Reviews (page 2 of 13)
Swoooon. Am I allowed to say that about Paul Simon? The music, lyrics, and even the voice. I even liked the blues tunes… 4.7.
music is love
Love him.
It started with S&G, but what I love about Simon you can really start to hear here. Yes, he’s an inspired songwriter and evocative lyricist, but he always seems to feel claustrophobic within his own aesthetic — always pushing the boundaries and pulling from disparate genres and cultures — and it’s that tension within himself and within his music that stopped him from becoming another static singer songwriter type, and often elevates the material, and at the very least provides enough contrast so that he’s never boring. Plus, he’s funny.
Fun listen, some great guitars
beautiful album i love means julio down by the schoolyard can’t wait to see him in june
Such a songwriter, 9/10
The reviews here are crazy. This is a masterpiece album. The cultural appropriation that accusations are way over blown. He’s branching out from Simon & Garfunkel and isn’t afraid to try a lot of different things. Some of them worked, some of them not so much, but this album really shows him growing as an artist.
me gusta, es tranquilo, tiene blues, folck ,etc
The word that keeps coming back is effortless — and that’s the real achievement, because none of this was. Simon spent months recording in Jamaica with reggae musicians, in Brazil with South American folk players, in studios across multiple continents piecing together a record that sounds like it arrived fully formed on a warm afternoon. The labor is completely invisible. The joy is completely audible. “Mother and Child Reunion” and “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” are institutions, the kind of songs that feel like they always existed. “Me and Julio” in particular passes the highest possible melodic test — it’s the kind of tune that colonizes your brain on first listen and sets up camp for the rest of the day. That’s not something you can engineer. It’s either there or it isn’t, and here it absolutely is. What elevates the record beyond a strong collection of songs is how naturally the genre-blending sits. The reggae influences, the gospel touches, the Latin rhythms — none of it sounds like a musician trying on someone else’s clothes. It sounds like a songwriter who simply hears music that way, for whom these traditions are as natural as breathing. Years before Graceland made this approach famous, Simon was already doing it with complete ease. Knowing Still Crazy After All These Years and Graceland exist doesn’t punish this record for not being them. It just means Simon has more than one five-star record in him — which is rare, accurate, and worth saying plainly. A joyful, effortless, melodically masterful five.
I would judge you harshly if you weren’t a Paul Simon fan.
I think this is the magic of Paul Simon i've been looking for? Because I gotta be honest; this album is great. Literally no skips...And I listened to the deluxe.
This album starts with perhaps one of my favorite Paul Simon tracks: Mother and Child Reunion. This song feels like Paul Simon is showing off his musical abilities, taking on a completely different genre than he is known for, and absolutely mastering it (something he will do over and over in the years after this album is released.) There are bits of folk mastery throughout this album too, but the bulk shows off some pretty great bluesy fingerstyle and slide guitar and songwriting. My only small issue with this album is that I feel like it is a little disjointed between these different styles. That is something that I have noticed with other Paul Simon and Simon and Garfunkel albums before too and isn't really a fatal flaw but just an observation. While this isn't his catchiest or most subtly beautiful album, I am still beyond impressed by it and think it deserves full marks for execution.
again my boy 🥰
Lyrically this is fantastic throughout, 'Duncan' with some of the best ("just like a dog I was befriended"; "I was born in the boredom and chowder"; "Just thanking the Lord for my fingers"), and this must be one of his masterpieces. 'Papa Hobo' is another lyrical high point: "carbon and monoxide - the ol' Detroit perfume". 'Mother and Child Reunion' and 'Me and Julio' the pair of bona fide classics here, the latter up there with 'Cecilia' for foot-tapping compulsion. The album revels in it's easy listengness. It's like he heard James Taylor and said "right, hold my mineral water'. 'Run That Body Down' a superb example, Macca-worthy melody and falsetto. 'Everything Put Together Falls Apart' is an MoR step too far, moving into jazz-lounge territory. Does it just scrape the toppermost? I think it most likely does.
Paul:)
Excellent with some classics and easy listening great acoustic numbers.
So great it's worth listening to the demo and previously unreleased tracks, too.
Love it
Barbaro
I mean whatever.
One of my favorite albums of all time. Listened to the vinyl hundreds of times growing up. Great songwriting, musicianship, and variety.
I’m not sure I’ve ever listened to this album from start to finish, which is disgraceful
Perfect for listening to on sunny late afternoons with mild weather, or after 10 p.m., with warm lighting, a glass of wine, on a kind of date with myself. 10/10
Great album. Classic Paul Simon. There is not a bad song on the album!!!
