Reviews (page 10 of 13)
Mysigt album. Tycker man hör hur mycket han var av Simon & Garfunkel.
A very relaxed and mellow record. I enjoyed the overall sound of the album, but I'm not a big fan of the slow paced and randomness to the lyrical structures, for me the record misses a good flow. The songs do fit together well and the feel of an album is apparant, I like the conscious approach to writing music that Simon has and he manages to discuss important topics. Overall a fine album, which has an important message, but for me lacks in structure. Favorite song: Congratulations. Overall score: 6,1/10
Good but not my type of music, one song saved
# Album Name: Paul Simon # Artist: Paul Simon # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: Mother and child has a slight reggae vibe to it. Interesting. Wasnt expecting that. Pretty average album. two good tracks. # Top Tunes: # Would I listen to it again? Nah.
No es mi estilo
No lo encontré terrible, muy buena composición y letras agradables. Pero nada que ver a mí. Aprecio que usaron cuica en un tema folk, una anomalía. Un 5/10.
3.5
3+/5
It was... okay. A bit lackluster, comparing to previous Simon & Garfunkel's albums, or probably because I listened to too much folk lately. Either way, Mother and Child Reunion was lovely. 3.5/5
I will admit I was partially distracted when I listened to this album, so this isn’t the fairest rating, but I did like what I heard. Lots of great bluesy folksy stuff, and of course “Julio” slaps every time. Still, none of the songs really stood out to me as especially catchy. Overall, it was an enjoyable listen for what I was doing at the time of listening, and I’d be curious to re-listen at a time when I’m able to truly take in the words.
3.5 very solid
Standout tracks: - Mother and Child Reunion - Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard
78% Best: Mother and Child Reunion; Run That Body Down; Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard; Congratulations Must-Hear? Not quite
Ese fue un Fun Little album, la pase bien, simple, divertido, me re gustó. Total del album: 74
I give it a 3.5, definitely could grow for me going forward. Nice subtle folk and pop, the masterful way Paul Simon does it.
First solo album. Reggae vibes. Some lovely folk. Cozy. Nice and mellow. A bit boring.
booooring... but nice
Songs i knew:0 Songs i liked:2 or 3 A load of solid tracks on here, guessing he was heavy on the weed when he written that reggae number and paranoia blues. Much better than bridge over trouble water, he was well better without that other prick. High 3.
Enjoyed this. Didn’t blow my socks off but there’s some decent tunes on here, a couple of which go fairly hard for acoustic songs. Me and Julio down by the river is a nice little ditty with a bit of swing to it, and Peace Like a River has some cool riffs. The lyrics to Paranoia Blues remind me of going through security check in Schipol airport. Overall, not bad. Best tracks: Me and Julio, Peace Like a River, Paranoia Blues
I'm a big fan of Simon & Garfunkel and whilst I miss Art's harmonies on this its still a solid album. Even the reggae tinged songs didn't feel too cringe. Especially on Mother & Child Reunion. Belter song. Some of the album tracks are a bit lacking that classic S&G sound and just meander around a bit. Thinking songs like Everything Put Together Falls Apart and Run That Body Down. Armistace is a bit messy. Highlights: Mother and Child Reunion - Reggae can be alright sometimes. Me and Julio - Slaps. One of his all time best. Papa Hobo - Fun little ditty Paranoia Blues - love that slide guitar Lowlights: Everything Put Together Falls Apart Run That Body Down Congratulations Bit of a mixed bag but a nice listen. Quite a stoned sounding album and misses some of the orchestral touches of his other work. Feels quite demo-ey/first take at times. Great sunday morning album though.
Highlight: Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard In a nutshell: dabbling in a bit of everything Paul puts folk rock from Simon and Garfunkel on the backburner and tries out blues, roots and light reggae. It doesn't sound like he's appropriating the genres either. It's good, just not his best. Overall: 5/10
Not half bad a bit boring though. Some good word play worth a relisten for the lyrics, a few songs at least.
A very Paul Simony album. Peaceful and toe-tapping at times, but largely background music.
Primer disco en solitario Vendrán otros mejores. Excelentes 8 de las 11 cancioes.
Nice
Nice.
прикольно, но не удивил
pretty tame but very pleasant
I like Paul Simon but I don't love him. This is a nice album though
Meh.
Nothing stood out, but not bad.
Mukavia kappaleita levyllä. Paul Simonin musa on kyllä sellainen turvallinen säkkituoli.
Pleasant but mellow. Could have used a little more Julio.
I never listened to the full album so there was new experience for me here. All generally pleasant.
