Hearts And Bones

This is a pop record which feels primarily soothing. I'm with Christgau: It never quite takes off. The string arrangements suggest it could have, too (at least for me). The writing seems solid overall with a hint of cuteness at points.

Farts & moans

Paul Simon is amazing. At least half the songs started out a little odd to me and by the end I was fully into it. He also seems to understand how sounds layer really well and he was willing to use different methods to make the exact right sound. A song writing genius, as ever.

Pretty unremarkable, especially considering Graceland exists. Cars are Cars is probably one of the dorkiest songs to ever be made

A fun album, lots of interesting tunes and sounds. Doesn't take itself to seriously, a good listen that I have no disagreements with. Grooves and can get down too, easy listening, easy dancing. Paul Simon is a music man. True feeling: 3.8/5

I felt like this album was really catchy and all round good vibes albeit inconsistent, however that “Cars Are Cars” song made me so frustrated and angry. what the fuck

I love Paul Simon, but I have not gotten to my heavy listening period with him yet. Probably will come in my 30s.

This Paul Simon cover looks like a screenshot of a camera that caught him stealing in a convenience store. Maybe he was trying to steal a good song idea? And it obviously didn't work.

In which one half of the duo that gave us The Boxer and The Only Living Boy in New York released a lead single about allergies, and it wasn't even the worst song on the album. Did you know that cars are cars all over the world? An awful album only partially redeemed by an introspective reflection on the assassination of John Lennon. Best track: The Late Great Johnny Ace

I hate this song Allergies, I think it's ridiculous. The 80s synth instrumentation kills me. I'm reminded of what I don't like about Paul Simon, the lyrics that go nowhere (in my opinion) except to a rhyme or pun. I don't feel a deep meaning, despite the songs hinting to it. No, Paul, in this case, you did not think too much.

Kinda boring, isn't it?

I haven’t listened to much Paul Simon in a long time, and was surprised there was an album from 1983 that I had never heard of nor could recall any songs from. I started off a little skeptical about a song called “Allergies” kicking things off, but I quite liked it. Nice guitar solo in the middle and I like the music and lyrics. This song was the most obviously from the 80s on this album. The 80’s elements made me like it more, overlaid as they were on what was unmistakably a Paul Simon song. Also as an allergy-sufferer I appreciated the odd subject matter. Settled in to “Hearts and Bones”, a really nice song, and knew I would be in Paul Simon’s capable hands for the rest of the listen. As the album progressed I found myself pretty much loving every song. Paul Simon has more unconventional subjects (“When Numbers Get Serious” is great, despite some questionable multiplication), all accompanied by interesting arrangements. There are two “Think Too Much” songs. Both are fantastic (although I give the edge to (A) as my favorite, but glad both are there). “Song About the Moon” is one of my favorite songs on the album. “Train in the Distance” seemed vaguely familiar to me, so I may have run across this at some point in the past. “Rene and Georgette Magritte After the War” is beautiful, Paul Simon is a wizard of taking a lyric like that and making it flow so naturally in the song. “Cars are Cars” was the first song that as it started I thought might be a miss for me… but by the end I had warmed up to it. Love the juxtaposition of styles between the chorus and the verses. “The Late Great Johnny Ace” has an unusual ending provided by none other than Philip Glass that I found was a nice ending to the album. I’m glad this album was on this list as I doubt I would ever have encountered this anywhere else. Great album I will listen to again and again!

My favourite Paul Simon album, which says something given the company it has.

ALLERGIES!

No. 220/1001 Allergies 3/5 Hearts and Bones 4/5 When Numbers Get Serious 3/5 Think Too Much 3/5 Song About The Moon 3/5 Think Too Much 3/5 Train in the Distance 3/5 René and Georgette 3/5 Cars Are Cars 3/5 The Late Great Johnny Ace 3/5 Average: 3,1 Good album, but nothing to hate or love on here.

Pretty average

Middle of the road. Especially for Paul Simon. He made way better albums and songs

I prefer Graceland to this. Ok I guess but probably won’t listen again

This is the third Paul Simon album I've been served in the span of two and a half months. Please make it stop. I'm really starting to resent the people who catapulted this man to such fame that he is considered so essential. He is about as fundamental to musical experience as the Barenaked Ladies.

