with all the african stuff. World's a better place for it.

An original classic!!

Amazing

129/1001 Paul Simon - Graceland Heard before? ✅ Revisit? ✅ I've always had a good time when I've played this album. Yes it does sound of its time, but the songs and arrangements stick with you. Now I'm going to have You Can Call Me Al stuck in my head for the rest of the day.

3.5-4 This is my first time listening to the album and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. My favorite song is "I know what I know." Has a very clean, punchy sound that I don't think I'm a huge fan of at first, but it really works on this album for me. Also, the lyrics are funnier than I thought they'd be.

Really solid all around, Really strong 3 to light 4 so I'll give it a 4.

This is music that transports you somewhere else. To South Africa, to the French Quarter, to the backroads of middle America, to all around the world. It's Paul Simon in some of his most masterful songwriting, supported by the sounds of the world. Yes, this is an overly purple way of describing the album, but it's one of my favorites and most-replayed of all time. It's pop music and folk songs you can dance to and sing along to and cry to. However, we should not forget that this album was made in South Africa with South African musicians during apartheid. Controversy arises in that Simon broke the cultural boycott against apartheid, and he does not address the injustice of apartheid directly in Graceland's songs. I cannot speak for Simon's intentions nor those against him. I can say that the legacy of Graceland is that its popularity at least indirectly gave attention to anti-apartheid causes, and it cast the music and culture of native South Africans in a positive light. That is to say, although Simon may have been short-sighted in his privilege and although Graceland isn't directly a protest album, it is a celebration and bridge between cultures. I recognize that I may be short-sighted myself, but I see it not as a colonial appropriation of music so much as it is an integration and synthesis. The biggest hit, "You Can Call Me Al" is perhaps the outlier on the album and my least favorite (maybe I've heard too much). I don't like that Linda Ronstadt sings on "Under African Skies"-- this should have been a spotlight for a South African singer. I think Graceland shines brightest in tracks like "I Know What I Know" and "Gumboots" or later on "That Was Your Mother" and "All Around the World". The title track "Graceland" is a classic in Paul Simon songwriting. The a capella track "Homeless" is one of the most beautiful tracks ever laid down. So, despite its flaws, this album is a masterpiece. I hope its controversies will allow us to never forget and never repeat the injustices of apartheid, and I hope its triumphs will allow us, especially new listeners, to continue to celebrate the native music of Africa.

Good album. The only track I'd heard before was "Call Me Al", which anyone learning to pop radio in the 80's heard about a thousand times. Every track has some African influence in it, and some are collaborations with make African performers.

#123 - This is very funny because it's very of it's time. Good, easy listening. Not a lot of substance to it I feel.

I liked this. I knew and liked Graceland and Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes. I own and love You Can Call Me Al.

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

This is a very wholesome, upbeat album that makes you feel and can be put on at any time to reset a mood. It would feel mean to pick any faults with it and I am not sure there are any. I like the worldly, philosophical, nothing in life is either good or bad but lets enjoy it, feel to the whole thing and the clear vocals. The sequencing is great, it starts and finishes upbeat. This probably is a 5 out of 5? Lyrics: “For Charlie the Archangel sloped into the room, he said I have no opinion about this and I have no opinion about that” We call all learn a lot from Charlie, we don’t need to have an opinion on everything. This is all the definition of lovely.

