Paul Simon: Graceland (Warner Bros.)

IN HIS TYPICALLY understated way, Paul Simon has been an ardent musical explorer since he went solo in 1972. His songs have incorporated almost every style of American music, including doo-wop, gospel, blues and jazz, as well as reggae, minimalism, salsa and South American folk. But because he's never based an entire album on any one of these, Simon is probably best known for pop hits like '50 Ways to Leave Your Lover'. On Graceland, his first album in three years, Simon completes his decade-long drift away from the pop mainstream with a topical dive into South African music, politics and controversy.