Reviews (page 6 of 14)
A very enjoyable album, blending South African sounds with pop rock. It’s no surprise that this was so appreciated at the time of release as a very listenable and innovative sound quite different to the fake electronic sounds of much ‘80s music. As a Vampire Weekend fan, the resemblance is remarkably clear! However, I don’t think I quite enjoyed it enough for 5, and the circumstances of its creation did sully it somewhat. For one, Simon broke the global boycott of apartheid South Africa to record there. I get that most black South African musicians of the time welcomed him, but he didn’t really need to undermine global solidarity (given that most came to New York anyway). Simon defends it by saying that he showed the power of interracial cooperation and brought African music to the world, but those things don’t mean that it made any positive contribution to the end of apartheid. He also basically stole the idea from Heidi Berg, apparently. Anyway, nice album overall.
This album has some brilliant songs on it, namely ‘You Can Call Me Al’ which always gets stuck in my head whenever I listen to it, ‘Graceland’ and ‘Crazy Love, Vol. II’. The instrumentation is great, and the blend of pop and South African musical styles is tastefully done. Overall I didn’t enjoy it quite enough for a 5, but still a strong 4.
This is an excellent album, but I don’t think it quite reaches the 5-star level. Side one probably does, though: ‘Graceland’ and ‘Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes’ are my two favourite tracks from the whole album, and the rest of the side is really strong as well. On side two, ‘You Can Call Me Al’ is of course an all-time classic pop song, and ‘Crazy Love, Vol. II’ is great too, but then the rest of them I really like rather than love. But the performances are fantastic throughout, especially the vocalists and the incredible fretless bass playing!
Definitely the best thing I've heard from Paul Simon, some real cool African rhythms on here and the first couple of songs are quite great
Loved how different this album was. So many varied tracks but the different styles just blended well together. Diamond in Her Shoes and You Can Call Me Al are definitely the standouts.
💎👟
Controversial one. I think the cultural appropriation arguments are stupid. Breaching the boycott is a different story. Rating this album solely on what I heard and there's some great stuff here. That bass is special. You can call me Al is iconic. Under African Skies was a bit cringey though. 4/5.
I own this album on vinyl and had probably heard it about 3 times before today. I remember liking it, and that it was recorded mainly in South Africa, that there was a lot of controversy about whether its recording supported apartheid, and that it had Call Me Al and Under African Skies (two tracks I love). I listened to it twice today and really enjoyed it, but I don't know... there's just something that's somehow unrecognizable about it to where I didn't get a whole lot of familiar moments on the second listen. I do still like it (and I really want to like it), but it's just not as good as some others on this site. Four stars.
6/10, not really my style, had some groovy tracks though
Just a solid, expansive album with solid creativity all over it. Going from the muddy production of The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators to the crystal clear production of this album was such a whiplash.
7.5/10
Liked it but did not love it. Enjoyable but not quite great.
i’ve been excited for this. one of my friend’s favorite album. i liked it enough.
Fantastic album. Such an easy listen while having bangers on it. Was worried he might go too heavy into the African influence in a weird way but it was very tasteful. Less bangers towards the end, gets a bit polka. Specific rating - 4.4 Fav song - you can call me al Least fav - Gumboots
Graceland is a great album, but there are some hitches that weaken it marginally.
This is good! 4
always pretty
This album feels of it’s time now. I imagine it was cutting edge in terms of musical style at the time, certainly in terms of the mainstream. I like the lyrics and blend of African music
Sometimes I feel bad for rating some of these 90’s rock bands poorly, and then I hear something like this and think, "Oh, right, this is what good music sounds like.”
cool music al
Why is there so much Paul Simon, I get that he is a talented musician but holy shit i have gotten him like 4 times and I'm doing this for about two months. Although it was a decent album, o expected worse from his 80s stuff
Day 266 Lovely album to float away to. Highlights You can call me Al Crazy love That was your mother ii
it's good. obviously i've heard a lot of these songs a million times but hearing them in the context and sequence of the album makes me appreciate how vast the african styles are that he explored on this album. listening to Koffi Olomide the day after this album really contextualized a lot of the musical choices here too and made me appreciate how unique these songs are when held against both african and american music. there's a lightness or bounciness to a lot of african music, but the themes of this record are not light and his vocals sort of inherently contain a seriousness regardless of the style he's singing. That in addition to some unmistakably american 80s flourishes ("Crazy Love, Vol. II" and "All Around the World or the Myth of Fingerprints for example") make for an interesting combination. i think some of the songs later in the album are less interesting so the momentum fades for me by the end but overall i think this is still a pretty solid album. i appreciate this for how different it is from any of his other work and still stands out as a pretty innovative record in that sense. without getting into the extremely expansive lore or politics of this album and its surrounding controversies (including but not limited to steve van zandt thrwarting guerrilla anti-apartheid activist plans to assassinate paul), i am deigning to say based on my arsenal of paul simon knowledge that i think his appreciation of the african influences and contributors here is genuine and long lasting. i can see the validity of the more pessimistic view of this album as a representation of his career-long reliance on other cultures to spice up his work, but i prefer to think of this as indicative of his global curiosity. there's a quote where he explains that throughout his career he has always dabbled in whatever music interested him at a given moment, and sometimes that has lined up with public interests and sometimes it hasn't, but that will always be the primary driver of his musical choices. if you believe in viewing his work through that lens, which i do, then i think he provides a successful model for appreciating and collaborating with other cultures in a way that honors and uplifts their roots, making this album an indelible part of music history. Fav tracks: Graceland; I Know What I Know; You Can Call Me Al; Under African Skies
I really enjoyed the instrumentation on this album. However, while I think Paul Simon's voice is great, and it's not exactly like I expect a lot of bombast there, it feels like the voice and the instrumentation are disconnected from each other. Still, a decent enough listen.
Graceland (song) is one of my all time favorites. I love this album, and definitely a seminal work by one of the best songwriters ever. So poignant, introspective, and an amazing listen. Some songs that I haven't latched on to quite as much though.
Almost great.