I was excited to see this album pop up because I had always heard it was a good album. Upon listening that largely rang true, while not really achieving any 5 star status though. Really enjoyed the heavy South African musical influence throughout, and of course Call Me Al is great. Love me some Paul Simon and this is a good entry

I remember when this one came out and was such a huge hit, no one saw that coming, he was on MTV with Bon Jovi, Madonna, Ratt, etc - it didn't make sense because he was from the previous generation and someone our parents listened too. "You Can Call Me Al", was everywhere, you couldn't avoid it in 1986. It's super catchy, stands up well today and is an 80's classic. "Graceland" was a sizeable hit too. "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes" was a midsized hit and still gets a bunch of airplay today. The final single, "The Boy In The Bubble" got some air and video play. No song on the album has fewer than 11M listens and "Al" tops out at over 750M listens. His use of African singers to enhance his sound helped highlight the careers of a few notable bands from the continent. Their presence really changes and enhances songs like "Diamonds...", "Gumboots", "Under African Skies", "Homeless" & "That Was Your Mother". It's a well crafted album with a few large hits and a ton of radio play. It stands up well today, it has influence and notoriety, it's an amazing blend of American pop and African influences and it deserves a spot in the Top 1001.

I've already listened to this album thousands of times. It's five out of five.

going to graceland, graceland, i’m going to graceland, graceland, we’re going to graceland, graceland

Standouts Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes You Can Call Me Al That Was Your Mother

przyjemne, dziwne troche, ale fajny sofcik, da sie sluchac, pozytywny w deszczowe dni, dobra odlejka

Wygląda jakby Paul Simon zrobił tu alternatywny soundtrack do Króla Lwa Bardzo wholesome i wesoły album!! Trochę daje vibe jakby zebrać wszystkich grajków z Maroka i kazać im nagrać podkład muzyczny, and i love it Będę sobie puszczać w tle jako soundtrack do zwykłych chwil z moim życiu Best track: Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes

Paul Simon can GET IT. Musically, of course. One time I was working on a marketing campaign for a company that had the name "Al" in it and I listened to You Can Call Me Al on repeat for weeks and went to a really dark place mentally. 4 stars because I miss Garfunkel and the guy I worked with at that job.

I always thought of this as one of my top 5 favorite all timers, but playing it this time I'm sure I have listened to it more than any other album. Which I guess makes it my number one. To me it's a masterpiece - the songs, the lyrics, the playing, the hybriding. It makes me happier, every single time.

Of course I have to mention the fretless bass first – Bakithi Kumalo killed it on this album. It's very cool that Simon brought together various South African and American artists for this album, and it really does sound like it. I also never knew until this listen through that the inspiration for the title track was a visit to Elvis's home in Memphis after Simon's marriage to Carrie Fisher fell apart.

This is a fun album. Listened to Crazy Love and Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes a lot last year and had heard several of the other songs from this album too. The fusion of South African and American musical stylings is interesting and innovative. 8/10.

I love me some graceland. I've listened to this album multiple times

Banger of an album, I don't think its my all time fave of Mr. Simon though. Rythym of the saints, the album from 1972, and There goes Rhymin Simon I think rank higher than this one personally. But still a banger album none the less.

Can I just give it 5 stars now? Zydeco and sousaphone and a little AfroJazz. Not the absolute best of Paul Simon but some great tracks IMHO. Songwriting A+. I read reviews citing cultural appropriation, but I will be neutral on this one, to take the middle ground. Listened before? Partially Saved tracks? N Favorite tracks: You Can Call Me Al, Graceland, Diamonds on the Soles Of Her Feet, Homeless ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Really Liked it. Saved some tracks

I enjoyed listening (especially the zydeco vibes), but is it exploitation/appropriation? Probably... Listened before? N Saved to library? N Favorite track(s): Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, You Can Call Me Al, That Was Your Mother ⭐⭐⭐: Liked it. Saved some tracks.

First popular use of South African folk music. It was very brave and groundbreaking at the time. Amazing...

Really cool and varied album!

I'm not in the mood for this one. What I did listen to was well put together but a little nonsensical

you can callllll meeeee Al

I like this album a lot :] it isnt perfect, but very good

misericórdia, espero nunca mais ter que ouvir isso na vida

Los Lobos goes crazy

I already liked 'You can call me Al', and noted an upwards trend in my enjoyment of this album heading towards that song, and a rapid decline afterwards. So that was odd. Fun album overall though.

