Paul Simon

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

It's a great, joyous, varied album. One of the best Paul Simon solo albums (not as good as Graceland obvs.)

This was too fire. Still on rotation

Gatorade has been around for a long time! I can't hate on Paul Simon, the dude is great. But for the most part I prefer his work with Garfunkel.

As someone who had previously heard of Paul Simon only in the context of Simon and Garfunkel… Wow. This is one of the most complete and fun albums I’ve listened to in a good while. The album covers a broad range of different musical genres, and, yet, doesn’t feel disjointed. I’m not sure how it pulls that off. Each song was unique and fun, and there are some distinct, recognizable hits that I had heard before, but not attributed to Paul Simon. Overall, a fantastic album and one of the reasons this 1,001 albums project is so fun.

Really incredible album, the lyricism is movign and deep, which is what you'd expect from a songwriting master like Paul Simon. Not a single drop of quality was dropped in lyricism between his solo career and the one with Art Garfunkel. Great compositions spanning multiple styles too!

A gem of an album

Mother and child reunion opening riff is a trigger to throw me back to being around 10 years old in the kitchen Great album

It’s tough but I might like this one more than Graceland or Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Rating: 4.7

Love that !

I love the variety in this album Paul really stretched for this album, pulling in some blues, country, and even a bit of bluegrass elements into this alum. Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard is the famous single from this, but goodness I think Armistice Day should get more love. Great slide guitar, and some really underrated lyrics.

Good but not especially moving

I really enjoyed listening to this. It features a variety of styles, conversational lyrics, crisp production and of course Simon is a fab singer with a distinctive voice. The songwriting is consistently high but probably not as memorable as S&GS finest work (or maybe I just need to get more familiar). Top marks from me.

It's Paul Simon. It's great songwriting, lyrics, and musicianship. Always a hit!

Great acoustic album, super mellow, and fun. Me and Julio down by the schoolyard…

One of my all time favorites!

Not how I expected this to start by good. Solid middle of the album but finished a little weak. What great songwriting though. Repeats: mother and child, run that body down, me and Julio, peace like a river

I love to make fun of some of his lyrics or vocal directions to my wife, who adores Paul Simon, but this album is amazing and listening to it start to finish was really enjoyable. Peace Like a River. Everything Put Together Falls Apart. Duncan. Run That Body Down. Awesome. I think the goofiness or strangeness (maybe just to me) of Paul Simon is still here. Armistice Day \"man i've been waiting a long time on armistice dayyyyyyy nenenenenenene\", but it's a nice song and I really enjoy the vibe of this album. 5/5

He's never clicked like he seems to for everyone else but that doesn't mean it's not still awesome

solid

This entire album had amazing use of fairly nontraditional instruments. Very unique sounds, and Paul Simon is a good vocalist.

very nice and calming, one of the most beautiful albums I've heard, duncan was my favorite, just great, 10

I hadn't thought about this album for a long time. I had guessed a few Paul Simon (and Garfunkel) albums would pop up sooner or later but I wouldn't have thought of this one in specific. Anyway it's a nice mix of songs that really showcases Paul Simon songwriting. There are plenty of great songs here "Mother and Child Reunion", "Duncan" and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard". I have trouble if this deserves a very strong 4 or a weak 5. The latter part of the album is not at all as good as the first part. Looking at my other 5 I still think this deserves a spot there. It's not a perfect album but I've listened to it all weekend so that should count for something.

Rofls, lots of guitars

Love me some Paul Simon.

lovely

G.O.A.T!

Gentle, relaxing, I enjoyed it a lot

Crisp, understated instrumentation and mellow vibes.

Great collection, his second solo album. My Dad had this in his record collection and this and any S&G song reminds me of him. He wanted a law passed that said Art Garfunkel had to sing on any song Paul wrote. Thanks, Dad, for this lifetime of music I hold dear.

Amazing!

