Reviews (page 2 of 14)
the Joni Mitchell’s Blue of the schoolyard
Meh. It's Paul Simon.
Weird New York songs about nothing in particular. Me and Julio is a banger, but what the heck is it about? Same with Mother and Child Reunion. Much of the rest is pleasant folk and folk pop, with little to rave about.
Paul Simon is GOAT
Always had a soft spot for Simon and Garfunkel, so I had good optimism towards this album going in, and it was mostly met. What i like about this album, is that it seemingly has a sense of positivity and uplift to it, while showing off with awesome story-telling and guitar work. When I think of Folk, i much prefer pieces like this as opposed to Bob Dylan. So at least i have my timeline for when folk becomes bearable for me, yeah? That said, Me and Julio + Mother and Child reunion are the only real pieces that i'll probably revisit, that said both really good songs. 3/5
Great album. Every song is good. Classic from a master. 5 stars.
Great album by a great singer/songwriter. I will always slightly prefer the Simon & Garfunkel discography, though.
sehr gutes album gefällt mir
i love this album. it reminds me of my upstairs room at my parents house in the fall. windows open, fall semester of college underway. good good good.
It feels like he kinda phoned it in for most of this album and the fact that it's still pretty good speaks to his immense talent as a songwriter. A few of these tracks were huge parts of my childhood and will always take me to simpler times but besides those couple of favorites (Mother and Child, Me and Julio), there's really nothing to rave over.
Simon is like McCartney in that they are both actual virtuosos with pop songwriting and can conjure a good hook from nothing like its second nature. Like McCartney, Simon's great albums are few & far between but like McCartney, most of his albums are still pretty damn good.
I like the hits a lot off this one. Mother and Child Reunion is one of my favorite Paul Simon songs. This album is definitely no Graceland to me, but I think I'd come back it it again and reevaluate.
Man what a great writer and instrumentalist, just a solid listen throughout
The man is a genius. Me and Julio down by the school yard give this album 3 stars alone.
This is pretty cozy
Thank god he dumped Garfunkel.
Wonderful album by one of the best songwriters of our generation.
Meh
Eigentlich ziemlich gut und mit jedem Lied immer besser
Warm, upbeat, feels like a Summer Sunset in a field, thought this is what Country Sounds Like, lovely
Half this album is amazing, half is okay. It’s like a metaphor for Simon and Garfunkel
Mycket mysigt album. Perfekt till hösten
another new-to-me i wonder if graceland will show up in time also this one was pretty good actually can see why ppl thought paul simon going solo was a big deal 💥run that body down 💥me and julio down by the schoolyard 💥peace like a river 💥paranoia blues
3.5
In their respective post-band careers, Paul Simon got better at being Paul McCartney than Macca was. This album is a triumph of bubbly, energetic, at points stunning and extremely accomplished song-writing. And not a sniff of a silver hammer. Really enjoyed listening to this several times. Feeling a strong 4 on this one.
mid 3 and a few years before he was making the best albums of all time. guess thats the garfunkl factor
I was not expecting reggae vibes. Am I completely misguided in who I thought Paul Simon was in a musical sense? Ok never mind, that was just the first track, I jumped the gun. This album was pleasant! I’ve clearly never listened to it in it’s entirety before and found myself smiling with some songs giving an almost ‘child like wonder’ POV. I’ve always loved the fun of “ me and julio down by the schoolyard” but that is the only song I am familiar with. Funnily enough I have this record, having picked it up in a local stores ‘$10 mystery box’, but, along with the hawaiian guitar, songs of italy and ballet vinyls they throw in, I haven’t played it. It’s giving sunny afternoon, watering the garden vibes and I am may even promote the record to the alphabetised side of my shelves along with the others I actually listen to. Would I buy this record if I saw it in the $5 bargain bin - probs not on face value but who’s to say really given I already own it
Un poco aburrido...
Two songs in a row called "<something/someone's> blues" tells you all you need to know. A few good songs in the middle to be fair.
Ehhhhhh
maybe 2.5
Q very cohesive and well put together album. "Mother and Child Reunion" and "Peace Like a River" are my favourites. He has a very pleasant voice.
I guess I am a fan. 5 Boolean: True
I liked this so much 5 stars
70’s slow
Classic Paul Simon
I spent half the album thinking I was listening to Paul McCartney and was surprised by the sound, and then I realized it was the guy from Simon & Garfunkel. Chill music tho.
Buns
Paul reminding us (again) why he is one of the finest songwriters out there.
Kinda want a nice parka like that too.
I don't like folk and I don't like Paul Simon's music.
Bedre enn den andre
Boring IMO
This list has shown me that it's near impossible not to like a Paul Simon album
As someone who has not always been an avid Paul Simon fan, I was expecting to like a few tracks and more than likely shrug at the rest. To my surprise, Paul Simon's self-titled second record is pretty fantastic. It's an introspective, vulnerable, and very human collection of songs that's forcing me to rethink my opinion on Paul Simon. Well, at least separate my opinion of the music from the man who has written it. Among many other things, this is why the 1001 journey is so rewarding. I wouldn't have listened to this album otherwise, which would have been a shame.
Simon é um compositor elegante, com uma voz suave. O folk pelo qual era conhecido começa aqui a ser mesclado a outros gêneros, que depois ele desenvolveria melhor. Bom disco, com boas canções.
Nice folksy album. I was reminded of Iron & Wine for a few songs.
‘Me and Julio…’ is one of my all-time favorites. Between his work with Garkfunkel and a long solo career, he is responsible for some of the greatest songs of modern American music. I can’t think of a specific reason not to give this 5 stars, but I’m not going - 4 stars it is.
This was already in my rotation, but I gotta admit, save a few of these songs I don't love love this album. But I like it. Paul Simon is the right kind of weird...regular guy weird I guess you would call it. Aggressively regular guy, so regular it's weird and interesting to represent it in music. And, as a regular guy, I can dig it.
This record was easy to listen to while working. Favourite Track(s): Hobo's Blues Least Favourite Track(s): Congratulations
This is one of those albums that defines my childhood. Some of my earliest memories of music involve hearing Paul Simon on the radio as my mom did chores. I was lucky enough to see him live a few decades ago with my mom. He's one of the most prolific songwriters of our time, and this album is just another example of that talent.
⭐️Mother and Child Reunion
I knew that Paul Simon had recorded several solo albums after his split with Art Garfunkel, but I wasn’t familiar with any of them. My parents told me that back then, many people bought this album on a whim simply because it had “Paul Simon” on the cover, expecting it to be a nearly equal continuation of Simon & Garfunkel. That certainly explains, at least in part, the huge chart success of *Paul Simon* - though it certainly wasn’t because of the songs themselves. Simon tries his hand at both lighthearted folk ballads and world music elements, but none of it works particularly well. Now I understand my parents’ bitter disappointment. Luckily, I don’t have to put that record on my shelf now...