Some amazing tracks and some very average ones. Wish he had just gone full melodic.
high 3
Great album, really showing how he retained the authenticity from his early days in Simon and Garfunkel and grew as a songwriter, composing more complex and interesting songs about even the simplest of subjects. Also great because it marks a beginning of his move towards world music with interesting rhythms and sonorities
My father was a fisherman. My mama was a fisherman's friend. Favourite track: Duncan.
duncan旋律真的好好；好像很久以前有听过他和另一个人的组合
Had a real feel of an album written by someone in the last few weeks of the gap year they’ve mainly spent playing the guitar next to campfires.
Quite enjoyable with some catchy tunes, one or two 'hits'. Probably not something I'd listen to again.
Ohhh not another man from the seventies. Thankfully this was slightly different to the sounds we have had before. I was pleasantly surprised by the opening track and I liked Duncan. I was only familiar with ‘me and Julio’. Quite a jolly album, makes me regret giving Eagles 3. Not something I’d listen to again but perhaps the occasional song.
Prefer this more folksy approach to the pop of Graceland in lots of ways. Not as strong as the strongest S&G, but contains some timeless classics (Mother and Child, Me and Julio).
Will listen again. 3,4
Not bad. Gets a little too similar to bob Dylan at times.
Such a sweet album but didn’t reach out to me as much as I thought it would. His voice is fantastic though
Decent folky/light rock album with a few great songs. Starting to apply some more diverse influences that flesh out more on later albums. Solid melodies and songwriting, for an overall alright album.
Too reggeae for me
This was fine. I'm jealous of people who can whistle that cleanly. 3.1
Not bad
One of those that I know I should like it more than I do. His voice is faultless, he can play a mean guitar and the songs, when they hit right, are impeccable. It's just that it leaves me sat probably on a sidewalk in Greenwich village waiting for something a bit more... more. Run That Body Down, Duncan and Me & Julio stood out for me.
Paul Simon's first album after he got himself detached from the guy from the funny last name, and... See, I can understand why this is supposed to be so special. Simon is, evidently, a phenomenal singer-songwriter, and his inclusion of world elements was particularly unique at the time. Ain't no American artist in those days using a cuica. However, as much as I acknowledge and accept that — and as much as I did, honestly, try to pay attention to the lyrics and stories... This album just didn't do terribly too much for me. Maybe I just feel like it's lacking a little edge? The world elements aside (and maybe some of the deeper political meanings I missed, I'unno) it just felt kind of safe and typical. I mean, jeez, at least when he was palling around Garfunkel they had those beautiful harmonies, and that was interesting enough to carry me through. By himself... Yeah, I suppose he **is** a 70's folk singer-songwriter. But I'm not gonna act impressed by that, y'know? I'unno, it's an "it's fine" 3. I can appreciate some nice guitar and some of that 70's flute sound, but other than that, there just wasn't enough to really keep me engaged. Maybe when he takes a trip down to Graceland and I can call him Al there'll be more there. In the meantime... I'unno. Me First And The Gimme Gimmes did a cover of "Me And Julio"? Check that out, I guess? Sure.
Not bad 3/5
Me and Julio in the school yard song reminds me of what Mike used to do on lunch break at the mold shop
Great guitar instrumentals that I really enjoyed. And then you got Paul Simon's voice. Mix that, it's a 3-star rating for me.
Pretty steady and safe, but otherwise typical Paul Simon
Paar 4er-bangers, meistens zwüsche 2 und 3, aber hotte dude
nöd die ganz ziit super ufmerksam gsi aber die vibes woni catcht han sind definitiv catchable gsi vereinzelti lieder 2 mal glost und vorerst mal direkt ih minere oldies playlist zum verstaube deponiert hübsche burscht tho
Middling. Never really got going and all I could think when I was listening was that I’d much rather be listening to Nick Drake.
I thought Simon's work as one half of Simon & Garfunkel was great. But his solo work is lacking the charm "Bridge Over Troubled Water" had. I liked some of songs at the beginning of "Self Titled". The later songs were ok for the time. Solo albums tend to suck but Simon avoided that. 3 stars for "Self Titled".
Pop, Folk, 1972 -> 3
Not my favorite of his Me and Julio slaps
...
I've always liked Paul Simon.
I miss Garfunkel!
Enjoyed it!
3/5 Mother and Child Reunion is a reggae song, which is cool for that time. Duncan is a ballad and it's beautiful. Everything Put Together Falls Apart sounds like what directly inspired Jeff Buckley. Run That Body Down is a cheesy happy song. Did not enjoy Armistice Day. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard is cool, you can see the bossa nova influences, but it does not captivate me. Peace Like a River picks up the pace a bit for me, it's better than the last three songs. Papa Hobo is okay. Hobo's Blues is okay-ish. Paranoia Blues is bad. Congratulations is a good way to close a underwhelming LP.
meh 3/5 - not my fav kind of music
I have a lot of time for Paul Simon. I love his laidback style. This is a good album. I can see why people would adore it … and I like it. I really do. But, if I’m being honest I’m not sure I will ever choose to listen to it again. At least not for a good few years. So a 2.5 rounded to 3. I think that is fair.