Knew some of the songs but never listened to the full album. Really enjoyed it front to back. You Can Call Me Al is the obvious standout, but I also really enjoyed Under a African Skies.
good mood, on se croit dans un film mdrrr
Fire. Feel like I need to listen to it again already!
I thought this album was really chill, like something for a beach day. Also supernatural and a great start to this list.
Great album I love the first half
Love it
Look, Paul managed to lock into a pure vibe state with a panoply of zydeco, African choral music, desert blues, and incredible synth work for a classic album that only suffers toward the end. It's almost all bangers and it's almost perfect, so no surprise it gets a 4.
GIGA-POSITIVE start of my saturday morning!
This was an unexpected but interesting vibe, I did enjoy it but I don’t know if I’ll put it on again. 3.5/5
Liked the first half of the album more than the second.
Love so many songs on this album, a classic for me
I like the choice of instruments
Number: 108 Date: 04/20/2026 Artist: Paul Simon Album: Graceland Year: 1986 Genre: Soft World Pop Rock Familiarity: Moderate (3) Rating: 4 Before: ======= Paul Simon is way down on my list of favorite artists. Probably would be somewhere between top 150 - 200. During: ======= 4 The Boy In The Bubble 4 Graceland 4 I Know What I Know 4 Gumboots 4 Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes 4 You Can Call Me Al 4 Under African Skies 4 Homeless 3 Crazy Love, Vol. II 4 That Was Your Mother 4 All Around The World Or The Myth Of Fingerprints ----------------------------------------------------- 3.90 WEIGHTED AVERAGE (accounts for song lengths) After : ======= Overall, I think the album is really good. I could not care less if it's "cultural appropriation". All music and all culture is appropriation of some sort. 4 my personal rating 5 suitability for this list 3 impact ----------------------------------------------- 4 composite rating
Graceland would be such a good soundtrack title for Project Hail Mary. The boy in the bubble vs the girl in the bubble. 4/5. Favourite song: Graceland
Was ait
Dette sammensuriumet burde ikke funke, men gjør det uproblematisk. Energisk og inspirert. Trekker for en litt glætt 80-tallsproduksjon til tider.
👌 Dritbra
Går tom for ideer på tampen, men såpass mye bra her at fireren er sikret.
Emily Jumpscare again I like this I like hearing some pop rock from the 80s Paul Simon has such a jumpy and happy rhythm to him I have such a hard time listening to the lyrics cause I’m so excited and his voice is like another instrument another layer in these layered tracks! It’s too good man. His singing voice is actually good I find a lot of artsy vocalist of this era can’t sing that well but this album has Africa written all over it wearing the influence on all sides. I also like the multi instrumentals you never get bored cause it gets so unique gumboots is unlike anything I’ve heard. Paul Simon knows how to make a good tune so when I heard that was your mother I wasn’t too upset I think it’s minimal to the highs of the rest of the album.
'You Can Call Me Al' is objectively the greatest song of all time
One of the first CDs I purchased in 1986. Great album full of interesting rhythms.
Idem que l'autre album qu'on avait écouté avant, grave bonne ambiance j'ai kiffé
4 It's like a cowboy toured Africa and decide I'm gonna combine 2 of these world
pretty good. i liked the mixture of folk, pop, and African rhythms.
Very good alblum not one of the best of all time.
crazy mix between rock, african groove, and rock music. i did not expect that. homeless is a crazy song
Skippy fun sad lyrical adventure princess starry night sky 4/5
beautiful. I think it’s about people coming to terms with being a cosmopolitan and becoming free from nationalism. I was a little wary that this was some form of orientalism but it seems pretty respectful. Very compelling narrative and I feel like I’m a better global citizen for it!
Pretty solid album
7.5
Hvor er den der Homeless underlig at lytte til med al den stønnen. KÆMPE album, 4.0 ligeud du
4.5
Enjoyed it
Very good album, no weak spots
Great melodies but it is a bit cheesy in a way I'm struggling to overcome (edit - I overcame it)
Once again the white man makes a ton of money off of indigenous black music. But I can’t deny that the music is enjoyable to listen to. This is a “hate to like” album. I’m going to rate it on the music, in the spirit of this project, but I sorta wish that this album was never made.
Abumbalagaga güzeldi ya eski model mercedesimle amarika yollarında gidiyomuş gibi
Weird, off-beat at times, but just plain fun and that's all that really matters for the generator sometimes
An album that’s influenced by an African culture, I think a majority of this album was well written. Best song is of course Call Me Al
something about this album feels powerful i cant quite figure out what that is their voice feels very warm and sweet fav song: under the african skies, crazy love vol II, and diamonds on the soles of her shoes
Me re gustó súper instrumental y tranqui. Las líneas de bajo me re gustaron
Graceland. Amazing record - I'd say in my top 20 of all time. As long as you can get past the 80's audio aesthetics.
This is one of the best folk albums ever. It has its low points but the opening run of songs is mystical.
Still a solid listen. I haven’t heard it all the way through since it was released. Several 5s and 4s, only a couple of less interesting songs, but nothing that brings the album down or slows the momentum. I’m still not a big fan of zydeco. 4.5
Some real classics and overall like how this album switched up the sound quite a bit but kept the vibes high - big fan
The big album by Mr Paul Simon! The world music wasn't something I enjoyed so much on my first listens, but it grew on me after a while. I still think he did better albums, but its good enough.
Graceland and I have a tricky relationship. I LOVE Paul Simon's work. I think he's probably one of the best songwriters of his generation and I'd probably rank what I've heard above or around the work of other legendary songwriters (Dylan, Mitchell, King, Young to name contemporaries). That being said, I continue to struggle with the idea that this is where his output peaked for many people, at least in the post-Garfunkel years. I find his blend of world influences, his employment of African session musicians to truly nail what he was going for stylistically and stucturally, and the general passion and love he poured into this record as a statement to be highly respectable, but outside of the title track and "You Can Call Me Al", a lot of this doesn't resonate with me the way I think it should. I still think it's pretty good music, but when this is a songwriter who I've spent the past 12 months cozying up to (after years of being familiar with him) I expect a higher sense of resonance. Maybe time is all I need with this record. I suppose we'll see.