I can't put this into words exactly but this sounds like the beta version of Graceland. Ever wonder if he was still alive he would be one of those guys that travel to places like North Korea to try and build bridges with music? 3/5
Paul Simon – Paul Simon (1972) On Day 251, the opening reggae-influenced sound didn't hit right away, but as the album progressed, I locked into the groove and the record really took off. Simon’s serene sonic palette shines through, with "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" acting as an immediate standout before I even realized it was the most streamed track on the project. The album offered a wide range of highlights beyond the hits, including "Everything Put Together Falls Apart" and "Paranoia Blues." A rich, dynamic, and engaging listen once it clicks. A solid 4/5.
Pretty good
i like this album, its very chill! giving jack johnson a bit but i cant stand that guy so i like this better haha very chill, i enjoyed this a lot nothing really stood out though and nothing made it on the playlist this time
Some great songs, and several good songs
Very smooth album for folk.
I’m a fan so of course I like it. I wouldn’t judge him based on this album and consider a couple later ones
I like Paul Simon. He has a bunch of great songs. A few of which are on this album. The theme here seems to be about the struggles of familial and romantic relationships. It’s his first album after his break with Art Garfunkel and it feels more personal and introspective, but also a little timid and unsure. It’s a remarkably solid record given all that. Duncan is my favorite song. I like the rawness and sparse production the whole album. Paul Simon has always fed off the energy a creativity of the musicians he works with and this album is an early indication of that attribute for good or worse.
pretty good
When I was in 2nd and 3rd grade I had a buddy named Julio. Damn near every day, my dad would ask me - What did you get into today? I saw you and Julio down by the school yard. And he’d laugh like it was the first time he made the joke.
Really like Paul Simon and this album doesn’t disappoint
• Nice Guitar Songs • bisschen zu alt für mich
A classic
Great songs.
Out of all the other Paul Simon albums I've gotten so far on this generator, this one has the most of Garfunkel's influence. Simon goes hard every time, but he always leans on the same aspects, and frankly, I still prefer the duo to this release. I wasn't hating on it until I realized I'd heard it thrice without understanding I'd already heard the songs. Maybe this isn't ideal for a background listen, but if I had to pick between this and some random Billy Joel effort, I'm going with Billy Joel. Even now that I've heard his songwriting better. 2.5/5
This album contains one of the most nostalgic-sounding songs ever, but other than that, it's just okay. Really, "okay" is the best way to describe Paul Simon(and while we're at it, Art Garfunkel as well). I can't really elaborate on what "okay" sounds like... it's just okay. Favorite Track: "Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard".
Malo
So fun, so joyful, so light. Big fan!
lovely
he is a brilliant songwriter and we get glimpses of that on this record for sure, it does meander a bit, and I'm less into his groovy side and more into his singer-songwriter vibe, but this is a great record
Meh. 3.5
While I love Simon & Garfunkel as a duo, I also love Paul Simon's solo work. His self-titled album stands the test of time.
2.82
*all-time.
Amazing songwriting
Very enjoyable and excellent song writing.
Overall: 7/10 It's a bit all over the place, but I think this is a fun album! It almost feels like a B-Sides record that just so happens to have one of the catchiest songs ever written on it. Fav Song: Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard
SNORE
It's actually pretty unique in how it uses this form of feel-good melody but with quite comical lyrics. It had some really good tracks, but all in all not my cup of tea.
Paul Simon proves why he was the key part of Simon and Garfunkel on this album. Great early 70s folk that is still on message today. Also mixes in a few good blues songs at the end harkening back to other trends at the time.
Bra! Såklart! Paul Simon är grym på text och musik. Det är så enkelt men ändå så bra. En fantastisk gåva han har den där mannen. Flera klassiker Mother and Child Reunion, Duncan och Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard som jag älskar! Fantastiska låtar.
It was just fine, 2 might be harsh but it was a bit dull
Good album with some Paul Simon classics.
Paul is one of the best songwriters of all time. While this album doesn't have my favorite song of his, it does have Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard. It's a lovely album that deserves your time.
This surprises me a little, he uses different influences in this. Some are quite unpredictable, but overall I thought that was a pleasant listening.
Fun. Some slow songs. 3.5/5
Saai soort net geen country blues idk
I could listen to Paul Simon sing all day, every day. Love him.
I really enjoyed the mix of blues on this album. Paul Simon is one of my favorite classic artists
Nice and relaxing
Did not know simon and Garfunkel were cool like that 8 out of 10
Listened previously. Expectations: High - Verdict: Great - Paul Simon had made better albums than this with Art Garfunkel, and would go on to make better albums by himself but this is still a fantastic piece of work. Mother And Child Reunion sets out the kind of energy that Simon will have for the next decade or more. Duncan is beautiful as is Armistice Day. Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard is an incredible song and a clear highlight. Papa Hobo is great as well and the album closes on a lovely run.
I didn't know any of the songs on this album. I'm not super familiar with Paul Simon's work, but this felt to me like it was him starting to dip his toe into some of his later work that I am more familiar with. While there were still a couple of folksy songs that had more of a Simon & Garfunkel feel to them, there were also songs that explored all kinds of sounds - from reggae to jazz to blues to rock. I actually preferred those songs to the more "safe" songs that would have been more familiar to Simon & Garfunkel fans at the time. Solid record that I enjoyed listening to for the most part.
super inoffensive and bland, though in a genre i quite like so i did enjoy this. not really gonna take anything away from this, but it's an album of some nice enough folk pop tunes. high 3/5, not sure if it deserves to be here or not
Never quite reaches its awesome first two tracks, “Duncan” especially, the sequel to one of his best tracks with Art G
Interesting album, songs are all over the place. I'm guessing this album was at a time where Simon was listening to all kinds of different music and getting inspired. Favorite tracks: Me and Julio, Mother and Child Reunion
I'm normally a bigger Paul Simon fan, but this album for me was more on the bland and forgettable side of things. A soothing listen though. Standout Tracks: Run That Body Down, Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard Rating: 2.5
Legal
I loved mother and son reunion Loved Duncan Most fav was run that body down Everything out together was peaceful yk Congratulations last track was calm and nice Me and julio was nice too Overall it was a calm, groovy, country vibe not that local tho but I love it. I ain't complaining. I could see myself out this album on while on a drive yk. I give it a 8.5. love it p.s very guitaryyy
Paul Simon by Paul Simon is to Paul Simon by Paul Simon what Paul Simon by Paul Simon is to Paul Simon by Paul Simon.
Decent and pleasant.
It might be a 4 after relistena, but found it a bit uninspiring.
Pleasant. Not my favorite Paul Simon.
просто приятные песни душевные, но не цепляющие переслушивать не стану 2.9
A classic, just so many wonderful songs. Paul Simon is a treasure
Better than expected, especially after Bridge Over Troubled Waters, but still not sure what the hype is about.
Man, was this a good album. I think Paul Simon's best work, though, was when he was with Garfunkel. Something about this album felt flat, and it was because he was missing one half of his writing.
I enjoyed this enough that I could see myself coming back to it. Missing some Garfunkel though.
Obviously great songs but I think it needs salt & pepper. Does that make sense?
One of the great songwriters of the last 50 years.