#67 - Again, nice listen but nothing really calls out to me
Pretty mid honestly. Not a fan of most 70s
Okay. Not really for me. And after hearing the original, I can say they where right to change Me And Julio. The final version is way better then the demo.
Great album.
Not totally my jam, but I see why people like Paul Simon.
Relaxed, love the guitar sound.
Nice. Melodic.
Ok
Me and Julio down by the school yard Missing the Garfunkel, harmless, nice background music 3
This is a good folkrock album. I mean there is some songs I like and some songs I don’t. There is no songs I love, but neither are there songs I hate… It is a very indifferent and inoffensive album. It is alright. I don’t know what more to say, really. Oh and Paul Simon is American????? While I listened I thought that this was the most American British album I had ever heard… only to find out that my life was a lie and Bridge Over Troubled Water wasn’t made by two British chaps. Favorite tracks: Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, Duncan 6/10
Couple of classics - he’s a great lyricist but not Peak Paul for me.
This is really more of a 2.5, but because I love what came before and came after I consider this a necessary steppingstone. And there were two great songs.
Paul Simon is nothing if not 100% pro. The arrangements on this album are all spotless, his vocal performances are clear and pristine, the songs are all expertly written. All that said, this amounts to a very pleasant listen, with some obvious standout tracks, that failed to excite me. Really well done, but not one I'd feel compelled to listen to out of the sheer pleasure it gives me.
It points to both future directions he would explore in the 80s (eg the world music reggae vibes of the opening track Mother and Child reunion, and Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard) as well as his 60s work with Garfunkel (Everything Put Together Falls Apart). But for all its charm and experimentation it feels a little scattered and unfocused. It’s also quite short at 35 mins.
Very fall vibes
Mother and Child Reunion 3.7 Duncan 3.1 Everything Put Together Falls Apart 3 Run That Body Down 3.4 Armistice Day 3.3 Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard 3.6 Peace Like a River 3.4 Papa Hobo 2.8 Hobo's Blues 3 Paranoia Blues 3.2 Congratulations 3 Score: 3.227272727
Was a fine album, I like some of his other works better. Maybe it’ll grow on me. Me and Julio down by the schoolyard is a classic though.
First listen. Decent.
Good. Very good. A bit jaunty/twee for my taste.
decent folk album, typical sound for that era and group.
Paul Simon is always very listenable, but I’m not always in the same page with him as far as his whimsy.
Seems to be missing something and, while it might grow on me with more listens, it falls flat the first two times.
Not a huge fan. But this is probably his best work.
Paul Simon is a great songwriter, and this album is a good example. There are some really strong songs on here, and there aren't any bad ones either. That being said, I much prefer his output with Garfunkel, so I don't see coming back to this album very often.
Not bad.
I was a little underwhelmed by this one. It's a fine album, just a little forgettable. I only knew one song form this album prior to listening (Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard) and to be honest, I never really liked the song to begin with. Should've been a sign... Favorite song(s): Peace Like a River, Armistice Day Least favorite song: Mother and Child Reunion Knew beforehand? No
I mean .... It's Paul Simon! Some great songs here, but It's not something I would go to my musical closet of choice, to pull out and put on the player. I enjoyed it, nice easy to listen to.
It's nice. Too nice.
A little repetitive but comfy. Would be great to listen to during Autumn. Recognized Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard (of course) and was happy to finally hear the rest.
Great song written, lovely folk pop album, deserves to be on the list, but I’d rank this below Graceland, bookends and bridge over troubled water, so less likely to come back to it.
sweet little piece of folk rock along https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b27337a40ab12a4fb96319a9d96fwith some blues
#317. This album is fine, but kind of forgettable. Nothing at all really stood out as particularly interesting to me while I was listening to it. 3/5: acceptable
CARINO
I’m lagging really hard on rating this album. I keep listening to it hoping it’s gonna get better. It’s certainly good. It’s just not hitting for some reason. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard has always been a favorite of mine though.
Didn’t pay too much attention to the album. Didn’t find it engaging. It sounded fine, but not anything I’d go out of my way to listen to again. Folk? Couldn’t tell you. Standouts: Peace Like a River, Paranoia Blues, and Congratulations.
