Paul Simon – Graceland

Released in 1986, Graceland marked a turning point in Paul Simon’s career and in popular music.

Inspired by South African sounds, Simon travelled to Johannesburg to record with local musicians during apartheid. The album blends pop, rock, and traditional African music into a unique sound. Tracks like "You Can Call Me Al" and "Graceland" became classics. Though criticised for ignoring the cultural boycott of South Africa, the album brought attention to artists like Ladysmith Black Mambazo and showed how music can bridge cultures.