Reviews (page 3 of 8)
6.0/10 Didn't hate it... but there were some weird tunes here
Didn't really know what I would get from Paul Simons first album, but I was not mad at it. It was pleasant soft rock/pop. Kind of comfortable with it in any scenario.
Pleasant enough, but hardly Paul Simon at his best.
Lyricism wasn’t great but vocals were nice and instrument variety and overall vibe were pretty solid
good
This is probably my absolute favorite Paul Simon album. So catchy, I love the sound and the incredibly well written lyrics
Surprisingly dull, and what on earth was that song about cars?
This one took patience. The complexity isn’t on the surface, but it’s there in the phrasing and harmonic movement. It feels like a carefully arranged piece where every small detail matters. It doesn’t hit with intensity, but it rewards focus in a way I appreciate.
Awful, dreadful rubbish. I've had mixed experiences so far but this is the first album I strongly believe shouldn't be on this list. It's so terrible, it shouldn't have been made.
To je pre mňa len zbytočná výplň medzi Simon & Garfunkel a Graceland.
I doubt even Paul simon would claim this is essential listening 2*
It good, listened while driving
Yep, decent, felt it was as good as Graceland to be honest.
Muy chill para una tarde de domingo lluviosa. No sé si me dejó algo. A lo mejor le daré una escuchada más.
Mr. Simon has really become one of my favorite songwriters in the last couple of years as I become more and more attached to the work of S&G as well as his self-titled record. It's honestly refreshing to see another of his records, outside of the 1972 s/t and Graceland, get some attention, although I hadn't heard anything off this album up to today. Well, I heard the Central Park live version of "Late Great Johnny Ace", but that's it. The softer sophisti-pop angle this takes on some tracks really speaks to my current musical fixation, and I think this is a pretty interesting direction for Simon to take right before he'd plunge pretty deeply into world music; sort of an Eno-in-1981 thing, minus the genre-defining experimentation that came before it. A really nice record. The title track and "Rene and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After The War" are among his best.
i just dont like paul simon
Load of nonsense and rubbish
254/1001 Paul Simon - Hearts and Bones Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ❓ A perfectly fine album that breezed by in the background. Some interesting arrangements, but considering some of the albums he's been a part of, I'd pick them over this.
The poor man’s Peter Gabriel. Cliche at this point, but “Cars Are Cars” is possibly the worst written song made by a mainstream artist in the entire 20th century.
The guitar work on here is fabulous and Simon's vocals are as always impeccable. I am a big fan, but this disc lacks the spectacular originality of of his best work.
If nothing else this list has grown my appreciation for this man’s music. So much ambition that can take odd ideas and fully flesh them out
Nah
As you would expect from a Paul Simon album: well-written and pleasant. But it also clearly lacks the brilliance more apparent in his better works.
It’s not bad music by any means, just for me it wasn’t memorable at all.
Solid ig
A nice listen, I really liked some of the references made like to the Magrittes, several doo-wop greats, and Johnny Ace (definitely an underrated "what if" among young musician deaths).
Not a fan, it could have been a great folk album, but it's another mediocre 80's album.
Some lovely moments, especially the folkier stuff.. but overall not at the level of some of his other work.
Day792 - at this point paul simon has been recording for nearly twenty years and isn’t slowing down at all. hearts and bones, train in the distance and rene and georgette magritte are such great sad songs.
i’m sorry paul i love you but this shit was so mid
This is so 80’s in a way that is difficult to articulate (derogatory and non-derogatory). I would never expect songs with names and lyrics like this today… for whatever that is worth lol. Did not expect a song named “Allergies” to be a banger.
Pleasant, easy listen. Didn’t grab my attention much.
His musicality swings between fun and boring. Lands on boring most of the time–I'm all folked out at the moment, tbh
I enjoyed parts of it, but it just kinda dragged on for me. I do really love some Paul Simon songs but unfortunately none of the ones on this album stood out.
Kind of just alright Paul Simon. He still has a nice voice and solid poppy instrumentals but definitely not his best or most innovative work, but an easy listen
Average. 2.9
Woow, MUY fan 💖🥹m
Not Paul's best showing.
I found the first song to be novel and interesting. Afterwards I started to drift.
Sni?? Ascoltato poco
I love Paul Simon and the title track is an absolute masterpiece. However, why on earth does this album start with a track about allergies?! Its a strange album, with plenty of beauty and introspection but also a fair few throwaway tracks
This was great. Absolutely true that it was overshadowed by Graceland.
Wanker
Allergies is hilarious - 'Where do allergies go when it’s after a show and they want to get something to eat?' plus Al Di Meola's only in the 80s fusion solo tacked on. I do not understand how this album can be something one must listen to before one dies. I would have been just fine never having heard it.
Whew. About half of it is middling solo Simon. Half of it is unlistenable. Nothing remotely as good as “Duncan” or “Late in the Evening.”
Never heard of this album. Not a big Paul Simon fan anyway but this certainly should not be on this list.
If this produced no hits why does anyone have to listen to it? I really don't remember this album at all.
A perfectly cromulent pop record with a hint of melancholy from the maestro himself. One of the b-sides stuck with me more than the album itself, but it wasn't unpleasant either.
I’m starting to think that Paul Simon might be overrated 😔.
Man, back to back Paul Simon (minus Garfunkel today). I really enjoyed it. Simon has quite a way with lyrics. I also enjoy his cadence in the delivery. Aside from a handful of hits, I’m not very familiar with his solo work. If I have time today, this will get a second spin. The acoustic demos on the expanded edition are also very good.