From Simon and Garfunkel discography I was expected to get hit in a instant but unfortunately I didn’t first track was great and fun but went back to blues and folk which were great but didn’t hit me to an extent
Decent album. Good singing. Didn’t love it didn’t hate it
Graceland is miles better, but this was still good
ok to nice singer songwriter stuff
Faktisk mægtigt godt. Ihvertfald bedre end det tidligere Poul Simon album. Det blev dog lyttet til lidt afbrudt, så det kan godt være jeg skal vende tilbage til det en anden dag. men indtil nu positiv.
Det kan lige svinge sig op på hyggeligt baggrundsmuzak.
Sounds exactly like I expect a Paul Simon album to sound. Safe, inoffensive music played well & written well.
I like Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard; I kind of like Mother and Child Reunion, Hobo’s Blues
Fine
I prefer the albums with Garfunkle, but this had solid moments of his uniquely talented lyrical style and a wide range of influences. Plus, "Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard" excites me at the first note. I think I've listened to it three times today.
ja, folk der frühen 70er. mir gefallen ein paar songs, ihre melodien und der erzählende gesang von simon. aber das geflöte stört mich jedes mal ein wenig mehr ..
This album has so many great songs, led by “Mother and Child Reunion” and “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard”, the two tracks that’ll have you singing them for days afterwards. The lead single lays the blueprint for where Simon will later go with Graceland and The Rhythm of the Saints, which some critics say is nothing more than an exploitation or appropriation of music beyond America’s borders.
Nice easy listening, not 100% my cup of tea and was a bit of a struggle to get through in one sitting, but I feel like if I was doing some other stuff/in the right mood, it would be a different story.
Its okay its his stuff. Graceland is much better
Like the other Paul Simon albums, there is some good stuff on here, but after the big hits, a lot is fine.
There is some great songwriting here and there is no denying that Simon's solo career stands on its own. The first track of the album stands out in particular to me. However, I can't help but prefer his work with Garfunkel, and anticipate that I will rate it higher.
Decent album by Simon. This sounds similar to his work with Garfunkel, and I enjoy his more upbeat solo work. 3.5/5 Probably will listen again
mother and child reunion- ok. it would play in a movie like florida project. it would show a couple shots of a board walk. 6 or 7 duncan- idc. 3. NO THERES MORE everything put together falls apart- i thought it was about drugs but its not so idc. 4 run that body down- ahhhhhhh. 4 armistice day- :l . 5 me and julio down by the schoolyard- 7 or 8. i like the monkey sounding noises. or it sounds like you get a soda at mcdonalds and youre messing with the straw. peace like a river- idgaf paul hobo- i also live on gatorade. 6 hobo blues- 7 or 8 paranoia blues- 6 congratulations- ok. 5 favorite song- hobo blues it wont let me rate the album....
3.75 solid, not quite a 4 but good
3/5 Solid.
liked it. short and nice. but nothing super standout, aside from maybe paranoia blues.
Classic artist not for me.
La verdad lo disfrute y es un buen disco de solo voz y guitarra pero no es para nada superior a "Graceland". Disfrute las canciones sin embargo creo que Paul Simon ha hecho mejores cosas y hay artistas que usándolo solo guitarra y voz me parecen mas interesantes.
Liked Songs Mother and Child Reunion Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard
Me and julio down by the schoolyard Mother and child reunion Run that body down
pleasant listen with some standouts
Peaches and cream. Women and wine. Simon and Garfunkel. Something's are better together. That not to say that peaches aren't great by themselves. But sometimes its better with cream. And this Simon would have been better with Art. And thidnt isn't to say Simon isn't great all by himself. Graceland is a great album. But this isn't. The first few songs are tepid at best. Others are good. But many only have glimmers of something interesting. This album is almost good.
Unique - almost modern in some sections
3rd fav
Paul Simon is a great songwriter. I prefer his music as part of S&G. I'm not as big of a fan of his solo work. There are some definite bright spots on this album, namely "Me and Julio...." I also love that this album has Reggae influences. Good album.
На один раз нормально, в конце какое-то кантри пошло.
Good album. Good music and lyrics. It's entertaining!
Never listened to this but I enjoyed it.
probably a 3.5. Some great songs and a few legendary ones but too many moments feel meandering and unfulfilled
3/5
definitely would listen if I was upset to calm me down and cheer me up
After the first track of a cringy attempt at reggae, the album redeems itself with what Paul Simon does best, folky singer songwriter grounded in acoustic guitar.
Two really good songs, his lyrics are good.
I was dreading another Paul Simon album!! I really like me and Julio down by the school yard and mother and child reunion. apart from that the songs are very similar and the album is very similar to graceland. Which some wold think is a good thing!! Favourite song: Mother and Child reunion Least favourite: Duncan, I was not a fan of this at all. Album artwork: Great jacket
Simple, folky music. Pleasant to listen to while working. I like Armistice Day, mainly because the guitar breakdowns. Almost a heavy vibe on them, but acoustic. Peace Like a River is probably my favorite, also because of the guitar work. Great tune. Paul Simon isn't someone I would typically ride around listening to, but his music makes me smile.