Really great, some songs don’t really do it, but it’s a great easy listening album with great melodies. You can see the early experimentation that makes him famous later

It was pretty fun. I’ve never heard of Paul Simon

When I love David Bowie, I love David Bowie when I don’t I’m just meh.

Paul Simon is a better songwriter than Dylan. Dylan always seems to be attempting to convince the listener of his own cleverness, with the historical and literary references but this so often leads to an emotional immaturity especially when it comes to portrayals of women. Paul Simon tells the story as is, in a direct but beautiful style, and as such is a songwriter whose work hits emotionally. This is best expressed in Graceland, but Paul Simon, his second solo album, is a close runner-up. It’s a gorgeous perfect little folk album, full of perfectly observed vignettes about people from all sorts of walks of life, and one Gypsy Folk Jazz duet with Stéphane Grappelli. The album is worth listening for that song only, but in between I’m sure everyone will find something to admire and to fall in love with. Just a perfect little gem of an album

Good stuff.

wow. wow wow wow. paul simon wasn't playing with this record. well i mean, he was playing the foot out of that acoustic, but he WASNT PLAYING. the talent captured on this eclectic little record is crazy. Ron Carter - jazz legend, played with literally everyone. ON IT Toots and the Maytals - maybe the most important raggae band outside of the wailers. ON IT Stéphane Grappelli - founded hot club of france with THE django reinhardt. ON IT Charlie McCoy - Country Music hall of fame. ON IT and again. i did not know paul simon could play like that.

big fan enough said

Although I obviously know who Paul Simon is, don’t think I’ve ever heard this record before. It’s so much fun!

THis is a fantastic album and one of my fathers friends played on it (he used to send me stamps from that he recieved from fans all over the world).

I love Paul Simon. He is one of the best songwriters of his generation and it shows on this album. Upbeat fun album to listen to. Added to playlist: Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard

4.5/5 I really enjoyed this but ‘me and Julio’ does a lot of the heavy lifting for this getting such a high rating

Love this one, very relaxed music I listen tho this one al lot in the morning.

Surprisingly loved this: before listening to this album I knew one of the songs very well (the main hit on this album) but I was relatively surprised to come out of this really really enjoying. Could definitely see this playing on vinyl in my room whilst I'm tidying or smth. The guitar was strong and catchy whilst the genre kind of jumped everywhere but to the point it didn't take away from the music but more of a pleasant surprise.

Great album, favorite track was Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard. It still had some folk Simon and Garfunkel sounds, but there was some reggae influenced Paul Simon solo sound in there as well. Overall great album

Damn, so much good stuff here.

Reminds me of The Royal Tenenbaums. Love it.

I didnt listen to The lyrics. This was a soothing album and just what I wanted to hear today. So today this is a 5.

Really good album!

Said it before, Paul’s one of the best. You can hear the graduation from the Garfunkel days here. This feels wholly unique from the duo’s records, many of which are nearly perfect in their own right. I don’t know if it’s the songwriting, lyrics or both, but something about Paul’s sound just puts you in another level.

A great collection of songs. Paul took up many styles and sounds over his songwriting career, and here he uses blues more than anything. His playing and that of his hired players is outstanding. Notably, the main hits from the album are not blues, but reggae and Latin styled songs. Me and Julio will always be one of my all time favorites by anyone, and Mother and Child Reunion is so singable. The first solo release of many outstanding albums, this one carries a number of gems.

My favorite Paul Simon album after Graceland.

Ah! This is even better than the Simon & Garfunkel stuff! Even on tracks that were sorta boring, there was some good hook that sorta redeemed the track, and most didn't even need this! The second side was noticably rougher though. Solid Album! BT: - Mother and Child Reunion - Duncan - Run That Body Down - Everything Put Together Falls Apart - Peace Like a River

Big Paul Simon fan but never got really into this one. The hits: mother child reunion, me and Julio are great The violins solo is awesome. I like the Simon and Garfunkel stuff better for the folky Paul Simon stuff I never heard congratulations before but that song is awesome.

