Review of Paul Simon: Under African Skies (2012) by Charles R — 19 Jun 2013

Undeniably, Paul Simon's 'Graceland' is one of the most widely accepted albums of the 20th century, not only because of its powerful funk rhythms, vocals, and cutting-edge production - it was also the legacy of apartheid and the 'political storm' that threatened to tear it down that brought the warmth and emotion of the people 'behind the music' streaming forth from the album.

Under African Skies channels that story through international 'pop' critics and fans, documenting the unease that Graceland inhabited at the beginning, capturing that perfect mix where all the tensions from the people in the studio rise to a perfect boiling point and the human spirit 'bubbles' over with an unbridled enthusiasm to invoke individualism and freedom instead of rage and resentful attitudes.

While the sacrifices Paul Simon's South African counterparts have to endure once they fully commit to the project isn't as detailed as I would have liked, the musicians still speak with a generous tone and a heart full of stories that are stolidly vivid and relevant in their minds, bodies, and especially, their souls.

Harry Belafonte, Quincy Jones, and a whole arsenal of the best South African musicians you'd never know lend their commentary and paint the reality, controversy, and metaphysical HAPPINESS they carried with them while recording and touring on this off-the-charts album experience.

Highly Recommended.