Highlights: Mother and Child Reunion, Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard. 3.9
Had the intrusive thought that Paul Simon is just Jason Mraz for boomers and now I can’t get into this album
Pretty good. I liked the minimalistic nature of this and the production was decent. 4/5
Meh.. I agree with the comments that it feels a little like him stealing a bunch of different countries musical traditions.. which a lot of artists do effectively, but in this case he’s just kinda annoying. The background music is well done and has some nice melodies but his lyrics are just terrible.
Such great songs beyond the hits. Mother and Child Reunion is quite the opener.
*I didn't realize Me and Julio down by the Schoolyard was on this. *The rest of the album was good singer songwriter tracks with a little bit of growth from Simon as a solo artist
Kind of a sleepy album, I don't think I really get it but there's nothing very controversial in here I think
Fair play, Generator. Did any of what I prophesied in my review yesterday of Bridge Over Troubled Water come true today on Simon's follow-up solo album? Yes. Totally. The pop sensibility is dulled or suppressed a bit or he leans into a wordier, more performance-focussed style. Beyond that, the albums are largely the same. Troubled Water is a test for the solo album and the gentle genre experimentation continues. There are no songs as good as the peaks of the previous album and this one certainly drifts off toward the end, but it is nice to hear Paul Simon enjoying his freedom. For all the sweetness of his harmonies with Garfunkel, it all became a bit cloying and he has to find new ways to sweeten things (are those vibes low in the mix on Everything Put Together Falls Apart?). So, while this is a bit of a step down, it is also a step forward - perhaps he is on a set of stairs, heading towards solid ground. Obviously, the white furry lining of his anorak on the cover is meant to simulate Garfunkel's stupid curly hair just behind Simon on the cover of Troubled Water. Whether that is a joke or a vestigial body part, I'm not sure. 2 Paul Simon is a wonderful songwriter. He’s just not a terribly interesting person. I read that in between Simon and Garfunkel shutting up shop and making this album, he taught a songwriting class at New York University. That feels about right - most of these are songs your songwriting teacher might write; studied styles, lyrics that are playful and harmless, and commendably precise musical phrases. All very assured. There is no sense of anything felt though, perhaps not even of anything expressed. Like McCartney, Simon was obviously always *just* eager to please his listeners and again like McCartney, Simon was also aware that he lacked something in his personality that John Lennon or Bob Dylan, for example, did not lack. There were attempts to compensate. Simon tried out a moustache - visible on the cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits (released a few months after this album). No good - even with the absurd cap, the big hair, and his clutching a gate post suggestively, it just looks like disrespectful graffiti that some errant child (Julio probably) has drawn on the teacher’s photo. On the less horrendous cover of this album, Mr Simon the music teacher tries to look a bit sneaky. What could he be up to? Drugs? The hures on 7th Avenue again? Don’t be ridiculous. It’s probably a chord substitution in the second verse or a pre-chorus curtailed by a bar. Classic mischief. 2/5
Run that body down ! L’album me semble familer même si je l’ai jamais écouté, il me rappelle pas mal d’autres chansons/artistes, mais dans le bon sens du terme. J’aime bien la voix du chanteur et je trouve sa musique très douce mais pas chiante, c’est un petit coup de cœur 8/10
3.8
This guy is an amazing songwriter. Even on this early album, you can hear the quality of his poetry. Love it
de vegades un només necessita un jueu de metre quaranta, un cor de gospel i deixar de parlar amb el seu millor amic per fer meravelles.
Nice listen but nothing special :)
Didn’t hate it but didn’t love it ya know? Accent he got in mother n child reunion loses him points though
Paul Simon, you brilliant sunnufabitch, you did it again. What a great album.
"Mother and Child" and "Me and Julio" are on my big list of forever songs, but the rest of this album didn't do much for me.
It’s a great old song album. Some songs are very similar to an Elton John- Billy Joel record. Duncan is amazing. 3.5/5
not my style but i really liked the instrumental parts of the songs. the vocals are okay i guess. idk i dodint give it much thought. i’m probably not listening to it again but it’s nice discovering new music
Paul Simon
I like Paul Simon, but found this uninteresting
Decent. Had some interesting tracks.
Not my favorite output of his, but full of some amazing songs.
Paul Simon, freshly separated from Garfunkel, steps out on his own here—and surprisingly, this album is a lot of fun. You can still hear faint echoes of the Simon & Garfunkel sound, and the whole thing remains pretty laid-back, but Simon doesn’t just settle into one comfortable groove. There’s a nice mix of Latin, jazz, blues, and folk scattered throughout, which helps every song feel a little different from the last. Some tracks are simply good, while others really stand out, but there wasn’t much here that dragged or blended together. Overall, this was a really pleasant listen and definitely an album I could see myself coming back to.
I’m not really sure how I felt about this one. I get that it’s decent, but I can’t shake this feeling of just utter twee-ness to it?
Pol somine.
I really love a few of his songs. Others are still good.
I usually like folk, but nothing in this album stands out to me. It's all very flat and boring.
Turns out I like Paul Simon more than I thought I did. Some story songs, as well as interesting genre explorations (reggae, gypsy jazz, and salsa) from a time when folk rock was probably super white, and some surprisingly good guitar licks on Peace Like a River
I was really looking forward to Paul Simon's album. Unfortunately, I only really liked one song. The rest kind of faded into the background. Too bad. 3/5
I absolutely love Paul Simon! This isn’t his greatest album, but it really just shows his talent perfectly! It has its darker moments, but really makes you feel good throughout. The guitar work is brilliant as per usual, utilising acoustic guitar, as a guitarist myself, I can safely say that the guitar in Paul Simon’s work, as well as in Simon & Garfunkel, is incredibly difficult! It isn’t flashy, but really fits the Folk Rock and Singer-Songwriter style!
Perhaps the biggest strength of Paul Simon's songs is how they offer a brief portal into dozens of people: their lives, their wishes and their struggles. They're fictional, sure, but they might as well have been real, and I'm sure that Paul unwittingly wrote the anthem of many a wayward wanderer. This album too offers some first-grade, almost literary style story songs. You hear Paul, but equally so you also hear a whole range of characters shining through. All that is decorated with some beautiful folk playing and flourishes of regional music. Now, if only the album - already sitting at a meager 34 minutes - didn't lose its steam with the last few songs... It's a 3.5 star situation, but I'm in a good mood, so Paul's getting the 0.5 star extra, as a little treat.
No tanto. Algunas las escucharía en un viaje por la tarde en coche
he’s got a fun voice
Love the songs I already knew. The newer ones to me were fine, but unmemorable
Paul Simon doing some of his best work. This album is full of character driven stories and experimentation with different musical styles. Simon also shows off his writing prowess. Paul Simon is a masterful storyteller, and this album is an example as to why so many people believe it.