Utterly fantastic. Songwriter supreme

Superb

Just mint isn't he

Loved it

Very strong easy listening. Standouts include Mother & Child Reunion, Run That Body Down, Me And Julio, and Paranoia Blues (Unreleased).

One of the greats

Paul Simon is a delightful mishmash of folksy music, blending genres in a way that feels completely effortless. Down to earth, quiet, and personal, I really cannot recommend this album enough!

Great album, reminds me of my mom and aunt who I miss so much.

Good stuff. Good in the background and some classics

You can't be angry when listening to Paul Simon, it's illegal.

Really enjoyed it

Superb

great album

Although possibly one of the worst openers in musical history, this wound out incredibly well. The mans love a walk up (and down) the fret board - outrageous guitar playing.

Paul's lyricism sets him apart, and with the addition of his musical exploration with Caribbean and Latin rhythms, this first solo record remains one of the greatest departures from a successful duo/group. Few have successful solo careers after having intense success with a group, but Paul Simon has shown time and again he belongs amongst the greatest American songwriters of all time.

I always knew that Paul Simon was wasted as part of that duo. I’ve known since Graceland at least. Never have I delved deeper into his discography than that seminal album, because I was already deeply engrossed in other styles of music. I absolutely love this album though. A testament to the genius of Simon compared to the weakness of Garfunkel.

With his first solo album after the disillusionment of Simon & Garfunkel, Paul Simon could now assert his voice, both in his writing and singing. An excellent debut that illustrates his passion for South American music, with some of his most expertly crafted and contagious songs of his career.

10/10 fuck it, I love Paul Simon, even with all the weird shit he does down the road after this album, he’s still a very talented musician who makes amazing music I do prefer the stuff he made with Garfunkel tho

I’m surprised yet again by a folk album! I really enjoyed this! Paul Simon has a great voice, and I love his guitar work on here! Only one song from this album didn’t make my playlist(Hobo’s Blues was a good song, but it wasn’t at the level of the rest).

jaaaa love deze

Wajoow I only knew a few songs by him nd one specific album but first song got me hooked instantly

Love it. Never heard some of the songs

Loved it

Nothing but good listening here. Love Paul Simon

Listened Before? N Wow. I'm really sitting on the fence between 4 and 5 on this one. He nearly lost me with the first song.. but oh BOY did it come back strong. What a great artist and an amazing album. He was clearly talented because of his work with his partner Garfunkel before this, but this shows that he was the driving force behind a lot of their sound, along with adding his own diversity to the mix. A top tier record, I think I may even prefer it to his more polished later work. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: Me and Julio

How have I never listen to this album in full, or much of Paul Simon's solo work aside from Graceland. I always thought there would be something missing without Art Garfunkel, which truth be told it is, but musically its different compared to the duo's discography. Mother and Child Reunion and Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard I've heard before so I was expecting songs with a similar music feel, but was soon proven wrong. Aside from the aforementioned songs, I came away loving Duncan and Peace Like a River, along with liking most of the songs on here too. The blues songs towards the end fitted the album but I wouldn't listen to them individually unlike the rest. What I concluded from this is I really should listen to solo albums more, especially when it's the member who's the main songwriter.

Timeless classic

really awesome

Wrong link on Apple Music found but gas bonus songs. The original album is amazing. Love this!!

Maudit que c'était bon! Je connaissais juste 1 toune, mais j'en ai ajouté plein à ma playlist. Je pense pas que j'avais déjà écouté un album solo de Simon, ça donne envie d'en écouter d'autres!

研究活動が捗る音楽だった。気に入った。夏の終わり、どこか哀愁漂う空気が秋の訪れをまだ満面の笑みを添えては迎えられない、そんなことが想起される今の時期にぴったりの曲だと思った。

Solid album which showcases Paul Simons stand-alone genius. 5/5.

the style i like, great voices and lyrics, good stuff

Very good album. Previously I knew only one song from that album. Very good relaxing. Thanks

HLs BESIDES ‘Mother & Child Reunion’ and ‘Me & Julio’: “Duncan”, “Peace Like a River” M&CR is probably one of my favourite songs, the rest holds up pretty well too.

