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Paul Simon

Paul Simon

1972

Buy At Rough Trade
Paul Simon
Album Summary

Paul Simon is the second solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. It was released in January 1972, nearly two years after he split up with longtime musical partner Art Garfunkel. His first solo album was recorded in England in 1965 but remained unreleased in the U.S. (except for a brief period in 1969) until 1981, when it appeared in the 5-LP Collected Works boxed set. Originally released on Columbia Records, Paul Simon was then issued under the Warner Bros. label and is now back with Columbia through Sony. The album topped the charts in the United Kingdom, Japan and Norway and reached No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Albums. In 1986 it was certified platinum.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.52

Votes

15543

Genres

  • Rock
  • Folk
  • Singer Songwriter

Reviews

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Dec 18 2023
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2

This has nothing to do with anything, but why does Paul Simon look completely different in every single photo I've seen of the man. There's some forest demon fuckery going on here, and I don't like it. Oh yeah, we're talking about the music here. It's nothing special. I'm very indifferent to Simon & Garfunkel in general, and nothing by these chaps has particularly stuck in my head. Feeling a "meh, not for me" on this one.

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Sep 02 2022
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3

Like almost all of Paul Simon's work, this album swings back and forth between awkward self-deprecation and confident competence. It's as though Simon knows that he's a talented songwriter... but worries that maybe people will laugh at him if he tries anything too unusual. I find the resulting timidity off-putting and I can't help but wonder what he could do if he just leaned into his talent and went for it, full-throttle instead of playing it safe.

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Jan 19 2021
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5

Great album. Never would have listened to Paul Simon without this site.

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Mar 09 2021
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5

A smorgasbord of different sounds. He was either that amazing of a musician or surrounded himself with amazing musicians, or both. Great stuff

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Jan 11 2022
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4

This really does feel like a transitional album. Some of the wonderful folk stylings from Simon's work with Garfunkel but with some hints towards the more diverse output that he would explore further over a decade later on Graceland. It didn't quite reach the heights of that album, but there's some great stuff on here. Run That Body Down was a standout track to me

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Jul 06 2021
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4

Paul Simon has got to be one of the greatest songwriters of all time. His melodies and tunes are so well-crafted, and his guitar playing is understated, but really effective. It's interesting to listen to his self-titled album here, because he hasn't quite reached the experimental highs of something like Graceland, but you can hear the ideas being formed and the seeds being planted. All in all a really solid album of great tunes, from a prolific artist.

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Aug 12 2021
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2

I have no reason to doubt Paul Simon's genuine affection for roots music, gospel, reggae, Andean folk, African music, jazz, etc, but I can't shake the conviction that he's the worst type of opportunist and carpetbagger. It's not really fair of me. I feel like I should be impressed with his musical curiosity, and his dedication to craft. But it all feels like intellectual condescension to me. What would I have Paul Simon do different? I'm stumped. Would I have him stick to pop songcraft, folk, and rock n roll, as in his Simon & Garfunkel days? Why should I begrudge him trying to stretch? And yet I do. To me, when he shoehorns Andean instrumentation and themes into Duncan, it feels forced. When he tries out unconventional song forms, it feels like a purely intellectual exercise, rather than being organic. I can't point to specific crappy or tasteless arrangements, but the whole thing just seems joyless. Oddly, the only song that works for me is Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard. I think it's the lack of pretension--even the Brazilian percussion (courtesy of Airto) works on this tune. Okay, how to rate? Paul Simon's craft is undeniable here, and the musicians he's picked to flesh out his compositions are terrific. But he overreaches constantly, blundering in his attempts to incorporate disparate styles and traditions into his music. His overt attempts at intellectualism don't help either. I can't help it. This music just rubs me the wrong way.

