Paul Simon

Good album, easy listening.

Iconic

I always thought Neil Young was one of the best acoustic guitar players but I think Paul Simon is a strong contender for that claim. Simon's playing is fantastic throughout this record. The arrangements are so well thought out my only issue with Paul Simon are his lyrics. His singing is wonderful, but half the stuff he is talking about seems random for the sake of random. Unless he is on some other wavelength that I can't achieve. Most of these songs were great listens. I'd say this is album is 90% incredible. He definitely was the talent in Simon and Garfunkle. I wonder if Art has a record on this list. Time will tell.

Paul Simon is a fantastic songwriter who really has an ability to set the scene for you in his songs. He gives an intimate feeling of friendship with his lyrics; like you’ve always known him. This is a fantastic songwriter’s album. Good songs without overproduction. I really enjoyed it.

Mother and Child Reunion is a brilliant song. Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard is great too. Really enjoyable listen 4/5

This is really good! I'd almost call it too short.

why did i not know its the SIMON and Garfunkel girl im so dumb 4.5/5

Not for me. 1/5

all the tracks are beautifully composed. great body of work

I felt like the hits are some of the greatest songs ever written with a bunch of middling stuff in-between.

4.5

Mellow, deep and shine good bops. I really liked Armistice Day.

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!

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

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.

Not as many bangers as I thought, but still good!

poor

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 did some strong work from the last S&G record up until Graceland. This is probably my third favorite off that list.

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.

Paul Simon is a master story teller with exceptional lyrical phrasing. He brought the best and most innovative musicians to his albums. His music just feels good.

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

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

Correcto.

Very pleasant! I enjoyed just about every song on this album. The whole album feels very intimate and personal. It's very easy to listen to. I could imagine listening to this on a rainy day next to the fire. 8/10 Would I listen again? Yes

This thing opens with reggae?! I was not expecting that. Decent, not my favorite of Paul Simon's. 3/5

Has a few solid tunes otherwise a bit boring at times.

This is an album of folky singer-songwriter material. It's OK, but really pretty far from my taste. I don't really see that it's an exceptional or great album.

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

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

Paul Simon should not have known what Gatorade was in 1971.

In Steamboat Willie, this is the album mickey mouse is whistling along to.

Not great, not bad.

3.75

Good

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.

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

Excellent classic

its 5/10 its alright

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.

I liked it I knew one of the songs and it was different experience. I got caught up in being an album that had a clear narrative structure

Nice atmosphere, 5/5

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.

This was really good!

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

Ta güeno

Good, some good hits but some filler songs that sounded a bit similar. Too slow for my taste, but good songwriting.

A nice folksy songwriters’ album. 8.3/10 Best Track: “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard”

Honestly, pretty bored. I need a little more oomph for a Monday morning.

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

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!

Kinda forgettable

Easy listenin

it feels like I would listen to this album if I was studying at a coffee shop or taking a pensive walk (Bon Iver FEFA vibes). not bad, would be a good candidate for glee covers. I do like it the more I listen!

Prachtige stem, mooie muziek. Kan zeker in achting groeien

Good album.

Best example for Singer-Songwriter

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.

A real classic and a real talent

ну он норм, но мелодичности для меня недостаточно и вокал чуть сладкий, чуть с подъездами, всё не то

I would have been fine without listening to this.

Famous for wearing bow ties and horn-rimmed glasses, Paul Simon was a two-term U.S. Senator from Illinois (1985-1997), and a candidate for the Democratic Party nomination for the 1988 United States presidential election. After leaving public office, Paul Simon was passionate about creating a place to research and provide constructive public policy resources, encourage others to take part in conversations on the issues of our time, and support the next generation of public leaders. Oh, sorry, wrong Paul Simon. Meh, this album was ok. I’m not a huge fan of the singer/songwriter genre.

Lovely stuff. Acoustic guitar recording here is top shelf - some of the best I've heard. Great songwriting. 1 or 2 more hits would make this a 5. Julio isn't quite enough to lift it up there IMHO.