It starts with a weird \"is this Paul Simon trying to be an 80's pop star\" vibe and never quite loses it. Hearts and Bones is most enjoyable and Cars are Cars is the most silly. Gone at Last is a Simon-esque collab with a gospel groove. Overall, kind of a yawner and completely benign.

Very flaccid music. He sings about odd subjects and stories. Cars, trains, the brain, random thoughts he’s having I guess? Are we sure he isn’t a School House Rock singer? “Cars are Cars” could have easily been a hit. Unfortunately, that was the only song I liked. You can’t take this guy seriously, that’s the trick. I was happy when the album was over. 4/10

This is just bland and a bit twee at times. Disappointing

Oh. I guess Graceland isn't the only Paul Simon solo album I hope to never hear again. ZERO stars.

holy shit stop already

Cars are Cars is one of the most painfully stupid songs I’ve ever heard in my life.

Am I the only one who finds Paul Simon insufferable? "Hearts and Bones"? Nope, "Farts and Drones."

This album has the stupidest lyrics I’ve ever heard. “Allergies” and “Cars are Cars” too the list.

Painful

Opens with a song about having a rash, bold move. Loads of that huge 80s whoompy bass sound, possibly the whoompiest. The next song is more familiar: gentle acoustic guitar with a pitter-patter bongo percussion part and jazzy electric piano chords for a dash of schmaltz - his soft light vocals floating warmly over the mix. The rest of the songs settle somewhere between these 80s disco inflected synth pop and 70s folk singer sounds. It's all smooth and tasteful and pretty dull in a distinctly upper middle class upper middle brow way. Impossible to listen to this without picturing an arena full of Larry Davids vibing out to the musical equivalent of hotel art.

I’m not a Paul Simon fan

Paul Simon is singlehandedly responsible for some of the worst music of the 80s. Dude should have quit after accidentally knocking it out of the park with Sound of Silence. A boring dreadful listen that manages to straddle world music, cheesy 80s production and inexecrable singer-songwriter

Every story I've heard about Paul Simon breaking anti-Apartheid travel restrictions and going to South Africa involve tales of him being bored and disillusioned with his own music, and as this appears to be the album he released before traveling to meet decent musicians - I can fully empathise. This album is technically a very competent recording, but blimey o'reilly it is ditchwater dull. Who could fail to be inspired by "Song about the moon"? Let's not mention the staggering obviousness of "Cars are cars". Are they really, Paul? It takes some real lyrical genius to spot that. Simon is a great musician, but there is little that exemplifies writer's block and moribund, contract-fulfilling journeymanning more than this tepid, desperately dull album.

Blown away. Every song was incredible and the production was weird as fuck but I liked it. Ending of last song was beautiful

One of the best songwriters of all time. If I hadnt mentioned.

Favorite Paul Simon album.

I just apparently really like Paul Simon. His music feel familiar yet unique. Even the songs with goofy lyrics are instrumentally still very very good.

Loved all of it!

As I mentioned before, I really appreciate albums that manage to be relaxing while not being dull. Paul Simon's tracks had interesting tricks to make sure each of them stood out in some way. Giving it the full rating as I gave it multiple listens across the day.

Favorite album so far. Really good and can see myself returning to the artist. Top marks.

Very nice!

Obviously, Simon is a genius songwriter, but why do all of the songs sound so sad? Even when the lyrics are funny and the melody a bit silly, they are melancholy at the same time. It's the '80s; music is supposed to be upbeat or at least more intense. I like this album, but I'll probably never listen to most of it again.

Been listening to this one all day. I really like almost every song. I’m feeling like a 4.5+ I really like Paul Simon.

I have developed such a soft spot for Paul Simon. This is sweet. Laid back, but also psychoanalytical, and it reminds me a little teeny bit of Daniel Lopatin's work. Cars are Cars is utter dogshit though.

gostei bastante, não conhecia.

Really good production, need to hear it again to see how replayable it is

I’ll be honest and tell you that my eyes rolled a little bit when I saw this album pop up and figured it was just the result of some Paul Simon fanboys on the editorial team for the book. After all, I consider myself a Paul Simon fan (though I stop short of being a fanboy) and I’d never even heard of it! It turns out I just don’t explore enough because this does in fact kick ass and even though it seems unfair for Paul Simon to have at least three albums on here (because surely Graceland at least is still coming up, right?), I agree you should listen to it before you die. The only thing that sucks about it is that it sounds like Paul was a dick to Art during the making of it and that the experience broke the Garfunkelian camel’s back, leaving all of us without the opportunity to hear what the two of them could have gone on to do together.