Really enjoyed the album. It sounds like one whole yet there is some variety.

this did not age well

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

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

Baustelle, Gerstetten, Deutschland. Schönes Album.

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

I really enjoy the variety and creativity on this project, especially the inclusion of the African artists. Honestly I wish I liked it more, for whatever reason the overall sound just does not click for me. It's almost as though it's a touch too.. whimsical? Like something I'd expect to hear in a movie soundtrack (I also recognize that this bias could stem from how many Paul Simon songs ARE in movies..). Either way, genuine "I liked it".

Really enjoyed this, listened to it a couple of times in a row. Soft sonic textures and a lot of variety for a "folk singer" in the 80s

This album is in my collection, though I think only because I got it from one of those record clubs prevalent in the 80s and 90s where you get multiple albums for free and then get lumbered with ‘album of the month’ for the next 12 months unless you actively cancel it. At the time I probably thought it was ok - I certainly remember all the tracks when listening to it today - but I got tired of it pretty quickly (as I also did today) and it then most likely rattled, boxless, around my car for years being ignored and discounted as ‘boring’. 
 It’s all just a bit too ethnic and samey. 

 35 years later… it was pleasant to reacquaint myself with it, but I think if it was to be another 35 years before I hear it again I’d be comfortable with that. 2½

One of my favorite albums of all time. I wasn't aware of the controversy surrounding it...will need to read up on that.

This list doesn't need the entire catalogue of the combined Garfunkel and/or Simon. Christ.

Me gusto la verdad, esta interesante el concepto y no entiendo por que dicen que es apropiacion cultural, literal esta exportando todo el talento de estos artistas. Le doy un 10

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

no

1. Didn’t realize the Simon from Simon & Garfunkel made his own music 2. Didn’t realize Call Me Al was from this album 3. Interesting how “pop” back in the 80s had way more folk vibes 4. Surprisingly short album, feels like it was barely getting started and suddenly it ended 5. Gumboots had most similar vibes to Call Me Al, 2nd fav song in the album

Felt apropos of my recent trip to New Orleans. A few songs I enjoyed but I felt like I wasn't really connecting with the lyrics. At an album a day I may not be sufficiently digesting this. Might revisit once I get in the swing of it.

Clearly has 80s influence. I like the way the lyrics are kind of like a casual conversation. The singer seems to be living a mildly meloncholy life like me.

African rhythms Diamonds on the soles of her shoes You can call me al

5/5

80s banger 4.5/5

simply lovely

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

Beautiful stuff.

An album I am very familiar with this album, it's one of my favorites. The South African influence on this is so unique and I think revolutionary to the musical world. Favorite Song: Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes Other songs: The Boy in the Bubble, Graceland, You Can Call Me Al, Under African Skies, and Homeless.

incredible album

Nonplussed. Some cool sounds. Not my style.

This was a jolly old album. I admire that it somehow knits Paul Simon’s vocals with so many other artists from other cultures but didn’t (to me anyway) seem to appropriate or patronise. It’s maybe not to my normal taste but enjoyed it.

Jesus christ an accordion on the very first song. I nearly gave up there and then! After I calmed down I then realised there was an equally odd bass effect on first track. Like a dodgy bass horn or something. Thankfully the bass then becomes integral to the album creating a major contribution to the rambling and lively melody and contrasts with the guitair plucks perfectly. I dont think this album is amazing but it just does what it does so well. OK its not super diverse but it has a fun energy and Simon I think has his unique way of delivery which is excellent. To me it has aged but a popular powerhouse. Writing this review didnt take effort as once again banging that polished 80s drum of popular music endured for me.