Free of worry.

Lovely and charming and exceedingly well produced – just sounds crisp all around and outright pristine at times. There are many interesting – and ambitious – instrumentation/arrangement choices, which give each song its own personality. The reggae-vibes on the opener, the penny whistle-y flute and sea shanty effects of “Duncan.” See oompah-band effects and whistling on “Papa Hobo,” Hot-Club-cum-Dixieland-ish strings on”Hobo’s Blues” and the bluesy stomp of “Paranoid Blues.” Besides the obvious cuts, “Run That Body Down” is a waltzy revelation (the vibes add much – another great touch – as is the easy-mellow wah-wah-ing solo). “Congratulations” is the loveliest sort of lilting, with cool, melancholic-whimsical organ to make a fittingly high-quality close to the whole record. As much as one thinks Simon is massively arrogant and credits the stories about him being difficult to work with, there’s no disputing the pure excellence.

Hobo’s Blues sounds like I’m watching a Pixar short

Thank you Simon no Garfunkel

A fun listen!

Generally enjoyable soft but quirky songs.

I've always been somewhat annoyed by Paul Simon's solo stuff. But this is a good album!

I have always loved this album. 3 epic tunes 2 good ones, and some filler. Like a snapshot of Paul Simon during the period when his genius was evident, but no fully developed.

4.9 - Stunning album, just think Paul Simon is just such a unique artist and great song writer.

A really nice friendly album, I can't pick many flaws with it, but I think it just slightly lacks some of that special sauce that Paul Simon is capable of. Fave Tracks: Mother and Child Reunion, Armistice Day, Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, Peace Like a River 4.2/5

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.

I am not denying Simon’s talent as a songwriter, but something did not click for me. I think his boyish voice needs more instrumental backing to work.

Good. Didn't compel me to keep listening.

The second solo album from post break-up Paul Simon hits hard with melodies and lyrical wit. A true classic from front to back.

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.

Better than Simon & Garfunkel. Still not Graceland

Perhaps I have unrealistic expectations for this Paul Simon record since I just had Graceland a few albums before it, and although it doesn’t live up to the creativity and fun of that one it is still a quality listen. Some cute song topics mixed with effective political takes as well, and just a very lighthearted and innocent sound throughout. 7/10

So'nt like it. No consistency. Hatte "Hobo' Blues", that violin. zero stars

Awesome and eclectic assembly of Paul Simon's diverse musical skills and inspirations. The wax and wane between hard acoustic blues melodies and whimsical folk tunes is mighty refreshing. This is a good album for those looking to get into Paul. Much more out there for the devout discography heros in terms of his art but those looking for some pop hits that don't diminish the charm of his song writing style, look no further than the self titled.

Fun tune,Idk I can't place it really but it's like going thru the American country kinda beat slow sunny days

Each song is so well crafted. A smorgasbord of sounds, interesting mix of material. The tracks are arranged fairly simply but have a different feel than your average Simon and Garfunkel track. it was a very pleasant sounding, light-footed album. The album features a range of musical styles, such as blues and folk rock, and it starts off with a ska-infused tune that instantly lifts your spirits. All in all a really solid album of great tunes, from a prolific artist.

Light. Airy. Spry. But not thin.

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.

This is a good album. Paul was definitely the song-writing talent of S&G. Key songs for me were Me & Julio, and Run That Body Down, which feels a little biographical. Surprisingly good album.

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

An album I admit I had not heard in its entirety despite always enjoying Paul Simon and his work. Of course some fine songs like "Me and Julio" and " Mother and Child Reunion" demonstrate where he came from and provide clues on what is to come. A deep track gem is "Congratulations".

So good

Good. Melodic. Easy listening. Good lyrics.

Not as good as Graceland.