Freedom from the constraints of a partnership shows here. As expected a collection of well crafted songs, bur suprising in the variety of influences demonstrated - from reggae through latin via folk and blues. One of the best singer/songwriters demonstrating what he can do, with strong hints of the things that were to come.

Fine songwriting, and great guitar work.

pretty good fecken alblumm, feels christian. High Vibes High Spirits

Excelente álbum, first time listening to full Paul Simon album and wow. Song writing is awesome and the music is just so new yet so familiar. Will keep on the rotation

Love Paul Simon. One of the great 20th century pop composers.

I'll be nice and give this 5 stars, well-written songs with no filler.

05/26/2022 The greatest. Truly special and unique in every way. An absolute all-timer.

Best track: Mother and Child Reunion

C’est un cliché, mais quel artisan, je suis jaloux. Le jeu de guitare est particulièrement savoureux sur Peace Like A River.

Yndisleg plata.

awesome

Paul Simon es un genio y puede hacer algo que suena como a Reggae, cosas folkosas, rockcito pop, blues, lo que sea y suena bien. De este disco en especial me gustó que no trae las que más se oyeron en Universal Stereo y me permitió explorar más de su música. Mi favorita, además de "Mother and Child Reunion" que es la obvia, es "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" rolones que le ganan la 5a estrella.

Paul Simon's self-titled album is a wonderful piece of multiple slices of Americana. The flavors of the blues, jazz, and soul-inspired work can be heard throughout musical history. Some of the guitar work is reminiscent of the later Ratatat (I swear I heard it), and the bass reminds one of the darker tones from Pink Floyd's *Dark Side of the Moon* (released one year *later*). While some concepts aren't as fleshed out as they are in later works like *Graceland*, the sheer honesty and raw nature of some of these tracks betray some of the true emotions of Paul.

Such a classic album. I'm glad I finally got to listen to every single track because I'm so in love with this sound.

Хорошая музыка, успокаивающая

This is a really solid album. Naturally everyone knows the Julio schoolyard but there are some other very good songs I hadn't heard before

I enjoyed this more than the Simon and Garfunkel albums I've heard; more meaty diversity and texturally superior.

I am huge Paul Simon fan and this is his first great solo album.

It's hard to know what to say about this album because there is so much to say. Personally, it's one of my all time favorites. At least once a week, the line comes into my mind, "long after the midnight curfew, they sat starry-eyed" and it always makes life feel right again. Duncan was never my favorite song on the album, but this time it rose to the top, with its beautiful coming of age story. Sigh. I love Paul Simon.

Listened to this twice and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Här finns allt. Få artister kan blanda lekfullhet och melankoli som Paul Simon, något som blir tydligt från första tonen i Mother and Child Reunion. Vill du ha historieberättande fortsätter albumet med Duncan. Politisk kommentar, gå till Peace Like a River. Old school blues? Paranoid Blues. Alltid med extrem skicklighet och melodiös träffsäkerhet. Precis som Lincoln Duncan tackade Gud för sina fingrar kvällen efter han förlorat sin oskuld, tackar jag Gud för Paul Simons diton. Men mest för vad de gör med gitarren. En behållning med Paul Simons musik är alltid influenserna från andra delar av världen, samtidigt som han förvaltar ett amerikanskt folkarv. jamaicanska influenser i Mother and Child Reunion, sydamerikansk flöjt i Duncan, brasiliansk trumma i Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard. Bästa låt: Finns en handfull att välja mellan. Men Mother and Child Reunion gör ändå något speciellt med mig.

This one's going on regular rotation. Great lyrics, interesting explorations of different genres on each track. Was surprised to see Stephane Grappelli make an appearance.

Listenable. Totally listenable. Even preferable to Graceland, which I could hear endlessly. The man can compose music & lyrics. Added.

