Paul Simon – Graceland VG+/VG+

Graceland, released in 1986, is an iconic album by American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. This groundbreaking record stands as a masterpiece of musical fusion, blending American pop with a rich tapestry of African musical styles, particularly those from South Africa during the apartheid era. Its creation and release were both celebrated and controversial due to the complex political and cultural context of the time.

A hallmark of “Graceland” is its innovative use of South African musical elements, particularly mbaqanga, a style of South African township music. Simon collaborated with a variety of South African musicians, including Ladysmith Black Mambazo, whose rich vocal harmonies became a defining feature of the album. Songs like “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” and “You Can Call Me Al” are renowned for their upbeat rhythms and intricate interplay between vocals and instrumentation, blending American pop sensibilities with African rhythms and textures.

“Graceland” was not just a commercial success; it also played a significant role in bringing the rich sounds of African music to a wider global audience. However, this came with controversy, as Simon was accused of breaking the cultural boycott against apartheid South Africa, intended to pressure the regime to change its policies. Simon defended his decision, citing the cultural importance and the positive impact on the South African musicians involved.

Critically acclaimed, “Graceland” won the 1987 Grammy Award for Album of the Year and is often cited in lists of the greatest albums of all time. Its influence on world music and its role in bringing attention to the complexities of cultural exchange and appropriation have made it a subject of study and admiration decades after its release.