I liked it.
vibey one hehe
An incredibly enchanting album. Simon's vocals and acoustic guitar are a lethal combination. Also a shoutout to the various instruments that appeared throughout the album, those were really good. Favorite Track: Paranoia Blues
Not my favorite album but still stellar idk do I do 4 or 5
A great album from a great lyricist.
Album 1061 of 1089 Paul Simon - Paul Simon (1972) Rating : 5 / 5 Technically his solo debut, but it’s hard to think of it that way after the incredible run he had with Simon & Garfunkel. This doesn’t feel like someone starting over. It feels like someone continuing the story and just turning the page to a new chapter. For me, it almost plays like a greatest hits album. Every track feels memorable. The songwriting is heartfelt and sharp, as always, and the performances are strong but understated. He doesn’t oversell anything. He lets the songs do the work. Comparing it to the Simon & Garfunkel catalog is interesting. The harmonies with Art brought a certain lift and polish that can’t be duplicated as that blend was special. But here, Simon proves that the foundation was always his songwriting. Stripped of the famous vocal pairing, the songs still stand tall. In some ways, the solo setting makes them feel even more personal and direct. There’s also a subtle expansion in sound here with hints of global influence and rhythmic exploration that would show up even more in later albums. You can hear an artist stretching without abandoning what made him great in the first place. What is not to like? Thoughtful lyrics, timeless melodies, and a writer who clearly understands how to craft a song that sticks. I’ve always respected Paul Simon, and this album does nothing to change that.
gostei bastante da vibe do álbum, sou leiga quanto a gênero de música, mas sei que nem tudo se resume a gênero, às vezes é mais sobre qual sensação uma música pode te proporcionar, e esse álbum, no geral, me trouxe yma vibe tranquila. exatamente o que eu precisava no momento.
I’m still waiting for the day a Paul Simon album will disappoint me, and so far, that day hasn’t come. His debut solo record, Paul Simon, is everything one could expect from him, and maybe even a little more. There’s something very free about this album. You can hear him stepping into his own identity, experimenting with different sounds while maintaining the lyrical intelligence and emotional sensitivity that define his work. His songwriting feels effortless, moving naturally between humor, melancholy, and observation. It’s intimate without being heavy, and thoughtful without ever losing its warmth. What I admire most is how human it feels. Nothing sounds forced. The melodies are inviting, the arrangements are tasteful, and his voice carries that familiar sense of quiet confidence. It’s the sound of an artist who knows exactly who he is, even at the very beginning of his solo journey. My personal favorites are Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, which is simply irresistible in its rhythm and storytelling, Paranoia Blues, where his ironic humor and personality shine through, and Congratulations, a beautiful and bittersweet closing moment that stays with you. It’s another excellent album in a discography that, in my experience, has been consistently rewarding.
This just shows that Simon has always been such a craftsman, truly a composer who weaves together parts to create richness and depth in his songs.
I could write pages on the tightness of this album, its wealth of ideas of talent. The liminal feeling of lost youth and wistfulness, Paul’s old-soul emerging after ending his run with Arty. But this was the record that I sung nearly top-to-bottom at my father’s bedside, and I think that’s enough.
I have been loving this album so much
I have a longstanding policy of preferring Simon with Garfunkel, but his self-titled is probably my favorite oh his solo work. Solid tunes to be found here, including his greatest solo song, Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard.
This is easily my favorite Paul Simon album and the one I come back to most often. Unfortunately, I think this one is often overlooked in favor of bigger artistic statements, such as Graceland, or the classics by Simon and Garfunkel. If true, that's a real shame, as this is Simon at his grittiest. Technically, this is his second solo album, but it was the first after the breakup of Simon and Garfunkel, so I consider it the true beginning of Simon's solo career. Paul Simon oozes with raw character and revels in simple musicianship and authentic emotional expression. Virtually every song is a heartbreaking exercise in the intimacy of sonder, a portrait of a character that is some dimension (both real and imaginary) of Simon himself. Oddly enough, I'm not sure that I've ever listened to this album on headphones. Doing so for this review gave me a much better appreciation of Simon's guitar playing. For example, I spent a while trying to figure out who performed the beautiful fingerpicking on "Peace Like A River," but I'm pretty sure it was Simon himself. Gorgeous. There's an episode in Season 1 of Curb Your Enthusiasm where Larry David's bad behavior cheats him out of seeing Paul Simon (or so he thinks). He and Cheryl are later sitting on the couch, listening to "Still Crazy After All These Years," Larry holding the CD booklet, reading and singing along. Cheryl, understandably annoyed with missing out on the show, gets up, leaving Larry alone with the music and his thoughts. It's one of the rare moments when Larry David shows any genuine remorse for his actions. I'm reminded of that scene when I listen to any Paul Simon. The message to me is clear. No matter how cynical or misanthropic a person is, Paul Simon can make them nostalgic and melancholy. This album always makes me nostalgic and melancholy. I love it. Five stars.