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Jan 10 2022
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5

Slippery and lithe, every song is brought to life with twarps, boings, the sound of Simon scratching his beard. He starts with heartfelt coffin-side counsel and follows that with his best song ever, in which the sound of a couple fucking in the next room sets the narrator off on a reverie about losing his virginity that starts with his birth, takes in the major points of his life, and finishes by cheekily thanking the Lord for his fingers (yes, I'm reading this salaciously). The motel room he's staying in never features again, but we never leave it. Elsewhere, he finds the perfect balance of high- and lowbrow literary chops on songs about addiction, burnout, political deception, industrial collapse, marriage collapse, and a gloriously silly story about absolutely nothing--just a framework on which to hang witty rhymes and elasticated rhythms.

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Dec 06 2021
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4

I was surprised I didn't know any of these songs, but it was a very pleasant sounding, light-footed album. The album employs a variety of genres including folk rock and blues, and opening with an ska-inflected song that immediately puts you in the right mood.

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Mar 05 2021
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4

Interesting mix of material that is still very reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel (like Duncan or Peace like a River) and that which is markedly different (like the opening track Mother and Child Reunion for example). Most of the rest of the tracks are arranged fairly simply but have a different feel than your average Simon and Garfunkel track; jazzier/more soulful & a little more laid back & personal/conversational.

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Oct 05 2021
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3

Paul Simon a une très belle voix, ça c'est indéniable. Seulement, dès la première piste du morceau, le bon Paulo commet un erreur qui lui coûtera très cher: l'utilisation du synté des îles. Mais laissez moi vous replonger dans le contexte. C'est en 1965 que l'éminent auteur allemand Chris Dusseldord mentionnera pour la première fois le concept de "Insel Synthetik" dans une publication qui fera l'effet d'une bombe dans l'industrie musicale. Ce synthétiseur, à la sonorité extrêmement désagréable, trouvera ensuite très rapidement refuge dans le reggae, qui usera et abusera du Insel Synthetik. On pensait donc le Insel Synthetik disparu, ou tout du moins tenu en vie dans l'intimité de quelques tribues reggae, mais c'est la que Paul Simon fait son apparition. On ne s'attend pas à retrouver ce son désagréable dans un album de folk. On se retrouve désemparé, dérangé, et on espère ne plus jamais revivre cette experience. Pour ce dur rappel, Paul Simon récolte la note de 3/5.

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Oct 27 2022
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2

Yes, I know he's a great singer songwriter, but this album is way too bland for my taste.

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Jan 16 2022
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5

5.0 - Damn, this record destroys any ambivalence I had about Paul Simon. Yes, the way he parrots and reinterprets various folk genres into his music can come off as inauthentic cultural appropriation. But, as I’ve said about “Graceland”, this criticism is easily overlooked given the quality of the songs. He draws from deeply personal experiences within the backdrop of New York so they end up feeling genuine emotionally. Standout: “Paranoia Blues.”

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Nov 27 2021
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5

One of the best singer-songwriters ever.

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Aug 21 2021
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5

Some fantastic PS songs, some less good but I love them anyway

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Jul 24 2021
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5

Paul Simon's solo debut is a fantastic mix of styles and songs. We have reggae, folk, jazz, gypsy folk, blues, folk rock and latin to name a few of the styles here. The man is a genius. Best Tracks: Everything Put Together Falls Apart, Run That Body Down, Papa Hobo

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May 31 2021
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5

This album was so good! The opener track was amazing and I know I'm definitely going to be listening to it a lot from now on. And as for the rest of the album, wow! Every single track was good but there were a few highlights for me as well as the opener track - Armistice Day, Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, Peace Like a River and Paranoia Blues. This album is definitely one of the better albums I've heard so far. It makes me want to delve deeper into Paul Simon's discography, and more into the folk rock genre itself. 5/5 stars.

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Mar 17 2021
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5

Very much enjoy some Paul Simon. Songs like Me and Julio down by the schoolyard is a classic. And a lot of these other songs were surprisingly nice.

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Jan 31 2021
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5

One of the most beautifully crafted Folk-Rock album.

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Jan 15 2021
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5

Exceptional album. Smooth but jaunty, sweet and sad.