A hidden gem! I knew albums before and after but hadn’t heard this one…only a couple songs from it. Great album!

Wow I really really liked this album. I knew I was a fan of Simon and Garfunkel but I don’t think I’ve ever listened to Simon on his own and I loved it. It sounded similar to his duo work and there wasn’t a part i didn’t like.

Probably my favourite PS album.

Think too much (a) is amazing. Cars are cars - good as well. 5. Excellent album.

You'll never see me give a Paul Simon album not a 5. That being said, this one is lower on the list of 5s for me, even though Hearts and Bones is one of his best songs. Enjoyed the acoustic versions at the end of the deluxe re-release, especially the Everybody Love the Sounds Of A Train In the Distance.

Always great!!

Man, Paul Simon, huh? Pretty great, this guy. Should have given Graceland a 5, but I didn't so I'll make up for that. Happily. Even with the Sesame Street skit. Music to feel good to.

Excellent album, a bit uneven, with some classic Simon songs.

Lovely album

my favorite paul simon album and one if my favorite albums all time. The Lat Great Johnny Ace, Renee and Georgie Magritte, Hearts and Bones, Train in the Distance- some songs may not match up but i love the whole album

Really enjoyed this! I have always enjoyed his music...so calming and soothing.

I think Paul Simon is finally growing on me I really liked this one, except for the one about cars that was annoying asf

One of the best!

i grew up listening to him!

Love me some Paul Simon, fantastic lyricist and musician.

Excellent - did not recognize it when it came out. Only the later ones.

All of Paul Simon's music makes me feel good. Really enjoyed this.

Easiest 5 stars yet. Paul Simon is a genius and it’s an honour to get to listen to his work.

Great lyricism and calming music.

Hit a diamond in the rough with this one. Fantastic album front to back.

People should be beating off to Paul Simon the way they do to Bob Dylan. What a talent. Really pleasant album and better than Dylan in so many more ways. 8/10.

Considered a commercial flop, but as true fans of Simon know, this is among his best work. Personal and from the heart, exploring feelings we all have. Some great songs on here and his vocals are perfect. This album makes me feel something his biggest releases don’t even.

4.5

Standout Tracks: Allergies, Hearts And Bones, Think Too Much (a), René and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog after the War

Good stuff

So, this was a surprise. If you'd asked me about Paul Simon albums, I could have told you there was "the one from 1975" with all the good songs and then "Graceland" in 1986, which I owned, and listened to over and over and over back in the day. You then might have pointed out, "Late in the Evening" came from a 1980 album, and I'd say, "Oh yeah, I love that song, too." So for our first Paul Simon album to be this one from 1983, it was a surprise. But again, such a joyful surprise! There's not a song I didn't love. I love the sound of all these songs. I love the lyrics. "Allergies" is such a fun song! "René and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After the War" is so lovely lovely lovely! The rest of the songs are all very fun ("Cars are Cars"), or painfully lovely, or both. "The smartest people in the world/Had gathered in Los Angeles/To analyze our love affair/And possibly unscramble us." !!! "Hearts and Bones" says SO much with just the lyric "the arc of a love affair." Man. Love this one. Love Paul Simon. Glad for this one.

Yep!

This album is not without some 80s cheese and some of the songs seem rather pedestrian in their themes (Allergies? Cars Are Cars? Write what you know, I guess). But Paul Simon is a poet and a prophet who can write a good melody and some great lyrics. (I also forget sometimes how freaking funny he can be.) I understand why I missed this album in 1983 --- it was a little grown-up for my 15-year-old tastes. But this sure appeals to me now. The title track, Song About the Moon, Think Too Much, and Rene and Georgette Magritte... are all really nice pieces of music. Train in the Distance and The Late Great Johnny Ace gave me chills.

Im giving it a 5 because I got it at a very fitting time,

I can't believe I haven't heard of any of these songs prior to this! Paul Simon is a genius.

Fantastic album full of Simon's trademark humor and creativity!