Mellow and sentimental.
Boring
I generally like Paul Simon, but I hardly recognize any of these songs, which I find surprising.
Total snoozefest. Not unpleasant but not interesting
Overall, this is a really interesting album. The performances are great and the arrangements are interesting. There's just nothing particularly memorable on here. 3 stars.
The more I listen to Paul Simon, the more I realize what a genius he is. The songwriting is impeccable. He crafts each song so thoughtfully and beautifully. He's interested in so many genres and styles, and he's not afraid to play with those. This is obvious with Graceland, but definitely prevalent with this record. And yes, some of the lyrics can be somewhat cheesy, but they're totally made right by great craftsmanship in the composition of the song. And then also, the lyrics of other songs are incredible. The storytelling, the weaving through themes. Its brilliant. This record rocks.
I listened to this album two and a half times an the way through, and while I liked what I heard the music just slid off me. Nothing stuck. Nothing made an impression.
Solid, unspectacular
Excellent Album!
Hot take: Paul Simon is a middling artist, and we should have more Art Garfunkel music in the world. I know that's not actually relevant to this album, but it's just so stunningly mediocre it makes me sad to think to think about how much Art is than Paul.
2 bit sad but nothing too amazing
This album is just ok. I feel like Solon has other better albums on this list than this one.
I already know cars are cars
This was totally mid. Graceland is better. I hated the Cars are Cars song.
this was a much weaker album than Graceland. why is it on here? some ok lyrics, then some big misses. I mean "Cars are Cars"???
Loved this, although it started to run out of steam by the end. No real hits but the first two thirds are incredibly solid. Not convinced this is the third album that belongs on the list, but very happy to have listened to it
Paul is like a warm blanket for my soul.
Was alright. Hard to go wrong with Paul Simon, but certainly wasn't as memorable for me as his big works.
3/5
Its a nice album, but it doesn't push any boundaries and isn't particularly standout.
I really enjoyed the first half of this. The second half was not as strong. The mix is spacious, his voice is great, and there are some nice songs. Just crept into being a 4.
Not Graceland, but Paul Simon is just such a beautiful songwriter.
not as good as Graceland but still pretty good
esta mucho mejor que el otro que escuché de él pero hpta que hombre para escribir música aburrida, uf es demasiado increiblementw aburrida la música de este man, que pereza
I want to give this album more credit than it deserves. I like Simon, but I feel as though this is some of his weaker work. Nothing too bad here (outside of Cars Are Cars) but also nothing incredible.
Nope.
I normally love Paul Simon. This is handily the worst album of his that I've listened to. It almost sounds like self-parody at times.
Really enjoyed this one
Tough time getting into this album, it was OK
Delicate acoustic album with some beautiful melodies. Didn’t strike me as a classic though.
This is a confusing one for me. Simon is undoubtedly a master of his craft, the musicianship on this album is top notch, across both the more rooted singer-songwriter guitar and voice tracks, and the more contemporary pop cuts. My issue is Simon's style, which is one that takes often upbeat if somewhat bittersweet compositions and places some of the goofiest, quirkiest lyrics ever on top of them. Examples like "Allergies" and "Cars Are Cars" come to mind, which aren't bad tracks, but are silly as hell. These are sat directly next to serious lyrical content like "The Late Great Johnny Ace", the title track "Hearts and Bones", and "Renee and Georgette Magritte...", and to give you even more whiplash, some songs will alternate between the silly and the thought-provoking in the same track, like "Train in the Distance". This isn't necessarily a bad thing, and Simon weaves it well, but it leaves me confused and mystified more than not. Favorite Tracks: "Allergies" (the solos absolutely rip on this randomly?), "Renee and Georgette Magritte...", "The Late Great Johnny Ace" Least Favorite Track: "Song About the Moon"
What in the WORLD are these lyrics? "When the shadows are deep and the light is alien And gravity leaps like a knife off the pavement" ?? Every other verse reeks of fake-deep poetic sounding nonsense. I couldn't even start my review without getting that off my chest. Art Garfunkel, you are a saint for reigning that shit in. Paul Simon plays well, sings well, and it's not a bad listen by any means on the surface, I just find it completely non-engaging. There's some points in the project where he introduces fresh life: the sax in Train in the Distance, the almost island vibes in When Numbers Get Serious, or the absolutely sick (and completely out of place?) guitar solos in Allergies. But on the whole, it's a whole lot of melancholy middle aged white guy plucking at an acoustic guitar seemingly singing about nothing.
It feels like Paul Simon in a quieter, more inward mood. The lyrics are super simple and almost childlike at times but there’s something really comforting about them. It’s not trying to be flashy or profoundn but it still sits with you. That said, when you stack it up against his bigger solo highs or the stuff he did with Garfunkel, it doesn’t hit the same emotional peak. Solid record, a few beautiful moments.
Everything about this album is well written, produced and delivered, but it never really gets going and left me feeling a bit flat. There are catchy moments here, but again, they leave little lasting impact. The album could not be more 6/10 if it tried. Not bad but could not be further from spectacular.