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May 09 2021
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5

Masterpiece. Slightly prefer Graceland. 10/10 1. Peace Like a River 2. Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard 3. Mother and Child Reunion

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Mar 01 2021
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5

This is Simon's second solo album after breaking up with Garfunkel. The first song is surprisingly good reggae???, and Duncan is a really nice chill song with some world music influences. Overall its a really good album. Probably 4 stars, but close to a 5.

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Jan 25 2021
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5

This is one of my very favorite albums and it has one of my very favorite Paul Simon songs: Paranoid Blues.

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Feb 22 2021
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4

What a fuckin folky bop my boi!!! Range of sounds and lyrics and all dat. Good stuff.

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Oct 31 2024
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3

Fell in love with the song Duncan during this. Quite enjoyed the rest of the album also. 3.5

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Aug 10 2024
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3

You know, this was fine. Paul Simon is great if not just slightly problematic in what feels like cultural appropriation on his records. More so on Graceland than this for sure. But in general a bunch of great songs. “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” always hits.

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Aug 08 2024
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3

A fun album, not really my style, but Paul Simon knows his shit and this album is very indicative of that.

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Aug 08 2024
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3

I feel like Simon & Garfunkel had a pretty consistent output, so after a band breakup like that, the solo material might take a few albums to really be something good, as the members adjust to making music on their own. And this album I think is a perfect example of than. It was okay, but definitely nothing special. I imagine that some of Paul Simon's later stuff is much more interesting.

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Mar 21 2024
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3

Is this your album of the day? Yes. It’s alright. It’s boring. You have my permission to use that as your review. To my wife’s harsh verdict, I’d add that it’s beautifully crafted in places, with some clever flourishes. Over a period of my childhood, I have heard Me and Julio enough times to have assimilated it into my musical ID.

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Mar 21 2024
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3

This is quite pleasant but outside of about 3 songs it's too timid for repeat listening. Grow a pair, dude, go "borrow" some indigenous tunes!

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Mar 16 2024
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3

Before listening: I like Simon and Garfunkel, just like millions of others and I get upset when people think Disturbed wrote Sound of Silence. I have, however, listened to Graceland and did not care for it. I don't know if this album is more folk because I can only assume this is his first solo record but what the hell do I know? After listening: My God this was bland. It wasn't bad, it was just ok. Barely any songs stood out to me and I'm pretty sure I won't remember any of them. I can't exactly give it 1 star (I reserve them for "new" Radiohead), but it's not even an enjoyable but flawed 3 star. So this gets my very first 2 star. Congrats Paul Simon!

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Oct 14 2023
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3

Super solids starting tracks on sides 1 and 2. Everything else, eh alright. Kind of the classic tracklist for American records: put the hits at the beginning of side 1 and 2. Paul Simon's whole catalog is like this, some of the most timeless songs ever and then just some forgettable and not unpleasant stuff.

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Oct 13 2023
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3

It was ok to listen to it. I was surprised by the reggae song who opens up the album but I liked some of the tracks

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Aug 14 2023
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3

Another nice, albeit inessential album. There are many interesting melodies and songs on this, and there are probably many people that love this album, as he's clearly a gifted songwriter. For me, it was a bit too corny and unfocused to hit properly, especially the end of the album which left me feeling quite underwhelmed. 2.5/5 Fav track: Duncan

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Oct 14 2021
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3

Is this really a white guy doing a Jamaican accent?

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Oct 16 2023
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2

Where is Garfunkel? I hateses hobbits

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May 08 2023
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2

If this list was called 1001 of the most average albums you've ever heard in your life, I would have given it three stars. But it's not so I can't give this more than 2 stars. Absolutely nobody misses out on anything if they don't hear this album before they die. I don't know who makes these lists but they have an objectively bad taste. It reminds me of the Indians who out of national pride vote 10 out of 10 stars on every shitty Bollywood movie they can find on IMDB. Who wants to hear some guy blabber on about some basketball town? There's a million different albums I can think of which would actually be worth listening to before you die, which would never appear on a list like this. Loads of classical, current day jazz, yes even a lot of lesser known shoegaze albums are better than this crap. Go listen to some Saint-Saens violin concertos and avoid this album.

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Apr 25 2022
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2

Good to know that Simon was appropriating world music before Graceland.