Variety: 4 Adequacy: 5 Listenability: 5 Uniqueness: 4 Emotionality: 4 = 4.4 rounded down to a 4 "This is the story of how we begin to remember/ This is the powerful pulsing of love in the vein" "You Can Call Me Al" is one of the earliest music videos I remember seeing, and the song has been a favorite since. Heard of couple of others growing up, likely never tying them together other than they were Paul Simon songs. Wasn't until early college era that I gave this a complete listen, and have to say it quickly became a staple, and one of the few albums I would play the whole way through. I think it's only gotten better over the years, and it's crazy how forward looking it remains, despite being 100% identifiable as a mid-80s artifact. THE TRACKS Side One "The Boy in the Bubble" - Solid opener. Catchy and a great little preview of a lot of what we're going to hear. "Graceland" - One of the other hits off this that I would have heard, though not as often as the one with the Chevy Chase video. You know the one. This is one of those few songs that is able to get a bit of an emotional reaction from me. It hits very hard in that lovely bittersweet spot where the bouncy bits contrast so well with the sad, wistful parts. This one's a rollercoaster of unsureness, hope, and resignation, and I'm always down for the ride. "I Know What I Know" (with General MD Shirinda and the Gaza Sisters) - This one I think has grown to be a favorite despite never hearing it in that period as a child when stuff would just burn into your brain and never leave. The lightness, the meandering playful guitar, and my favorite lyrics on the album. Simon is one of those guys that can be funny in his material and never seem to be slumming it. A delightful short story, and man what a vocal accompaniment. "Gumboots" (with the Boyoyo Boys) - The Brightest spot on this album I think. Little up tempo number with another funny/ sad story. Amazed at how he can make such a breezy, catchy song sound like it was just a throwaway ditty. Something he has in common with McCartney and few others. "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) - Ladysmith Black Mambazo steal the opening, and the ending of this one and Simon pays it low and subdued to take advantage of this. The song itself feels a little low energy, but it works as feels like a winddown for the first side. Side two "You Can Call Me Al" - God tier hit for me that has permanently claimed real estate in my mind. Candidate for best B-side opener of all time imo. Up there with "Back in Black", "Money", and "Here Comes the Sun" in that respect. We get a hard energy reset here. There are plenty of songs out there that better represent the decade, but this is the sound of MY 80s. Going to be hard to not play this one on repeat a few times. This one's on the funnier side, and the bass line on this is the musical highlight for me here despite the fierce competition from the horns and the flute. If you can't find a spot for this song in your heart, I pity you. "Under African Skies" - Simon brings it way back down again and goes into a more contemplative mode. Beautiful stuff. Seems like this is Simon's most focused attempt at examining the HEAVY African influence on every bit of this album. "Homeless" (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) - Another great showcase for LBM. The impressive range and pretty harmonies on display here make this one feel the most spiritual on the album, both in the unadorned presentation giving some church choir vibes, and in the content of the lyrics, of which there is a translation available online. "Crazy Love, Vol. II" (with Stimela) - Steering us away just ever so slightly into more lighthearted territory with what sees like the slightest song on the album so far. The chorus on this, by no means terrible, is the one part of the album that completely fails to work for me. Just tonally seems imported in from another song, from a far less polished, and more traditional album. "That Was Your Mother" (with Good Rockin' Dopsie and the Twisters) - More zydeco! Fine as this one is, I think it feels way more like Simon slipping into a bit of stereotypical cultural appropriation than most anything else on here. This one's almost like an assignment where he has to check off anything that screams "New Orleans!". I still like it enough though. "All Around the World or the Myth of Fingerprints" (with Los Lobos) - "People are all the same" seems like one of those sayings that can swing hard into either cynicism or optimism. I think this is supposed to be the latter, but it still comes across a bit sad to me. Wish this one was lacking that electronic drum beat though. Not the best ender. HIGHLIGHTS - "The Boy in the Bubble" - "Graceland" - "I Know What I Know" - "Gumboots" - "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" - "You Can Call Me Al" - "Under African Skies" - "Homeless" MIDLIGHTS - "Crazy Love, Vol. II" - "That Was Your Mother" - "All Around the World or the Myth of Fingerprints" LOWLIGHTS - Huh? FINAL THOUGHTS On a re-listen - it has been somewhile - I was disappointed to find more on here to criticize than I thought. That said, they are pretty nit-picky and don't really effect my opinion enough to rate it much lower than I already would have. While I certainly don't mind those three middling tracks, they do feel more out of place with the rest than I remember. But they are perfectly placed at the end so it doesn't feel like TOO much of a loss if you want to pretend the album is over after "Homeless". I can totally see how this could be a very divisive album. Where I might hear the delightful melodies, superb backing vocals, and inventive instrumentation, someone could easily dismiss this as a bunch of lightweight, unoriginal material buoyed by a couple of very catchy, but dated hit singles. And I can't argue with that pov. All I can say is that it works for me. This was a refreshing splash of green on the dull gray wall that was my workday. PLAYLIST ALTERATIONS - Repacking this for someone else I would have no issue dropping those last three, but they can stick around otherwise. FURTHER LISTENING - Shaka Zulu by Ladysmith Black Mambazo - Vampire Weekend by Vampire Weekend - Remain in Light by Talking Heads - Zombie by Fela Kuti / The Africa '70 - Let's Have A Party by Geraldo Pino And The Heart Beats
Very different sound but great music
Cool album
Had been a while since I’d listened to this but I really like this album, it just has great vibes running through it. Still can’t decide if the backwards bass solo in You Can Call Me Al is good or not. On this listen I realised that Vampire Weekend just straight up lifted this sound and ran with it.
Paul Simon can do no wrong in my eyes and ears.
This is a rare example of the back half of a record being superior - Side B this record really hits its stride. Not that the beginning is poor. There's a few tracks I don't adore which means it ends up 4, but You Can Call Me Al is one of those songs that no matter how often you hear it, it still hits so hard.
Gas
Yeah this was good. May have to dig further into Paul Simon as my exposure to him is pretty limited.
