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.

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

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.

Kinda boring, isn't it?

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.

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

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!

ALLERGIES!

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

holy shit stop already

Painful

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

I’m not a Paul Simon fan

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Loved this album.

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

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

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.

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

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.

Just such a naturally appealing voice.

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

Loved all of it!

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

Favorite Paul Simon album.

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.

Very nice!

gostei bastante, não conhecia.

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

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

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.

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.

4.5

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.

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.

Probably my favourite PS album.

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.

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.

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

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

Good stuff

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

One of the best!

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

i grew up listening to him!

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

Lovely album

Love me some Paul Simon, fantastic lyricist and musician.

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.

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

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.

Yep!

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.

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

Great lyricism and calming music.

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.

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

One of my faves

Pretty enjoyable

Again great music by Paul Simon but here it was just missing that additional touch of memorable or stand out songs and thus fails to score 5 stars

Thought I’d hate it but it was actually great

I love the feeling of this album and how it's so soft. Both versions of Maybe I think too much are great but I think I prefer (b). (a) sounds like vulfpeck. Love his voice too, but I think allergies is a bit much for this album.

Сначала было ощущение, что будет какой-то ненавязчивый джаз. Но всё быстро ушло в сторону бардовской песни. Очень приятные композиции, легко слушаются, прекрасные тексты. Интересный ход с двумя частями Think Too Much: непонятно только, почему часть B идёт раньше части А. Скорее всего, когда я почитаю Википедию или погуглю — станет понятно. В любом случае, можно услышать две интерпретации одной и той же музыкальной темы — круто! Не было какого-то прям вау-эффекта, но это точно лучше среднего.

It was a good day for some Paul Simon.

миленько в целом

A good album with lots of interesting tunes and songs. Paul Simon's voice is so appealing, it is very pleasant to listen to. This album is easy listening but still interesting and more complex musically. It was a good listen overall.

Great songwriter. Unique storyteller lyrics and melodies that are unexpected. Hearts and Bones, Rene and Georgette, and the Late Great Johnny Ace are standouts. I love mellow Paul Simon arrangements.

It was all right, but didn't blow me away

Nice album even though regarded as a failed one. Simon features an all star cast of musicians here and they gel great within the songs! 8,5 out of 10

When I first dove into Paul Simon’s catalog a few years ago, this was one of my least favorite of his solo albums. I still think it’s pretty uneven, but the title track is one of his best songs, and “Train In The Distance,” and “Renee and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After The War” are really great too.

Riktigt soft!

Paul Simon fucking rocks. We've got nice, folky guitar riffs followed by some funky bass and a legendary voice. Not as good as Graceland, but these are all really good songs. I think if everyone listened to Paul Simon, we would eliminate world anger.

Enjoyed this way more than I expected. Lots of weird and wonderful moments

Paul Simon goated! It was slow but really good. Songs were kinda random but they were fun

Saving the 5 for Graceland

I love me some Paul Simon. Found some new songs to add to my playlist.

Really enjoyed this album. Really beautiful songs

Did you know cars are cars? Thanks to this album, I now realize this. The album is consistently good all the way through. I enjoyed the storytelling with some unique melodies and pleasant vocals.

Ingen store ups eller downs