10 Albums That Turned Out Nothing Like You Expected

Released when former Garfunkel collaborator/ moody folk icon Paul Simon was in a deep dark funk, the iconic album Graceland is probably the biggest sonic departure from form on this list.

Simon's long career before this 1986 hit had been defined by often playful, occasionally sombre lyrics backed by sparse folk instrumentals. Whether it was solo or with frequent partner Art Garfunkel, Simon's output was a low-key and stripped down affair with simple arrangements usually driven by guitar and piano.

Graceland, in contrast, brought entirely unexpected African music influence into his previously folk oriented sound. The exuberant and vibrant record won over countless new fans, although Simon was deservedly criticised for working in South Africa during the country's period of apartheid.

Nonetheless the seventh solo album from the singer was a revitalising smash success, one which took the pain and uncertainty of his twin break ups with collaborator Garfunkel and ex-girlfriend Carrie Fisher and married them with the busy instrumentation of South African township music to revolutionise pop rock.