I did NOT expect a reggae opener--or anywhere for that matter--on this album; I guess I assumed it would be acoustic guitar and voice. This is a refreshing surprise. Let's see what else this album has to offer. There it is, track 2: "Duncan", and pretty much every song afterwards. They are more indicative of what I'd expect from "Paul Simon." This road was paved by Leonard Cohen, but Paul certainly has his own worthwhile musings. "Run That Body Down" is coffee-shop jazz that resonates with me with it's casual approach and odd-meter. I can hear similar stylings in the works of M. Ward and Elliot Smith decades later. I like how "Peace Like a River" flows (pardon the pun), and the guitar work is well-honed, especially the precise finger-picking. These are my two favorite tracks. Similar song titles like "Papa Hobo", "Hobo's Blues," and "Paranoia Blues" stretch the credibility of inspiration and appears more like a thematic rut that is all the more painfully obvious being sequenced back-to-back. Next up, "Papa's Paranoia"?? It's a bit nit-picky, but that's how criticism goes at times. These are supposed to be the greatest albums of all time. "Congratulations" is a somber and reflective way to close out the album; its impact would be greater if the previous songs demonstrated more variety. In all, there are some playful changes in meter and a relaxed sophistication on "Paul Simon," but it is suffers from lack of variation in the style and instrumentation and is perhaps too easy-listening and quiet.
This sounded like what I'd expect a Paul Simon album to sound like. It wasn't my favorite album by him (I really only knew "Julio" before today, and nothing else took my breath away), but it's perfectly fine. It shows his interest in folk, and also with world music with the Jamaican and Brazilian elements. 3.5
I'm a big Paul Simon fan so I was glad to see this one come up. Paul Simon has such a clear and clean voice. His singing always sounds so effortless and uncomplicated. He really has a way of painting pictures with his words while at the same time keeping things musically interesting. This was a pretty chilled out album. I like 'Me and Julio...', 'Duncan' and 'Mother and Child Reunion'.
Safe album from a good guitarist
Great songwriting. 3 stars
6.5/10
I like Simon because of his open minded and exploratory approach to music. Like all the best artists he is good at stealing and making something of his own from it.
Ganska stabilt album.
Verrry low key. Fine.
B- Mother And Child Reunion 3 Duncan 4 Everything Put Together Falls Apart 3 Run That Body Down 4 Armistice Day 3 Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard 3 Peace Like A River 3 Papa Hobo 3 Hobo's Blues 3 Paranoia Blues 3 Congratulations 4 Good job fella
Not bad, not great
Not his best but i love this petty little guy
Paul Simon always had an interesting take on music. With the ability to ring other cultures into his music he makes things fun. This album shows that with the various styles in instrumentals. The overall lyricism is pretty good and of course the Detroit red wing shoutout is pretty cool. Overall this album has a major hit but the whole thing isn’t that spectacular, just overall good. 7.2/10
Catchy folky pop. Not unpleasant.
Highlight: Mother and Child Reunion
Never heard the album before. It had a couple of good songs but overall not great. I won't rush out to listen to it again. 3 stars, but closer to 2 than 4. "I was born in the boredom and the chowder"
Nice album. My favorite album of his is Graceland.
Iconic
I felt like the hits are some of the greatest songs ever written with a bunch of middling stuff in-between.
Paul Simon has a ton of great skills. All the instrumentals and mixing and stereo work here is fantastic. I miss the impact that Garfunkel brings. For a debut solo album it has some solid work and he does get better in future releases
He is so good at the science of putting together a snappy, catchy song. That being said there are a lot of very Underwhelming songs on here. I hope making an Armistice Day song was just a joke or a test, because just saying the title is upsetting.
Hoy toca otro artista clásico. Debo decir algo similar al día de ayer: no recuerdo haberlo escuchado como solista pero sí a Simon and Garfunkel. El disco empieza con un dejo ¿reggae? y la voz súper dulce de Paul Simon. Disco tranquilo. Caigo en la cuenta de que conozco "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" porque está en la banda sonora de "The Royal Tenenbaums". Bueno para bajar decibeles (o intentar hacerlo).
- Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard is a great song - the rest of it was okay, nothing extraordinary but still a good listen
- quality singer/songwriter - great voice and guitar
I really wanted to love this album, especially being a fan of some of Paul Simons work. Unfortunately though this ended up as a snooze fest for much of the time
I really like his lyrics but the instrumentals are so boring to me.