Warm and cohesive. A great album. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was an album I struggled with when It came out in the mid-80s. I was a big fan of Simon and Garfunkel, but I didn't love many of these songs. And there was so much buzz around this album. A lot of people thought it was brilliant and loved it, to the extend that there was pressure to like it (annoying). People also criticized Paul Simon for working with South African musicians despite the boycott on the racist Apartheid government-- even though Simon was working almost (completely?) exclusively with Black musicians. So it's easier to appreciate this record in retrospect, seeing where it fits into the long arc of Paul Simon's career. In that view, it's a big and risky creative leap for a peerless songwriter who'd had 20 years of acclaim and success. He tossed his comfortable soft-rock sound for South African sounds that few Western audiences were familiar with, and built songs out of jam sessions with musicians he traveled to South Africa to meet. I think this impacted his lyrics too -- they were always flowing and laden with imagery, but on Graceland they're even more free-form, like improvisations. So does this all add up to good music? Mostly! There's a ton of creative energy here that carries things along, which I enjoyed even if I didn't love a particular song. Some of the lyrics just plain don't make sense. But Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes is a great song.
Really good isn’t it? Beautiful songs that make you wish you were on holiday. Fretless bass grooves that feel slick and cool, and extremely 80s, underpinning Paul Simon’s lighter than air voice. 4.5/5.0 Best Somg: You Can Call Me Al obviously
I think it's a very good album, I think You Can Call Me Al is maybe the greatest song of the 80s and that is the reason for the 4 star review. Special mention for Diamonds On the Soles of her Shoes which is on any other album easily the best track. The rest of the album is a bit much at times, fretless bass heaven
Sounds like my grandfather working on the family computer on a fine Saturday morning in Maracaibo, grandma's burnt coffee on a Moka pot, and a history essay due Monday. 3.5/5
Previously rated: #685 - Hearts And Bones (3/5) #885 - Paul Simon (4/5) *********************************** Album #1,080 Paul Simon plus African accordion music makes for a very unique sounding album. What else sounds like that? It also has some dated 80s sounds like the gated drums and the horn sounds. I still like You Can Call Me Al. I didn't care for the backup singers in I Know What I Know. They were shrill and annoying. When I'm (soon) finished with this list, I may explore a little more of his catalogue.
I love this album. Songs like Graceland and You Can Call Me Al are in my everyday playlist. I love that Paul Simon used instruments that are often looked over such as the accordion. And I love the African artist cameos in this album. Some of the songs in my opinion drag on a little bit which I think is one of its very subtle downsides. But nonetheless, this is an absolute all-timer and I will happily listen to this over and over again. Favourite songs: The Boy In the Bubble Graceland Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes You Can Call Me Al All Around the World Or the Myth of Fingerprints (with Los Lobos)
A good album, I enjoyed it. It might be some of my new go-to music when I want something to listen to while I'm cooking. I Know What I Know The Boy In the Bubble Gumboots Graceland You Can Call Me Al (sounds like another one of the songs) Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
Good Coffee morning slow day album - weak 4 but enjoyable.Diamonds on the sole of her shoes best track.
Evocative on an era when I was small. I don’t love it but it seems like great music.
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.
Paul Simon is great and this might slightly edge the self titled album which was his first work I listened to but both are really very enjoyable
I’m surprised I’ve never listened to this before, but I’ve always known it as Simon’s best solo work. Found myself disappointed that it had ended, which is pretty high praise
Loved this album for a Friday night and overall a fun listen. I remember watching Rage somewhere in the early 2010s and Noel Fielding chose You Can Call Me Al (my first time watching it) and that video has forever stuck with me for its silliness but also as just such a good party song. Nothing else on the album came close to that for me but a pretty solid collection of songs
This was actually quite a lively album. "You can call me Al" and Gumbook are the standout tracks.
i really enjoyed this album. to put it frankly, it’s just a lot of fun. reminds me a lot of david wax museum and the way they integrate latin american influences into their tracks. it feels really inspired and new
It was okay. Some of my friends love this but I was not as into it.
Not typically my style of album, but it’s a masterpiece nonetheless
Ah - so good.
yes, fuck paul simon for performing in apartheid south africa, and for being a bit of a culture vulture. however...this album is full of bangers
Highly enjoyable, totally obsessed with the bass tone on this album
Paul Simon is obviously a phenomenal musician and songwriter, and this album is a tour de force. However, it lands short for me due to personal taste mismatch. First, the style is a bit dated. I wouldn't put this album on vinyl like I'd put a Pink Floyd. It's good music but it's not timeless. Second, I personally am not a big fan of the South African influences, not for any political reasons, I just feel they are heavy handed and not well integrated, "You Can Call me Al" being an exception. I feel like I have to excuse why I'm not giving a 5 to an album that by rights of talent and effort should be a 5, but a bit of an anachronistic style and sound, combined with an overly enthusiastic South African influence that's not sitting with me, makes this album a one or two-off listen, rather than an essential.
Awesome, great songs. Solid entry
While Franz Ferdinand reminded us that guitars can dance, Graceland reminds us of something deeper: “rhythm is humanity’s oldest language.” And on this record, the conversation becomes universal. Beneath the warmth lies a quiet melancholy — a middle-aged songwriter confronting displacement, memory, and renewal. The album’s deeper magic is this: it sounds global without sounding calculated. Where many “world music” experiments feel curated, Graceland feels lived in. Songwriting: ★★★★★ Rhythmic Innovation: ★★★★★ Production: ★★★★☆ Cultural Impact: ★★★★★ Timelessness: ★★★★★ Overall: ⭐ 9.5 / 10
Points for rhyming "sunlight" and "Fullbright" and Ladysmith Black Mambazo is 🔥. The first half of this album I wasn't totally convinced by, but once it hits its stride, it's really quite good.
