Paul Simon's Graceland: A Masterpiece of World Music
Paul Simon's Graceland is one of the most acclaimed albums of all time, winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1987 and selling over 16 million copies worldwide. The album is a fusion of Simon's folk-rock sensibilities with the diverse musical styles of South Africa, including mbaqanga, isicathamiya, and township jive. Simon collaborated with various South African musicians, such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ray Phiri, Bakithi Kumalo, and Hugh Masekela, creating a rich and vibrant sound that transcended cultural and political boundaries.
Paul Simon's Graceland: A Masterpiece of World Music
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The album was inspired by Simon's discovery of a bootleg cassette tape of South African music in 1984. He was fascinated by the rhythms and melodies, and decided to travel to Johannesburg to record with local artists. He also invited some American musicians, such as Linda Ronstadt, The Everly Brothers, and Los Lobos, to join him on some tracks. The result was a groundbreaking album that showcased Simon's lyrical genius and musical versatility, as well as the talents and voices of his South African collaborators.
The album's title track, Graceland, is a personal and spiritual journey that reflects Simon's divorce from his second wife, Carrie Fisher. He sings about traveling to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, with his nine-year-old son, looking for some kind of redemption. The song features a catchy chorus sung by The Everly Brothers, and a distinctive bass line by Bakithi Kumalo. The song was a hit single, reaching number 81 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Another popular song from the album is You Can Call Me Al, a humorous and upbeat tune that features a memorable video with Simon and comedian Chevy Chase. The song is about a midlife crisis, with Simon playing the role of a naive and bewildered tourist in a foreign land. The song features a catchy horn section by The Gaza Sisters and Morris Goldberg, and a brilliant bass solo by Bakithi Kumalo. The song was a top ten hit in several countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the UK.
The album also includes some beautiful songs that showcase the harmony vocals of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, such as Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes and Homeless. The former is a love song about a rich girl who loves a poor boy, while the latter is a haunting lament about the plight of the homeless people in South Africa. Both songs feature Zulu lyrics written by Joseph Shabalala, the leader of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Graceland is an album that celebrates the power and diversity of music, as well as the human spirit. It is an album that bridges cultural gaps and challenges stereotypes. It is an album that has influenced countless artists and listeners around the world. It is an album that deserves to be heard in its full glory.
If you want to download Paul Simon's Graceland full album zip file for free, you can find it on various websites online[^1^] [^2^] [^4^]. However, we recommend that you support the artist and buy the album from official sources[^3^], such as iTunes or Amazon. You can also stream the album on Spotify or YouTube Music. Enjoy! 04f6b60f66