I'd always heard of Simon and Garfunkel. My mother had a copy of one of their Greatest Hits collections in her Mini Cooper, and would play it on long drives. By the time I was 6, I would have heard Scarborough Fair upwards of 100 times. At The Zoo was on a compilation CD bought for her 40th birthday, and I would listen to that CD like it was a religion. It wasn't until my dad turned to me during his habitual viewing of random BBC4 music documentaries and said "I think Simon and Garfunkel might be my favourites.". Dad doesn't have favourites. I immediately bought him a box set of their albums for Christmas, and subsequently ripped the CD's to my MP3 player. That was me, changed forever. ────────────────── Following the dissolution of Simon and Garfunkel's partnership in 1970, Paul Simon took a little time away from recording - taking a teaching position at NYU, and collaborating with Leonard Bernstein on (my favourite) verses on his Mass. In 1972, he returned with a beautiful and personal album. I think about this album about three times a day. One of the melodies or one of his turns of phrase will knock about in my brain. If it's not the slide guitar on Paranoia Blues, it's "Peg, you better look around!" from Run That Body Down. I take so much from this record, that quite frankly I should be sued. ────────────────── Car rides with my Dad changed a lot of after he quit his job and became a counsellor. We were close, and loved each other very much, but he wasn't open. I didn't know a lot about his childhood, I didn't even know he had a brother until his mother passed away. But we were driving through the countryside once, I can't remember where we were going - maybe we were just driving, and we were talking about childhood. This was after he started his psychology training, and I think he must have wanted to know he'd done a good job. I was about 20 at the time, and to his credit, he had, and so had my Mum. One of the things I am most grateful for in my life is that I had a lovely childhood. And in the midst of the talk, he quoted Philip Larkin. This was my dad! A man who loved fixing his cars, and mowing the lawn, and just fixing that last spot of paint so the house would finally be complete. And here he was quoting This Be The Verse in the West Midlands countryside. That was me, changed forever. ────────────────── One thing Paul Simon is very good at is finding the universal in the minute details. He'll make a broad statement, or phrase something in a specific way, and it'll make you feel like you're the only one who's ever experienced what he's talking about. We've all heard a couple in the next room trying to win a prize, but suddenly it's a moment that only you and Paul have ever found yourselves in. It does make you think of that James Baldwin quote about finding out that Dostoyevsky feeling the same thing you did 100 years ago. There are so many tracks on this album I could talk about forever, including his instrumental jam with Stéphane Grappelli on Hobo's Blues, but I think the thing that stands out so much to me is how eclectic this album is. His exploration of other musical cultures preparing us for the worlds of Graceland and The Running of The Saints. ────────────────── My Dad practices as a counsellor, and every Father's Day I make a point to tell him how proud of him I am. It's so lovely to watch him become who he's meant to be as someone who helps people, and not just his three kids and his wife. Last Christmas, he made a point to tell me over lunch that he loved me, he was proud of me, and that raising the three of us was the greatest thing he's ever done. I do wonder if he likes my music, but that's not the point. He's proud of me. He looked at me with the same broken eyes that I have, and I knew he meant it. I cried at lunch. It was delightful. ────────────────── While not as celebrated as some of his later albums, it's a key building block of not just Simon's career, but of folk pop and singer-songwriter music as genres. It's a showcase of a man on his own, and doing his own thing, not restrained by his past - however wonderful it was. It's a keystone in my life, and should be a keystone in yours. It's a beautiful piece of work, and shows how good things were going to go for Paul later on down the line. ────────────────── When I hear Paul Simon's voice, I think about my Dad. ────────────────── 9/10 Stand Out Tracks Run That Body Down Everything Put Together Falls Apart Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard Paranoia Blues
great album, nice folk music
Buen album, me gustaron solo algunas musicas
I really enjoyed it, can’t remember anything too more specific to say
Buy on vinyl: If the price is right, yes Paul Simon paul-simon'ing is a good thing.
No me gusto, ahora lo odio
I own this on vinyl and have never listened to it so that’s a pretty good review right there. It’s definitely very good - super catchy and great lyrics. But it’s a little caught between the super pretentious Simon and Garfunkel era and the cynical Graceland era and kinda winds up feeling like weak tea. Like wow these lyrics are so descriptive and the production is so catchy but also you’re not trying to say anything and it kinda feels like it should be on in the background at a Starbucks.
not an album i’ve thought about listening to but i enjoyed this!!
DNF. Not horrible, but sounds like a cheap knock-off of Simon & Gerfunkel (obviously clear because it's one half of the members here). Made me doubt how much I actually enjoyed them until I checked another one of their albums and it was good. Overall, disappointed.
This is a very well-done album, with a handful of great tracks like "Mother and Child Reunion," "Duncan," and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard." The rest of the songs are good, too, and there's really not much to criticize here. The biggest problem is me. This is the kind of album I can appreciate without necessarily feeling the urge to put it on again. I could see myself listening to it maybe one more time in my life, which makes it hard to rate it much higher. It's a good album; I just don't think it's an album I'll ever reach for.
# An In-Depth Review of Paul Simon's *Paul Simon* (1972) Paul Simon's eponymous 1972 album, his first proper solo release after the dissolution of Simon & Garfunkel, stands as a landmark declaration of artistic independence . It isn't just a break from the past; it's a bold leap into a future where genre boundaries dissolve and songwriting becomes a vehicle for intimate storytelling and sophisticated musical exploration. This review delves into the album's lyrical depth, musical tapestry, production nuances, and its lasting influence, concluding with a balanced look at its pros and cons. --- ### 1. Lyrics: Wit, Observation, and Intimate Storytelling Lyrically, *Paul Simon* finds the artist shedding the more generalized folk-rock concerns of his duo work for intensely personal and vividly drawn vignettes. The album is a masterclass in observational storytelling, blending wit with a sometimes melancholic examination of life, death, and relationships. - **The Everyday and the Profound:** Simon's genius lies in finding the profound in the mundane. The album's lead single, **"Mother and Child Reunion,"** is a prime example. The title itself was inspired by a quirky menu translation for a chicken-and-egg dish, yet Simon uses it as a springboard to explore themes of mortality and the search for spiritual unity in the face of death . It's a light-hearted title attached to a deeply serious subject, a trick he pulls off with remarkable grace. - **Character Studies:** **"Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard"** showcases his narrative skill in a completely different light. The song is a buoyant, almost nonsensical story of adolescent mischief and a run-in with the law, filled with memorable, cryptic lyrics ("Goodbye, Rosie, the Queen of Corona"). Its playful ambiguity is a key part of its enduring charm . Similarly, **"Duncan"** paints a detailed portrait of a young man's sexual awakening and spiritual searching, a rambling, intimate story set to a delicate South American-inflected melody . These songs are less about straightforward narratives and more about capturing a specific feeling, a moment in time, and a character's internal state. - **A New Voice:** Unlike the often grander, more universal themes of Simon & Garfunkel, this album feels like a series of personal missives. The lyrics are more conversational, often