Go off Paul

Paul Simon has been making music for 60 years. He hasn’t released a bad album and he’s released several masterpieces. This one just might be my favorite though. Just banger after banger.

Great, chilled album from legendary 70’s singer/songwriter

Some of Paul’s best guitar work, melodies, vocal display, and songwriting that would follow him in 40 years of touring. While not the best album of his entire catalog, it is a great album and a great debut to establish his identity beyond Art.

A through and through high level album, similar storytelling like Neil Young or Bob Dylan, here with a fun-sounding world music twist

Loved it.

Melody driven. I’m surprised how much I enjoy his vocals. Hey Paul Simon. I see you

Excellent album.

Really good album.

Big Fan!

Oh mon dieu, deux en deux jours 5/5. Le meilleur de paul simon solo avec graceland. Tellement unartiste exceptionnelle. Dan sla meme classe aue Dylan, mccartney,lennon, etc. 5/5

Very chill album.

a true love

Great!

Some classics in there. Nice chilled vibes to all the songs

Best song: Duncan; 2nd best song: Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard Least fav song: Everything Put Together Falls Apart

Key Songs: Mother and Child Reunion, Duncan, Run That Body Down, Me and Julio

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Pretty good. I liked the minimalistic nature of this and the production was decent. 4/5

Such great songs beyond the hits. Mother and Child Reunion is quite the opener.

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.

Paul Simon

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 really love a few of his songs. Others are still good.

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 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.

great album, nice folk music

I really enjoyed it, can’t remember anything too more specific to say

not an album i’ve thought about listening to but i enjoyed this!!

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.

one more english 70s album but this one is pleasant

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

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.

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.

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.

Bit Elliot Smithy. I enjoyed, very relaxing

Some good stuff on this album.

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 really like Paul Simon.

Provavelmente, meu disco favorito do Paul Simon. Conversa com tantos gêneros, tantas referências.

Always a good day to have Paul Simon. Great mellow music with clever lyrics.

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

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

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.

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

Not bad. I grew up with my parents playing Simon and Garfunkel, but this was my first real deep dive into his solo music.

vibes positive, divertente, lo riascolterei

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.

Pretty good. Liked Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard better than I remembered. Paranoia Blues, Armistice Day were also good.

Nice, calming

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

It was okay not my style of music

I like this album it has some great concept good voice good instruments love the lyrical story behind it 8.1/10

Quite nice

That lil vibrato flute sounding thing this guy likes scratches *something* in my brain just right

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

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.

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) ★★★★

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.

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

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.

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)

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.

Really good album from one of the most musical artists of all time, what's not to like? Such great songwriting and composition, put this one on for a pleasant day.

Good stuff, amazing songwriting as usual.

A 4.

For someone who typically hates anything Folk, I didn’t hate this.

Es klingt wie ein stilles Meisterstück: warm, intim, voller kleiner melodischer Haken. Simon löst sich hier endgültig vom Folk‑Duo‑Erbe und zeigt, wie elegant er Rhythmus, Storytelling und Weltmusik‑Einflüsse verweben kann. „Duncan“ und „Mother and Child Reunion“ tragen das Album, aber eigentlich wirkt alles wie aus einem Guss – unaufgeregt, aber souverän. Ein sympathischer, leichtfüßiger Klassiker der frühen 70er.

Day 304 Highlights Duncan Me and Julio…

beautiful

Muito legal, bem gostoso de ouvir. Me lembrou muito a trilha sonora do Far Cry 5 Que joguei a pouco tempo. Clima de fazenda, café e violão.

Imoressive

Review - a great album in places but patchy Score - 7.5/10 Need to listen? YES

Man I love the way Paul Simon makes an album

Good

Loved it. Everything put together falls apart was a stand out and got an instant replay

Paul Simon can write songs about the goofiest shit that make no sense and he still hooks me in almost every time (except that god awful Hearts and Bones album). I wonder if they’ve ever played the “Hell of a hockey team” part of Papa Hobo at a Wings game

Pretty enjoyable listen. Some just okay tracks at the end, but a good album.

