Reviews (page 3 of 14)
By no means my favourite Paul Simon, but still a really pleasant and solid record. The main problem I think is that Simon is basically showing off, making the case for a post-Garfunkel future by going through as many different genres as he can. I know he didn't exactly shy away from showing off throughout the rest of his career, but at least he slowed down enough to make more coherent records. It's good, but not his best.
Always pleasant. Masterful songwriting.
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.
this is the best one so far, but i wouldnt play it after a long day
Well he has a terrific vocal tone. He can carry a tune. But are the tunes interesting? Not a fucking chance. Okay, Me & Julio is pretty catchy and I can somewhat relate as me and Julio did hang by the school yard when I was a kid. But where the fuck is Julio now? I replaced him with Oscar and now we hang at the gym. It’s cool but it’s not Julio, you know what I mean? So, folk records are the equivalent of classical music. Old people generally relate but they long ago stopped caring about music. And I don’t care about Paul Simon. 2/5
makes telling a story pretty interesting actually Would I listen again: no Deserves to be on this list: maybe 3.1
Good stuff, amazing songwriting as usual.
It’s nice. Nothing that really blows me away though. Actually there are more than a few weird tracks on here that I could live without. Armistice Day is the stand out track for me - positively
I hear why people like it.
Great opening couple of tracks, then about as exciting as his name.
A 4.
Što bi rekao Bernard Black "it's dreadful but it's quite short".
The first track on this album, Mother and Child reunion, was really interesting to me! It felt like it almost had reggae undertones to it. I haven’t had a good narrative track for a while, so Duncan was a nice surprise. It was serene, I enjoyed the flute part. Run that body down had a nice little rhythm to it. I liked the guitar too! Me and Julio down by the schoolyard was a bop! Hobos blues had some great music to it even though it was short. I loved Paranoia blues. Congratulations was a nice way to end the album. 3.5/5 ⭐️ 165/1089
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.
Graceland is beter, maar toch genoten...
I like Paul Simon but this wasn't my favourite of his. Nonetheless, I enjoyed and would revisit
6/10
yap
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.
Ammm, it's just... usual. I don't know, I can't get this kind of music
Pointless music. I don’t like Simon & Garfunkel so it’s hardly surprising that I don’t like Simon without Garfunkel.
75
i just really like it. no notes
Initially was clowning it as sounding like “a youth pastor who is a little too into Bob Dylan” but then I loved it
I don't understand why people like this
Imoressive
Didn't love it
Needs more Garfunkel
For the most part I really didn't care about anything in this album. It's all fine, but it all just sort of went by me. By the time it was done, there were only really two songs I noticed in any way: Me And Juilo Down By The Schoolyard, and Paranoia Blues. The rest is just there. It's fine.
Review - a great album in places but patchy Score - 7.5/10 Need to listen? YES
good
Favorite Track: Peace Like a River Least Favorite Track: Everything Put Together Falls Apart
Man I love the way Paul Simon makes an album
Good
I got this album way after Graceland, so my expectations were very low. It was better than I expected! The problem was - some songs were very enjoyable, and others quite bad. I'll give it an "ok" 3 ⭐️
Loved it. Everything put together falls apart was a stand out and got an instant replay
I liked this album. It felt like it was filled with nothing and everything. The guitar feels nostalgic, like a commercial jingle from the early 2000s but the lyrics are heartfelt. His voice reminds me of banana dipped in honey. It's funny because I'm not the biggest fan of either of those foods but it's smooth and creates a mushy feeling inside. Overall I'd rate this album 7.5 out of 10. It's not bad but it's not something that stopped me in my tracks. I could listen to this on a drive down the PCH but I'd have to be alone. Its one of those albums that creates emotions, maybe, its because I'm already feeling down but the nostalgia it makes me feel like I've lost something and I don't know what it is.
a nice man singing nice songs.
This is good, but I don't think it's essential. "Me and Julio" obviously is, but the rest doesn't quite rise to that level for me. I get its significance int he Paul Simon story, but most of this wasn't what I consider his best.