Have always casually enjoyed Paul Simon songs without completely diving in. I find something about the specific style and sound of this album pretty moving and strangely, almost confronting nostalgic. I do understand the corny accusations and it does trail off a little towards the end for me. Fav tracks: The Boy in the Bubble, Graceland, I Know What I Know, Diamonds. RYM: Saved a song: N
Well, where to start? On one hand I feel slightly wary of the dynamic of a rich, miserable, white guy finding salvation (+ more hits, extra money) on the shoulders of talented artists from the Souths, both global and national. But, it's still a gem of a record, a hell of an achievement, an amazing production. Pretty much all killer until the last couple of tracks. And at least it wears its influences and collaborations very openly. Maybe the title is even a reference to preempt that possible accusation of cultural appropriation? A scrapbook of ideas and styles that hang together to create something new and wholesome. It mostly sounds like a good time, to be honest. Probably churlish not to give it five stars but that's me.
An unexpected delight. I thought I got Paul Simon, but it turns out I had only hit one layer of the onion and his album was worth the full listen.
chill-maxing with african-like music
Strong 4
3.75/5 Top Songs: You Can Call Me Al, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes, The Boy In The Bubble
Yesss ate
Very good
Great album. Don't know what to say else, except that I had a nice time listening to it. It felt light, easy to listen.
Crazy love Al
Appropriated af, but a great album nevertheless
bro got rich and went on a bunch of safaris. this guy loves africa rare album for me that is commercially popular, has singles that I like....but the singles aren't my favorite tracks. 4
This is one of my mother's favourite albums so listening again after many years evokes warm memories, as indeed does the music itself; wholesome and humanist as it is. This has a quality I appreciate in an album wherein all the songs kind of sound just a little similar. It makes for a cohesive feel and gives the impression of an artist working in a rich creative vein. All up it's a little twee but puts a smile on my face. p.s This is where Vampire Weekend were born.
Love to see the feature band live!
Spectacular sounding. I love Linda Rondstadt’s vocals
Pleasant. I love You Can Call Me Al.
Better together
I love this album and the South African music in it. All the artists featured fit in perfectly. 9/10
Would never be made now but can’t lie I enjoyed in the sun
This is an old classic that I've listened to so many times, I've lost count. not as relevant to me over the last 25 years but still hard to say no to this.
A very interesting and multifaceted album with hints of African folk music
The South African musicians on this record add a depth of character and flavour I have not heard in a lot of modern music. The effortless mix of folk, singer/song writer and South African percussion (as well as back in vocals) create a sonic experience unlike any other. Automatically one of my favourite albums I have listened to. Of course I recognise a lot of the music, but just like putting a name to a face, I feel that I have a much better understanding of the music now. A brilliant listen throughout.
My rating is 4.3. I have always loved this album despite the many controversies surrounding appropriation.
It's obvious that this album is quite special. The blend of western styles with African influence is a unique listen, and there are the clear standout tracks. I'm aware there's some controversy surrounding it, and I'm not attuned to all the facts - but I really liked this. Favourites: Graceland Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes You Can Call Me Al
wenoski
I didn't know who this artist was, but I had a song of theirs already in my liked songs, which is interesting. I have no idea when I liked that song, but I liked this album a lot so I've added a few more the list.
Not my cup of tea, but i think it was a pretty good album. Nice to listen while doing something.
Incredible album, highlight is you can call me al
I wasn't sure about this album hearing the first song, it seemed a little unfocused and the vocals were talk-y and loose rhythmically, but by the second track I got hints that it was inspired by African music, and by the next couple tracks it was undeniably an album of African music, which I love. I especially love multicultural music.i don't know much about the background but the album tells a story of a city boy from America traveling to Africa and discovering a new world. 8/10
I love the Ladysmith Black Mambazo contributions. All of the African bits are great throughout. "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" and "Homeless" were already beloved songs for me for that reason, but I was happy to discover more. It's interesting to have zydeco in there too. I'm not sure about the right word for it, but a few tracks (notably "You Can Call Me Al") rub me the wrong way. Maybe its corny? Anyway I really enjoyed these tunes on a beautiful bike ride yesterday. I imagine they're even better in the summer. I might give it 4.5 if I could
Really good album
Well done Paul
I understand that this is an important album but I never got into it….
4,5 is top
Enjoyed this. Groovy and enjoyable throughout. Expertly played. Constantly interesting, and I’m surprised I’d never listened to it all the way through before.
I love a lot of the songs on this album, mostly due to the amazing, rubbery, bouncy bass of the incomparable Bakithi Kumalo. It was also my first introduction to the incredible singing of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and to African rhythms in general. And the performances and production throughout are stellar, with a wide array of guest stars from all around the world. But the more I learn about it, the more I learn that Paul Simon is, by all accounts, kind of a dick. I appreciate his songwriting and his ability to introduce world music to the larger U.S. audience, but I can't give it a full five stars.
Cultural appropriation, schmultural appropriation. Simon collaborated with some of the greatest South African musicians of the day. Their efforts complement each other beautifully. Simon’s storytelling is warm-hearted and universal, and the African vocalists put the songs in a new context. Simon’s lyrics express loneliness with wry humor and deadpan wit. It doesn’t all work, and it gets a little twee, for sure, but… A good album makes you want to listen for days and weeks . A great album makes you want to listen forever. This is a great album.
I don't know where I go with this one exactly because I think time has probably not done it favors. Also at the time it did support Black artists but also didn't focus any thoughts or lyrics on the apartheid laws of South Africa I love the mixture of different cultures and beats and it makes some really beautiful musical sounds. However, it is a little appropriation and sad (as always) that it takes a white man to make these beautiful traditional sounds popular. But also at the time that was somewhat needed to bring these sounds and musicians to a global stage. So I don't know, I liked it and honestly found the African musical influences the best parts. Paul's voice just didn't hold up to the beautiful chanting, drums and zydeco sounds.
I dig the South African vibe of this album. Kinda chill, and lively in sync.
Good music, but the album didn't feel cohesive.
Lovely effort with all the awkward growing pains of cross-cultural collaborations.
To me this is weirdly a kind of anti-album. I know all the songs, love many of them, and appreciate the sound when it wanders into my life. But I almost never play the album, nor do I see it as one I’ll share with my kids one day (whereas I’ve already found moments where I’ve decided it’s time for them to bear Help! or Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots). It’s not just that I like other Paul Simon records more… it’s something about how when you put the 80s pop Africana sound at album scale, it becomes more grating. The accusations of appropriation become more salient, even though I’ve never known what to think about all that. So it’s a 4 for Paul and Ladysmith Black Mambazo and a loose affiliation of millionaires and billionaires, but not so much for Graceland.