Upbeat lite-reggae song about death? Check. Folk epic about how the sex noises next door remind you of losing your virginity to a pentecostal preacher? Check. Groovy 70s acoustic number about telling your wife and kids you are going to die? Check Jaunty nostalgia number about unspeakable crimes with a whistle solo? Check. What else do you need?

There’s just something about the light, wry touch of his voice, intersecting with his funny, poignant, real lyrics. He’s one of our living treasures, and this album showcases some of the reasons why.

I liked it. Some good folk tracks with only a couple proper forgettables. Duncan gives it a star on its own. Fav tracks: Duncan, Run That Body Down

Det är bra men genialt blir det när han koloniserar Afrika.

är det verkligen en fyra eller är det bara att känns det konstigt att ge en femma efter gårdagens mästerverk? only time will tell

Paul Simon feels like his style got born again into so many other artists that used his sound. Love those open slappin chords where you can feel the strings. Armistice day was a fav from this record.

Great

It's no GRACELAND, but not many things are. It is still a solid record. My favorites are "Run That Body Down", "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" , and "Paranoia Blues". Definitely one of the more essential folk pop albums ever made. Simon keeps the characters interesting, the hooks inviting, and the genres changing enough to keep the listener from being bored. This is one of those albums that you look back and realize sort of invented a whole new sub genre that didn't previously exist and made it completely their own.

Background music but good

That was fun!

While not an album that I would put on regularly, this was very interesting. Lots of different musical styles and feels. Guess he’s got some talent, huh? 7/10 Quite Likeable

Great album

I believe this album was good pretty much 70s but in my opinion, it sounded also like early 80s which seems progressive. I actually enjoyed listening to this.

Feeling warm, like sunshine

3.5⭐️/5 [05.22.2026] 05.23.2026

This was off to a rough start with the faux reggae but enjoyed the rest of the album. Was obviously aware of ‘me and Julio..’ but there were other songs on here that were good, ‘Duncan’ in particular where the more folksy instrumentation and chord progressions fit really nicely. The narrative songs remind me of a better sung Bob Dylan.

4 - great album

This feels like a collection of thoughts from a nice young man.

Album title: 1 Star Music: 5 Star.

Day 44 — Paul Simon — Paul Simon (1972) Listened: May 15–22, 2026 Genre: Folk Pop / World Music / Singer-Songwriter Vibe: Warm, restless, and free — a newly solo artist crossing genres and continents with the confidence of someone who finally gets to make music entirely on his own terms. Highlights: ★ 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 • Paranoia Blues Impression: Really enjoyed it — the Jamaican reggae influence, the genre freedom, the melodic warmth. Impressive that in 1972, just out of Simon & Garfunkel, he was already pulling from world music and covering multiple genres with ease. Mother and Child Reunion hit especially hard. A genuinely free album from an artist who finally had room to move. Rating: 3.9/5 Keep songs? Yes Revisit album? Yes

I liked this album a lot. Very nice, very quiet. 4.5 stars, easily

Pleasant, but I can't say I loved it. 3.5

Paul Simon é muito bom. Não tem como não gostar.

Just as much as I hated the pretentiousness of Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel, that much I enjoyed the light creativity of Paul Simon! Such a lovely album with good lyrics and delicious acoustic instrumentations.

I think Paul Simon is generally top tier, but not quite in full stride on this album.

bob dylan-esque with some fun guitar and lyrics. i like his storytelling in this one

Surprise hit for me

A great Paul Simon record in a line of great Paul Simon records. Highlights: "Everything Put Together Falls Apart" and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard"

Paul Simon is one of the quintessential 20th century American songwriters. This is a classic album of his that isn't Graceland. It is quite good, especially for someone like me with a lesser threshold on more "softer" music (for lack of a better term, because I do enjoy that stuff up to a point). Definitely an essential for any "must listen to" music list. Almost timeless songwriting and with a style that ages better than expected.

