Here’s another entry in that Greatest Albums Ever sweepstakes, and this one might just be the easy winner. Paul Simon’s Graceland was a revelation when it was released in 1986 and it remains a revelation today. Blending African rhythms with his city-boy pop aesthetic, Simon crafted a masterpiece that artists are still drawing inspiration from 25 years later (see: Vampire Weekend).
This is an album that never gets old. Even ‘You Can Call Me Al,’ which got more than its share of airplay on radio and MTV, still sounds fresh today. It’s that potent combination of the infectious rhythm tracks and Simon’s brilliant lyrics… you can always find something new in these songs.
Every track on Graceland is a favorite of mine… it would be tough to single one out. But as this is the ‘Song’ of the Day, and not ‘Songs,’ I’ve been forced to pick just one. I went with ‘Under African Skies’ because its transcendent beauty nearly lifts me out of my chair. I think a lot of that has to do with the gorgeous backing vocals courtesy of Linda Ronstadt. It’s funny how much of an impact strong backing vocals can make on a song, and this one is among the finest examples.
The pale yellow moon shone in his eyes
His path was marked by the stars in the Southern Hemisphere
And he walked his days under African skies
This is the story of how we begin to remember
This is the powerful pulsing of love in the vein
After the dream of falling and calling your name out
These are the roots of rhythm and the roots of rhythm remain
In early memory, mission music
Was ringing ’round my nursery door
I said take this child, Lord, from Tucson Arizona
Give her the wings to fly through harmony
And she won’t bother you no more
This is the story of how we begin to remember
This is the powerful pulsing of love in the vein
After the dream of falling and calling your name out
These are the roots of rhythm and the roots of rhythm remain
Joseph’s face was black as night
And the pale yellow moon shone in his eyes
His path was marked by the stars in the Southern Hemisphere
And he walked the length of his days under African skies
Meet Me In Montauk 
This remains one of my favorite albums of all time. I never tire of listening to it and still remember how we laughed at the “call me Al” MTV video all those years ago.
Not sure what it says that when I was reading these lyrics after midnight last night, I could only think of Barack Obama. Perhaps it says that the optimism and hope in the lyrics and music remind me of the campaign of our next President. Perhaps it says that Obama’s Kenyan roots intrigue me, and so I’m equally intrigued by the notion of what his days would have been like had he spent his days “under African skies” rather than growing up in the United States. Most likely it says that it’s time for us to vote and get on with our lives because this election is permeating every corner of our lives 🙂
Regardless, as I listen to the song the next morning, I understand why Clay singles it out as one of the most exceptional songs on an album full of truly exceptional songs. There is something, yes, transcenendent about the quality of the music and the way the voices of Simon and Ronstadt sing the lyrics as though they are a sort of prayer. The whole thing strikes me an intensely hopeful. And that is probably why, more than any other reason, I thought of Obama while reflecting on this song.
Beautifully stated Amy.
I have little to add to the comments above. The album is flat out fabulous. Definitely one of the best releases by any artist ever. And this song is a standout in an album of standouts.
Thanks for the wonderful comments.
Thanks for 101 (and counting) wonderful songs and commentaries. Can’t wait to see the selection for Nov. 5. 🙂