self-deprecating, and deeply introspective. The production and music serve to highlight these stories, placing Simon's vocals and lyrics front and center . ### 2. Music: A Sophisticated Musical Melting Pot If the lyrics declared his independence as a writer, the music on *Paul Simon* announced his arrival as a global musical explorer. This is where Simon truly broke free from the folk-rock mold. - **Reggae and Rocksteady:** The very first sound on the album is the infectious, laid-back groove of "Mother and Child Reunion." Recorded in Kingston, Jamaica, with members of Jimmy Cliff's band, the track is one of the first major pop hits to prominently feature a reggae/rocksteady rhythm, predating the genre's explosion in the global mainstream . This was a radical move for an artist known for more pastoral folk-rock, and it immediately set the album apart. - **Latin and Brazilian Rhythms:** The album is steeped in Latin and Brazilian influences. **"Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard"** is propelled by an undeniable Latin swing . To achieve this authentic sound, Simon collaborated with a dream team of session musicians, including the legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter and the Brazilian percussionist Airto Moreira . This collaboration brought a sophisticated rhythmic complexity and warmth to the album that was light-years away from the simpler arrangements of his previous work. - **Jazz and Blues Inflections:** The influence of jazz is also palpable, thanks in no small part to Ron Carter's basslines, which are more melodic and rhythmic than standard pop bass work. Songs like **"Run That Body Down"** demonstrate a foray into a bluesier, more groove-oriented territory . This stylistic chameleon-like quality—moving from reggae to Latin to blues to introspective folk—is the album's greatest musical strength. As one critic noted, Simon was "confounding us right away" with his stylistic shifts . ### 3. Production: A Laid-Back Masterclass in Sound The production on *Paul Simon* is the perfect complement to its musical ambition. The album has a remarkably warm, clear, and uncluttered sound that brings each instrument into sharp relief. Simon worked with engineer Roy Halee, his long-time collaborator, and the result is a production style that feels both meticulous and effortlessly relaxed. - **Spaciousness and Clarity:** Rather than layering the tracks with dense instrumentation, the production emphasizes the interplay between instruments. Ron Carter's acoustic bass is deep and resonant, Airto's percussion is crisp and vibrant, and Simon's acoustic guitar is always present and perfectly balanced with his vocals . The arrangements are "low-key" and "unassuming," yet incredibly rich in texture . - **Celebrating the Musicians:** The production serves the songs by giving each musician ample space to shine. You can clearly hear the rhythmic interplay, the subtle details in the percussion, and the melodic conversation between the bass and guitar. This wasn't just a singer-songwriter backed by a band; it was a collaborative effort that allowed these exceptional players to contribute their artistry fully . The result is a sound that feels both intimate and sophisticated. ### 4. Themes: Life, Death, and the Search for Connection Thematically, the album navigates the personal and the philosophical with a light but assured touch. - **Mortality and the Unknown:** The search for meaning in the face of death is a central undercurrent, most explicitly in "Mother and Child Reunion" . The song's title is a perfect metaphor for this tension: a comforting yet surreal image used to frame a song about loss and the afterlife. - **Coming of Age and Sexuality:** "Duncan" explores the awkward, transformative journey of a young man's adolescence, including his sexual initiation, with a tone that is both tender and humorous. It's a celebration of life's experiences and the passage into adulthood . - **Everyday Life as Art:** The album elevates the mundane details of life to the level of art. There's a sense of the artist as an observer, finding poetry in the streets, in memories, and in the lives of ordinary people . This theme is the glue that binds the album's musical eclecticism together. ### 5. Influence: A Template for Artistic Freedom *Paul Simon* was more than just a hit; it was an influential blueprint for what a solo artist could be. - **A Justification for the Breakup:** The album was an immediate commercial and critical success, serving as the ultimate vindication of Simon's decision to go solo. It proved that his creative vision extended far beyond the Simon & Garfunkel dynamic and that he was just as capable, if not more so, as a solo artist . - **Paving the Way for Global Music:** In many ways, the album was a prototype for *Graceland* . His "world music" experiments on this 1972 album directly influenced his later, more celebrated work. It was the first major step in a career-long journey of musical exploration and cultural fusion . - **Inspiring Eclecticism:** Simon's willingness to break genre rules—moving from reggae to Latin to folk—has inspired generations of songwriters and musicians to follow their instincts and incorporate diverse influences into their own work. It showed that an artist doesn't have to be confined to one style . --- ### 6. Pros and Cons **Pros** - **Groundbreaking Eclecticism:** The album's blend of reggae, Latin, jazz, and folk was revolutionary for a major artist in 1972. It helped introduce global sounds to a massive audience and paved the way for world music's later mainstream acceptance . - **Exceptional Songwriting:** Simon's songwriting is at its most witty, intimate, and evocative, with classics like "Mother and Child Reunion," "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard," and "Duncan" . - **Stellar Musicianship:** The contributions of musicians like Ron Carter and Airto Moreira are masterful, elevating the album from a simple singer-songwriter record to a sophisticated ensemble performance. The interplay is a joy to listen to . - **Flawless Production:** The pristine, uncluttered production gives the album a timeless, warm sound that still feels fresh. It's a masterclass in how less can be more in the studio . **Cons** - **Occasional Lack of Cohesion:** For some listeners, the album's stylistic jumps can feel a bit disjointed. It's a "musical melting pot," and this eclecticism, while a strength, can also be a weakness for those seeking a more unified sound . - **Understated Nature:** Compared to the more anthemic, grand ballads of Simon & Garfunkel, *Paul Simon* is a low-key, introspective record. Listeners expecting "Bridge Over Troubled Water"-style drama might find it underwhelming or too subdued. - **Dated Sensibilities:** While much of the album feels timeless, some lyrical phrases and production choices are firmly a product of the early '70s singer-songwriter era, which might not appeal to all modern listeners. In conclusion, **Paul Simon** is not just a debut; it's a definitive statement from one of pop music's greatest artists. It is an album of profound wit, lyrical insight, and breathtaking musicality that has only grown more impressive with age. It remains a cornerstone of his catalog and a testament to the power of artistic risk-taking.
one more english 70s album but this one is pleasant
Easy listening
Good background music. Nothing really stood out to me during my time with this album.
Run That Body Down, Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, and the Unreleased Paranoia Blues. 5.7/10
An heartwarming thing, this thing. First two songs are paul simon classics. The next two songs are more of hidden gems. 3 is a touching acoustic balad. 4 is a masterclass of melody writing from paul. 5 is a looser country flavored track, a moment for more reflective mood. 6 is a jolly tune that shows some good story telling. It remains in the lyrical way of Chuck Berry writing. I'm sure paul wouldn't be offended by that. Peace Like A River is incredibly beautiful and silent, like a watery lament. 8 9 and 10 are less serious blues tunes, that for me lose the narrative of the record a bit. The closing track, though, is perfect for the album. It's a beautiful album by one of the best songwriters to ever live. Worth every moment. If not for the bluesy part of the second half I could make an argument for a 5. But it is what it is an a solid 4
You know what? This Simon guy can write a fuckin' song, can't he?
8.5/10
Tolerable, but boring.