Paul Simon's solo debut is a continuation of what makes Simon & Garfunkel great: beautiful storytelling with pleasant melodies.

Paul Simon has a great voice and his music is fulla soul

Fantastic

Not sure why, but I enjoyed this a lot more than Graceland. Maybe if I went back and listened to that again I'd give it a more favourable review. But yeah, this is good. Nice melodies, great guitar playing — just generally nice to listen to. Favourites tracks: Duncan, Peace Like a River

The Ex-Mr. Carrie Fisher packs a folksy punch. This self-titled gem is some smooth listening and a precursor of better things to come. Top tracks: "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard," "Mother and Child Reunion," "Duncan," "Run That Body Down"

--Mother and Child Reunion...Simon comes in hot with the reggae beat --Duncan...I'm a sucker for some flute. nice guitar tone --Everything Put Together Falls Apart...this is good. elegance --Run That Body Down...freaky folk. I dig this. great vocals with a few twists --Armistice Day...great guitar. great track. minimalist but the sound feels full --Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard...always thought this was fun --Peace Like a River...didn't immediately love it but the lead guitar (Hux Brown?) and Simon's voice elevate it --Papa Hobo...production on this LP is great throughout, sounds like he's singing in the same room --Hobo's Blues...a short instrumental jig --Paranoia Blues...don't believe the attitude. sax is cool at the end --Congratulations...pleasant but nothing special

I liked it more than I thought I would ngl. 7/10

Not perfect, but some sweet, lighthearted tunes (and some all time classics)

As paisagens que Paul cria e descreve em suas músicas, perfeitamente alinhadas com as cordas - com destaque especial para o violão - foram o que fez o disco ser encantador para mim. Além disso, a capa linda também soma-se a esses fatores como algo positivo. Gosto muito do gênero folk e álbuns como esses me incentivam a ouvir. Todavia, não acho que seja algo que eu vá voltar a escutar com frequência. 75/100 (3 estrelas e meia)

Not bad. Why so many songs about hobos? Liked the Julio song though, I love old songs with gay vibes. Overall the album grew on me on second listen.

It's funny to me that there will be an artist I like, even being completely in love with a specific album, and yet I've never listened to their body of work aside from singles or the aforementioned favorite album. Paul Simon is one of those artists for me. I know the hits, both solo and with Art Garfunkel, and Graceland is easily in my top 50 albums of all time. Somehow I've never given another album of his a chance. I am a fool.

Some classic songs here. I always heard Paul Simon was talented.

Solid and listenable. Other than Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard there aren't major hits, but it was a nice relaxing album with good storytelling and melodies. As expected from Paul Simon.

Shows off Paul's range and artistry, and I like his exploration of world music styles. Not all of it is great, but he definitely belongs on this list.

Rock chill

I love Simon & Garfunkel which then means I love Paul Simon.

Was good. Could have used more Garfunkel.

Really solid album. Much of it is reminiscent of the wonderful folk of S&G, but with plenty of hints of what was to come from his more experimental solo stuff later. 7/10

Deberían haber visto el momento en el que mi novio me dijo que él es el Simon de Simon and Garfunkel

I generally like Paul Simon’s songs, so I enjoyed this album. The backup singing production on “Duncan” dates it a bit, but I enjoyed this album. “Duncan” has some fun lyrics. “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard ” is a fun listen for me. I liked “Peace Like a River” and “Paranoia Blues.” Paul has some lyric writing skills. It was refreshing to listen to songs that didn’t go on for 10+ minutes.

I don't believe I've ever heard a Paul Simon record I didn't enjoy. Some are more lasting than others. This is a well-done record that he worked hard on so he could emerge from the "typecast" he'd been cast in. It is a really good record that has stood the test of time.

no lhe escoltat encara

Good solid stuff

A solid folk rock album. Nothing mindblowing, but not bad at all. 4/5