In 1985, Paul Simon embarked on a musical journey to South Africa, investing hundreds of thousands of his own dollars to collaborate with local musicians. This endeavor led to the creation of "Graceland," an album that would become his most successful and critically lauded work. The project began when Simon became captivated by a bootlegged cassette of South African music, inspiring him to seek out the artists behind the sound.
At the time, Simon was experiencing a quiet period in his career, with his previous album not meeting sales expectations. His decision to travel to South Africa and record with musicians there placed him at odds with a United Nations-backed cultural boycott aimed at protesting the country's apartheid regime. The boycott was supported by the African National Congress and opposed the racist South African government.
Despite these challenges, Simon spent two weeks working with the musicians, contributing, as the notes suggest, in a small way to political change. The sessions yielded an album that would go on to win a Grammy for Album of the Year, sell ten million copies, and receive extensive radio play globally.
Artistic and Logistical Considerations
The creation of "Graceland" involved not only artistic ambition but also practical considerations unique to the era and location. While Simon, accustomed to working until a project was complete, found himself navigating the schedules of musicians who faced curfews and transportation restrictions in Johannesburg. They worried about getting home after dark due to limited public transport and segregation laws, necessitating arrangements for their safe return after recording sessions.
Bass player Kumalo expressed his gratitude for the work, noting, "Working with Paul Simon helped me take care of my mother." All South African musicians involved were reportedly paid three times the standard rate.
Lyrical Depth and Musical Adventure
Beyond the production and political context, "Graceland" is noted for Paul Simon's distinctive lyrical style. His songwriting, evident since his early work with Simon & Garfunkel, is characterized by wordplay and metaphorical depth, as seen in lyrics like "Hello darkness, my old friend" from "The Sound of Silence." His writing often captures universal moments and employs rich references, moving beyond simple narratives.
The album's title track, "Graceland," is described as both a geographical reference to Simon's drive toward Memphis and a reflection on his son. The album's musical construction also drew inspiration from earlier influences, such as Elvis Presley's "Mystery Train."
Music historian Ashley Kahn's account of "Graceland" explores the intricate elements that contributed to the album's success. The book details the process of songwriting and rewriting, highlighting Simon's dedication to his craft. The ability to create such a distinctive album in a musical style he had only recently discovered is seen as a testament to his brilliance and adventurous spirit.