Significant longplayers from yesteryear
25 August 2026
Legendary singer-songwriter PAUL SIMON, who turns 85 next October, released
his 7th album, named GRACELAND, on 25 August 1986, today 40 years ago.
Organizations such as Artists United Against Apartheid criticized Simon for breaking
the cultural boycott on South Africa imposed for its policy of apartheid, while others
accused him of appropriating the music of another culture.
Simon responded that Graceland was a political statement that showcased collaboration between black and white people and raised international awareness of apartheid. Some praised him for helping popularize African music in the West.
The album became Simon‘s most successful album and his highest-charting album
in over a decade, with estimated sales of more than 16 million copies worldwide.
Rolling Stone said: “An album about isolation and redemption that
transcended ‘world music’ to become the whole world’s soundtrack.”
SINGLES
ALBUM