Really nice feel good vibes in a great sounding album. The album really stands out as a well crafted piece of art. It's really well recorded and produced, it's all easy to listen to and is infused with African sounds without ever sounding contrived or exploitative. A respectful cultural fusion. I have listened to the album multiple times in an effort to form my opinion. I can hear greatness in the album but the question I have been wrestling with is: would I include this in my own personal collection? I think, maybe controversially, the answer is no. If I did, I would be including it pretentiously because its well known as a "great" album, rather than that it means anything to me personally. I have no interest in curating classics for the sake of it so, as much as I can appreciate it's influence, it doesn't quite make the bar for me personally.

This album was everywhere when I was a kid. Despite that I’d never listened to it until now. Don’t feel like I’ve missed out. Meh.

The inspiration this album spawned is paramount. Lotta great songs. That said, at this point I’d rather listen to Vampire Weekend. Horrible I know, but true…

Boppy and surprisingly fun, expected much squarer.

Great musician, not really my thing.

I didn't expect so many African influences. Pretty fun, boppy album for being experimental. I feel neutral towards it. I won't listen again, but I wouldn't be upset if someone else put it on.

Meh... I'll be honest. I didn't give it a good listen. It was on in the background while cleaning house today. It just didn't strike me. I might have to go back to it. I know the musicianship is top notch. But as it played, it didn't grab me at any point other than Al because it's so memorable and that baddass baseline

Legitimately has a claim to be the greatest record of the 1980s. Incredible lyricism, production, and orgasmic African instrumentation and genre exploration (introduced me to mbaqanga, soukous, and township jive alike) plus to hear some of the greatest world musicians ever gathered here (Los Lobos, Bakithi Kumalo, West Nkosi, Ray Phiri, Boyoyo Boys, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Youssou N'Dour)- it's like 45 minutes of heaven every time I listen to it. Some of my favorite moments are the sax breaks on "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes," the beautiful accompanying vocal performance from Linda Ronstadt on "African Skies," or the iconic fretless bass run on "You Can Call Me Al." It's an album that has had a tremendous impact on my life and I will continue to love it throughout the rest of it.

I don't care what anyone says, this album is perfect beginning to end. Calling it cultural appropriation is extremely simplistic. Firstly, the African music on this album is performed by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. They are African. Is it cultural appropriation if it's being performed by the actual culture in question? Secondly, there's the cultural lens of the time in which it was made. Younger people are seeing this as a white guy stealing culture. When this was made it was seen as an artist sharing his love for another culture's art. I understand the impulse, but the intentionality deserves to be part of the conversation.

Its definitely a niche, but i like it. I must have been mood music as I smoked like half a pack of cigarettes through this album. Gross, but it feels it matched the decade.

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

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

This album is art. But not Art.

What a classic! Should listen to this one more often!

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

My dad had this album, and I remember not connecting much with it when I was a teenager. Not sure it hits me as well as the 60s stuff with Garfunkel still, but this album is really its own beast, and it's pretty cool. The first track has a nice swing to it. The title track is pretty cool as well. The African groove carries on to I know what I know and for a couple tracks until You Can Call Me Al, the album's main hit. I never knew for the longest time that song was from Paul Simon since it sounds so 80s--a far cry from his 60s stuff.

It was good i enjoyed it

One of the best of all time (and my wife's favorite!)

Un clásico entre los clásicos. No es Ry Cooder, ni Auserón, tampoco Peter Gabriel. Es Paul Simon recuperando el pulso con música (sud)africana y una evidente inspiración. The boy in the buble o Graceland son clásicos instantáneos. Gumboots es sonido callejero junto con los Boyoyo Boys. Diamonds es mi canción favorita de Paul Simon, esa guitarra y bajos son simplemente espectaculares, como los vientos o la percusión. Una maravilla que soporta el paso del tiempo como si nada. La cara B, no tiene el imbatible nivel de la A, pero su apertura no es menos gloriosa: You can call me Al, con ese hilarante video con Chevy Chase. Homeless o Crazy love II no desmerecen del resto. That was your mother es un retorno al viejo rock con sonido zydeco. All around the world or the myth of fingerprints es una fiesta final con ilustres invitadoas como Los Lobos. Un disco que no estuvo exento de polémica, por el tema del apartheid y que fue todo un éxito de crítica y público, aademás de suponer la apertura hacia la música sudafricana: Johnny Clegg & Savuka (Asimbonanga) sin ir más lejos.