Hmmm. Genesis of an iconic career but didn't find it all that arresting

Me... meet Paul Simon. Great record! As someone who really only knew PS though S&G this was a great introduction to his work as a solo artist. So much competent guitar work in a folk record. My standout was "Peace Like a River" 4/5

I don't think I've heard this album in its entirety before, but it has some classics on it like "Me and Julio down by the schoolyard". I would totally listen to it again!

Better than hearts and bones but prob won’t revisit

I’m a Paul Simon fan?

great

that first song, Mother and Child Reunion is an absolute reggae banger

I love Paul Simon. Generally his music is fantastic. While not his best album, this self-titled gem does have some of his best songs. "Mother and Child Reunion" is one of the few songs that can make me cry from just hearing a few notes. Absolutely beautiful. "Duncan," "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard," "Armistice Day," and "Peace Like a River" are also really strong tracks, but nothing quite tops "Mother and Child Reunion" for me. The first half of the album is generally better than the latter half, but it's still a lovely album top to bottom.

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.

Decent collection of gentle folk and blues. Paul Simon really excells in making comforting music. There is some wonderful guitar work but I feel you're often waiting for the end of the chorus to hear that one crazy riff. The blues chords really brighten up the harmony, especially in tracks like Falls Apart. Some of it might be too easy towards the end. I have a soft spot for stripped back albums like this. Enjoyable for sure.

Paul Simon (as part of S&G or solo) Was always a favorite of mine. The melancholy wonderfulness of his songs and performances never cease to amaze 4.5 stars

Oh wow. So good! I really enjoyed this one.

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 laugh every time I see this album cover because it's so funny to imagine a contemporary top 40 singer appearing like this. Actually, maybe under certain circumstances a hip hopper could have a parka like this. Wonderful songwriter, guitar player and singer kicking off a staggering run. Some accuse him of cultural appropriation, for example with the reggae of "Mother and Child Reunion" on here. I find the entire concept silly.

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".

Un lindo album folk, con partes de blues e incluso folclore argentino.

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".

I love Paul Simon! Great song writer and musician. I never get tired of listening to his songs. I probably would have picked his Graceland album as the one to pick for the 1001 compilation.

I like this one a lot! It's a classic. Good to have on speakers, I don't get bored, it's all around an enjoyable album. Some highlights include the demo for Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, and Run that Body Down.

I love this album. I own it, I enjoy it, and I'm so glad to get to listen again from this project. Great guitar work, great songs. But, it's not his best, so could it be a 5? I'll round up, so yes.

Good album

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.

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!

From the first note there are hints of the global music influences that took nearly 15 more years to coalesce into the landmark of Graceland: Caribbean/reggae rhythms on "Mother and Child Reunion," Andean flutes on "Duncan," and Brazilian percussion on "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard." Other songs are clearly more to his folk singer/storyteller past. Many of these are lovely, but I think it's far more fascinating to hear this album in light of his later success, and consider the deep influence Simon has taken from musical around the world throughout his entire career.

this marks the beginning of my folk awakening

Fine. Seems a little overrated. I like Simon and Garfunkel songs more

Really nice folk album. Nothing wierd or quirky just solid tunes from a great talent.

Never been a big fan of Paul Simon's solo stuff, but this album isn't bad.

Love this album grew up listening to it regularly

Sorta like Simon and Garfunkel, I like some of it, but not all, particularly the upbeat stuff. Weirdly sounds like old folky Beck

Classic Paul Simon. Beautiful melodies, nice arrangements - what else could you ask for. Incredible opening track. Notable tracks include mother and child reunion, run that body down, peace like a river, me and Julio, and paranoia blues.

Most striking thing about this album is the use of secondary (behind the guitar) instruments. Lots of flutes, strings, percussion, and some that I wasn't even able to ID. Paul's voice isn't the best but its simple nature lends itself well to this album's atmosphere of mirth and celebration -- don't be fooled though, there is depth here that is only heightened by how much the self-title seemingly doesn't seem to take itself. Favorite tracks: Celebration, Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard

Really enjoyable, very relaxing and soothing.

intro to paul simon, some gems in here. fun storytelling.

