Album of the Week Spotlight

Graceland- Paul Simon! 

Album of the Week Spotlight

Graceland – Paul Simon

While U2 dominated the top spot, Graceland remained the most remarkable story on the chart.

Released on August 25, 1986, Graceland entered the Billboard 200 at #28 and climbed steadily through the fall. It peaked at #3 earlier in 1987 and, by May 9, still held strong at #5—nine months after release.

The album marked a dramatic creative revival for Paul Simon. Following the commercial disappointment of One-Trick Pony, Simon traveled to South Africa to collaborate with local musicians, blending township jive rhythms with American songwriting. The result sounded unlike anything else on radio.

The album faced immediate controversy due to the UN cultural boycott of apartheid-era South Africa. Simon argued that he paid musicians fairly and gave them international exposure. The debate followed the album throughout 1986 and 1987, but the music itself proved undeniable.

Graceland won the 1987 Grammy Award for Album of the Year and introduced millions of listeners to South African musical traditions. It became one of the most influential albums of the decade.

Notable Tracks:

• You Can Call Me Al

• The Boy in the Bubble

A Great Album Storage Unit- Protect Your Records From Warping

A SNAPSHOT IN TIME – WEEK OF MAY 9, 1987

Politics & World Events
The Iran-Contra hearings began on Capitol Hill, televised nationally as Americans watched the Reagan administration questioned over secret arms deals. Gary Hart withdrew from the Democratic presidential race, permanently changing how media covered candidates’ personal lives.

Health & Science
The FDA approved AZT, the first drug treatment for AIDS, offering cautious hope during a devastating crisis.

Sports & Culture
Wayne Gretzky led the Edmonton Oilers into the Stanley Cup Finals. The Grateful Dead scored an unexpected MTV hit with Touch of Grey, reaching a younger audience more than two decades into their career.

Arts & Media
Andy Warhol’s estate auction generated over $20 million, confirming his lasting influence just weeks after his death.

As the country processed political upheaval and cultural change, these albums dominated American living rooms and car stereos.

FROM THE RECORD STORE FLOOR

In 1987, I was managing a Camelot Music store at Park City Mall, and Graceland quickly became one of the most reliable long-term sellers I’d seen.

The album didn’t explode immediately. It took several months before sales surged, largely due to the heavy MTV rotation of the You Can Call Me Al video featuring Chevy Chase. Once customers saw the video, they came in asking for “that song with the funny video,” then left with the full album.

We kept deep inventory on compact disc and cassette. Displays weren’t necessary. The album sold through word of mouth and repeat discovery. Even nine months after release, customers continued finding it and recommending it to others.

Few albums showed that kind of endurance. Graceland didn’t burn bright and fade—it stayed.

Straight From the Music Store Days

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the #1 album on May 9, 1987?
The #1 album was The Joshua Tree by U2.

Why did Graceland stay on the charts so long?
The album appealed to multiple audiences—older Simon fans, MTV viewers, world music listeners, and critics—creating steady long-term sales rather than a short spike.

How did MTV affect album sales in 1987?
A single video could revive an album months after release. The You Can Call Me Al video dramatically increased Graceland sales well into 1987.

Why was hip-hop’s presence in the Top Ten significant?
The Beastie Boys’ success proved rap could compete commercially with rock and pop, permanently changing the music industry.