I really liked the last track, but the rest of the album not so much
Mother And Child Reunion
I still can't really figure out what Me & Julio is about. I always assumed it was about pot but the way the parents react, make me suspect otherwise. I guess, pot was that bad back in the day. I also always thought it was a Simon & Garfunkel song. Overall, the album is well written & the genres he hits are all over the place. Yet, he makes them all work. 3.5
Paul Simon is one of the most underrated song writers of all time. Yes, I know that he is a highly regarded songwriter, but he's still underated. The proof is that this album doesn't have 5-star reviews across the board. Let's also address some of the ridiculous reviews on this site. Paul Simon: "Wow! This style of music [insert style] is so amazing yet underappreciated! More people all over the world should know about this! Maybe I can use my large platform to pay local musicians to help me share their style and introduce it to a larger audience." Small local musicians of unique styles all over the world: "Wow, thank you Paul Simon for boosting our visibility and our careers. We appreciate playing with you and love what you have done for us." Random basement dwelling 1001 album reviewers: "Paul Simon is an evil colonialist who culturally appropriates music and abuses the original artists. How dare he enjoy and promote different styles!" These bitches probably hate David Attenborough for talking about animals that aren't found exclusively in his own backyard
My sister was a big Paul Simon fan. I don't really recognize any of these songs. I can see why he was popular, but I'm just not into this kind of folk music.
What a beautiful, understated album. I hadn't heard it, though I knew some of the material. Taken as a whole, I enjoyed it. You can hear Paul Simon exploring different emotions and sounds.
A cool little album, good tunes, good song writer
It was a fine album, a bit slower than my taste but Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard is a classic. Although I also really liked Paranoia Blues.
Wel opvallend dat we 3 echte ‘70 platen achtereen hebben. Ook dit is wederom een echte WMvML plaat. Wel bijzonder hoe anders deze artiesten zijn en toch even iconisch. Ik vind Paul Simon altijd wat te zoetsappig… en wellicht ook wel wat te poppy… Maar het is niet dat ik dit echt slecht vind, het voelt voor mij als de autorit naar Frankrijk. Waarin je achterin zit, ruzie maakt met je broer en zus, mega autoziek wordt en alles onder kotst (in de kots emmer), vervolgens kleffe broodjes ei eet en moet luisteren naar de muziek van je ouders; The carpenters, the cats, ABBA, Paul Simon en Art Garfunkel, middel of the road etc. Toch is de titel van het tweede nummer wel echt briljant. Hierin laat Paul Simon zien dat hij zijn tijd ver vooruit was!
Heel leuk album, van genoten ook al kende ik het al wel goed. Ik ben gewoon een sucker voor de fijne melodietjes die nergens schuren. Zeker knap om zo’n goede plaat te maken na het succes van simon en garfunkel. Los gegaan van z’n oude muziek. Leuk was het maar uiteindelijk vind ik deze plaat niet legendarisch genoeg voor de volle 5 sterren. Het is gewoon een heel lekker plaatje om naar te luisteren.
Zal wel als een verademing voelen na de break-up. Minder zoet en iets eigenzinniger. Het zijn goede melodie een tekstueel wel leuke observaties. Er zitten best wat verschillende muziek genres in maar hij slaagt er wel in om het eigen te maken zonder dat het een wereldmuziekplaat word oid. Toch is het voor mij te netjes. Na drie keer luisteren ben ik het ook weer drie keer vergeten. Het is een vakman die alles netjes dicht timmert. Daarmee houd hij de luisteraar ook op afstand en voel ik er niet zo veel bij.
Erg goed album, het luistert erg makkelijk weg, voor je het weet is het voorbij, dit komt omdat Paul Simon enorm goed gevoel heeft voor melodieën, teksten en wat veel mensen soms vergeten is dat het ook een enorm goede gitarist is. Fun fact: Paul Simon bezoekt regelmatig de nagelsalon voor acrylnagels, hij laat ze hart maken zodat hij beter kan fingerpicken. Zegt natuurlijk veel over hoe toegewijd hij is voor zijn vak wat hij tot in de puntjes beheerst.
Recognised the songs onced played on radio but not much else there to make me want to listen again
Bit Elliot Smithy. I enjoyed, very relaxing
I am not a big Paul SImon fan. Some of his music is actually annoying. He also likes to culturally appropriate music like here Reggae and African music on Graceland.
the album was fine, nothing noteworthy. it was kinda just a nothing burger. his writing and composing are nice but I guess im just not big on folk music.
72/100
There were a few good classic songs, and some songs that were just not that good, not with a lot of depth.
I found very little striking about this record. "Me and Julio..." was the only song I found actively interesting. The rest is fine, but forgettable.
Good album but not his best.
Fine. Hints of his more adventurous later music but was expecting a bit more TBH
Some good stuff on this album.
Good easy listening - I like his style.
Solid voice
quirky white southern boy, acoustic with nice rhythms, folky and fun, more serious than I'm making it out to be
Was alright
First song left a bad taste in my mouth despite the rest being a really good album
7.16.26 paul simon is simply goated. and this isn't even his best album. incredible voice + great compositions + those lyrics + goated behavior = hell yes! Favorite Song: Paranoia Blues/Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard Rating: 4.5/5
I'm a big Simon and Garfunkel fan. His solo stuff, not so much.
Couple of good tracks but it seems like a transitional album between his S&G stuff and the best of his solo career
I really like Paul Simon.
I already love a song from this album “run that body down” I listen to it when I feel my youth be something temporary and my health something to invest in
Provavelmente, meu disco favorito do Paul Simon. Conversa com tantos gêneros, tantas referências.
2026.07.13.
Always a good day to have Paul Simon. Great mellow music with clever lyrics.
Good - idk it's a little too overproduced for me or something. Idk what it is. I like it I don't love it
This sounds like a Nick Drake album fed through Paul Simon's pop skill. Which is not a bad thing. Haunting but slightly dissonant in it's application of sad lyrics against cheerful acoustic sounds, it's a powerful influence.
Proper song writing and some great acoustic guitar. Paul Simon stepping out on his own and joining the cool early-’70s singer-songwriter crowd.
Nice job Paul
I like the melodies and guitar playing, but just not a huge fan of his voice. 2.5/5
Folk is one of my more dead spots in terms of music knowledge so this is kinda a first for me. The Latin American and African inspired instrumentation in spots really set this apart from what I know of Simon and Garfunkel. Pleasant surprise but my pool of reference is admittedly thin. Fav. Tracks: Mother and Child Reunion Duncan Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard Paranoia Blues Congratulations
Nostalgic, paranoia blues, does not follow the traditional Blue structure of a song.
Pretty good I think Run that body down is 10/10 song
The songs, the lyrics, the incredible session band. I think it was pretty much Toto?
Un debut en solitario magistral que ha envejecido bien como una lección de elegancia y exploración folk global. En el plano de diseño formal, la producción de Roy Halee y Paul Simon es brillante; la integración de guitarras de nylon, ritmos de reggae e instrumentos tradicionales andinos configura un entretejido que da claridad a cada melodía, priorizando un espacio sónico limpio, transparente y sumamente orgánico. La entrega vocal e instrumental de Simon destaca por una fuerza y calidez que transmiten autenticidad desarmante, otorgando al autor una autoridad superior desde la sencillez y el intelecto. Piezas fundamentales como "Mother and Child Reunion", "Duncan" y "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" dan forma a un trabajo profundamente conmovedor, crudo y real que funciona como un sutil llamado a la conciencia sobre la soledad, el crecimiento personal y la búsqueda de paz. Un disco cuya serenidad y constante sensación de paz y fluidez acústica lo vuelven ideal para múltiples usos en la rutina diaria, siendo un acompañante extraordinario para potenciar el trabajo creativo o sumergirse en una reflexión solitaria.