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!

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

Very similar to Simon and Garfunkel but still remains true to Simon as an artist. Great album overall.

Wasn't expecting to enjoy this, but this album was fire

Enjoyable chill early 70's album, others would exceed this

Not my favourite Paul Simon but the man is always palatable

Paul Simon's lyricism, melodies, and use of unique instrumentals across this album are freakin' gorgeous. I think going into listening to this album I expected a collection of fairly "safe," 70s folk, quiet tunes in the vein of Simon's previous efforts with Simon & Garfunkel. Dropping Garfunkel was a massive improvement for Simon's musicianship and I appreciate the places he took this album. Outside of the insanely catchy, popular "Me and Julio", lesser-known tracks like "Armistice Day" and "Peace Like a River" showcase Simon's impressive finger-picking techniques that make me jealous as hell. The man can also play some blues, with sexy slide guitars, brass instruments and I did not want to skip a song throughout Paul Simon the album, so this gets an easy 4-star rating from me. Wait...no. No. FIVE stars. The replayability of this album is top-notch, and I can't wait to listen to it in full again soon. Interesting Factoids from Wikipedia: *(On "Mother and Child Reunion"): The title has its origin in a chicken-and-egg dish called "Mother and Child Reunion" that Simon saw on a Chinese restaurant's menu...The song's lyrics were inspired by a pet dog that was run over and killed. It was the first death Simon personally experienced, and he began to wonder how he would react if the same happened to his first wife, Peggy Harper. "Somehow there was a connection between this death and Peggy and it was like Heaven, I don't know what the connection was," Simon told Rolling Stone in 1972...It was, at the time, one of the few songs by a non-Jamaican musician to use prominent elements of reggae. Simon was a fan of reggae music, and he listened to artists such as Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker, and Byron Lee; he wanted to go to Kingston, Jamaica to record the song, as that was where Cliff had recorded his antiwar song "Vietnam" in 1970. *(On "Duncan"): Between the stanzas, the song features instrumental interludes, played on 2 flutes, by Los Incas, an Andean group which had previously collaborated with Simon & Garfunkel on "El Condor Pasa (If I Could)" in 1970...Cash Box said that "the instrumental bridge is straight out of the Pied Piper mystique." *(On "Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard"): The percussion sound in the song, unusual for American pop, was created with a cuica, a Brazilian friction drum instrument often used in samba music...In a July 20, 1972 interview for Rolling Stone, Jon Landau asked Simon: "What is it that the mama saw? The whole world wants to know." Simon replied, "I have no idea what it is... Something sexual is what I imagine, but when I say 'something', I never bothered to figure out what it was. Didn't make any difference to me." Standout Tracks: Mother and Child Reunion, Duncan, Everything Put Together Falls Apart, Run That Body Down, Armistice Day, Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard, Peace Like a River, Congratulations

I’m not sure. This one isn’t doing much for me… relaxing album. But I can’t really distinguish the songs from one another they’re all blending together and not really standing out. “Peace like a river” is a fave and I can see that was likely and influence on lots of those early 00s folksy singers like sufjan.

Generally solid song writing, never really a dull moment on the album

Some excellent singer-songwriter music.

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

Super sweet.

Relaxing, forgettable but Julio is in the Muppets (2011) so….

Ma and Julio always a banger

I can't believe I had never heard this album, just a couple songs. Brilliant songwriting and his voice is amazing.

Paul Simon can write and sing, who knew! 3.8

Cozy as shit - Not my particular vibe though. Papa bear type music.

When you think solo Paul Simon this is the sound you hear. Not as great as Graceland but I liked it more than Rhymin Simon. Some good deep tracks and some pleasant discoveries. Songs added to Spotify: 3

I really really liked this album. Sorry Garfunkel

3.5

Probably the best singer song writer album i’ve heard so far and I hate the genre

Perfectly inoffensive. Interesting? Not really. Memorable melodies? Nah. Going for the album though is outstanding production, every instrument sounds pristine as do the vocals. A lot of care went in to that as it also did into the thoughtfully performed accompaniments. Unfortunately, the songwriting just isn’t very good.