Better than Graceland. Very cool use of different instruments. One of the, if not the best album so far.
One of my all time favorites. Hot on the heels of the breakup of his hit duo, Paul establishes the world music and eclectic influences that would mark his solo career while still being rooted in the songwriting sensibilities that made Simon & Garfunkel successful.
Lots of familiar songs, excellent songwriting
There’s something so warm and cozy about this album. Paul Simon displays a pretty minimalist ensuite of jammy blues songs that you can’t help but smile to. It’s a truly heartwarming album, and a wonderful experience. The incredible acoustic guitar playing on this album is second to none. You can easily get lost in some of the intricacies. But above it all is Paul Simon’s warm charm that just totally irresistible. Fantastic listen, really glad I heard this before I die
This one surprised me, who know this guy had groove? Anyways this albums pretty cool, the ballads are really fun and the lyrics are straightforward as they can be, but can still engage you, even when its just him singing and the guitar. That dude knows how to play a guitar btw, the little euphemisms that he does with his guitar really adds a lot to whatever he's playing. 9/10
I LOVE this album, especially Mother and child reunion, Duncan, Me and Julio down by the schoolyard, and Peace by the river. Beautiful music, voice, and lyrics!
Hell yeah
Great album. Have loved it for years.
Woah I did not expect to like this so much! Paul Simon just has an inherent likeability to him. Everything here works, the storytelling, genre shifts, it's all so good! A classic.
Beautiful, also huge nostalgia trip, I used to listen to my dad's Paul Simon vinyl when I was a kid
I adore this album!
Great artist. Love his sound, and music. One of many great albums.
This is a regular on our turntable, so, yeah.
BANGER AFTER BANGER HOLY SHIT i want to take a road trip to this album
Awesome
a true classic
this is peak 5/5
chill af. Perfect for summer.
one of my favourites
what a delightful album :) beautiful sounds, catchy melodies & meaningful lyrics the talent on display here is unbelievable
Incredibly good album. So many good songs. Such good music. So easy to listen to. Stands the test of time.
One of my favorite Paul Simon albums!
I love Simon's songwriting, sounds beautiful and effortless
A sweet voice, genius lyricism and the best acoustic guitar I've ever heard. How can it get better?
peak
Really cool fusion of blues, funk, and rock. Standouts are Mother and Child Reunion, everything put together falls apart, armastice day, and peace like a river. Really good album 8.5/10
Every once in a while, I find myself disappearing down a Paul Simon rabbit hole. Much as I enjoy a bit of Simon & Garfunkel, it's Simon's solo work that really shines for me. With this record, he seemed to actively step away from that whimsical, folksy sound he'd honed with Garfunkel - a bold move when you consider how enormously successful that formula had been, but he absolutely nailed it. A beautiful, plush production that suits his voice fantastically, and some masterful songwriting - this is a great record.
Listened 12/25/25
Top shelf Paul
very fresh diversity of sounds, my dad called this one the weird album where he does a bunch of different sounds with random ppl from all over the place
perfect for a snowy day like today. such a happy voice
Yeah
Insane vocal ability and individual instrumental skill
My favourite from Paul Simon. Impressive first album following the breakup with Garfunkel. Nice warm sound and feeling with catchy tunes too.
Summer after college, in mournful limbo between everything that came before and a great unknown expanse, driving around with nowhere to be quite yet.
A bright and shining way to start a solo career!
Honestly great
yes good
Classic. Not up for debate.
I love Paul Simon, there’s something about his music that grabs me and sticks like nothing else does. He has such gorgeous melodies, but also fantastic instrumentation. A beautiful album with a great variety of songs.
I really liked this. More than I expected to. Nice to go back to a 30- something minute album rather than 1 hour +.
love the similar flute sound to "El Condor Pasa" on Duncan. "Mother and Child Reunion" has this unique stop-start dub/reggae kinda feel. "Run That Body" down has the feel of most Paul Mccartney Beatles tunes.
What do you do after being in one of the best duos ever? Record a brilliant album, and better to come. One of the greats.