First Listen; 2.5; About 90 albums in, I would say this is the most boring one so far. Nothing really stood out too much or felt like it had any weight behind it. Obviously music can be quiet, delicate, and emotional, but this just felt kinda mushy, for lack of a better term. I actually enjoyed the bonus tracks with the acoustic guitar demos of the songs. It was really interesting how much more they stood out to me. Favorite Track: Train in the Distance
1.5/5
On Hearts and Bones, Paul Simon adds 80's rock and new wave sounds to his rambling folk style delivery, and the synthesis lends itself very well. As light and breezy as ever. No matter how cheesy a song sounds, Simon is typically able to save it with vocal delivery and lyricism alone.
This one is so monotone. The songs all mopily drone into one another. No thank you. Hearts and Bonezzz
Not my thing but it was ok I guess
Chyba najsłabszy Simon na tej liście. Bez polotu i chyba trochę też bez weny. Nadal bywa błyskotliwy i melodie potrafią być chwytliwe, ale brakuje w nich tego przebłysku geniuszu. 6.5/10 równane w górę, być może tylko z sentymentu
At first I wasn’t too sure about this album, but I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would. It definitely feels a little more experimental compared to what Paul Simon was doing back in the 70s. This one leans into more sophisticated 80s textures, synthesizers, layered production, and a more polished studio sound. Something else I found interesting is that it originally started out as another Simon & Garfunkel album, but the project eventually evolved into a solo Simon release. The material was just too personal, and that ended up steering him away from the partnership with Art Garfunkel.
Hearts and Bones took a couple of listens today, mainly because I wanted to be sure I wasn’t missing something. I love plenty of Paul Simon’s work, but this one just wouldn’t click. For an album that’s clearly personal and carefully put together, it feels oddly flat — like it never really gets going or arrives anywhere meaningful. In the end, it comes across as pretty unremarkable, especially when you set it against the colour, energy and stylistic leaps of Graceland. Tracks like Cars Are Cars and Allergies feel limp and uninspired, lacking the melodic spark or rhythmic interest that Simon is usually so good at delivering. Favourite track: None really stand out. There are a few pleasant moments, but nothing that makes you stop and think “that’s special.” Least favourite track: Allergies – wet, dull and instantly forgettable. Album artwork: A cool, understated cover — arguably more interesting than the music inside.
Paul Simon and Casio keyboards should never mix. Sounds a bit constipated generally but OK otherwise
Decent.
Some great songs here but the other albums I’ve heard were better.
It was fine, nothing special to me. No takeaways and nothing stuck out, but I didn't hate it.
Not his greatest album and the one before Graceland.
Despite what Paul Simon says, I think this would have been so much better as a Simon and Garfunkel album. Instead, it’s overlooked.
6/10… singer-songwriter / folk / *1983
do not like his speak-singing style
Pretty basic poop from Paul. Expectations are too high for something like this.
Cars are cars everywhere? WTF?
Cars Are Cars lost this album a whole star.
Очень тепло отношусь к дуэту Simon & Garfunkel, но почему-то до сольного творчества Саймона так и не добрался. Очередной удачный пик, сокращающий мой bucket list. Приятный и уютный альбом, который начинается с неожиданного поп-звучания открывающей Allergies, но потом титульная песня возвращает тебя в русло той самой обволакивающей гитарной музыки, знакомой по записям дуэта. Большая часть альбома все же остается синтезаторной и местами фанковой, все-таки уже 80-е на дворе. Но особая мелодика Саймона и простые, но жизненные тексты делают альбом очень личным, как будто поют специально для тебя. Фирменная атмосфера дуэта здесь прослеживается неспроста - оказывается, Гарфанкел работал с Саймоном над этим альбомом, рассчитывая выпустить совместную запись. Но Пол в итоге передумал, решив, что он слишком личный, чем оборвал все шансы на воссоединение. Тем не менее, добротная пластинка, которой не хватает разве что запоминающихся хитов.
Секс-символы в прошлом веке, конечно, были разные. Перед глазами проносится весь глубокий дикий лор срачей Артика и Пола (спасибо одной давней знакомой за ее гиперфикс). Альбом прикольный. When numbers get serious это вайб. Ржу, что это должен быть альбом дуэта, но потом человек резко переобулся. Как же они чувствовали.
Вот и закончились халявные первые семь альбомов, вот и пошли суровые рутинные будни прослушивания устаревшей бумерской музыки. Тут уже даже какую-то отдельную песню не могу выделить, но все еще не раздражающая или пустая музыка, чтобы наконец 2 или 1 поставить.
Лучшая песня: Allergies Худшая: René and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog after the War Первая песня приятно удивила, думал, что и дальше будет бодро, но не - заунывная чисто американская херня из 80-ых. Видимо, нужно вслушиваться в тексты и познавать истину о том, что Cars are cars и прочая, но музыка в целом никакая.
Просто окей, приятная музыка
многократно пытался вслушаться в сольное творчество пола саймона, но кроме нескольких песен так ничего и не зашло, хоть и не могу сказать, что плохо. на этом альбоме нет любимых песен
Не совсем понимаю логику, по которой альбомы попадают в топ. Почему именно этот, шестой альбом сольный Саймона попал в список, а не творчество дуэта? Или в будущем нас ждут ещё и 5 предыдущих + альбомы, выпущенные в коллаборации? По этому же альбому - стандартное звучание, ощущение, что им вдохновлялся Гарри Стайлз при написании 2 и 3 своих альбомов
В целом, нормальный фолк-поп-рок альбом. Где-то на фоне будет звучать хорошо. А так - скучновато.