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
3.4 I liked the hits and thought Duncan was pretty good too. Seems like a cooler album compared to some of the other S&G entires we have been getting
Okay, we've reached the final album to prominent feature Paul Simon. I've gotten all of the Simon & Garfunkel albums, I've finally gotten all of the solo albums. We're done with Paul Simon now, so I guess it's fitting that we're ending with the album that has his name in it. How do I feel about Paul Simon's self-titled album? It's great! It's not quite as great as something like Bridge Over Troubled Water or even Graceland, but I do think that this is better than Hearts and Bones, so it's not the worst Paul Simon solo album on the list. This album's just super nice. It's not technically Paul Simon's first solo album, but it basically is. This was his first album after Simon & Garfunkel broke up, so all eyes were on him to see what he put out on his own. Turns out, the result is some pretty great music. Paul's songwriting is as lovely and thoughtful as always. His voice is nice. The music on this album has much more of an acoustic focus than some of his later solo albums, which I think is nice to hear. That doesn't mean that this album doesn't have room for stylistic change-ups though! I was a bit surprised to hear the album open with "Mother and Child Reunion," which is effectively a reggae song, but this is still the guy who will go on to make Graceland, so I guess it's not that surprising if you think about it in retrospect. Great song, by the way. "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" is the album's most iconic song and for good reason. It's got that timeless feel that much of Simon and Garfunkel's best work has to it. Excellent song. The rest of the album is very consistent in how good it is. The album's a pretty short outing, but it's a sweet one. I really like this. This is further proof that Paul Simon is one of the greatest songwriters of the past 100 years. High 4/5.
Finally, some energy in his voice! Unfortunately it only slightly moves the needle for me here.
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.
Uh... Skeptical ? I'm not familiar with Paul Simon's personal style, and even though the album is was overall a good experience, I don't know what to make of it...
It was ok
I like Paul Simon, and I like the way this album feels - it can be playful, and lighthearted, and breezy. It can also be expansive, and dark, and poignant. I found myself really enjoying the laidback feel right alongside the post-Watergate themes. "Armistice Day" went in a direction I wasn't expecting, which was fun. Also - I get the feeling that every white Baby Boomer who ever lived owned a copy of this thing. It's an important artifact for post-War America. But do I love it? Not really. THREE STARS
amazing
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
this didn't really make much of an impression on me. sorry paul and/or simon
man, paul simon sure loves to release an entire album with only one good song on it favorites: me and julio down by the schoolyard
Det är bra men genialt blir det när han koloniserar Afrika.
Han klarar sig alldeles utmärkt själv. Det är möjligt att han är den bästa vi har och man pratar för lite om vilken otrolig gitarrist han är. Inte en enda dålig låt, och dessutom hinns det med gypsyjazzfiol av självaste Stephane grappelli! Gåshud. 5a så in i helvete - igen!
4 eller 5?? Såå Svårt. Det blir en femma. Run that body down avgör. Vilken låt!
är det verkligen en fyra eller är det bara att känns det konstigt att ge en femma efter gårdagens mästerverk? only time will tell
Nä, som några av er andra var inne på den är väl inte lika urstarkt änglalik som Bridge over... Men det var väl inte heller målet. En annan typ av musik och otroligt bra i denna gren. Mäktigt att en så asexuell person skriver en jättebra låt om att "torska svennen"
A couple bops
Aburrido
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.
Just ok; was the first album in this journey that didn't keep my attention. The parts straying into other genres are what did stand out
Great
Not in my usual lane but this was a pleasant listen. Paul Simon is a very gifted songwriter. A very relaxing album.
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.
This was nice and chilled but didn't have any of the highs of his later work or his collaborative work. Kind of fell between two stools for me.
So……….what are Paul and Julio doing down by the schoolyard? Should I be concerned? Should I call the cops? Good album though.
Background music but good
That was fun!
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.
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
Paul Simon is classic - but this didn't resonate with me. It's fine.
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.
*******
one great song, two good songs, the rest average and a bit sleepy for my liking
Boring
Paul Simon is always solid. There was nothing on this album that I absolutely loved, but it was pleasant and enjoyable the entire way through.
Feeling warm, like sunshine
3.5⭐️/5 [05.22.2026] 05.23.2026
Pleasant enough but nothing here that really caught my attention.
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.
I've only ever (knowingly) listened to Paul Simon as part of Simon and Garfunkel, and wasn't actually aware that either of them had solo careers. Oops. Firstly, great voice, and clearly a good songwriter. The songs here were all honestly good, and I enjoyed having the album on as background... but none of it really took my attention away from what I was doing. Maybe that's a good thing, but it just struck me that I really don't remember a single specific song from the whole album; I just remember a homogenous melancholy blob of good vocals and easy-listening backing. I think there was some flute at some point... 3.