There's part of me that thinks this album is at least as good as anything Simon and Garfunkel released. It certainly cements Paul Simon as the main songwriting force of the duo. There's also a ton of variety and some really stand out tracks here. "Me and Julio Down by the School Yard" may be my favorite thing he's ever done. There is a part of me though that feels like it's missing something. Maybe it's too eclectic without really gelling together, or maybe Art Garfunkel had a subtle quality that really helped to balance things out. For some reason, this album feels just shy of 5 stars to me, but I can't put my finger on it. But the thing is, I can't actually find any good reason *not* to give it 5 stars as it's really good album regardless. So I'm feeling generous in the hope that when the mood strikes me, this album will just fit perfectly because there's a lot to love here, even if I don't quite hear it as a whole today.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Paul Simon, as he is one of my childhood heroes (the amount of time I sang scarborough fair in school plays, contests, concerts is absolutely insane), but this record is an absolute gem. I love the production and the use of the guitar, and Simon’s voice is velvety and light, absolutely delightful. Loved loved loved this record
Tror jeg har hørt mer på dette albumet enn noen S&G-plater, og ja, mer enn Graceland også. Selv om hans største låter kom ut sammen med Garfunkel, så mener jeg at dette albumet har flere verdige arvtagere. "Duncan" og "El Condor Pasa" kan man fint spille back to back for eksempel. De åpenbare hitsene "Mother and Child Reunion" og "Me and Julio" er certified bangers. "Hobo's Blues" får meg til å skjønne at Lillebjørn Nilsen har hatt plata også. Men når jeg hører albumet igjen nå så tror jeg soundet er det som treffer meg best. Simon er en mesterlig gitarist og det farger mye av lydbildet, og litt ekstra krydder med alle de snodige instrumentene han trekker fram her og der. Jeg klarer ikke peke på hvilken årstid plata passer best til, kanskje det er en helårsplate. Den føles egentlig bare som en logisk videreutvikling av Bridge Over Troubled Water, og viser at det er null tvil om at det var Paul Simon som dro lasset.
Really good
What the hell was going on down in the school yard
pretty sure Paul Simon will be my longest loved artist. this album is perfect. the perfect cure for a wacky / hard / off / sad day, always.
This is such an easy, great listen. Love me some Paul Simon.
Very good
Awesome
Very delightful. I’m more familiar with the Graceland album but knew some of the hits here too. Would say I’m a fan!
Paul Simon is a better singer and instrumentalist than Bob Dylan and on par with lyrics. His music is so much more pleasant to listen to. You can listen to this album on many levels and in many contexts. Simply excellent.
A true classic
A classic
I have no idea why but I LOVED this album. I was torn between a 4 and a 5 but decided to give it a 5. It just hits all the notes for me. The instrumentation is awesome. Every time I listen I find something new to enjoy.
One of my very favorites from Paul Simon!
I love Simon and Garfunkel, but Paul Simon’s solo work might be even better
Fascinating glimpse into Paul Simon stepping out on his own, post-split from Garfunkel. You could forgive him for keeping things really simple; writing his signature folk songs and delivering them with consummate effortlessness. But no, he's not content to do this on more than a handful of songs. He is also insistent on taking inspiration from rock, reggae, blues, Latin music and jazz; a very telling peek into his overall curiosity and wide-angled lens on music. The man just loves to push boundaries and try his hand at new things. When you couple that hyperactive musical palate, the fastidious attention to detail and Paul's natural talent for poetry and melody, you are onto something truly special. This LP was just the tip of the iceberg. Paul's opening statement, but it's also a sublime collection of inspired songcraft that dabbles in the unexpected while remaining totally accessible and delightful.
Fantastic, incredible guitar and lyrics, saved 90% of the songs to my Spotify music.
que álbum delícia, até comecei a seguir o querido #choraNeilYoung
Loved it!
Paul Simon without Art Garfunkel is like Paul McCartney without the Beatles--not entirely new, but new enough to the ears that the difference is immediately apparent. That kicks off with the reggae-tinged "Mother And Child Reunion", a number that S&G would never have recorded. The distinctly new sounds continue throughout the record, and Paul Simon is molting out of the skin of his 1960s identity.
i adore this album. not the best thing paul simon put out in his career, but it holds a special place in my heart. the singles off of here bang and there are some amazing album cuts here too (shout out 'duncan'). it's not going to be everyone's bag, but it most certainly is mine
So good. Listened to it when having a bad day and it just made it much better. Honestly made me feel that living is worth it
Some classic songs here from one of the best.
one of my favorites!!!
Yep. I'm good with this.
Fantastiskt album. Paul Simon kan verkligen skriva låtar som är enkla men fantastiska. Helt rätt och perfekta.
****** This one is part of my list of all-time favorites.
In a list of all too often mediocre recordings, this shows what a great songwriter can do.
very peaceful feeling to listen to
Love it. Great memories and reminders
Such a great artist - this record shows the start of his departure from the Simon & Garfunkel era, with his songwriting and musical style coming into its own, incorporating a lot of other genres like jazz, blues, and reggae. Every song is unique and so good.
One of the great singer/songwriters of my generation.