Grew on me as the album went on. I think "Peace Like a River" was my favorite track. Really enjoyed the guitar on this album.

Classic yet not my fav

3.5* Folky, good acoustic guitar jams

This was a fun listen. Still remnants of Simon and Garfunkel, but you can hear his exploration of “world music” for lack of a better term coming in as well.

Yeah this is iconic

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)

Not super excited by this. Obviously a couple of hits but nothing that really stuck with me.

Not Graceland, but still good. Paul Simon is criminally underrated overall.

This dude can do everything. Thought I had pretty decent understanding of the Paul Simon "oeuvre", just from the big hit singles and his general existence in Pop culture and my parents' radios. But diving into this really expanded my view of his talents and impact. Assumed I would enjoy this but still surpassed expectations.

Liked it, his voice is so beautiful, really liked Peace like a river.

Intro on Mother and Child Reunion kicks off the album in a very cool way. Guitar solo on Run That Body Down is great.

Flöjt är inte så ofta man hör. Jag var inte så fokuserad på att lyssna, men Paul Simon är bra, och det tyckte det albumet var rätt bra också. 4/5

• 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

Simons voice is so sweet mixed in this sugary sound

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.

First Album that was post-Simon and Garfunkel-I'm not as familiar with his early solo work. Very simple, straightforward. and intimate with his storytelling. Clearly stretching his legs with different styles and sounds. I love the classics Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard and Mother and Child Reunion, but my favorites for this album are Peace Like a River and Congratulations.

Good actually

Folk-rock. Un poco lento para el vinilo. Un 4.

Bien. Sin más. Un poco rollo.

A few lulls, but mostly classics

Jaunty

Early solo Paul Simmon. Two icon songs, Mother and Child, and Julio are fantastic. The remaining songs are more than just fillers, you can see the beginnings of what would be a career long exploration into many genres of music.

Poetic

Very good easy listen

Enjoyed, easy to listen, nice vibes.

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

LOVE love love

Couple good songs, some good music but not the best album as a whole

I like the guitar-play. Over all a very solid album without smashhits or fails. Not an easy 4-star-rating but for sure better than average. Feels more like a 3.5.

Paul Simon is a legendary singer and songwriter. While this album features a broad assortment of musical styles, it is mostly just lengthy folk. Fairly easy to listen to yet somewhat stale.

Really like this kind of folk/blues/melancholic music.

Nice, chill and pleasant sounds, there are moments when this could just be it.

High quality songwriting, singing and guitar playing. every song feels unique with a good mix of folk and rock.

Not bad

great

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.

Kind of more country than I normally like but WOW that guitar is AMAZING. Favorite song: Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard

Couldn't stand it. Had to stop halfway through the 3rd track.

I truly wish I could like this album.

pretty awful, especially that me and julio song run that body down

I think I like Garfunkel better

It was very chill.

Beautiful album. This was a joy to listen to. I had imagined it’d be good but not that it’d be this pretty and fun.

A beautiful album transitioning away from S&G.

Couple of big, big songs, but it lost its hold on me in places.

4,3

Some fancy guitar playing

Lounge music at times...but a nice lounge

Meh. I dislike Paul period.

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.

Nice mix of musical styles.

I liked it. But it felt like elevator music. That's probably a comment on the success and likability of Paul Simon's music. But I'll never forgive him for taking Edie Brickell away from me. 4

I’ve heard several tracks from this album before. It’s a great album, and Simon’s acoustic guitar and soft vocals are compelling. I give this 4 stars.