It feels like he really wanted to show how good he is at every genre and then proceeded to do the most basic part of each genre. Yes that is a reggae beat good job, yes that's also a blues beat. something something 1000 punches once something something 1 punch 1000 times. His voice is good tho, very sad boy, very comfy low 3
Really nice folk music that I should probably listen to again, but it just didn’t grab me. It’s a good album, just one that wasn’t able to hold my attention.
I like Duncan
Not my style
tailed off toward the end IMO
Sleepy stuff...
#398 / 1089 Heard before? ❌ Revisit? ❌ Paul Simon's brand of folkey pop music has never been to my taste. For some reason I find his reggae grooves especially annoying. Stongly leaning to 1/5, while I appreciate his pop music craft mastery.
4 - great album
Way too much lightweight folk pop by Paul Simon on this list, be it with or without Garfunkel. He may be a very sweet guy and all, but his true talent is making music sound the same kind of bland despite being played by different musicians, containing diverse "world music" influences and having totally different topics and moods.
My first album listen on here and liked it! Not usually my vibe but reminded me of Neil Young who I like. Folksy, soft, and pretty! Not bad but not my favorite!
Maybe it's being forced to listen to Graceland on repeat as a kid (my Dad loved that record), but there's something about Paul Simon that just sets my teeth on edge. He somehow manages to be simultaneously New York and twee, and neither works for me. The only exception is Me and Julio because I used to work with a Julio and we'd sing that song to him on the job site. Silliness aside, I will grant there is some incredible songwriting here, but it's just not for me.
This feels like a collection of thoughts from a nice young man.
music is love
It's a good album and Paul is an amazing artist but, its not for me, not my style.
Love him.
Album title: 1 Star Music: 5 Star.
I could swear I'd listened to this before, but the only songs I recognized were Mother and Child Reunion and Me and Julio. A good album, but far from Paul Simon's best solo work. 3/5
Not really my style. Had some good tunes, but I think it could be better
7/10 Well, you know the guy from the S&G duo, as always, amazing songwriting. A very easy going and peaceful record. Almost transcendental. The flow is perfect. Album starts off with on a depressing note, about a mother contemplating suicide to reunite with her dead son, sung in an angelic voice as if hiding all that sadness. Then we get to my favourite track of the album, "Duncan", which blasts all that depression away with it's cheeky humorous tone (oh, and love the flute on this one). This mixture of light and dark, funny and serious is part of what makes this LP work so well. Well, not gonna be dissecting every track of this album as only some tracks truly stuck with me. There are no real duds on this one - that sweet, peaceful, angelic tone is present throughout the album, it's just me not being able to connect with a sizable chunk, especially slide 2 which was definitely weaker than the first. Still, a great album and a great listening experience.
Sounds like an early morning in a small-town cafe where you get to eat home-made waffles and drink freshly brewed coffee and get to talk to the friendly cafe owner. Feels like sunshine on your face, laughing in your ear, and the smell of coffee in your nose. Also this is the Simon from Simon & Garfunkel. I did not know this before, always thought that these were their first names :D
This album successfully shows that Simon can make music that is relatively un-fussed over, rough around the edges and less whitebread that his previous work often was, but the songs often feel unfinished and the record ends up feeling like a sampler.
Rätt så tråkigt album. Lugnande. Helt okej instrumentalt. Sång helt okej. Låttexterna förglömliga. Kanske kunnat lyssna igen. Kan tänka mig att den blir bättre med fler lyssningar. 3/5
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 love me some Paul Simon. This wasn't it for me. Still, some great tunes and hits! 6/10
Some pretty good songs, some flops.
I love Paul Simon but I don't love this album. It's good but not great. Probably like a 3.5
It’s not the worst 1 star
fine
pleasant soft rock the perfect reflection of the artist through his career in my opinion, and trend of the time. I like it in some ways but it is background music.
One of those big names I respect more than I enjoy listening to. There were moments I really liked, but I didn’t always find the experimentation was done in that interesting a way. I’ve always found the Simon aesthetic a bit too clean and jaunty and his vocals a bit too thin to really grab me.
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.
Few cool songs (especially the last one), not my genre, gets repetitive after some time? Maybe
These 60s/70s singer songwriter songs don't do much for me. I found it pleasant, and even enjoyed the hobo blues. But nothing really stood out.