I have never listened to Simon alone, but turns out that I am now a Paul Simon fan.
Unlike many singer songwriters where you get either piano and vocals, or guitar and vocals, Simon gives every track it's own unique flavour. He seems to find the right vibe for each track, be it pan pipes, bongo, strings, percussion or something else also making really good use of stereo through exquisite production. A true artist with a highly enjoyable repertoire. Easy five stars. I expect there'll be other Paul Simon albums on this list.
A great experience that i enjoyed with great surprise. 10/10
This is basically a Simon And Garfunkel record. 9/10
Great Album
Guitar playing and song writing at it's best.
This is the best Paul Simon album, and the one I most readily gravitate towards. The fluidity of the guitar and vocals are in contrast to the band who are so crisp and tight, the perfect backdrop for him to shine. Duncan is one of the best songs ever written. So knowing, cheeky, lyrical, nostalgic. The lyrics, which keep pulling the rug from under you, are some of the best too. “My father was a fisherman, my mother was a fisherman’s friend.” “Holes in my confidence, holes in the knees of my jeans.” The silliness of the lyrics, and the tenseness of the music are a wild combination. The mixture of light and dark, funny and serious is part of what makes this LP work so well. Paul Simon is here to have a lot of fun, but it’s not fluff! ‘Me and Julio’ and ‘Peace Like a River’ sit side by side on the tracklist. Both equally as good as each other, yet diametric opposites. I always like it when he undercuts a serious point with a joke. Counterintuitively it improves the point (and the mood!)
I adore this album, perhaps only bettered in his discography by Graceland.
Two excellent records in a row! Finally! This was absolutely great. I think I was a Paul Simon Greatest Hots guy until now. Great guitar, holy crap! 9.6
This is maybe the forth album by Paul Simon to appear in here, so I just going to say it again. This man never released a single bad song.
This was pleasant
i love paul simon <3
Love it! Er jo her Julio kommer fra in the schoolyard
Top ten singer-songwriter. These songs feel so full, I think it's because this dude knows how to write some of the best harmonies in the game. 5/5
Wonderful. Perfect. Listened at mum’s house sitting outside with a paella, Rory, Katy, and Suze and lots of white wine
I don’t know that I love all Paul Simon, but this is pretty great. All the songs I know are still great and the ones I was less familiar with were just as great.
Oooooo, I’ve been waiting for this one. Historically, I’ve been a very big Paul Simon fan. And this is my favorite solo album of his. And my second favorite album he’s penned (after Bridge Over Troubled Water). I usually like Paul’s deeper cuts more than his hits, and this is no different. Look, I love Mother and Child Reunion and Me & Julio. But Duncan is my favorite song here. And the rest of the songs are really great. Like, just meandering through Paul being a fantastic musician and kind of weird and sometimes goofy songwriter. I love this album very much.
Really lovely album, great songwriting and was fun to listen to while chilling in bed, had a great song I’ve heard but didn’t know it was this album
this album has so many cool ideas packed into such a tight runtime that I can't give it less than a 5, just go listen to it. it's got stéphane grappelli on it for pete's sake.
Hehehaha
Honestly amazed. The guitar reminds me of what would tickle my ear when I first started playing. How he can fill a room with sounds with such beautiful vocal melodies complimented by the guitar’s harmony is impressive.
Yeah sorry Jacob, this shit rocks. There isn't really a bad song here. Paul Simon can write a hit. This album is sooo fun. I love it! His voice is amazing. This album just makes me happy. "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" is one of my favorite songs ever. Actual rating is a 4.5. Liked Songs: "Mother and Child Reunion" , "Duncan" , "Run That Body Down" , "Armistice Day" , "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" , "Peace Like a River" , "Papa Hobo" , "Hobo's Blues" , "Congratulations" , "Paranoia Blues (Unreleased Version)"
There are so many great tunes on this album. I’m a sucker for Paul’s crooning paired with the flute and a driving baseline. “Everything put together falls apart” is my least favorite track, but it still has its bright spots. Otherwise than that, each track is a banger.
Great album top to bottom. I listened to this a couple times and really enjoyed it. Peace Like a River was a standout amongst many standouts.
finally some quality music! paul simon should be the golden standard for silly album generation. guitar and song writing that feels like home. let these other artists take a hint
An amazing album by the legendary Paul Simon marked by great storytelling and international influence in his songs. Such a fun album that mixes the upbeat and sad songs flawlessly and done so with the magnificent characters he creates (or maybe they're real people, I don't know) Special credit for Paul shouting out the Maritimes :)
He has always put out great stuff from the early Simon & Garfunkel days to Graceland
Great
Mother and Child Reunion is my favorite Paul Simon song I think.