When our family got our first CD player for our stereo, this was one of the first CDs we had. So it's a walk down memory lane to listen to this again. I haven't heard it in a long time after it being a somewhat regular rotation record. I don't hate this album, but coming back to it once every decade or so is likely enough for me.

A guy waltzed into apartheid-era Johannesburg, jammed with some of the best musicians on the planet, and came back to the States with an Album of the Year and one of the most beautifully built records of the decade. So vivid and radiant.

Love this album. Especially call me al...

Nice

Didn't grab me the first time and it doesn't now either.

Still charming and playful after all these years. Makes me nostalgic for the 1980s and also somehow nostalgic about the nostalgic feelings for Simon & Garfunkel that this produced back then. It's a little hard to listen now without also thinking about Simon's reactionary politics about the South African liberation movement, and his breaking of the cultural boycott. A solid 4.5.

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

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

Ehhh... I know "everybody" loves this album, but it feels like safe music for Boomers that were finding out that being a rich 30 or 40 something was way cooler than being a poor artist in a shitty apartment, but they didn't want to admit it so they got a cool artist from their youth to record something new with the trendy international '80's sounds.

bleh

Maybe if I had heard this when it came out and it was my first interaction with 'world' music, I would have been very excited. I like the fusion of African styles and rhythms with pop and folk, but today it just feels dated. All controversies aside, it still has great lyrical and production quality. Favorite tracks: Graceland You can call me Al Homeless

(47/100)

At first, I thought I like this a lot. As it progressed and started to lean more heavily into the African choral arrangements, it really lost it's way. The album sounds a little too "white man discovers another culture" instead of properly celebrating and exploring this style. Favorite Song: Graceland, You Can Call Me Al

Graceland probably (among with some Peter Gabriel albums) was the starting point for world music hype in the eighties. I kind of liked the movement back then and also still enjoy this album.

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

When this album came out, it was playing a lot on the music video channels of the 80's, mainly Sky Trax and later MusicTV. Lot's of weird instruments and unusual rhythms from around the world. Never made much of an impact on me, except for the humour in some of them.

Excellent.

Music for white people who enjoy the sounds of Africa. Cultural appropriation and apartheid issues aside, I enjoyed the music.

I saw "rock/folk" and instantly assumed I would hate this album. But it was not as bad as I thought it'd be! It was actually pretty interesting. I'm going to tentatively rate this 4/5, and I’ll listen to it again later for a more in-depth listening.

Cultural appropriation 🤷🏻‍♂️ As music, as introducing the world to more performers and respecting styles and genres, it’s great. Lovely clean sound, unique and wholesome. ‘call me al’ feels the epitome of this albums sound and writing. The clear hit that captures it all in its best form. Beautiful, important album 🙏🏻

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

uhhh no thanks brother. 2/5

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!

Interesting.

Some of the most rhythmic music set to Paul Simon's writings

Ah, solo album van DE Simon van dat bekende duo. En wat horen we dan in ene als 2e nummer op dit album? Graceland! No clue dat ie van hem was. Lekker nummer. Tsja, ik moet zeggen dat het verder gewoon een typisch simon and garfunkel album is. Lekker om naar te luisteren maar niet echt bijzonder. Op de afrikaanse rythms na, die aan het eind in eens naar voren komen. 3reten

Not a huge Paul Simon fan but liked a couple of his songs on this album

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

I am glad that the bumpy bass tone that features in the opening tracks is not a constant throughout the album. I could hear the South African influence in the instrumentation before realising/looking up what it was. I see a lot of the reviews mentioning cultural appropriation but I'm not sure it's anything other than a musician taking interest in other corners of the musical world. Regardless of intentions, I'm not keen on the lack of variety or expression in Simon's voice which is a shame because some of the tunes are okay. But just okay.