This is only mildly interesting, because it was supposed to be another album with Garfunkel. You can see why he left the project, if not for personal reasons. The songs are uninspired and boring, Simon's lyrics are awkward and sometimes even ridiculously bad. Inoffensive background music, hardly good enough so anyone should have heard it.
it's not quite my jams but is obviously good Will I listen to again: 3%
Er det her en joke? Hvor er Graceland? Ok numre men meget 80’er agtigt overproduceret
Klart ikke hans bedste arbejde, men havde stadig en great time!
Absolute Snoozefest vol. 2. Zero bangers.
This album had a great vibe with some really catchy songs. I really like Paul Simon and o don’t think it is his best album, but it was definitely worth a listen.
"On no! We only have 1000 albums for our book and we ran out of Elvis Costello albums to add. What should we do???? Hmmm... should we add another album to an under represented genre like metal, post-punk, or emo? Oh I know, let's add another solo album to someone who already has 5 other albums on this list. I think my friend liked this one when it was released. I bet it doesn't sound dated and lame." Allergies and Cars Are Cars are some of the lamest songs I have ever heard. Overall this album is just forgettable. High 2.
It's pretty cool, not as riveting as the last one, but it's a little weird hearing 80s sound on Paul Simon who exudes in his acousticness. Like he's still making ballads but in electric guitar? It's ok. 7/10
Paul Simon is a great writer and musician but this is not his best album. Some of the effects make them dated in a bad way. The acoustic version of Rene and Georgette... was nice.
Solid Paul Simon, more accessible and, yes, better than "Graceland" which was just too much for me tbh.
I didn't like everything on this album, but there's some good stuff, and it's all at least really well done.
Непоганий альбом, але не зачепив. Більша частина пісень здалася дуже схожа
Sadly this just isn't fun or irritating. Just mediocre.
The time I’ve spent with this album has been fine, and there was still a lot to enjoy listening today. It’s not peak Paul Simon by a long shot.
I’ve got no real beef with Paul Simon, but I feel I could’ve died quite happily without ever listening to his sixth solo studio album
This is a good album. I honestly thought I'd like it more, but it's actually a bit dated.
Not his best work but still enjoyable.
Through the years i start to dig his songs more
Perfectly pleasant to listen to. Loved some of the guitars, just no real memorable song for me. At least I have had it finally confirmed for me that Cars are, in deed, actually Cars.
I’m left with the distinct impression of a brilliant songwriter navigating a strange, transitional phase before his great Graceland project. The album feels like a polarizing mix of profound beauty and dated 80s production that can easily divide opinion. On one hand, it acts as a hidden gem containing some of Simon's most underrated and sophisticated songwriting, serving as a quiet, soothing prequel to Graceland. On the other, the slick, synthesized sterile sound can make the album feel occasionally flaccid or boring. Standouts were "The Late Great Johnny Ace" and the surreal "Rene And Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After The War". However, these are sharply contrasted by the opener "Allergies" and the almost universally reviled "Cars Are Cars", which strikes me (and many others) as painfully silly and jarring. Ultimately, I see this as a fascinated but flawed listen, it is a mixed bag that is saved from mediocrity by three or four genuinely perfect songs that justify the price of admission.
So, I was actually assigned 2 Paul Simon albums back to back. Since I'm behind, I decided to listen to the earlier one first. I'm honestly glad I did that, cause I liked it better. Felt like a better intro. This album is good/fine, but doesn't grab me like the other one does. I still like his voice, I find the overtly 80s sound very fun, but there's just something missing. I can't say what it is. Fave songs: When Numbers Get Serious, Late Great Johnny Ace
I wonder if the fact that it's the 3rd album of his that we've listened to and I still don't remember his name says more about him or me Absolutely mid
Him yelling "I CANT BREATHE!" in the first song brought back memories of George Floyd that made me too distracted to enjoy the rest of the album.
Was debating whether to give it a 5 stars, but I feel like Graceland is even better so I’ll wait it out. What a great album. Not a single skip. Amazing lyricism. Song About the Moon is probably my favourite!
I've heard endless praise for Graceland, and when I get to it I will probably agree. But as my first Paul Simon listen, I am not very into it. P.s. did you know cars are cars all over the world? Fuck me I would've never known.
Best Track - "Hearts & Bones"
This is really good
Not my vibe
Goofy enough to inspire me to start recording my own music...thank you, Mr. Simon.
Gear: Moondrop Variations Artwork: 📉📺📸 Production: 🎧😘🤌 Music: 📄⁉️💩 Rating: 🫀🦴/5
this was…ehhh
Fantastic album
Another pleasant Simon album, he is damn good at this.
This feels super basic to me. Mid mid mid
Decent
Seems like Graceland’s cheesy 80s elements without the things that make Graceland cool.
2.5
It’s ok. But this is Paul Simon. High standard
Before Listening: I don’t know if I’ve heard any of Paul Simon’s solo music so this should be good! After Listening: I lied! I knew Train in the Distance. Outside of that and the late Great Johnny Ace, I felt pretty disappointed throughout. I must not be smart enough to “get” it.
good folk album, has the ceiling of folk though
The Paul Simon hater has logged on
suona bene
Knocking out these Paul Simon albums in quick succession here. One of the less memorable Simon albums to be honest. Just never really took off I felt. Solid writing with some playful tunes, per usual. The title track was one of the standouts. Also, 2x2 does NOT equal 22, nor does 4x4 equal 44. Might want to check your math there, Mr. Simon.
kósý, en ekki frábær
Kósý vinnuplata. Greinilega svona millibilsplata áður en hann breytit um kúrs og hendir sér í Graceland.