I really like Duncan. It feels like a really sweet movie that you most likely won’t remember watching until that one day it comes back for one moment.
As cutesy poo aw shucks as a lot of Simon's post Simon and Garfunkel output is, and as much of a voracious cultural appropriator as he is, there is no denying his songwriting nouce. Not sure I'd classify it as essential, but it's hard to hate.
I think Paul Simon is generally top tier, but not quite in full stride on this album.
Mr Simon makes considered albums. There’s not usually a great distance between the strongest and weakest tracks on his records. I feel this one comes closest to the single-filler-filler-filler-single model: the model of lesser entertainers, of cheap showmen, of people who cannot edit their own work. The model of cowards who refuse to face the truth.
My Rating 3.4 Interesting start to a long successful solo career.
Beautiful, not the most loved from him by me, but beautiful
bob dylan-esque with some fun guitar and lyrics. i like his storytelling in this one
Love this guy's voice, but it's even better with his friend.
This completely washed over me - to the extent that I know I listened to it but I remember basically nothing. Merely fine
Okay, acabo de escucharlo y, sin haber prestado atención a las letras, es un álbum chill y nostálgico. Muy folk estadounidense, so it's not my cup of tea. Para ponértelo de fondo y trabajar está bien, pero un rato, luego me agobia.
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"
Really enjoyed Me and Julio Down at the Schoolyard, but the rest didn't really leave an impression on me. And I think that one mostly did because of the Muppets movie where it is used, so I've listened to it a bunch. It was very nice though.
Soft rock and singer songwriter stuff isn’t generally my thing.
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.
There are some Simon and Garfunkle songs that are good. I really don't care for Simon solo, this doesn't do it for me at all. 2.
Favorite songs: Mother and Child Reunion,Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, Hobo’s Blues, Paranoia Blues
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
nice n chill goodstuffs
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
Favorite song: Mother and Child Reunion feels very heavenly in terms of instrumentals, and Paul Simon's lyrics are usually dead-on in terms of musically relevant as well as tolerable. Flute is always a big plus when it comes to folk music and genres adjacent to it.
excepcionalmente cotidiano (in a good way) y super lleno de un sonido folk y blues súper nostálgico. me encantó
It’s pleasant, but not super interesting
Pleasant. Better than I thought it would be.
did not like this at all
I've long suspected I was more of a Garfunkel gal than a Paul Simon one, and this album has confirmed it. The bits I like best are the ones that remind me of Simon and Garfunkel together (the pan flutes on Duncan that sound like El Condor Pasa (If I Could), for example).
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"
It's a Paul Simon album. It's good, a few hits, very americana. Kinda miss Art a bit, but whatever. Tenenbaums was great with the song in it and Bob Dylan stinks.
--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)
GENRE: acoustique, vibe un peu country ou roadtrip, folk Chansons coups de coeur: Duncan, Peace Like a River, Paranoia Blues (unreleased version) Side notes: Dans la chanson Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, il raconte qu'il «explorait sa sexualité» avec Julio et que ses parents étaient outrés. Cool solo de violon -> Hobo's Blues
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.
Brooklyn Bob Dylan.
Pleasant. Not too exciting.
Listening notes... I cant stand Paul Simon but I am going to give this a go anyway. Mother and Child Reunion: Yep, still hate it. I cant put my finger on it but this song annoys the ever loving shit out of me. Duncan: "and I was born in the boredom and a chowder"... ugh. Everything Put Together Falls Apart: What an enthralling listen. This is a prime example of what it is I dislike about Mr. Simon. Everything sounds like a reach, emotionally fake acting with a guitar and a voice that displeases me. Run That Body Down: see above. Armistice Day: Yay, Paul Simon cosplays the blues. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard: I hated this song from the first time I heard it as a kid in the backseat of my parents car.... still do. Peace Like a River: See Armistice Day. Papa Hobo: More cosplay struggle. Hobo Blues: I hope you can hear my eyes rolling into the base of my skull. Paranoia Blues: Welp, this isn't getting any better. Congratulations: Fuckin balls. Suffice it to say actively listening to this album in full didn't really help change my long term distaste for Paul Simon. This isn't the worst thing I have heard on this list but that's not really saying much. 2 stars.
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.
the first song felt like a beach day, the next one more kinda like a late summer almost attumn vibe. it's a bit of folk music, i quiete like it. its very soft and peacefull. its a nice album, wouldnt be my first option. but cool to know this excist, yeah was worth a listen!!! 6/10
Some classic songs here. I always heard Paul Simon was talented.