Always difficult for Paul Simon, being compared to his work with Art Garfunkel. This isn’t as good, but does contain some good tracks: Mother and Child Reunion and Me and Julio in particular.
Not a bad album, probably worth a relisten. Liked the first track especially.
Just pretty standard Paul Simon stuff.
What a terrific songwriter! This album established him as a guy who could do it without best friend Art Garfunkel, and certainly "Mother and Child Reunion" and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" are timeless tracks. Pretty big drop-off after those tracks, though.
Story telling excellence.
I prefer the Simon and Garfunkel records over this, but still really good. Such a nuanced voice and the song writing is always interesting and not like much else I've listened to.
A decent singer-songwriter record. Doesn't vary in its tone or tempo too much, but there's definitely some great writing in here. And Me and Julio is an incredible song! So it has that going for it too. Favorites: Mother and Child Reunion, Everything Put Together Falls Apart, Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, Peace Like a River
Transitional record for Paul Simon, bridging his traditional folk sounds with some of the more global influences he would ply to better effect later on in his career. Some good tunes here, of course Me and Julio being a huge highlight, and no real bum tracks, just some not terribly exciting. A fine record with some great lyrics.
Not bad. I grew up with my parents playing Simon and Garfunkel, but this was my first real deep dive into his solo music.
Yeah not bad better that Transformer by Lou Reed
vibes positive, divertente, lo riascolterei
Not his best one but fine
I don't remember Paul Simon it was alright.
Selkeästi parempi kuin äskettäin kuuntelemani Hearts and Bones. Paul Simonin soolodebyytti sisältää paljon hyviä kappaleita, vaikka toinen puolisko ei olekaan aivan yhtä vahva kuin ensimmäinen.
A bit different from the Paul Simon albums that I have listened to in the past, which makes me realize that his strength is in taking unfamiliar styles and making them sound accessible.
Snooze
Come on Paul, two first names was a bit much but four is just greedy. Leave some for the rest of us
Just so bland
Pretty good. Liked Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard better than I remembered. Paranoia Blues, Armistice Day were also good.
Folk rock and singer-songwriter pop built from delicate acoustic guitars, subtle Latin and folk influences, understated arrangements, and gentle vocals feels like sitting on a shaded porch during a warm afternoon while someone tells quiet stories that never ask for your full attention—relaxed, tasteful, and consistently pleasant without becoming deeply involving. Good background music unfortunately not more.
Pleasant enough. That said, I want more than "pleasant" in my music. ★★★
Nice, calming
Yeah liked this
vraiment tres chiant
Does anyone else ever feel like artists just show up to the studio for the hell of it sometimes? Like, nothing crazy or inspirational came to them, they just know they have to release music so they hop in the car arrive and just start singing? This album has one such vibe. I'm being horribly judgmental because it's Paul Simon and obviously he puts a lot of thought into his lyrics and composition and whatnot. But I can't help but feel like he just showed up and started singing whatever the hell into the mic and it worked. Some of these songs sound like better made versions of stuff I make up everyday as I do my work. That is not to say it is a bad album. It just didn't blow me away either. That being said, Peace Like A River is a GREAT song and I also downloaded Papa Hobo so like I said clearly things aren't bad.
Nice album but not his best in his large discography ( counting his duo with arth garfunkel ) and a bit too much repetitive
e uma bagunça, nao sou muito fã de folk. nao e ruiiiiim…
Duncan, peace like a river, papa hobo, hobo’s blues
1 - 6/10 2 - 7.5/10 3 - 7.5/10 4 - 7/10 5 - 5/10 6 - 7/10 7 - 8/10 8 - 6/10 9 - 5.5/10 10 - 6.5/10 11 - 7.5/10 12,13 são demos 14 - 7/10 3.5/5
Classic, great one
3.25 respect the craft.
It was okay not my style of music
un poco aburrido pero me divirtio en algun punto, un 7 tirando para abajo, talves su hit lo escucharia en el auto
You know - he's pretty good at the singer/songwriter thing.
Unlike Graceland, I don’t feel like this offers much more than S&G together. It was perfectly alright , but a bit plain and forgettable at times. Current ranking of the Paul Simon albums: 4. Parsley etc 3. This one 2. Bookends 1. Graceland 6 / 10 Best tracks: Paranoia Blues, Me and Julio
I was really excited to listen to this as a huge fan of Graceland, but I couldn’t connect to any of the songs.
Loved this album. Loved being introduced to Paul Simon and then following his journey through music. Will need to listen again as I know the lyrics deserve more attention. Perfect alt folkey rock genre with the 60's psychadelic dreamy influence and hints of other genres too. A real 'raw' musician with loads of fun sounds. You can tell he could create beautiful sound from not very much - hence a timeless classic that will hold up across the ages for capturing the unique creativity of music from it's point in time.
I’ve never been the biggest Simon fan, but his collaboration with notable jazz bassist Ron Carter seeps through the music in a natural and effective way, as if the two are speaking the same musical language, but different dialects. One of Simons’ best albums, and will be looking to add this physically.
I like this album it has some great concept good voice good instruments love the lyrical story behind it 8.1/10
Quite nice
Big fan of rulo rhymin Simon. Unfortunately this album was below his standards
That lil vibrato flute sounding thing this guy likes scratches *something* in my brain just right
The first of many Paul Simon solo masterpieces. This album has so many incredible songs on it and proves why he is in top very top echelon of all time songwriters. Top Songs: Mother and Child Reunion, Duncan, Run That Body Down, Peace Like a River
Not bad, for this kind of thing.
The hits make the album, you can hear him bucking his S&G sound into his second solo. Can also hear the beginnings of him experimenting with eclectic music from other cultures
It's okay, I'm sure there's someone out there who really loves this album but it's not me hahaha not a HUGE fan of the acoustic guitar folky genre.
89/90 Paul Simon is just one of the greatest folk songwriters you can't deny that you really can't. He can write longform songs with pages of lyrics that feel like a whole journey but it's only been 4 minutes or so. And on the other side he makes songs with music that's so good, catchy, and fulfilling to listen to that you won't get bored while listening to them. Of course he does that a lot more on Graceland, his absolute masterpiece from his entire career, INCLUDING Simon and Garfunkel, but this album is still a great example of that, albeit much quieter and more subdued. Liked every song on this album and you are just a folk hater or something if you didn't. Look at yourself in the mirror, really look get a good look at yourself. Now look behind you, do you see Paul Simon there? No? Bend down a bit he is kinda short. Do you see him now? Look at how sad you made him. He made this album just for you and you did this to him come on man. NOT COOL.
Some good songs!
Mwagh
Listening to entire albums allows me to hear more than just the hits, the deep cuts if you will. I enjoyed Paranoia Blues
I love this, it’s very cute and calming, this is also the first day of using 1001 album generator cause I wanna know A LOT of music Anyway this was beautiful Day 1
Great songs on this album, even the ones I hadn't heard before, and the familiar ones are some of his best. I didn't realize how bluesy some of his music was. Some of the rhymes seem a bit forced (pocket/hock it) but whatever.
