Graceland

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

simply lovely

incredible album

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.

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…

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

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.

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...

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.

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.

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 🙏🏻

Interesting.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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 🤦

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).

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

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.

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

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.

Liked it

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"

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.

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

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.

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.

Sonically interesting and musically varied, but not my cup of tea. A few dope baselines and I do like “You can call me Al”, I get why that’s the only one I’ve heard of before listening to this album

Some amazing songs but also some mediocre

as if i didn’t know that as if i didn’t know my own bed 😭

8/10 Top: The boy in the bubble, You can call me all

proto ska. Erg lekker

lafayette, louisiana mentioned‼️

Pretty good

funky , groovy bouncy

Popular album. Graceland and You Can Call Me Al are famous.

I’ve been in the hospital due to a serious work accident, going through some of the toughest times of my life, and this album has been the perfect spirit-lifter. Paul Simon himself was facing rough times before creating this album, and it feels like he came back to the music with a clean slate. His journey to South Africa to work with local artists brought such a culturally rich sound to this album. It’s like an 80’s pop rock album with art pop aesthetics, but so much more. It has folk elements and upbeat traditional African rhythms throughout. The lively, danceable tempo brings a strong sense of unity and openness, which made this album a great end to a stressful day. It’s lighthearted and uplifting, and the joy in the music helped lift my spirits and keep me going with a positive attitude. Music really does have a powerful impact.

Solid album. Great writing and fantastic music. Not a big Paul Simon fan but this is a solid album.

En lisant la description je me serais attendue à un album plus obscure/niché, et dans l'introspection vu qu'il a créé ça quand il se cherchait dans une mauvaise passe post-dépression. La vibe est super accessible, on est dans l'optimisme et le silver lining. (Quoi que jai pas écouté attentivement tous les textes). Il y a des bangers pop super accrocheurs! Ex DiamondsOTSOHS, et You can Call me Al juste après. La bass est incroyable, all over the place très jazz, et ça sonne lush. Bassiste principal = Bakithi Kumalo,  un sud-africain, il joue effectivement sur une fretless. Cest très 80s aussi, il y a des tones de claviers de l'epoque genre imitation brass, ça c'est moins mon bag mais bon c'etait l'époque.

I'd never listened to the entire album. A few songs saw heavy rotation on MTV and the radio back in the 80s. Very good mix of music and musicians

Fun, poppy

Hard from beginning to end

great

My second ever concert was Paul Simon on this tour, so it’s a sentimental favorite. It’s also a terrific record that introduced me (and many others) to several new musical styles. Great set of songs and incredible musicianship.

Good enough Folk Pop. Interesting touch with the African choral sounds.

suffers from having that sucky 80s production that i don’t like but overall pretty damn great

I mean this is great obviously Only not a 5 because the second half isn’t quite as strong as first half

Lov it

Good album with some stand out tracks. Love the African influence which seems ahead of its time.

his best solo album in my opinion. I prefer his Simon and Garfunkel stuff. it's the stuff of legends. and also one of the best concerts I've ever been too.

For the most part, Simon and Garfunkel as an act were greater than the sum of their parts. That’s the Paul Simon I prefer, but Graceland still holds up as a solid solo album. “You Can Call Me Al” remains a timeless classic, and the title track, “Graceland,” delivers exactly what you'd expect from Simon’s songwriting. “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” also caught my ear with that memorable, distinctive intro. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights Simon achieved with Garfunkel, this record is catchy, thoughtful, and undeniably well-made.

Overall really good. I only knew one song before listening.

Wow, such good music. That doesn't mean I like it, just that I recognize how well put together it is. I appreciate many of the individual songs, and I tired of the album at the same time. I don't fully understand why I'll rate this a four, when I know it is not an album I'm likely to seek out, but I am.

This seemed ubiquitous when it came out. I don't hear it much now, but when I do it takes me back!

This is not an album I'm going to really put on of my own choosing, but my wife likes it, and I do respect it now that I'm older. When it came out, it blended in with so many other albums that felt just like "adult contemporary" and "mid-life crisis" music. However, I do now appreciate the exploration that Paul Simon was making into different styles and the musicianship and songwriting where he deliberately was getting away from his sad folk songs into something more joyful.

Weird but good

Very nice album, I was only familiar with a couple of tracks on here.

A classic for a reason. Simon's best work. Great production & mixing as well.

Paul Simon really knocks it out of the park with this one

Probably the most well-regarded Paul Simon album. This is the one where he incorporates a lot of the different instrumentation, guest musicians, and African choir, etc. There are a few standout tracks - Graceland, You Can Call Me Al, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes.

Solid album and an interesting back story of production.

Great stuff

I know this album gets flack for appropriation and breaking the boycott of South Africa but I can't help but love it. I love the zydeco, I love the South African sound, I love Ladysmith Black Mambazo I love the unmistakable mid-80s sounds. One of my faves.

Classic 80’s release. Some of the production dates it a little but it’s crammed full of great pop songs, so this can be easily overlooked

Mycket bra, dragspel kul