I was a bit disappointed
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.
Not his best, but solid.
Rock chill
I love Simon & Garfunkel which then means I love Paul Simon.
This felt like a mix of good and ok songs, but there was a little too much of the latter
Realmente, es agradable a la primera escucha, todo gracias a ciertas melodías que resaltan entre lo monótono que se siente al estar terminando el disco, destacaría Duncan y Run that body down como las canciones que me llamaron la atención. Responde a su época, no es nada fuera de lo común pero cumple con lo que entenderíamos como una escucha agradable. le daria un 2.4/2.7 de 5, no es nada del otro mundo.
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
I do like me some Paul Simon; my parents had a few of his albums so they are childhood listening to me. Not heard this album before, in fact the only song I was familiar with was Me and Julio. Some really great songs on here. Trying to separate out whether lack of familiarity meant it didn't do it for me or if it's not the same calibre as some of his other works.
Fun listen, some great guitars
This was pleasant, but not super interesting to me. Good background music.
This album has come to me at the wrong place and time. Lately, I am very tired of blunt expressions lack of thought and elegance. I am a firm believer of expressionism, but this form of expression is not resonating with my current state. Maybe another time. I listened to four songs and I won’t continue. After writing this, I revisited to check if I was too harsh. Guitar is playful. Breaking down, jumping half steps. But collectively it makes me feel like I’m suffocating. I feel like it’s the lyrics.
Didn’t really resonate with me. A few standout moments though. The demo for Paranoia Blues is better than the finalised version in my opinion and the keyboard outro on Congratulations was a highlight. Peace Like a River is my favourite, the raw guitar and tapping on the body of the guitar gives it an honest stripped back feel. Paul Simon has a great voice and it really comes through there. Other than that I didn’t find it all that captivating.
nuclear bomb (mother and child reunion + me and julio) vs. coughing baby (the rest of the album)
Like it.
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
Not my style. At all. Pretty good, but i know i won't listen to this willingly.
Great, he's got some really fun stuff here
Good solid stuff
beautiful album i love means julio down by the schoolyard can’t wait to see him in june
Such a songwriter, 9/10
As I listened to this album I started a new embroidery project. With the first song I felt like this was not going to be my type of music but I decided to still listen to every song all the way through because I wasn’t in a rush so no skipping! I ended up enjoying the lyricism so much. A few times I just thought “wow we can fr just say whatever we want in music lol there’s no rules”. I also enjoyed the coziness of the songs even though I didn’t particularly enjoy the sound. Also a part of me wonders if Mac Demarco may have drawn some inspiration from Paul Simon? Anyways, the only song I saved from the album is “Everything Put Together Falls Apart”. That song was really reassuring and peaceful and introspective. I didn’t like the actually sound of the album but I can really appreciate it anyway so I’m giving it 3 stars!
I just really don't like this, kind of a bore
A solid folk rock album. Nothing mindblowing, but not bad at all. 4/5
Nothing really stands out here — it’s just Paul Simon doing what he does. The songwriting is consistently solid, but it all feels a bit too familiar to leave much of an impression. It’s an easy listen and well crafted, just not particularly memorable.
I'd say there's some bright moments of his later songwriting and storybuilding skill in here, but overall it's a bit muted and.. overly cutesy? It's not bad though.
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.
Paul Simon's music is just way too polished and sappy for my tastes. Nothing against him, just not my thing. The first track in particular is so damn twee that I barely powered through it. A couple of other tracks are great, at least. I somehow managed to go through life without listening to *Graceland* yet, though, so maybe my opinion will change with that album. Favourite track: Peace Like a River
likeeeee
Who tf is Paul Simon? Sorry guys I barely slept last night and this album just made me more sleepy. 2.5/5
razy to thunk i enjoy this but hill ash 7.1/10
impeccably chill, really nice folk stuff and pretty peak vocals. probably not my choice of chill folk (nick drake clears) but it had a nice mix of it. Best song - Duncan/everything put together falls apart
4.1
I don't think anyone ever accused of Paul Simon of having a formula and sticking to it. Many diverse musical influences in the album and when it hits it does hit well. Possibly not his strongest album but a good listen.
Nada más, muy tranquilo el álbum. 6/10
hi girlie
Quite good, has its mood.