My theory is that Paul came out swinging with this one just to make sure that everyone understood HE was the genius in S&G. Every single song is good. Some are fantastic. The playing, the singing, the production. All tip top. This album, Rhymin’ and Graceland are all certified RKH classics. I guess that’s a
Awesome. Reminds me of my childhood
Paul Simon parka. Dazzling acoustic work. Funky reggae vibes.
Oldie but Goodie. Like “Me and Julio” ✌🏻
Paul Simon has a special place to me because it was my first Real concert. As a 9 year old kid I remember his white sneakers and how short Paul is. I also remember being completely immersed in his sound and loving every second of that show. This album is something I was not as familiar with, and I really like being exposed to it, makes me want to go album by album through his whole solo career. I especially was drawn to the first track (mother and child reunion) with the reggae feel, and the more bring you down to earth songs of track 3 and 4. I also was drawn into Paranoia Blues, thinking that would make a great cover for a more ruckus band.
So lovely
An album of great balance, lovely blend of up beat catchy songs and slower blues/folks songs, Paul is one of the great musicians of his time, a great singer, a great songwriter of poetic storytelling songs, and a great ear for melody backed by his guitar playing. An album that I'll come back to for sure
Good stuff
On voit qui était le parolier de Simon and Garfunkel. J'ai kiffé, c'est bien arrangé et bien écrit.
Me like it, just the right amount of softness for me
9/10. Fantastisk bra.
Day497 - who needs a garfunkel
Great album
fun, dynamic album. always has a new sound, fresh hook, or clever turn of phrase in his back pocket.
As perfect now as it was then.
Paul Simon is the best. In this album he lends his gentle flavour to loads of different genres from blues to tropicalia via reggae, soul music, country and folk (medieval and contemporary), successfully terraforming them all into something more Paul Simony. Nothing less than a five.
Great album. Some if the acoustic playing reminded me of Days of the New
Excellent album.
Brilliant
This one checks all the boxes in my list. It's entertaining, calm, clever, bluesy and a great musical companion. Very personal !
Good album
Brilliant. First album I ever bought.
I want to be out on Paul Simon bc he seems like an incredibly annoying guy who thinks he’s funnier than he is and holds a grudge. But unfortunately he’s got the goods. What can you do? Sidenote: I like to imagine “Hobo’s Blues” was Simon’s attempt at getting anti-rockist, Woody Allen’s attention, which eventually leads him to being cast in Annie Hall 5 years later.
It was very good. I liked the style of the music very much and I liked almost every track
Listening to this was a warm hug.
Paul Simon is always great.
This is an amazing album. I knew the big hit off this album very well. So I wasn’t expecting a lot other than that one hit carrying the rest of the album (like a lot of albums on this list) but I was pleasantly surprised. The album is incredibly short which is always a positive for me. There’s a good amount of variety. Honestly I really love this album and I had no idea this album was so solid. I don’t say this lightly, but this is also a no skip album, which is extremely rare but even the demos and unreleased music that was included in the version of this album I listened to were no skips. In fact the unreleased version of Paranoia Blues is my favorite version of that song. Seriously go find a hammock on a nice day with some shade and put this album on. Maybe sip a whiskey sour with it, just a suggestion.
Great album!
Something about his melodies
Loved it I love Paul Simon great album
Obviously 5 stars
I've always like this album.
Paul Simon is one of those incredible artists that I’m really grateful to exist at a time when I can hear his music whenever I want. This album has such a diverse variety of styles and sounds, but Paul’s voice keeps grounded in one incredible vibe. His songwriting is immaculate, and lyrically this album is simply fantastic. Musically everything is played perfectly, no instrument feels overstated or too aggressive in the mix either. This isn’t my favourite Paul Simon record, but it’s still an easy 5*.
Paul Simon is always a welcome sight, especially on a day when i have a long drive. This isn’t my favorite album of his but it’s still a truly fantastic piece of work. The musical styling is really interesting and varied and fun throughout the album while never fighting for your attention with the masterful storytelling in the lyrics. This album provides a lot of evidence to my firm belief that Paul Simon is one of the greatest songwriters of our lifetime, probably of all time. He is a national treasure and must be defended at all costs.
Great album. Varied and interesting.
好聽
Not a negative second.
I listened to Aaliyah instead it was good
Paul Simon is comfort.
The instrumentation is really pleasant.
One of my very favorite albums ever.
Can see myself as an old man, sitting in my chair listening to this straight through
5/5
Just a fantastic record, start to finish.
Fantastic. Classic.
Paul Simon is the standard.
Biased because I've listened to it so many times in the last year, but I've gotta give it 5 stars for its warmth, comfort, flow and listenabity.