It's really good, I love rock and pop, this album actually combines them really good, nice

Loved this album.

One of my faves

Just such a naturally appealing voice.

Once you realize most of these songs are about the breakdown of Simon’s marriage to Carrie Fisher, it adds a new layer of weariness and heartbreak. The John Lennon tribute is a nice closer.

Tiedän, mitä odottaa Paul Simonilta, mutta silti aina yllättää, kuinka Paul Simon Paul Simon on. Mitä nää sanoitukset on? Ja aina pehmeet kitarat päälle. Tykkään tästä, ei-ironisesti täydellä sydämellä.

Very underrated album.

Sorti en 1983, "Hearts and Bones" de Paul Simon est, bien qu'il soit un échec commercial, l'un des albums les plus personnels et ambitieux. Musicalement, l'album mélange les diverses influences de l'artiste, jazz fusion, doo-wop et rock & roll tout en incorporant des sons contemporains grâce à ses collaborations avec le producteur de musique de danse Nile Rodgers et le compositeur minimaliste Philip Glass. L'album le plus sous-estimé de Paul Simon, offre une exploration unique de la croissance personnelle et de l'expérimentation musicale de l'artiste. Un beau 4/5 pour un chef d'oeuvre sous-estimé.

chicken soup for the soul

So awesome, and I had never even seen this cover before! Love mr. Simon duh.

I'm not apologizing, I love Paul Simon. 4/5

Paul Simon goes contemporary on Hearts and Bones with all the "80s Steely Dan feat. Steve Gadd"-infused soft rock that entails. It's really not a suitable sound for him, and it desperately yearns for the African impressions that would drench the follow up, Graceland. That being said, Simon still stays true to his roots and at the core of every song is a strong sense of melody. The constant juxtaposition of sense and sensibility is intriguing - most notably on 'When Numbers Get Serious' and the beautiful 'Song About the Moon'. 'The Late Great Johnny Ace' is also a perfect closer. PS: did not expect the Nile Rodgers jump scare on 'Think Too Much (a)'

It sounds like every other Paul Simon album. Which means excellent but he sets a high bar.

Нежнятина

Enjoyable and upbeat, but with a very calming and reserved vibe throughout. Do wish there was some more variety throughout but still not bad.

listened to again great album

Wonderful album. Paul Simon is a gifted songwriter. The melodies on this album are so warm and comforting. But there are also little complications in the music that keep it interesting. And for every line that’s heartfelt and direct there’s another one that makes you think a bit. The exact meaning isn’t always obvious. Here are two lines I like from “Train in the Distance” that are simply written but also make me think: “Everybody loves the sound of a train in the distance. Everybody thinks it’s true” “Negotiations and love songs are often mistaken for one and the same”

This record could have literally anything for lyrics or compositions and I would still really enjoy it and listen so intently- because the production is AMAZING. When "Allergies" breaks at 0:36, that is a really special sound. I'm blasting this in my studio at 8:23 in the morning on a Friday. There is a silly and kind of nerdy sound to his music that I always find myself having to embrace and play into a bit; if I don't then I think it's an easy part of his sound for me to dislike and let it discolor the rest. It's this whole image of him in his "You Can Call Me Al" video as he's this guy who is dancing around while mimicing playing a tin whistle and saxophone. It stops me in my tracks when I hear this sound in his music because it brings me to that visual and I find it kind of silly, when I don't think he intends his music to come across as that silly. I don't know why I'm brought there so often but I am and it's interesting. I'm finishing my review at around 7:30am on a Monday, and I appreciate how the sound got a little more chill after track 1. The next few generally take it a little bit easier. Cool album cover. Looks like a screenshot from an old VHS.

Good. His voice is one of my favorites. I didn’t know any songs on this album, but that doesn’t make it any less good.

Great song writer

I didn't expect to love this as much as I did. There's some beautiful songs in here. I can't wait to listen to this album even more. Cars are Cars is definitely the weakest track.

-according to rateyourmusic this is not really even a fan favorite Paul Simon album. Interestingly enough I thought it was super good. I love the variety in style and influences between the tracks, it never really got boring for me -Favorites are Allergies, Think Too Much (b) and Song About the Moon

Very typical Paul Simon sound, but no real standout song to note.