Have definitely heard before. Starts ok, but wears thin by track 3. And gets pretty bad, until side 2. Then back to bad pretty quick, dull and uninteresting mostly. 2.5 rounded down Heard before? Yes Owned: No, 88/336 (26%) Will I get: No
I’m gonna keep it a bean with you. No thanks. 2.
I have a real few live of Paul Simon, something about his compositions, guitar playing and voice just soothes me. You have to give it to a wee white guy who opens with a banging Reggae track out of nowhere, the album then lilts into more familiar folk guitar balladry before another curve ball in Me and Julio down by the school yard which is a decade long breadcrumb to the Afro beat style that would come with Graceland. The thing you have to recognise with PS is that he can make these wild oscillations and still knock out bangers in whatever genre he chooses. 4.6
Decent. I liked the couple of blues tunes later on in particular.
Solo simon has a cooler vibe to his earlier work. This is a satisfying blend of laconic acoustic tunes and subtle world music
Very lovely stuff really, although neither of the quality of his work with Art, nor of the later Graceland-era solo work (although interesting to hear the start of the influence of World Music on a couple of tracks in this). But let's face it, it's Paul Simon, and that means that you're guaranteed a beautiful mix of whimsy, joy, sadness, reflection and the sheer euphoria of Me and Julio, all within some three minute pop songs that are perfectly structured. What a guy.
4.5
The first two songs on each side are the absolute highlights. The two hit singles are damn well prime Paul solo material. "Duncan" sounds like it could've been on *BOTW*, and "Peace like a River" a groovin backbeat blues tune. I'll add also "Paranoia Blues" to the list with that killer Stefan Grossman bottle neck slide going on. The rest is enjoyable, in Simon's dreamy pontificating ways. Theyre really nicely crafted songs, but they are more moody. I do tend to prefer his more hit penmanship better, but they are both highly enjoyable. (8.33) ★★★★
Some good songwriting, but I think his performances are better elsewhere. 3.5 stars
Not the biggest Paul Simon fan, but I think this is a pretty cool album. "Mother & Child Reunion" and "Me & Julio Down By the Schoolyard" are two of my favorite Paul songs, and I think the rest is solid with tunes like "Duncan" and "Peace Like a River". It kind of goes in a lot of weird directions compared to S&G. 4 stars.
A few classic Paul Simon tracks. Also a lot of boring ones. Mother And Child Reunion has got the jolly sunny Death In Paradise vibes. Great backing music to use whenever Camille rejoins the island with Catherine or if they get put in a dish together. Me & Julio Down In The School has got the Bert Kaempfert mad hits - starts off a little like Afrikaan Beat. Run That Body Down is also pretty relaxing and nice. Kinda prefer all of Bert Kaempfert’s A Swingin’ Safari to be on this list instead to be honest.
Good but not my favourite.
The vibes are great! It almost has a '60s sunny sound at times, and then other parts give off a '70s melancholy. After some boring folk/gospel albums, this was a much more enjoyable listen!
I have a mixed relationship with Paul Simon. First listen through I was immediately turned off by the first song, but the album won me over by the end. His lyrics are great
Muy sin más y eso que me gusta el folk. La verdad no me cambió nada, o sea es escuchable pero no tiene nada muy interesante.
Is it a hot take to say this is better than Graceland? The instrumentation feels a lot more organic, not as synthetic and dated as on that record. This plays more to his strengths and while it doesn't reach the level of most Simon & Garfunkel albums, it's still a very solid listen. The more weirdo acoustic songs in the back half are a nice and interesting touch, even if I prefer the ballads in the first half. Even the reggae infused opener is surprisingly very good.
This is a listenable album, and it exhibits more musical versatility than expected, but nearly every song leaves me wishing Paul Simon would go deeper. I'm not sure he really wants to, truthfully. The exception for me is "Run That Body Down." While this is a simple song, I think it works on multiple levels. It's a parable. I'm writing this review as I'm listening to one of my next albums, "Aqualung" by Jethro Tull. Man, what a study in contrasts.
This album is like picking up an artist's journal. You flip through and can see and feel greatness, but there is something lost in translation. The music if fine, the lyrics are interesting and novel, but it all kind of feels half done... like good ideas half committed to. This is probably a result of having nothing to prove, but at the same time, all of this rises to the level of good but wanting something more or something better.
Paul Simon shows his range on his own this time around. The result can be astonishing at point, finding ways to stretch his acoustic prowess beyond its roots. Horns, fiddles, funk guitar and reggae riddims are a few examples. There's a point after Julio - a Wes Anderson favorite - where the quality decreases, but the closer is very strong in the end. I am fairly satisified with the first record by Sir Paul...Simon (8/10, 4/5 on this scale)
I just adore the way Paul Simon's albums record their guitars. Most of the songs are unremarkable though.
It was alright, but don't like it as much as S&G.
Ok, I’ve heard it and I can move on. Nothing here really sticks out it’s about what I expected.
I like this more than Simon & Garfunkel albums…. But that isn’t saying much
Es un buen álbum, buenos ritmos, no sé muy bien cómo categorizarlo, pero para mí entraría en folk, las mejores: Duncan, Everything Put Together Falls Apart, Me and Julio Down by The Schoolyard, Hobo's Blues y Congratulations.
This was pretty great. 4/5
What’s not to like about one of the great singer-songwriters? Some nice tunes and arrangements. Down by the Schoolyard the pick of the bunch. Interesting to hear the demo version on the deluxe edition too.
Great songwriter. Great album.
Wonderful, especially some of the songs I hadn't heard before.
Ну это мой первый альбом на этом сайте с которого я начал собственно обогащать свою музыкальный вкус. Могу сказать что это типичный американский альбом который приятно слушать на фоне когда едешь в машине по лесу на своем пикапе или типа того. Но не та вещь которую захочешь постоянно переслушивать, но инструменты и вокал очень приятные. Больше всего мне понравилась песня Me and Julio Down by Schoolyard.
favs: everything put together falls apart run that body down peace like a river paranoia blues (unreleased version) rating 1.4/5
Maybe lacks the tenderness I expected, I feel it is worse for it. I think Simon's musical and vocal style lends itself better to a kind of music this album is sparsely populated by. Some nice tracks (Duncan, Mother and Child Reunion) but nothing I adore sadly.
3.5
Different listens
I absolutely love Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard. One of the most joyous little songs ever and I could listen (and have listened) to it on repeat for hours. The rest is nice and fine, but it ain't no Me and Julio.
Good to hear again having forgotten most songs apart from the singles. Even if you don't like Paul Simon's voice you have to admire Stephane Grappelli's contribution on Hobo's Blues which was the highlight for me.
What a lovely record - Paul Simon really is a fantastic songwriter. Obviously this album is just a taste of things to come. He is just dipping his toe into the world of cultural appropriation here (joking of course!) whilst still maintaining his folky style from the S&G days. Whilst as a standalone album it is good it does kinda just make me think…I wish I was listening to Graceland (or the excellent Rhythm Of The Saints which for some reason does not appear to be on this list!)