Can’t fault this album really, well put together and with Paul’s fantastic bass work. A joy from start to finish
Wow I think this confirms I shouldn't read reviews on here, what a bunch of friggin idiots. What a classic and nothing Simon did here is wrong. He is a music lover. He loved their music. So he went to see them. They loved him. They made music together in collaboration that a majority of the whole world loved. He gave exposure of their music to the whole world, as well as their domestic plight which doubtless made a positive contribution to the end of apartheid. Beyond that it's a great mix of songs joyous and thoughtful. Groovy and heartwarming. A classic and probably his best.
4/5. Great all the way through. Loved the experimentation with different artists and styles.
Didn't think this was gonna be my vibe, but it was very much my vibe. I really liked it. And there is sooooo much lore behind it - the South African apartheid, the breakup of Simon & Garfunkel, his divorce from Carrie Fisher. Excited to dig into the history of the songs!
It was a good funky album!
Gosto muito do Paul Simon, fez altas músicas que tocam no meu coração, mas esse álbum foi muito animadinho, não me tocou tanto. As mais filosóficas dele, que tu sente vontade de pegar uma berga, são as melhorinhas. Tava louco pra dar 5, mas vou com 4 por que o cara é bom mesmo.
Que álbum lokaço mano. Bem diferenciado, fora do padrão. Achei bacana, várias músicas com baixo bem gostosinho, sempre me chama a atenção. Músicas animadas, deve ser bom pra ouvir viajando. A "You Can Call Me Al" toca direto aqui nas festas e eu não sabia o nome. Quando começou a tocar já rolou um PTSD, mas é bem daóra a música. Várias músicas com feature indígena ou algo do tipo também, algumas esquisitas, outras daóra. Eu ia dar 3* mas acabei adicionando váárias músicas, achei o álbum muito daórinha, eu acho que merece 4*, me surpreendeu positivamente.
I remember as a kid, this album was everywhere. Funny reading about how he stole the idea for the album, and fucked over some of the musicians, the cultural colonialism. Interesting stuff, and well the thing is the album is great! 4 Heard before? Some Owned: No 47/192 (24%) Will I get: I think so
It sounds so festive and feels like with a sense of community. Inspirational!
2/1/26. Didn't have much time or energy to listen fully but everyone knows Call Me Al and I think the style is unique. Took a few songs to acclimate but I enjoyed it. 7/10
I like Paul Simon's solo album. It's got songs on it that are African in nature and it's a great listen if you want that kind of music. His back up band are really tight but it's sort of light and airy; nothing wrong with that, sometimes I like listening to that kind of music. It is quite uplifting.
Really like this album - if I tried to describe it the description would not be something I would expect to enjoy, but it just works
Paul Simon is an artist I really ought to listen to more often; his work often has to fight for my attention against the louder rock and blues that dominates my collection. His music is intricate, precise, and occasionally delicate - always deeply considered. However, having been born in the 1960s, I’ve found his music has been a constant presence throughout my life. It may not always have been at the forefront, but it was always there on the radio and TV, quietly influencing me while competing with the louder trends of the 70s and 80s. Similarly, "Graceland" is an album that I find myself thoroughly enjoying every time I put it on. Simon’s wonderful voice is paired here with some slightly "odd" vocal melodies that offer a refreshing departure from his earlier solo work. The accompanying harmonies, of course, bring a completely different texture, with African influences shining through most brilliantly on the introductions to "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" and "Homeless". Underpinning it all are those infectious rhythms; the percussion and bass work, in particular, are standout elements that really make the record shine. The album wasn't without controversy upon its release, and as evidenced by some of the more recent commentary in the reviews on this site, that debate clearly persists. Personally, I’ve never agreed with the critics. At best, the "cultural appropriation" critiques are well-meant but misplaced; at worst, as seen in some vitriolic reviews, they are little more than nonsense. "Graceland" is an excellent album. While I’ve never quite subscribed to the "masterpiece" label, a term I tend to avoid in any case, it is a high-calibre piece of work. For me, "Crazy Love, Vol. II" is the weakest link; it’s a good song, but it feels slightly out of step with the rest. Similarly, while the final two tracks are very strong, they don't quite possess the same cohesion as the opening eight. Four stars. Side one 1 "The Boy in the Bubble" (5/5) 2 "Graceland" (5/5) 3 "I Know What I Know" (with General MD Shirinda and the Gaza Sisters) (4/5) 4 "Gumboots" (with the Boyoyo Boys) (4/5) 5 "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) (5/5) Side two 6 "You Can Call Me Al" (5/5) 7 "Under African Skies" (5/5) 8 "Homeless" (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) (5/5) 9 "Crazy Love, Vol. II" (with Stimela) (3/5) 10 "That Was Your Mother" (with Good Rockin' Dopsie and the Twisters) (4/5) 11 "All Around the World or the Myth of Fingerprints" (with Los Lobos) (4/5) Sum 49 Average 4.45 229/1001 127/229 albums reviewed were new to me
So close to perfect congruency with Paul Simon on this list. We had a Paul Simon album as our 26th album and after this album we only have 27 albums remaining. Another great entry by Paul Simon. Very interesting to see how much he is influenced by African music being a white American.
I could call him Al, but I'll call this album pretty darn great.
Some really fun, catchy songs
This feels like a good baseline album and rating to start off this project with. Had never actually really listened to this outside of "You Can Call Me Al" and the title track. Paul Simon's songwriting strengths meld really well with the South African instrumentalists that he brought into the room, although I imagine his songwriting strengths meld really well with most musicianship out there, the instincts are just so incredible. Outside of the aforementioned great songs that still hold up, the two highlights (which will make pleasant new additions to my rotation) were "The Boy in the Bubble" and especially "Under African Skies". Wow Linda Ronstadt's voice huh. Very funny to love that song and then read about how that one was especially critiqued in the scope of the anti-apartheid boycotts. Beautiful song though.