As a big Paul Simon fan, I must say this album is fucking terrible. It sounds like a parody of a Paul Simon album, I mean cars are cars? When numbers get serious? Maybe this was intentional, he was responding to criticism of how his good stuff can get silly or sentimental or maybe he was mad at his record label? If it wasn’t for his track record this would be a 1
2.9 If you like Paul Simon, you'd probably like this. Im pretty indifferent.
this was a vibe. i hear graceland is his masterpiece tho?
"Cars are cars.... ALL OVER THE WORLD!" Consummate brilliance from Mr. Simon; I don't know how I ever lived without this magnum opus in my life. /S
Solid stuff.
A pretty good album, despite "Cars Are Cars". 3.5/5
I find Paul Simon’s music very simple and boring.
Horrible
Had a lot of silly tracks (cars are cars) overthinking, but I kinda dug it
This feels like a pleasant but unremarkable Saturday evening.
Production was great, but I won't remember a thing other than cars are cars and that's probably not the takeaway
When it’s Paul just being Paul it’s fine. When it leans into early 80s studio sounds it’s not good. No one told Paul power synth rock was a bad idea? Classic Simon sounds mixed with tepid boomer rock. I could have died without hearing this.
Overall I enjoyed it, but pretty slow for me. I don’t think I’d listen to again but it’s a good album for a slow morning or baking or something!
Nice and chill album. Relaxing.
nice
Lovely
Peaceful Simon's voice and nice ballads melodies ! Felt really connected to it while suffering from allergies during my holidays
The songs didn't stand out as much as some of his other albums. A bit meh.
Cars ARE Cars!
There are some nice songs here and some truly awful ones. Taken as a whole, this is mid at best. 2.5/5
Meh
7/10 Best songs: Allergies, Train in the Distance, Think Too Much (b), The Late Great Johnny Ace (Demo) This album honestly wasn't what I was expecting, but it was pretty good. There were some flashes of brilliance, namely in the occasional brilliant line or harmony, but they were hobbled by some questionable choices (Cars and Cars????). I think that the album never quite took off - it felt a little one-note, lacking any truly climactic songs, although Train in the Distance may be the best song I've heard while doing this project.
And here we go with the sex pest Paul Simon. I still need to stress not (that we currently know of) as bad of a sex pest and Diddy, Clinton, Trump, Epstein, etc. Still a bit of a sex pest. Also he kind of looks like Jerry Seinfeld in this cover, another person who seems to have escaped the sex pest label. Now that I've listened to all the albums that are on this list from Paul Simon I can state clearly that I'm not a fan of Paul Simon. I will say this regardless of what you think about Art Garfunkel he did not break a UN backed cultural boycott of Apartheid South Africa and, to my knowledge, is not a sex pest.
A fun and enjoyable record.
Creative but a bit too cerebral for its own good
great album
Very middle of the road, slightly sleep-inducing.
wish this had garfunkel on it... ah I love Simon but this isn't his best work. It's lacking on a lot of fronts. Hearts and Bones is a lovely tune. Carrs are cars is a joke?
Real mixed-bag album. There were some great, classic Paul Simon, acoustic-driven tunes, and then there were attempts at 80's pop that fell extremely short of the mark. Standout Tracks: Hearts and Bones, Think Too Much (b), Train In The Distance
Real middle of the road experience
I can never get into Simon's singing style. I don't understand how he is as famous as he is.
17/12/2025 It was okay, wasn't anything special. Spotify listeners: 7.3 million
Chill as well
Цей альбом дійсно відрізняється від попередніх
Decent.
Underrated album, something of a sonic dead end/wrong turn. The arrangements sound like someone trying to come to terms with what was then "new technology", so at times they're not what you tend to think of as "Paul Simon". But it's definitely Paul Simon. Sitting between his multiple 70's solo successes and the gargantuan "Graceland", it's little wonder that "Hearts and Bones" gets a little lost, but "Rene and Georgette..." and "The Late Great Johnny Ace" have become beloved mainstays of Simon's live sets and they stand up strongly amongst more commercially popular items.
Ok
Paul Simon is one of those artists who is just impossible to hate. This might not be your favourite thing ever, but if you have ears then you must be able to appreciate his talent and still think that this at least makes for good background music.
7 Who gave Paul Simon the right to be this bloody cute!!
Alright, but not as good as Still Crazy After All These Years
Some nice tracks on here, and if I played on repeat could like more
70
1. allergiez - 1 2. heartz -1 3. zeriouz - 0 4. think - 1 5. Moon - 1 6. Much - 1 7. Train - 1 8. Rene - 1.5 9. Cars - 0 10. Late - 1 11. Shelter - 1.5
Great chill vibes. None of his big hits, but I enjoyed "Allergies" and "Hearts and Bones" quite a lot.
Paul Simon, but without any of the good songs.
omg so boring...
I've always like Paul Simon, but this was pretty meh.
Cars are cars. Deep!
I hate this style of music. Sappy lyrics, music is almost tuneless. This is so weak and insipid it makes me sick, it was actual torture for me to hear. I never want to hear anything in which Paul Simon was involved again. Thank you to the reviewer who called this "the musical equivalent of hotel art", rarely have I heard anything more apposite.