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May 29 2024
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1

This fucking guy again. I wish there was an Art Garfunkel solo record on this list. I’d rate it 5 stars without hearing a note and would leave a review saying as much, for two reasons: 1.) I know it would drive Paul Simon nuts to see Art Garfunkel get any praise whatsoever. 2.) Art Garfunkel, as vanilla and boring as he is, is still not anywhere near as boring and vanilla as Paul Simon. He should’ve just called this record “Tapioca: The Album”.

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Oct 09 2023
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1

No I don't hate Paul Simon for being a wife beater. I just hate this album. I found it boring, yet distracting Oh, and Paul's voice could benefit from not being so douchey.

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Dec 05 2024
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5

It’s Paul Simon but not the best. This has less to do with the individual songs and more to do with the feel of the album as a whole, which seems a bit scattered. Still some great songs: "Mother and Child Reunion," "Run that Body Down," "Armistice Day," "Peace like a River," "Papa Hobo," "Congratulations." "Me and Julio" is not very good, however, tho it sticks around, and "Paranoid Blues" works as a homage to the American blues but not a fantastic rendition.

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Nov 23 2024
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5

The best Simon & Garfunkel album ever made.

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Nov 20 2024
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5

I did not like ot at first, but it grew on me. A BIT TOO OLD FOR MY TAST- but the lyrics were nice, and his voice is like MMMMM.

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Nov 04 2024
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5

Paul Simon is one of my absolute favorite songwriters so of course this is gonna get a 5. The man's a poet.

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Oct 31 2024
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5

So good! A bunch of songs I didn’t know either.

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Oct 30 2024
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5

A classic by one of the best lyricists ever. Still had yet to totally come into his own but this is as good as it gets with sparse instrumentation, making an eclectic mix of great tracks.

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Oct 25 2024
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5

Paul Simon is one of absolute favorite songwriters, and I've listened to every album up until the ones released in the 2000s, which I still plan to get to eventually. Every single one of his records has timeless gems. I think most are probably familiar with Mother and Child Reunion and Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard from this album. Duncan, Peace Like a River and Paranoia Blues are some of the others I love. The demos for Me and Julio and Duncan are a fascinating peek into his creative process. At some point between the demo and the final recording, he made the choice to take the note on Rosie higher, and it just truly elevates the whole song. Is this as strong as Graceland, one of my favorite albums of all time? No, but I'm not giving Mr. Simon less than a 5.

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Oct 23 2024
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5

Mr. Simon is a masterful singer-songwriter, and this album just shows how true that statement is. Very easy 5 for me.

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Oct 02 2024
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5

Some similarities to Gordon Lightfood

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Sep 24 2024
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5

this guy. Top ten song makers in my humble opinion.

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Sep 10 2024
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5

I believe that at his peak, Paul Simon could write a song about the phonebook and make it sound witty, then hit you with an understated yet poignant track about your grocery list.

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Sep 07 2024
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5

I’ve listened to many songs on this album, and many are favorites (“Run That Body Down,” “Me and Julio”), I’d never actually listened to it in its entirety. This was a phenomenally consistent album, and even the songs I’d never heard were catchy and distinct. Armistice Day had Joni Mitchell-inspired chord progressions; Peace Like A River was an unexpectedly empowering political anthem. I can’t wait to listen again.

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Aug 29 2024
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5

Go listen to the Pokemon Johto Theme and tell me that the chorus isn't a straight rip of Mother and Child Reunion. Paul's first album after splitting from Garfunkel is really strong and has some great singer/songwriter pieces. There isn't a lot of weak stuff here, with my favorites being the aforementioned Reunion, Duncan, and Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard. I want to lay in a hammock on an early spring day and relax to this album.

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Aug 24 2024
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5

Great collection of world music sounds

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Aug 20 2024
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5

enjoyed it way more than expected. somehow as a album it was a nicer first listen than graceland but afterwards it can be hears that this experimental path was approachin on some cuts. 4.5/5.0

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Aug 05 2024
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5

An album split between grand statements - Mother and Child Reunion, armistice day, Me and Julio... - and smaller simpler singer songwriter fare - Duncan, papa hobo, Everything Put together - this album hit harder on second listen. Masterful for it's genre hopping and shere song craft after the relative restraint of S&G. This opened up the full array of possibilities he would explore through his career.