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

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.

You Can Call Me Al is a real classic and a yacht-rock staple, but this album just doesn't do it for me. I appreciate the experimentation and I can see how this was probably pretty groundbreaking for the time, but it just doesn't resonate with me. Most of the songs just kind of sound like less catchy versions of You Can Call Me Al. There is fantastic fretless bass all over the place and I enjoy the horns and African rhythms, it just doesn't combine into something that really grabs my ear or my attention. I don't see myself playing this album in full again, but I really can't give it a 2 ("did not enjoy" in my rating system). A mostly-neutral 3 it is.

Can't deny I love parts of this album a lot. Really strong opening and track three is a superb mix of styles (featuring- and made by- The Gaza Sisters - I admit I had to Google that but will be checking them out imminently) I sort of lose interest as the album goes on though- Homeless is beautiful, but feel like I'm less impressed by Simon's lyrics these days - and the last few tracks just sound dated. I've never been sure how Zydeco music fits either? Leaving aside the appropriation stuff I'm giving it a 4- just cos I Know what I know makes me feel very happy

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

It isn't my kind of thing but I cannot deny this is a very good album. It is so well composed, excellent usicianship etc.

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.

Paul Simon is one of those artists, like Phil Collins, that I have a knee jerk dislike of. I am not sure why I find him so palatable when you mix him with Garfunkel, but as his own separate human entity not so much, I strongly feel You can call me Al and that stupid video has a lot to do with it. I was given his first solo album by the generator a while ago, but even that You can Call Me Al lacking album left me cold. Ultimately this was okay but faintly irritating.

this is a fun album, not what I'd listen to on the daily but interesting sound

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.

It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what it is about Paul Simon that I like. His vocals are never going to blow you away but the complex arrangements of his songs, his use of a myriad of instruments on every track, and lyrics that make you think all continue to draw me in to his music. Paul Simon is not my go-to artist, but I enjoyed the lively tempo of this album and am glad I listened to it in its entirety. Solid musician all around.

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

Classic album, always liked the African influence and vibe. The highllights on the is album are amazing Call Me Al, Graceland, Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes are the three must listen to songs. Rest of the album solid. I still throw this album on every now and again, always a great listen. Full transparency i didnt listen yesterday, but I know this album well.

Det er noe med stemningen i dette albumet. Bassen og afrikansk inspirerte rytmer lager en helt spesiell atmosfære. Firer for meg.

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

Huge team to make this one, and it was truly a triumph. It's just so strong in every column. I don't think of myself as a Paul Simon fan, but this was very enjoyable. Aaaaaand I also just learned that he's also the Simon of Garfunkel 🤦

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!

Oh my god, oh my god! An actual influencing album after 200 dregs and wannabees. 5,10,50 by comparison to last 10 albums I’ve reviewed . But in fact, I’m only giving it 4. And the whole ‘he sold out to apartheid’ thing can be read both ways. Always easy to pass judgment about event that happened before you were born, even when the same polarising events are taking place right now in your own country (looking at you, USA).

5/9

Excellent - have heard many times

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

Decent overall. You Can Call Me Al is a banger, but a few songs I could take or leave. Interesting vibe, not sure I'd listen to the whole album again.

Graceland is a fun album. I don’t love Paul Simon’s voice, but he makes it work thanks to how unique and colorful the overall sound is. The blend of styles keeps it engaging from start to finish.

I didn't feel a big difference between this and the other Paul Simon album on this list. Maybe more... South African themes? Those are lovely

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

I enjoy Paul Simon, and while he clearly was the musical talent behind Simon & Garfunkel, I loved Simon and Garfunkel.