It was okay
Not as amazing as Graceland, but certainly a fine album. Doesn’t have any of the hits as far as I’m concerned from his career personally, I would’ve liked to have heard what Garfunkel sounded like on these tracks originally.
Not his best but it’s Paul Simon so it’s still good. No real standout tracks but still a pretty solid effort!
Paul Simon is a great songwriter, although this album has more misses than hits for me. I think he shines in his other work, but if you're a fan I am sure there is plenty to like here. He has a great way with lyrics and meaning behind his music, minus Cars Are Cars, what the hell was that? Pretty basic entry, couldve been a spot for something else considering Simon is already on the list.
Hearts and Bones & Train in the Distance are two of my favorite Paul Simon songs. With that being said this album is NOT required listening. If this album made the list but Still Crazy After All These Years, There Goes Rhymin Simon and hell even Rhythm of the Saints don’t… this list will be null and void
Hearse and Boners: Paul Simon almost made me crash my car with laughter with “allergies, melodies”; he nearly got me run over when his mellow mist lulled me in the mall parking lot. The man’s a menace, three stars. Point deducted for his being a laughable jerk; point added for being so listenable while being so clearly a laughable jerk.
You can hear the uncertainty and lack of inspiration Simon later touted as his reasons for his pivot to "world music". Half of this is pretty good, half absolute drivel. Nevertheless, the title track is perhaps my favorite song of his, so delicate and poetic. Go watch Carrie Fisher's "Wishful Drinking" and the part in which she describes having it written for her. Lovely. This is also the album that killed his relationship with Garfunkel forever, so it's not all bad. Can you imagine the material on an '80s-production reunion album? Bleurgh..
I liked it but it’s definitely not his best work
Can’t look past the Cars song.
Nothing cool about Paul Simon.
Who is the imbecile that choose to include Heart and Bones instead of There Goes Rhymin' Simon on this list? No, it's not a terrible album in fact it has a few great songs, but it also has some junk that makes you swear Paul Simon wrote in his sleep after a midnight snack of a meatball hoagie the size of toddler's arm. Car are Cars? Really, Paul? I love you man. I grew up with your music, and I will grow old with it but subjecting your loyal audience to that is an asshole move. 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die can be a frustrating book. Sometimes I swear that some albums were picked with absolutely no thought behind the selection. Why is this album on here? I find it doubtful that listening to a Paul Simon album recorded during a notoriously difficult dry spell is something anyone on earth needs to do before they die.
nice, soft sound and textures, nice variety, soft bongos. funky, it's just fun pop, not offensive, not cheesy
I know quite a lot of Paul Simon's music. I don't think I had ever heard a single song on this album. There are some good songs on here. First impression of "Allergies" is that it was song written for Sesame Street. After a few listens I liked it more. I think this album would be a hidden gem upon multiple listens. I also really liked "The Late Great Johnny Ace".
This was cool, just the right amount of weird (allergies!), and the distant trains one hits hard. Some hints of graceland, and for a cool change, it was entirely new to me.
Solid record, a lot of things I like about this but Car is a car is a sin so it's a low 4
“Cars are cars!” They sure are little buddy.
Utterly forgettable. No clue why its on this list.
He's a great songwriter, and this remains on show here. There's some lovely melodies, nice singing, and great storytelling in his lyrics.
Paul Simon’s music (especially at this stage) feels very thoughtful and patient, sophisticated but down to earth. It reminds me of when I had faith in the world, and of the sensible, middle aged, middle class adults I looked up to. I like all of the album, but the highlight is Rene and Georgette Magritte, probably my favorite song of his. I like art that speaks to the importance of art, but this one is also very sensitive and humanizing.
Paul Simon makes such unbelievably beautiful music. "Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After The War" gets me every time - what a masterpiece of a song. I probably still prefer Graceland as an album, but there are too many highlights here to rate it anything other than a 5.
Very good record from a great artist.
Just never really landed
Actually kind of enjoyed a lot of it. Hearts and Bones, Song about the Moon, Train in the Distance and then, surprisingly, Rene and George Magritte with the dog after the war. Cool album. Introduction to Paul Simon. Seems fun.
whatevs
I would describe myself as an "extremely casual Paul Simon fan." There is some of his music I really enjoy, but most of his catalog - including this album - I am completely unfamiliar with. My mother had just a couple of cassettes in her car when I was a kid, and I remember hearing them on repeat on trips. One was a Juice Newton cassette and the other was Paul Simon's Still Crazy After All These Years. Hearing his music reminds me of that time. Coincidentally, this album was released during the actual time I'm remembering. Some of this (particularly "When Numbers Get Serious") strongly reminds me of what Talking Heads were doing around this time. I know I've seen/read the title of "Rene and Georgette Magritte with their Dog After the War" and possibly heard it, but it doesn't sound familiar to me. And I've never heard the rest. I liked "The Late Great Johnny Ace." I'd give this a 2.5 probably. Rounded down because of "Cars Are Cars."
These songs are all very pleasant and listenable, and Paul Simon has one of the most iconic voices ever, but the songs don’t really have that much to grab onto and some of them are actively annoying (the cars one….)
I pretty deeply did not enjoy this one, though there’s nothing innately wrong with it. It’s possible Paul Simon’s voice and lyrics just rub me the wrong way.