Paul Simon always feels like a soft blanket and a warm cup of tea
Solid
I have boundless affection for Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard.
HAHAHAHA YAY
Luv paul simon
Paul Simon is a genius. I think too much of his work is overshadowed by Simon & Garfunkel. I love how he just explores sounds, genres and songwriting with this record. Its kind of the opposite of yesterday's album. It's so subtle, but it's spot on. He's playing with reggae, blues, folk, country, rock & roll. I think it's far more interesting than really any of his previous work. I think this is the perfect solo album after being in a successful band. Sometimes artists go solo and put out records that are kind of showing off. Like "look what I can do without you." This album never feels over the top or even overly self involved. He has a solid band behind him, but you can really feel the vision of this record and what he was going for. It really just feels like he wanted to explore genres and sounds more and his previous band had him in a box.
One of the great albums of its era
released after splitting up with garfunkel, this album is relatable, peppy and introspective. i was definitely expecting something good here. i like the songwriters that write honestly, telling stories that they've most certainly witnessed and dealt with in real life. this personable material paired with the sometimes quiet, sometimes playful mix of tracks... a very solid listen i'd say. it's got a... "jugband" sound at times.
What a weird and awesome mishmash of sounds! I had only heard Me and Julie Down by the Schoolyard from this album previously but I dig all of this!
Amazing record, one of the greats
Superb
Fun playful and a bit folksy. Paul Simon is great.
5/5
10/10
Love this album
Beautiful singer songwriter. 5/5
Fantastic album...Me and Julio, Mother and Child Reunion and Armistice Day are killer, the rest is totally fun and listenable. Short and to the point and immaculate.
I've liked quite a few of the Simon and/or Garfunkel albums on this list, but this was a big step up. A perfect Saturday Afternoon with this album. Great vibe and not a bad song among them.
downloaded 1,2,3,4,5,10&11. relaxing drawing sesssion truly enjoyed this albums company
Car cd kind of album!
Simplemente un discazo. Paul hace canciones inteligentes, tiene una voz preciosa y los arreglos son perfectos. ME ENCANTA quiero seguir escuchándolo.
So good! A bunch of songs I didn’t know either.
A classic by one of the best lyricists ever. Still had yet to totally come into his own but this is as good as it gets with sparse instrumentation, making an eclectic mix of great tracks.
Paul Simon is one of absolute favorite songwriters, and I've listened to every album up until the ones released in the 2000s, which I still plan to get to eventually. Every single one of his records has timeless gems. I think most are probably familiar with Mother and Child Reunion and Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard from this album. Duncan, Peace Like a River and Paranoia Blues are some of the others I love. The demos for Me and Julio and Duncan are a fascinating peek into his creative process. At some point between the demo and the final recording, he made the choice to take the note on Rosie higher, and it just truly elevates the whole song. Is this as strong as Graceland, one of my favorite albums of all time? No, but I'm not giving Mr. Simon less than a 5.
Mr. Simon is a masterful singer-songwriter, and this album just shows how true that statement is. Very easy 5 for me.
A lush and homey solo outing post Simon and Garfunkel.
Some similarities to Gordon Lightfood
Great morning drive for gloomy
this guy. Top ten song makers in my humble opinion.
Go listen to the Pokemon Johto Theme and tell me that the chorus isn't a straight rip of Mother and Child Reunion. Paul's first album after splitting from Garfunkel is really strong and has some great singer/songwriter pieces. There isn't a lot of weak stuff here, with my favorites being the aforementioned Reunion, Duncan, and Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard. I want to lay in a hammock on an early spring day and relax to this album.
Great collection of world music sounds
Great album
Wow. Wow. Sing to my soul
An album split between grand statements - Mother and Child Reunion, armistice day, Me and Julio... - and smaller simpler singer songwriter fare - Duncan, papa hobo, Everything Put together - this album hit harder on second listen. Masterful for it's genre hopping and shere song craft after the relative restraint of S&G. This opened up the full array of possibilities he would explore through his career.
Ein wegweisendes Album welches mir sehr gefällt
Great album, I don’t even know if Paul Simon even ever misses
Oh shut up come on. This is already one of my faves… though I’ve never listened to it all the way through! I like the opening to “Duncan” this is cool, it sounds a little Dylan-esque. “Run That Body Down” is good.. I’ve heard it in a movie or something. I also like “Peace Like a River.” Obviously “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” is huge. And I’m sorry but “Hobo Blues” opening is a banger. Easy 5/5. Oh and the “Paranoia Blues” unreleased version is fun.
I'll probable listen to this again, it's awesome!
Smile inducing
Very nice album with good lyrics
Brilliant album. Simon’s vocals are so crisp, and the album is so nicely arranged. The tracks flow with nice balance. The varied influences are fun and interesting, and the lyrics are some of his best. *****
Me & Julio down by the schoolyard. Let it be? It doesn't work like that.