I like it very much

Amazing! I've listened to Graceland once, but don't remember it well enough for it to have affected my expectations here. I had expected this to be very forgettable, a little shallow and generally unextrodinary - why I expected that I don't relly know, but I'm so pelased to have been wrong. From the off this album is full of heartfelt anti-wart sentiment, intricate (but not obnoxious) guitar playing, and a folky-bluesy undertone that really resonated with me. I listened to this twice and both times thoroughly enjoyed it. There's some filler, but it pales to the high moments of this album.

The first half of this album I really enjoyed, but the second half for me was a bit boring!

perfection.

lets goooo

never listen to simon & garfunkel but this was a nice album all the way through

i really like this album. great songwriting as always and has a nice mix of styles. “run that body down,” “everything put together falls apart,” and “me and julio” are my favorites.

Couple of decent songs.

👍 7 van. 10

Could songs I like but wasnt enough for 4 stars to me.

Interesting acoustic work that I hadn’t heard before.

Another case of 'don't judge a book by its cover'. I had preconceived ideas about Paul Simon (not all bad, honestly) but was blown away by this album. I don't think there is one track that let's it down. Listened multiple times and will continue to regularly listen.

Great background album,

Nice to sing to the baby

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.

This was a great album- loved it all the way through

Another day and still no boo radleys - interesting. 4.2

Playful album, the lyrics are quite simple but all songs tell a story. Think this also shows Paul's vocal range/adaptability, as well as some cool guitar licks.

Paul Simon is SO BAD at choosing album cover art, that I feel it important to celebrate this album for him doing a good job in that realm for a change (possibly the only other time being Graceland). All the Simon and Garfunkel album covers are embarrassingly lame. Well, Sounds of Silence is okay, but that Greatest Hits cover, woof. And then There Goes Rhymin Simon is giving Steely Dan a run for the worst album cover by a great recording artist of all time. When Paul Simon was picking his stats he put everything into song writing and musical ability and attributed no points to graphic design, the min-maxing motherfucker. I just watched The Wrecking Crew documentary and was surprised to recognize several of the session musicians from that movie as playing on this album. Makes sense I suppose. Paul Simon is the type to bring in whoever will make his album as good as it can be. It’s really no different than going to Kingston to record with members of Toots and the Maytals in order to make “Mother and Child Reunion” sound like actual Reggae and not a pale imitation. Paul Simon was going to make the best music he could make and didn’t care if he had to beg, borrow or steal to do it. The first song on each side is the hit and up there amongst the best pop music of all time. But the rest of the album isn’t filler. It never reaches the heights of the two singles, but they are almost all compelling songs in their own way. This is a great artist making an album when he was in his prime. The world is a better place for this album being in it.

Ok, not my style.

Some old favorites but also new listens on this album for me. I liked hearing some remnants of Simon & Garfunkel combined with nascent later Paul Simon solo work.

Some reggae elements on the opening track, followed by some 60s/70s flute heavy storytelling. A lot of other influences throughout (Latin, jazz, folk, blues), and thus, very diverse album. A little somber in places, personal and introspective, but then some rollicking and energetic, with unique percussion on "Me & Julio.." Fanciful guitar picking and playing, some nice little melodies. Pleasant record overall.

I have not heard Duncan in years. Great song! Paul Simon is just great! Interesting to hear demo version of Duncan and Me and Julio.

NOW THATS WHAT I CALL MUSIC!!! I’ve never listened to this one all the way through, and it was full of gems and fun little musical moments, and then the songs I already knew were like running into old friends. The Americana genre owes Paul Simon so much. Listened to this while driving through Utah and could really feel Paul’s love for the USA, which feels so unattainable these days. Will be listening again.

Fun!

2/5. Folk lives and dies by the stories the artist is trying to tell. Outside Me and Julio the stories just weren't doing it for me.

1.21.24

Great album by Paul Simon solo, great sounds of folk, rock even reggae. Really enjoyed listening to this album.

Fantastic background music, some of the absolute best. I wasn't expecting such a variety to be honest.