Mixed Bag… A somewhat uneven, dare I say Prog-Pop (?), collection by Mr. Simon. Mixed in terms of sonics as well as quality. Let's start with the obvious: there are serious duds on here. The first of these, unfortunately, is the opener, largely due to its silly lyrics (same flaw goes for Cars Are Cars (aaaaargh!), which is luckily buried in the second half). But then we can witness some of Paul Simon's finest compositions. Take the marvellous title track with its elegant Bossa touches, the refined phrasing, and the stunning chord progressions. And whoa, Rene and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After the War makes you simply stop in your tracks: what a marvel (I melted when he sang "après la guerre" so nonchalantly). But then some songs simply don’t really stick - though not for lack of ambition. In When Numbers Get Serious Paul throws in so many ideas that the song seems overstuffed with ideas: the slap bass and the synth in the first part of the song don’t really match the backing vox/the choir. All in all, while showing remarkable songwriting craft, the result sounds forced. Elsewhere, the ambition somewhat drains the fun from other tunes: the laconically stomping Song About the Moon is bookended by the themselves (over-)ambitious Think Too Much (b and a). In contrast, Song About the Moon pulls such a “simple” effect (melodic changes towards the chorus(es)) that it stands out as somewhat understated. Even though, taken for itself, this would probably be a fan favorite were it included in his earlier output. Elsewhere songs foreshadow his Graceland era; Train in the Distance and Think Too Much (a) would probably count as bona fide outtakes from his magnum opus, if we didn’t know better. For all my criticism, I have to admit that I enjoy the hell out of the album, simply for Paul Simon's overwhelmingly beautiful harmonics and in general because of the strikingly “experimental” character of the record with all the LinnDrum elements as well as killer musical contributions (Anthony Jackson, Marcus Miller, Philip Glass among others … crazy). There are so many bits in pieces to pay attention to (Think Too Much (b) would be my favorite in this regard). Sadly, his undeniable ability as a songwriter jangling with all kinds of styles and seamlessly blending them together wasn’t (yet) on full display on Hearts and Bones. I'd call it a great prequel to Graceland, but for it being so transitional, I would not include it in a list such as this. Edit: Does anyone else think of Warren Zevon's Night Time in the Switching Yard when listening to Think Too Much (a)?
It feels stuck between S&G and a solo album. It's got a few lyrically serious songs, and a few silly fun songs, but there's no separation between them musically. They all sound like bright little songs. I might like some of these songs in isolation, but the format is not doing them any favors.
Enjoyable listen, with a laid back and melodic sound.
This was decent, but it's not my favorite by Paul Simon. Maybe it needs some more playthroughs, but nothing about it really stuck out, where I feel like Graceland and Hissing of Summer Lawns both really grabbed me. 3/5
Another good Paul Simon album. I really appreciate his ability to incorporate world music stuff into his music while retaining his own sound. 3.5/5
This was good. Some interesting arrangements, and all typically Simon. Held my interest and I enjoyed it. Not much more to say really.
Totally added onto my depression. Thanks.
First track. Love the guitar solo. The rest of the song is “eh”. This album was ok. Not my favorite of Paul Simon by a long shot.
Might be biased because I do enjoy his music a lot, though I never ventured past Graceland and some of his hits. I enjoyed it a lot I love his voice.
His sixth solo album. Rock / Folk / Pop. This is a pretty mellow and, to be honest, dull album. I like Paul Simon's vocals and there is a catchy melody here or there. Overall though the album doesn't really do anything. It's actually quite boring. Where's Art to put some fire into Simon's belly !? Ha. Cars Are Cara...ummm, what to even say on that song..
Fuck no
Hot take. Paul Simon is one of the most overrated artists of all time. I just don’t get it.
This is one of those albums that got lost in a career. Not widely heralded in its time, it has gained acclaim retrospectively. It’s a strong record that was called “way too personal to be a Simon & Garfunkel record”. Maybe. I’m no expert. But it is a product of its time. Too much 80’s production over what would seem to be introspective folk songs. I can see why it’s gained acclaim. It’s a good record.
Mid
Nope
decent
It had it's moments but I'm not super into it.
it was quite enjoyable but I'd be lying if i said i remember a single second of the music. i'm willing to give it a second chance though
Not my favourite Paul Simon. But like a friendly uncle he’s always there with a smile.
Further proving that I don’t mess with Paul Simon. It’s fine, it’s just not that interesting! I have to assume these were bangers for their time but my family and I have missed these entirely. Also cars is terrible.
This was so okay. I'm going to stick to Graceland and Simon & garfunkel. Feeling a strong 2/5 on this.
3.5/5
I'm trying to be objective and take every album as it comes, but fuck sake another fucking Paul Simon album already!? Guitar in the first track is great, but otherwise it's the same old stick.
Overraskende bra! Aldri hørt noe særlig på Simon før, men albumet treffer godt, spesielt et par av låtene ble lagret!
Yeah! Ok! Train ride or whatever
It’s so funny to me that the guy who wrote THE BOXER is also the guy who wrote Cars Are Cars. It’s honestly such a great lesson for any creative person - someone who could make great art could also in another time of their life be making complete “fully-run-out-of-ideas” nonsense like this, and vice versa. So just keep doing it! Keep making art! Who cares if it’s shit! You never know what’ll happen! Cars are cars!
Pas trop aimé, un peu mou
Bof bof quand meme
Simon sans garfunkel c'est moins bien, mais j'ai appris quelque chose : les voitures sont des voitures !
Didn't move the needle for me. Cars are cars all over the world? Okie dokie. Guess you needed to hear this paul simon album when it was released.