Paul Simon is an astonishing songwriter, but his voice has never been super appealing for me. Me & Julio is a great song & memorable performance, but the rest is pretty bland for me to really stand behind & be excited about.
oh this guy again. hes cool tho. chill duncun: couple next door oughta win a prize theyve been going at it all night is crazysdghsjdsh stopped at Paul Simon Track 6 - Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard
This thing opens with reggae?! I was not expecting that. Decent, not my favorite of Paul Simon's. 3/5
Not his best album, but yet nice to listen to.
Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard goes hard but the rest are fine or kinda boring
Pretty run of the mill. 2.5/5.0: Mixed
In Steamboat Willie, this is the album mickey mouse is whistling along to.
Not great, not bad.
Good
Some cool guitar stuff, but he can do better!
Delightful. Haven’t heard the vast majority of these songs beforehand but very easy to listen and vibe out to
Pleasant but not super memorable
Perhaps not the most exciting but quite pleasant and I love Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard. A surprise for me to learn that this was #984 out of the original 1000 when I know of at least 16 albums from our project that are worse than it
Paul Simony
Early experimental paul Simon that feels very raw…and I can see the seeds of Graceland growing in the melodies and the experimentation. It’s a very good album…just not as good as some of his others.
Pretty good. Nothing that special, but an entertaining album.
Not my thing at the time, but an impressive album, coming on the heels of the monster BOTW, and the breakup. Too cute for me, but I get the appeal. My wife thinks he’s got little-man issues.
Honestly, pretty bored. I need a little more oomph for a Monday morning.
Some interesting songs but not something I see myself revisiting
You can’t call me al
Well, this is exactly what I figured a Paul Simon album would sound like. Peaceful, hippy, smoke a joint, dance poorly and not give a shit about life for a moment. I like that ideology but not to this soundtrack. This isn’t terrible but it doesn’t get me moving like it should . I don’t have a choice cut because it all sounds the same
It's Paul Simon for goodness sakes
Seems quite inessential in his overall album output besides 2 songs...
Beautiful Album so many classics love these jams! But not my style. Mad respect tho!
Good album.
Ok, but repeating tunes
Cool bluesy album – enjoyed
Classic Paul Simon. This effort likely cemented his status as a solo artist which left Garfunkle in the dust.
ну он норм, но мелодичности для меня недостаточно и вокал чуть сладкий, чуть с подъездами, всё не то
A fun listen!
Generally enjoyable soft but quirky songs.
I like Paul Simon's voice and some of the songs that stood out, but overall the album felt a little disjointed and a little too mellow for my taste. Really liked Me and Julio.
A little too quiet for me. Mother and Child reunion is great but everything else is just passable
The hits are untouchable on this album. The rest of it is pretty boring unfortunately. Armistice Day is pretty groovy too. I’d argue he put out much better albums after this one.
wasn't a huge fan on first listen, but a few good tracks. 2.8/5. listened 3x
Not my usual type of music but I recognised a few tracks, folky and bojoey.
I listened to this one through but I was distracted. It was more chill than I expected. I see why I only know the hits off of this one. Me and Julio is an all-timer but a lot of the rest is meh.
It has his distinctive voice and is very nice but gets a bit samey on side 2
Not as good as Graceland.
Hmmm. Genesis of an iconic career but didn't find it all that arresting
Better than hearts and bones but prob won’t revisit
Obviously, the radio hits are the standouts, but the album is overall a favorable step in Simon’s post-Garfunkel era.
Is a good album, very simple maybe a little boring.
It has “Mother and Child…..” and “Me and Julio..”, so it’s already ahead of the game. The remainder is, as you would expect, lyrically clever and worthy of the listener’s time not least because it also features a passable Django Reinhardt impression on “Hobo’s Blues”..
Pretty listenable, a few great songs.
I feel like I have two very opposite impressions of Paul Simon, and this plays out with this album. On the one hand, I often enjoy his sound and style (perhaps not as much as his work with Garfunkel), especially on his earlier solo stuff, but I also find his whole world music thing kind of annoying and pretentious (more so than, say, Peter Gabriel or David Byrne's (obviously much later) world music explorations). Thankfully, this album has less of the global sound (except of course his ubiquitous pan pipes), and while I miss the Garfunkel/Simon harmonies, most of the songs are pretty solid, although not particularly distinctive. I also enjoyed how much this album reminded me of some of Leo Kottke's stuff.
I remember checking this album out from the public library when I was a kid and even then I was a little disappointed by it
El primer disco en solitario de Paul Simon tras la separación de Garfunkel abre con un sorprendente tema grabado en Jamaica, "Mother and Child Reunion", en el que se aventura con ritmos reggaes (un estilo musical en auge en aquel 1972) y sigue con los aires sudamericanos de "Duncan" (quizás con el recuerdo del gran éxito que tuvo el dúo con "El cóndor pasa"). El resto del disco son canciones sencillas, íntimas e incluso divertidas entre las que cabría destacar la exitosa "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" o "Peace Like a River".