A little self-aggrandizing to use your own name as both your band name and your album name but you know, Paul Simon
I love Paul Simon and this album is no exception
Some of my earliest memories of songs on the radio were Paul Simon. I liked him then, I like him now. Solid album.
embarrasingly enough I didn't know this was the simon and garfunkel guy but yeah bangers.
noice
Always 5 stars. He’s a poet that touches my heart every time.
Short but fun
Best songwriter of the baby boom generation and there is no argument. I too am Just thanking the Lord for Paul Simon's fingers 😉
The song writing, the lyrics, it's just all wrapped up nicely with a bow on the top! I can listen to this album start to finish and love every second of it 5/5
Mother and Child Reunion // Duncan // Run That Body Down // Armistice Day // Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard // Peace Like a River // Paranoia Blues //
Incredible album. I’ve heard Paul Simon my whole life from mom, dad, and Chris but have only ever really listened to his hits. This albums incredible front to back. Super consistent tone throughout. Great lyrics and some really good folk style guitar picking. Loved it
Mellow. Some great tunes on this that I assume was his solo debut?
You can hear the transition from Bridge over to his first solo album, he is nothing but phenomenal
4.5
I love the comforting croons of Paul Simon, this album feels like a warm and soulful hug. His voice is so uniquely him and there’s a nostalgia to his music that draws me into that time period. Me and Julio is a favorite, that song just makes me happy. I’m a fan of this whole thing too!
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.
Gold. Simon’s guitar playing and songwriting with world bass and drum rhythms. Great songs for decades to come
How do I love Graceland but have never heard this album, I've been a fool. Paul's the GOAT.
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.
Nice atmosphere, 5/5
Me encanto, he got bangers fr fr. 10/10
As simple as the production is, it’s an amazing album
Best example for Singer-Songwriter
4.9 - Stunning album, just think Paul Simon is just such a unique artist and great song writer.
The second solo album from post break-up Paul Simon hits hard with melodies and lyrical wit. A true classic from front to back.
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.
So good
great
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.
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.
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
Love this album grew up listening to it regularly
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
Some excellent singer-songwriter music.
Super sweet.
Relaxing, forgettable but Julio is in the Muppets (2011) so….
I can't believe I had never heard this album, just a couple songs. Brilliant songwriting and his voice is amazing.
I really really liked this album. Sorry Garfunkel
great
Kind of more country than I normally like but WOW that guitar is AMAZING. Favorite song: Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard
A beautiful album transitioning away from S&G.
I like it very much
perfection.
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.
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.
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.
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
What an absolute banger of an album
Sometimes, I'm just a nice sensitive boy who enjoys his Paul Simon. 4.5/5
An excellent album, it transports me to an era when there was beauty in the world in a naive way,
brilliant. run that body is the self care anthem. the arrangement is like a raspberry yogurt muffin with a bit of vanilla icing on top. the album is an early morning cafe thick with the mist of rich dark coffee.
AHHHHHHHHH
Love the percussion and creative drumming. Typical Simon lyrically poignant mixed with humor. Excellent. A master playing.
I had been on a Simon kick. I like this one. Idk why I like him, but I do. His songs tickle my ears.
Not my usual genre, but very much enjoyed.
Great choice. I love Simon and Garfunkel, but this album really highlights the creative freedom Paul Simon had in going solo. The range of sound in here is beautiful.
In the project so far, I've listened to three Simon & Garfunkel albums from 1966-1970, and two Paul Simon albums from the '80s. This was a nice bridge between the two sets (and I’m guessing and hoping not the last). There wasn't a moment on this that I didn't love, on the songs I knew and the ones new to me.
Most of this album was new to me, and I loved it!
Most of my exposure to Paul Simon has been via greatest hits albums. It's great to hear a complete album and find new favorites like Armistice Day and Paranoia Blues. Simon is a master song-writer and story-teller.
Yet another album that was part of my life ever since I can remember, this album was in the family record collection the entire time I lived at home so I am quite familiar with it. I’m excited to revisit this familiar album as I’m pretty sure it has been over 30 years since my last listen. How will this fall on today’s ears? I was surprised how little I remembered of this album. Yeah I know the hits. But the rest felt mostly new even though I know I’ve heard this album hundreds - maybe even thousands - of times. There were many moments of Deja-vu, so this was rattling around somewhere. As expected, Paul Simon creates really monster hits surrounded by more modest tunes that are no less compelling. I don’t know if I’ll remember all these songs in the future, but I sure enjoyed reconnecting with this album!
Love Paul Simon
Great