A beautifully crafted collection of songs by Paul Simon. Tonally and stylistically far-ranging, with an affable mix of folk rock, reggae, Latin, blues and jazz. Simon plays with genre with a fluidity and depth that feels effortless. He's in his prime here, with thoughtful lyrics and a laid back but expressive vocal delivery that is thoroughly engaging. Several of the best known/loved songs of Simon's career (and all time) are here, as well as some stellar deep tracks. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, Mother and Child Reunion, Peace Like a River, Duncan, Run That Body Down, Congratulations, Armistice Day, Everything Put Together Falls Apart, Hobo's Blues, Paranoia Blues, Papa Hobo

I think this was just really not my style. I don’t mind his song when he’s in a duo with Garfunkel but alone idk there’s something that bothers me. Objectively, it’s not bad music but it just wasn’t for my taste.

Eh

I always forget the song Mother and Child Reunion! Anyway, great album, classic Paul Simon.

Magpie songwriting with bits of reggae, Andean pipes, jazzy folk, Django jazz, overdriven electric guitar, bluesy finger picking, to go along with the main strummy acoustic sound. The recording and mixing is crisp and balanced - every part sits just right and there's a ton of breathing room making this very relaxing and unobtrusive background music verging on boring. That said, there's a lot of subtle songwritery stuff going on in the chord changes, voice leading and all that if you tune in and pay close attention. Favorites: run that body down, peace like a river

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

I’m sure most people think Graceland is the high watermark of his solo career, but give me this one. 4/5

What an absolute banger of an album

Excellent album! Very relaxing!

Very interesting song writing. Really strong solid beginning, starts losing steam half-way.

Mundane songwriting. honestly nothing of substance was sung about on the album. everything felt like normal everyday things. now nothing against that. but at the time there were so many other songwriters doing something similar, while still adding a bit of substance in between the songs. honestly teh album bored me to tears. every song felt the same. slight variances in tempo and tone but they felt the same.

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

Sometimes, I'm just a nice sensitive boy who enjoys his Paul Simon. 4.5/5

Enjoyable, mainly calm easy listening. Some gems: Congratulations, Me and Julio down by the Schoolyard, Duncan

Worth to listen to

Lot of nostalgia for this artist, but with the cringe reggae at the start tainting an okay album I realised Paul Simon kinda sounds like diet Bob Dylan. And I hate Dylan

A beautifully, written, performed and produced collections of songs from the pint sized balladeer of mid-century America. His usual magpie nature sees him borrowing from such diverse influences as Mississipi Delta Blues to Reggae, but his delivery lack either the authenticity of these influences, or the later inventiveness of 'Gracelands'.

A great melodic, rhythmic and energetic album. Various changes of musical styles compliments Simon’s vocal and lyrical approach.

I finished the album about a half ago and already forgot pretty much everything that I just listened to. Perfectly pleasant while it's on, but after that, not really a whole lot worth remembering

me and julio down by the schoolyard sounds like it could be synced in a travel ad

a favorite for sure

An excellent album, it transports me to an era when there was beauty in the world in a naive way,

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.

Again, I can hear his influence on other songwriters that I enjoy. That said, I’ll continue to let others tell me how good Simon is, rather than seeking his music on my own.

Vraiment une excellente surprise ! Je m'attendais à détester ça mais au contraire, c'était vraiment fun à écouter

Exquisitely crafted pop songs. I tend to gravitate to the songs with more fleshed out production, as the sparsely arranged ones seem more like sketches or ideas. But I can't find much to complain about; there isn't a single weak song on the album.

Sehr gut als Hintergrund bei der Arbeit. Stört nicht groß beim Telefonieren oder Mail schreiben. Ev. als Meditationsmusik geeignet. Oder für den Fahrstuhl.

Bien. Sin más. Un poco rollo.

Gefällt mir direkt ziemlich gut. Er hat einfach schöne Hits. Geht auch teilweise schon in die Richung von „Graceland“. Gefällt mir!

Little bit slower more mellow vibes from paul here. I enjoy a couple of his other albums more.