The last minute of Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes is some of the most beautiful pop music you'll ever hear. The whole album is also some of the most beautiful pop music you'll ever hear. I've been trying to figure out what a "roly poly little bat faced girl" is since I was like 6 years old.
A legendary album that's genuinely hard not to like. Instant mood improver.
Paul wants to be in an African tribe so bad but he just cant shake off the 80’s
Not my kind of music but a pretty awesome record.
4.5/5. Easily the best post Simon and Garfunkel Paul Simon album. Lyrically he’s at the top of his game here and his collaborations with south-African musicians give the instrumentation a great sense of personality.
Great album! Paul simon is such a gift and he has a way of just writing great songs
Great album. Probably Paul Simon's best solo album (my favorite) Highlights: "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" and "You Can Call Me Al"
Very fun album. I didn't know that You Can Call Me Al was from this record. Some tracks ran on too long. I love the clear inspiration from various cultures.
I've really taken a liking to Simon & Garfunkel since I got Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme in this generator, so I'm looking forward to listening to one of Paul Simon's most critically acclaimed solo albums. Having only heard Simon & Garfunkel before, and not having noticed that Graceland came out in 1986, I was dumbfounded when I started and heard all the 80's music elements in this. But there's an elegance to the mix of Paul Simon's impeccable songwriting, African music and 80's music elements.
Didn't know what to think when the intro of track 1 started but quickly started really enjoying this album!
A great album to have in the background of a chill house party. Favourite would have to be "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes". "I Know What I Know" doesn't do a lot for me, so I would go with that for least favourite right now.
Love the African-inspired vibes!
Really enjoyed his curiosity of other styles of music!
The Boy In The Bubble - like the drums in the opening, good grooves. i like it quite a bit so far. "these are the days of miracle and wonder, this is a long distance call. the way we look at a distant constellation that's dying in a corner of the sky." like that alot. Graceland - like it in the beginning, pretty interesting. i can't figure out what the fuck Graceland is, he just keeps talking about going there? I Know What I Know - idk who these folks drummer is but by god that person is good at drumming. it's just him picking up a girl, it's got vibes Gumboots - "and you don't feel you could love me, but I feel you could." love the saxophone in the back and the intricate keyboard(?) in the back with the jumpy beat. it's nice. this is a bop i might revisit. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes - rich girl and poor boy song. talking alot about the diamonds on the soles of her shoes, she knows it. You Can Call Me Al - "if you'll be my bodyguard, you can call me Al". really liked this one. African Skies - talks about an african man walking under the african skies Homeless - being homeless under the african skies, did not expect the sudden african twist. like the chanting in the back. Crazy Love, Vol. II - "I don't want no part of this crazy love, I don't want no part." That Was Your Mother - sounded fun All Around The World or The Myth Of Fingerprints - GIVE THIS DRUMMER A FUCKING OVATION GDAMN.
pretty good!
I do appreciate the ambition and originality in this album. And the bangers really are top drawer. Don't love all the tracks when they go a bit too far into African music territory for my taste. But it's a great journey of a record. I really need to listen to more of Paul Simons work beyond this.
Obviously this album being on the generator allows me to recount the story of how I used to think Chevy Chase was Paul Simon when I was a child. Anyway, this is a weird album for me to try to review. I genuinely enjoyed having it on while I was pottering in the kitchen. Bringing in the musicians from South Africa to play on it has created such a unique sound that there is no doubt you’re listening to “Graceland”. It’s full of interesting guitar lines and rhythms, and I will never not enjoy the opportunity to listen to Ladysmith Black Mambazo. All of that said, the only tracks that made me stop to pay attention were the title track and “You Can Call Me Al”. But they sit in a mix of songs that otherwise were enjoyable. If I could give this 3.5* I would, because I’ve faltered between giving it a 3* or 4* marking for what feels like hours. But I don’t think it’s a 3* album compared to others.
It's another album my parents played to death during my youth and which I probably haven't listened to once as an adult. Paul Simon has such a soft, lovely voice and he writes great lyrics - it's a killer combination. Especially on this album which, depending on your viewpoint, is infused with the sounds of South Africa / stolen from apartheid Africans. I haf no idea that Simon was a bit of an arse who stole the whole idea for this album from someone else (Heidi Berg) who he was supposed to be producing an album for. Major tut. I listened to this while reading a message board post from 2011 where Paul Simon stans argued with each other about how much of this album can be credited to him and it was genuinely fascinating. Parasocial relationships with artists are nothing new. Back to the music... Ladysmith Black Mambazo have just the most beautiful voices - there are some great songs on this album that are so well known, but Homeless just is so lovely and tragic and gorgeous. I really enjoyed revisiting this album, and regardless of it's complicated back story, it's so understandable how this became the huge hit it was. 4/5
great album. "pretentiousness" always has been more of a value judgment than an actual technical flaw with an album. not cultural appropriation by the way, no idea where that came from.
Hmm
he really loves african guitar man.
Love the varied instrumentation, world music, and of course Simon is a gifted lyricist. I was vaguely familiar with this album but first time listening in its entirety. It's quite enjoyable.
很轻盈很有生命力的好听，但还是觉得没有主唱人声就好了，欣赏不了沙哑男声
Some fantastic tracks
Tento album mi je celkom sympatický.
Heard before. Only wanted to skip 2 songs!
The introduction to African music that the world needed in the 80s. Still being massively influential 20+ years after his first album just shows how much of a genius Paul Simon is.
i really liked this album
VERY different, really enjoyed it
This feels like a traveling album. Like something that'd be in the secret life of Walter mitty in his Montague. This was a bubbly happy go lucky listen. The background vocals add to the feeling
Cultural appropriation or groundbreaking collaboration? This record certainly brought a lot of controversy at a time when apartheid was in the world's lens, mostly thanks to the efforts of artists to use their influence to draw attention to South Africa and refusing to play there. At the time the album was released, I sided with the views of Billy Bragg and Paul Weller; I was outraged. Over time, this album grew on me, and I think I understand what Simon was trying to do. I'm less outraged and more grateful that he helped artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ray Phiri, and Bakithi Kumalo touch the world with their music. 40 years later, a similar controversy is in the spotlight. This time, the focus is on comedians playing comedy festivals in Saudi Arabia. Art is vital for human development, communicating complex ideas, and making sense of life's experiences. It can express emotions, challenge perceptions, provide pleasure, promote social connection, teach values, and help us understand ourselves and the world. It's easier to hate than to empathize. This album definitely belongs on this list.