Paul coming into his own exploring musical styles that he will lean into for the rest of his career. There's the fade between Simon & Garfunkel, world music, blues and jazz. It doesn't quite coalesce as a whole album, but the single are great.
Recognize "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard".
this marks the beginning of my folk awakening
Fine. Seems a little overrated. I like Simon and Garfunkel songs more
Never been a big fan of Paul Simon's solo stuff, but this album isn't bad.
Sorta like Simon and Garfunkel, I like some of it, but not all, particularly the upbeat stuff. Weirdly sounds like old folky Beck
intro to paul simon, some gems in here. fun storytelling.
Inoffensive but didn’t really grab my attention other than a couple of songs. “Armistice Day” and “Peace Like a River” were highlights.
Ну не. Ну типа да, душевно, мужик в аляске что-то понял о жизни и радужным голосом под проникновенную гитару нам рассказывает о бомжевании и вообще о мире. Но не. 3
Enjoyable chill early 70's album, others would exceed this
Not my favourite Paul Simon but the man is always palatable
Big fan of Paranoia Blues
Too old but also ok for background music at work
A couple of really good songs, but didn't care for the rest that much. Talented, but just not my cup of tea.
Not too bad
Ma and Julio always a banger
Cozy as shit - Not my particular vibe though. Papa bear type music.
Probably the best singer song writer album i’ve heard so far and I hate the genre
Classic yet not my fav
3.5* Folky, good acoustic guitar jams
I don’t think I’ve heard a bad Paul Simon song. Here, Simon mixes just about everything (jazz, blues, reggae, Latin) with his traditional folk and it works. He has the ability to make anything he’s singing about sound light and airy, sometimes maybe too much. 4 stars would be fair, buts Side B after Me and Julio isn’t as strong as the rest. 7.8/10
Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard Congratulations Paranoia Blues (I prefer thedemk version)
Intro on Mother and Child Reunion kicks off the album in a very cool way. Guitar solo on Run That Body Down is great.
• Gullig bild på Pål, stor luva • Lite reggae? • Lite tråkigt? • Saknar lite mer av allt, lite oumph eller nått, inte för Paul Simon är känd för det, med eller utan Garfunkel •Julio kanske är den bästa av dem, mestadels för den har lite fart o lite rytm, har aldrig varit min favoritlåt dock Betyg: 3/5
Några riktigt bra låtar. Älskar Julio. Lite konstig reggae i början typ. Bra album
I appreciated some, especially Me and Julio. Overall, not what I choose to listen to, but I'd sing along with a song or two if it was on.
Good actually
Bien. Sin más. Un poco rollo.
Again, two memorable tracks ( because they were overplayed on the radio at the time ) and a listenable album. Pleasant enough for 3*
Liked it. Not enough to come back but it was easy listening.
The music is better than the album cover
Not bad
Paul is definitely a storyteller, but most of these stories are somewhat tedious and boring. On one hand I like songs that play along with pictures in my head, but I'm not sure I'm really invested in what happened to someone else's chow fun, or about a hobo that maybe tied his shoes with 3 loops that one time. I do happen to like the unreleased version of "Paranoia Blues" better than the original. These may be the kind of songs that grow after a couple of listens so you Can Still follow along if you miss a verse, but I found my imagination drifting away from the plot. Could be something good to fall asleep to. Favorite track: "Hobo's blues" 2.5/5
Has some good tracks, not my favorite.
It was very chill.
Couple of big, big songs, but it lost its hold on me in places.
Lounge music at times...but a nice lounge
Haven't heard this one before. Pretty good.
Simon without Garfunkel just doesn't hit the same way. 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard' is a banger though.
The first half of this album I really enjoyed, but the second half for me was a bit boring!
👍 7 van. 10
Could songs I like but wasnt enough for 4 stars to me.
Came in expecting a sleepy album and although it is easy listening, its quite engaging. I'm pretty unfamiliar with Simon but I do know he's a great song writer and this album is a showcase. Not going to be in heavy rotation but I appreciate it.
Ok, not my style.
1.21.24
Decent enough album, some tunes better than others but nothing terrible here. There were some interesting sounds worked in that kept things interesting. Hobo’s Blues definitely stood out as a great track. I don’t see myself returning to the album. It was fine, 3 stars
Okay
It was fine, nice old-fashioned background music. The type of thing I'd hear in a walmart.
