Graceland [ECD] - Paul Simon > Reviews > A True Classic

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	A Truly Classic album, available at
Disadvantages:	It costs a lot to get to south africa .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Unfortunately, everybody has beaten me to the book of superlatives on this one! What can you say, I once read that 1 in every 6 homes in the UK own a copy of this album and I can quite believe it.

Paul Simon's 'Hearts and Bones' album begin to explore rhythms different to anything he'd used before, tracks such as '50 ways to leave your lover' paving the way for the Graceland. It must not be forgotten that, artist such as Mike Oldfield for example, had visited South Africa and experimented with their rhythms on 'Ommadawn' (1975), but it was undoubtedly Paul Simon who brought this music to a mass-market appeal.

The fusing together of Simon's slick New York production and the angelic chorus's of the Ladysmith Black Mambazo choir, coupled with the ever solid rhythms of Steve Gadd on the drummers stool go far to make this one of the greatest albums of the 80’s. From those famous opening accordion strains of “the Boy in the Bubble” to “Under African Skies”, a beautiful duet with Simon’s voice perfectly complimented by Linda Ronstadt’s haunting vocals, and on to “All Around The World” Or “The Myth Of Fingerprints” the album is one of wonderful upbeat tone providing a small journey from the grey and rainy world of England to a street carnival in the heart of Africa. One of the forgotten tracks of the album, but this reviewer’s favourite is “Crazy Love Vol. 2”, a seemingly simple ballad augmented by some of the most understated guitar playing on the entire album.

If this album is not yet in your collection then I cannot recommend it highly enough, there is something for everyone on the album.