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Aug 05 2024
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5

Ein wegweisendes Album welches mir sehr gefällt

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Aug 02 2024
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5

Great album, I don’t even know if Paul Simon even ever misses

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Jul 26 2024
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5

Oh shut up come on. This is already one of my faves… though I’ve never listened to it all the way through! I like the opening to “Duncan” this is cool, it sounds a little Dylan-esque. “Run That Body Down” is good.. I’ve heard it in a movie or something. I also like “Peace Like a River.” Obviously “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” is huge. And I’m sorry but “Hobo Blues” opening is a banger. Easy 5/5. Oh and the “Paranoia Blues” unreleased version is fun.

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Jul 25 2024
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5

I'll probable listen to this again, it's awesome!

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Jul 11 2024
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5

Very nice album with good lyrics

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Jul 07 2024
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5

Brilliant album. Simon’s vocals are so crisp, and the album is so nicely arranged. The tracks flow with nice balance. The varied influences are fun and interesting, and the lyrics are some of his best. *****

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Jul 04 2024
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5

Me & Julio down by the schoolyard. Let it be? It doesn't work like that.

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Jul 01 2024
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5

A little self-aggrandizing to use your own name as both your band name and your album name but you know, Paul Simon

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Jun 30 2024
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5

I love Paul Simon and this album is no exception

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Jun 20 2024
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5

embarrasingly enough I didn't know this was the simon and garfunkel guy but yeah bangers.

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Jun 14 2024
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5

Always 5 stars. He’s a poet that touches my heart every time.

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Jun 10 2024
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5

Best songwriter of the baby boom generation and there is no argument. I too am Just thanking the Lord for Paul Simon's fingers 😉

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Jun 08 2024
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5

The song writing, the lyrics, it's just all wrapped up nicely with a bow on the top! I can listen to this album start to finish and love every second of it 5/5

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Jun 08 2024
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5

Mother and Child Reunion // Duncan // Run That Body Down // Armistice Day // Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard // Peace Like a River // Paranoia Blues //

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Jun 03 2024
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5

Incredible album. I’ve heard Paul Simon my whole life from mom, dad, and Chris but have only ever really listened to his hits. This albums incredible front to back. Super consistent tone throughout. Great lyrics and some really good folk style guitar picking. Loved it

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May 31 2024
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5

Mellow. Some great tunes on this that I assume was his solo debut?

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May 27 2024
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5

You can hear the transition from Bridge over to his first solo album, he is nothing but phenomenal

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May 18 2024
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5

I love the comforting croons of Paul Simon, this album feels like a warm and soulful hug. His voice is so uniquely him and there’s a nostalgia to his music that draws me into that time period. Me and Julio is a favorite, that song just makes me happy. I’m a fan of this whole thing too!

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May 16 2024
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5

Just amazing. It seems tough to beat as a standard bearer for what an album should be in my book. He covers so much musical and lyrical ground, but it feels like it’s just effortlessly spilling out.

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May 13 2024
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5

Gold. Simon’s guitar playing and songwriting with world bass and drum rhythms. Great songs for decades to come

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May 10 2024
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5

How do I love Graceland but have never heard this album, I've been a fool. Paul's the GOAT.

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May 02 2024
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5

What a wonderful and sweet album. There's so much variance in instrumentation and arrangements. Paul Simon has a wonderful voice and there's so much diversity of music on this album. Every song is great. Awesome recommendation.

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May 02 2024
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5

I love Paul Simon. This is just a fantastic album. Great songs, perfect production. It’s warm and intimate and catchy.

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Apr 26 2024
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5

Me encanto, he got bangers fr fr. 10/10

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Apr 23 2024
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5

As simple as the production is, it’s an amazing album

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Apr 17 2024
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5

Best example for Singer-Songwriter

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