This is a very good album that has the drawback of being to reminiscent of other Paul Simon works. I felt like I *almost* liked most of these songs, and that he figured out whatever nebulous lack these had later. Honestly though, whenever I hear a non-hit by Simon I always think it's kinda meh so maybe this is a me thing. Also, I would have bet money that "Me and Julio" came out in the 80s. 3.5 stars
enjoyed this blast from my childhood--remember checking it out. Still, not a great album. I think even then I was a little disappointed by it.
Bien. Sin más. Un poco rollo.
Little bit slower more mellow vibes from paul here. I enjoy a couple of his other albums more.
I listened to this three times at work. I love Simon and Garfunkel and listened to their greatest hits growing up. That said, I was a bit disappointed in the songs that I hadn't heard before. But the songs I knew were great. Me and Julio is a banger.
Includes two well known songs that are fun to listen to again.
Very poetic
Sqee
3.2. Now I know what supermarkets sounded like in the 70’s.
One star for Me and Julio, one star for Mother and Child Reunion. One star for nice guitar playing. Otherwise this was an annoying album.
Nice folksy album. Good vibes
Decent! Not as good as Still Crazy or Hearts and Bones
Bra album med bra melodier
This is a direct continuation of Simon & Garfunkel, only without Garfunkel. It's quite good. 3/5
Lyrically very smart. Beautiful songs. Very solid for what it is.
I’m a big fan of “You Can Call Me Al” which is not on this album, but that’s the sort of upbeat Paul Simon I was hoping for and to be fair, there are a few on here that fit that style. However, those track that aren’t upbeat are a bit of a drag on what was a chilled listen. Also didn’t know that Me and Julio song was done by Simon, also didn’t know this is the Simon from Simon and Garfunkel. The stuff you learn eh?
My mind was elsewhere this morning. But let's try and give it a go. 3 well known tracks here, mother & child, Duncan, and me and Julio. M+jdbts was an updated version on youtube but still a good track. Now for the rest of the album. Got off to a slow start,but picked up. Wasn't as upbeat as I expected seeing m+jdbts and m+cr in the listing, but still ok. Would I buy it? No, it's no graceland. But still worthy of a 3.
Yet another album labelled 'Folk- rock'. Shit album cover. Thought I'd hate this. I didn’t. Paul Simon again proves he can write a decent song or 10. I bet if you gave him a kazoo and a xylophone, he still would create a masterpiece. I'm not a fan of acoustic guitars, but what did did with it was excellent, plus all the other instruments to back it up worked really well. A low 3 as I probably won't listen to it again, but it was very good for what it was.
It was ... nice.
I like this album, Me and Julio, Mother and Child Reunion, and Duncan in particular. Paul Simon is a wonderful songwriter, better than Dylan in my opinion and they are always compared for some reason. Maybe just beacuse they were doing similar things at the same time? Anyway - as good as Paul Simon is, I feel like eveerything he did with Garfunkel is better than his solo stuff. It's odd because Garfunkel by himself was not stellar (to be generous), but the records they made together were so much better than either of their solo endeavours. I can't give this record more than 3.5/5.
wow fun guitars
The first post-Troubled Water album from Paul Simon. A sort of eclectic mix of folksy songs, perhaps invigorated by the fact that Garfunkel wasn't there to ground him. Some songs work especially well but there are a few that don't quite land. The clear highlight is the bouncy Me and Julio which never fails to make me feel a bit better.
Not my type but also not bad
"I'm living on gatorade, planning my getaway" I enjoyed this album a lot more than I thought I would, which is always a pleasant surprise. I found myself smiling, and in a relaxed trance while listening to it, and I think it came to me in the perfect moment. It's cool to hear some solo work from the notorious Simon of Simon & Garfunkel. Really pleasing and soft voice, paired with nice acoustic guitar and round bass lines, and soft drumming. Lots of the songs are groovy, and I particularly liked "Run that body down" for the reasons aformentioned (playlist track). I disliked "Me and Julio down by the Schoolyard" because of how poppy it sounds, and it reminds me of a Jack Johnson song (not a bad thing, but not what I want from a song). I also disliked "Paranoia Blues" because of the screeching slide guitar. In an ideal world, this album would get a 4, and although I could imagine myself throwing it on after a tough day, I don't think it quite deserves that rating. 3.4/5
Fairly calming
Paranoia blues best song
Yeah a couple songs are pretty good 6.5/10
The first track gave a glimpse of the sound Paul Simon would eventually establish as a solo artist, but most of the album felt like Simon and Garfunkel without Garfunkel, but that’s still some pretty good music
ok, chill and comfy
Ok 3.5
J'ai vraiment aimé ! 3,5
Trevligt. Mycket kvar från Simon and Garfunkel, och inte än i utforskandet med Graceland några år senare. Lite jazziga toner dock.
I like Paul Simon, found this a little passive compared to some of his other stuff though
Solo