I really didn't like this. Simon and Garfunkel have their moment in time. They have a nice folk sound (well, as nice as I'll enjoy), they have a few catchy songs. This stinks. It really does. His soft folky voice just grates on me. I really don't like it. I also hate the drum sound. I don't really care for much of it. There were some pretty poor placed lyric lines. I didn't find many redeeming features. My wife even told me to turn it off. "We don't want to suffer with you." she said. Probably a little unfair, but 1 star. Patch things up with Garfunkel, it will make you suck less! 1 Star.

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

An intersting mix of styles. Really enjoyed the African influences. Some parts didnt work but for the most part its a great album. And "You can call me Al" is an all time classic.

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.

To the people saying this is cultural appropriation, relax your butthole. He was inspired by the culture and hired local south african musicians accordingly. It's a great album. 4.5/5

8,9/10

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

Solid solo effort Paul. Not quite rhythm of the saints but some crackers

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)

- It sounds good - im so fucking bored

So Simon took a lot of shit for breaking a "cultural embargo on South Africa" because of apartheid. But he was looking to showcase black musicians, which makes sense that their local music collective championed this and people didn't, since it was spreading a predominantly "black sound" - by a white guy. But it reads like he paid the musicians well (many who didn't know who he was), and showcased a lot of their local music/styles.

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

good. just good. 5/10

holy balls this was so buns literally listened to it and did not find a single bit interesting

this has some bangers but wouldn’t really listen to the songs i don’t like

Not really a Paul Simone (solo) fan.

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

Liked it

good, liked it but nothing too special to me

love love love

I remember the grownups listening to this at their dinner parties when I was a kid. Hadn't heard it since, apart from the singles. You Can Call Me Al is a classic, some of the rest gets a little samey. I was always a little dubious about the narrative that Simon was inspired by the street sounds of Africa rather than the last couple of Talking Heads records, and it does start to feel a little bit like a gimmick in places. Undeniably solid songwriting though.

Great album. Love that bassline in "you can call me Al"

- Very nice - 1 nummer toegevoegd aan MMMM - 1 nummer reeds toegevoegd aan MMMM

Like his last album, this is neither particularly painful nor provocative. A safe 3. P.S. Holy shit, are there some overly sensitive reviewers on here. Cringe.

This was somewhat tolerable. I don’t understand why I had to listen to it though.

While I have immense respect for Paul Simon as an artist, the songs on this album (for the most part) don't really move the needle for me. Favorite track: Call Me Al

Paul Simon!

Kindheit 🤷🏼‍♂️

To be fair, it’s more about my appreciation of the endeavor, than my actual enjoyment of the record. Normally I would give it a 3, as it is so very clearly an 80s record, and with that just a little annoying, but I’m fascinated by Paul Simon, his ideas for this album, and the lasting impact it had on much of the pop music, that came after. The musicians are also simply amazing.

Yep. 5 stars. Even a little dated but oh, the memories with this one!

Sadly no surprises, good coherent album 3/5

Still listen to this one once in a while. Simon's masterpiece, for sure.

Such a beautiful album. Highly recommend the documentary about the making

I don’t know if it was just the Sunday vibes but this landed well today. I don’t recall listening to this in full before but I know some of the songs reasonably well and You Can Call Me Al extremely well - one I’ve always loved. Quite enjoyed the African influences on display here and whilst listening, I couldn’t help think Vampire Weekend must have been heavily influenced by this. I did manage to see Paul Simon live back in 2011 at Glastonbury but I have to admit in the baking Sunday sun and probably feeling tired and/or hungover, I wasn’t really enjoying it until You Can Call Me Al came on.

Can definitely hear the south African influence on the album, not that I've listened to much Paul Simon previously but it makes this album unique. Top 3 songs are graceland, diamonds on the sole of her shoes and you can call me Al.

Classic.

I absolutely love this album. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes is an all-time song for me. There are a handful of skippable songs, though, so this isn't all the way to a 5-star album for me.