Wasn't expecting to like this, but I liked the cohesiveness and some classics- good listen
A very soothing listen.
So mucho peace, so mucho calm. A music from another era. Beutiful
I never thought i will like an album from the 80s , unique shi
7.5/10
Great diversity across entire runtime, loved the different styles shown through the features, incredible lyricism from an incredible songwriter
This is very grandpa music to be honest. I like it but it's the type of thing I would imagine an irishman skipping down a cobblestone road to. Even that's not the right vibe but it's just not really my cup of tea. I like it but I'm probably not going to add many songs to my playlist. I am still enjoying it though. There's honestly not much music that I won't enjoy when I'm in the mood for it and open to listening to anything. Wait what?? Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes hello?? I'm really rocking with this! Paul Simon I was unfamiliar with your game!! This is Simon from Simon & Garfunkel?? What?? Okay never mind maybe I will really like this. Wait I know You Can Call Me Al it was a TikTok song this is cute. Simon I will never speak ill of your name again. This is so good. Homeless?? This is sooo good. Actually I'm a big fan of whatever this guys got going on. I actually really enjoyed that. Favourite: Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes Least favourite: That Was Your Mother
Several really good songs with a few lesser ones. 4 stars or B+.
Really enjoyed this album. There are some excellent songs on here. Graceland being my particular favourite. Paul Simon certainly has some ability as a songwriter. Interesting history to the album as well.
4.5/5 https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/paul-simon/graceland/
Great album.
i rly liked the african instruments used, i loved this album and it was great
Seems fitting to go from Elvis to Graceland! As I’ve said before, my dad was a big Paul Simon fan and so I grew up listening to this and the nostalgia for it is still strong. Musically it’s still really strong too, packed with hits and hooks, it’s easy to hear why this became as popular as it did, even if there were some question marks about it politically.
It's Graceland isn't it?
I'm on day 3 of this project, and I'm having to change my expectations. So far I'm listening to nearly ubiquitous music -- Bobs Marley & Dylan, now Paul Simon. Music I've heard nearly my entire life without ever needing to seek it out. Taking the time now to purposely listen to full albums by these artists who've always existed in the atmosphere, is this a useful experiment? I don't know, probably. Is it worth whatever this is going to do to my Spotify algorithm? I'm not sure. I see the genius in Graceland. There's good music here, but I have to shake off a lot of context to get to that point, and I think I have to work too hard at that to really enjoy it. I realize I have given this record a chance before. I'm not sure I have any desire to listen to it again. It feels like 1986, and surely so perfectly capturing an era is meritorious (honestly, you can learn everything you need to know about the mid-80s by starting at the Graceland Wikipedia page and reading all the linked articles), but it's capturing a particularly slick essence of the time to which I have a bit of an aversion. There are some songs I might revisit, but, if I'm looking for African vibes, I'll probably listen to some African music. I guess if I'm ever in the mood for mid-80s cocaine vibes, I might reach for this, but I'd rather listen to Talking Heads.
Cinematic experience!!
Love Paul boy
A pretty funky vibe I wasn’t expecting it but I like it
Yep
Lovely sound, actually knew one of the songs!
All good fun. Tbh, I didn't get much time to listen properly, but it's obviously very good.
Fantastic.
Like proto-Vampire Weekend with a Chevy Chase jump scare.
First half is a certified banger but the back half keeps this from a 5 star rating.
I enjoyed, but would I listen again idk
Upbeat fun
Great album.
So unique, so singular. There’s a lot of themes of travelling distances in search of something, particularly the ‘going to graceland’, which I interpret to mean he’s trying to connect with the American country, the Earth, Africa, our selves we have lost to the dull complexity of civilization. It’s memorable but I think not quite powerful enough to really hit me like Bridge Over Troubled Water did. Really commendable for its vast, worldly influences. I think they are good, I don’t think it’s wrong to pull from different cultures, and I think more people should
Hard not to love this album!
Effortless
Graceland never fails to lift my mood. Uppa Paul Simon
The energetic accordion had me hooked right off the bat. Googling what the heck kind of genre is this, and discovered a whole lot of interesting world beats in the process. This is such a cool collaboration of an American folk singer with South African musicians, musical stylings, and instrumentation and keeps the energy going.
Paul Simon is my Bob Dylan
Great, now call me Al will be stuck in my head all week!
Enjoying it! Lots of songs that I know from probably Radio 2 days as a gardener, but some unknown tracks on there too.
groovy
7,5/10
Это хорошая музыка. Особенно хороши аккордеоны и африканские мотивы. Этот альбом мог бы быть лучше, если бы в нём не было следов типичной музыки 80х. Лучшая песня: The Boy In the Bubble
Honestly, not bad. I liked the different instruments throughout. Not the most compelling album, but it was still a fun listen!
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
Essential, pretty good
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."
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!
I like the different instruments and the history of this album.
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
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.
Creative lyrics, cool how he integrated world music into his sound.
Not my favourite album by Paul Simon but it does have some absolute bangers
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.
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.
Simple yet interesting. Paul simons stream of consciousness lyrics get a bit annoying. They are the only blemish on the album. 4/5
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.
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.
Really loved his voice and the african inspiration. Just a chill album that makes me smile.
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.
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.
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.
Better than I remember but there are parts that drive me buggy.
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.
Good
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
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.
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
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
Nice record
Need to explore further!
I was so distracted, but I'd like to give this another lesson. It's a lot...peppier than I expected?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
going to graceland, graceland, i’m going to graceland, graceland, we’re going to graceland, graceland
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.
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
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
Los Lobos goes crazy
Baustelle, Gerstetten, Deutschland. Schönes Album.
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
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
80s banger 4.5/5