Paul Simon

Graceland - 25th Anniversary Edition ****

In 1984, a friend of Paul Simon’s gave him a cassette of an album called Gumboots: Accordion Jive Hits, Volume 2. The tape’s joyful, technically simple music inspired Simon – then experiencing something of a fallow period – to travel to Johannesburg to seek out some of Gumboots’ musicians and collaborate with them. What transpired was a genre-hopping record that Simon, initially at least, received major flak for.

Yet 25 years later, Graceland offers more treasures than concerns. At its base is a synthesis of Western pop, some of Simon's most scintillating tunes and smartest lyrics, and township jive, mbaqanga and kwela styles. A few moments are breathtaking – perhaps the finest is the vocal harmony work of Ladysmith Black Mambazo on Homeless. Simon's Irish live dates in July? They can't arrive quickly enough. paulsimon.com

Download tracks: Graceland, Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes, Homeless