This sounded like mayonnaise. 2 stars because the guitar on track one ripped
Not well known, probably because no hits came from this album. However, this is quintessential Paul Simon, making it worth spending some time with.
I miss Art. Paul is suffering from unrequited love (for someone.) The album is pretty good, would have been better with Art involved to the finish because he kept Paul in check. (Why did Art leave the project?) Cars Are Cars is what happens without Art to balance the duo. Also, a good call by the Prez of WB convincing Simon to go with Hearts and Bones, definitely the better choice for the title cut. (3.0*s) Never heard of John Lennon being referred to as Johnny Ace, but I’ll go with it…
Too much Paul on the list, this one in particular. Hearts and Bones didn't capture my heart or rattle my bones. Not sure which side of his brain Simon was using to write this album. He overthought much of the songs but (a) was better than (b). With tracks like "Cars Are Cars," maybe should have got a lobotomy after. I think he even tried using a sheep as an instrument in there. Maybe it would have been better if there wasn't a fall out between the band mates. Does this get on the list for the shoutout to the great Johnny Ace?1.72 stars. P.S. no more P.S. please list.
Paul Simon is one of the best at weaving some somber emotional vocals between some soft backing tracks. For better or for worse, he certainly has a style/schtick that resonates with some people I can appreciate the occasional jaunty tune or touching ballad with some nice guitar picking but it gets played out pretty quickly. A couple PS (or S&G) songs now and then are great, but its tough for me to spend any extended time with Paul Simon (solo or duo). Hearts and Bones was another middle of the pack album overall. I don't think I'll ever revisit any of this other than maybe Cars Are Cars as a joke for my toddler-aged children. Like past reviews I appreciate the artist and even enjoy his work in small doses but its going to remain on the shelf for the most part beyond the occasional sampling of a couple of his greatest hits . 2.09 stars
As with many other artists, the 80s were not kind to Mr. Simon's work. His brilliance shines through but the production is at times . . . over.
I really like the songwriting, Paul Simon is one of the greatest, but the production... the worst 80s production cliché is that reverby drums that ruined the albums of a lot of bands and artists that transicioned from the 60s and 70s, its not a good match for me
2.5 stars. Weak Paul Simon is still decent at times.
According to Apple Music there are 5 essential Paul Simon albums. I don’t necessarily agree with their picks but I agree with the fact this is not one of them. A few innocuous easy listeners but some real cringers too
Ok you have allergies and know nothing about cars.
Blah. 2.5 stars.
This always comes quite high in the ranking of Paul's best albums. I think its ok. Some good songs but not really consistent. I would say its a good late night album.
Meh. If folk-pop is a thing, it's probably this. But without the typical poignant lyrics you'd typically find with folk music
It was okay. There are better albums.
Дон Симон, с которым мы уже знакомились и не раз, умудрился данным релизом меня удивить. Молодец дон Симон, с меня фунфырик ❤️
pretty good. he has better
Don’t recall listening to this one before. Solid
It’s typical solo Paul Simon. Boring and a bit uninspired.
Boring
This soft rock album drifts through delicate guitar work, subtle synths, and refined percussion, with gentle, conversational vocals conveying vulnerability and thoughtfulness, being immaculately melancholic and restrained so that I just wanted to turn it off.
Not bad. Quite mellow. Would maybe listen again
Basically, and without too much analysis, this album shouldn't be on the list. Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ in part Revisit ❌️ Nondescript ★★☆☆☆ (3/10)
Paul Simon has much better albums. Hearts and Bones is ok but feels like leftovers from his better work
Etonnant qu'il arrive encore à sortir des albums comme ça
too boring
My first time voluntarily listening to Paul Simon on his own and not as part of Simon & Garfunkel. I really enjoyed it! The songs are kinda nerdy, singing about numbers, the moon, and the brain, and I dig it. It’s a nice change of pace, fun to listen to. Singing is great and the instrumentation is too, with some great guitar that sounds like a Stratocaster on one of the middle pickup configurations. An enjoyable listen, have saved this album for the future.
It's OK, but not as good as the subsequent Graceland.
🫤
This was good. Not Paul Simon’s best, but that still makes it better than half the list.
At first I wasn’t too sure about this album, but I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would. It definitely feels a little more experimental compared to what Paul Simon was doing back in the 70s. This one leans into more sophisticated 80s textures, synthesizers, layered production, and a more polished studio sound. Something else I found interesting is that it originally started out as another Simon & Garfunkel album, but the project eventually evolved into a solo Simon release. The material was just too personal, and that ended up steering him away from the partnership with Art Garfunkel.
Not his best... Weird choice of album to be on this list. But not a bad listen.
YOU MUST LISTEN TO THE SIXTH STUDIO ALBUM BY PAUL SIMON WITH NONE OF HIS MOST FAMOUS SONGS ON THERE. IT IS ESSENTIAL!
Paul Simon is probably one of the best melody writers. Each song in this is just exquisite. The only problem with the album is that it's not Graceland.
WHERE IS ART? WHY HAVE YOU DEPRIVED ME OF MY DARLING GARFUNKEL???
Meh, some decent easy listening but not really my speed.
Paul Simon solo has always been hit or miss for me, and this one was mostly a miss. It's fine, and there are some interesting and catchy tunes, but fewer and far between than I hoped. Paul Simon is still an essential artist, and this might be one of his best solo albums that people should hear for musical context, but it's a 3 star for me.
Weird choice of Paul Simon albums to include
Fine