Сара 3.5 Марко 4.5
It's a nice relaxing folk album at heart, with some diverse sounds placed in and around the album. It has some really sweet lyrics and melodies that are really catchy. Paul Simon's voice is really lovely. I think I've come to a conclusion with this album, in that I like Paul Simon and just do not like the Garfunkel part of Simon & Garfunkel. This was a hell of a lot more tolerable than Bookends and Bridge Over Troubled Water (I know controversial.) I haven't listened to his other stuff but I don't reckon it would be too bad. Good album, doesn't overstay it's welcome. Highlight Song/s: "Mother and Child Reunion" and "Paranoia Blues"
Не слухав особливо Саймона, мені здається лише Graceland доводилося. Є дуже хороші пісні, як Run That Body Down, сильно сподобалась. Та й взагалі просто приємно слухати альбом.
Як фанбой Пола Саймона я сміливо ставлю цьому альбому 4, хоча це далеко не мій улюблений його реліз.
This album sounds like what I imagined 70% of this project will sound like when I started it
High four stars. I really like Paul Simon. This album has some all-timers (Mother and Child Reunion, Me and Julio) and some really strong early solo work.
A high 2
Actually pretty solid listen. Very reminiscent of Bob Dylan. Nothing I’d add to a playlist, but cohesive and easy to listen to. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Not as bad as all that, I still sooner prefer him and Garfunkel together over this and as much as I do enjoy Mother and Child Reunion it is the whitest piece of reggae adjacency I’ve ever heard.
me gusta, es tranquilo, tiene blues, folck ,etc
Paul Simon makes it possible you listen to music styles you don't like but you like the songs he makes...son of a bitch...
Not my usually taste, but had some catchy songs. Not the most memorable thing thought
Meh
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.
where tf is garfunkel
Bob dylan't
I would judge you harshly if you weren’t a Paul Simon fan.
Great record, reminds me of my parents.
For as often as I heard "Mother and Child Reunion" on the local radio growing up, I'd've assumed it'd have WAY more Spotify streams. But that's not the point. Well it kinda is. But the other point is that it's a solid album, with some great highs and few lows. Some of the songs just kinda come and go without much additional thought, but none of it is below average.
Highlights: Duncan, Run That Body Down, Peace like a River, Hobo’s Blues
Paul Simon always has great vocals and good instrumentals, but probably not may favorite of his albums
Not quite the heights of Graceland but Mother and Child Reunion is quite a start. Me and Julio is a classic and everything in between holds up pretty well too, although the second half loses some of the musical inventiveness of some of the other songs.
I'm a much bigger Simon and Garfunkel fan than a Paul Simon solo fan and this album flittered into some bits which felt quite s&g-ish... Which I really enjoyed, but then there was also a kind of reggae opener and a few other more experimental stuff which didn't really work for me. Paul Simon's lyrics are always well thought out, though sometimes they get a bit "on the nose" and I heard a number of examples that felt like that here. His guitar playing is sublime and you can tell he's generally great at song writing... And then me and Julio comes on, which is glorious. This is a nice 4.
Muy joven Paul. Un disco poco instrumental.
pretty pleasant
Mac Demarco before Mac Demarco
I always feel like I should enjoy Paul Simon’s music more than I actually do. It’s not that it’s bad or bothersome. It just doesn’t come together into transcendent or… like, fun? There’s something buttoned-up about his music that I can’t put my finger on, and whatever that is it doesn’t work for me. He has made songs I love and I can’t really articulate what I don’t like about this album very well, so it feels shitty to rate this so low, but I was very ready to move on after listening.
Hey, this is my first of 1001 albums, its Paul Simon, who I do like, so a high average seems about right
A warm hug on a Wednesday morning to reassure you before the beginning of a work day. I’ve listened much more to Paul Simon’s Graceland and The Rhythm of Saints, the only song I knew from his self-titled album was Me and Julio. But it’s still great. The reggae influences, the flute sections, the slow carefree tempo of Run that Body Down, the country/rock mix of Armistice Day with its excellent guitar…expectations met.
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.
I am not at all familiar with Paul Simon's solo work beyond having Hearts and Bones generated pretty early in this project. Hearts and Bones had a bit too much cheesy 80s production and sound to it as well as one of the worst songs I've ever heard in Cars are Cars. However, his self-titled album I enjoyed quite a bit. It felt like a lot of Simon & Garfunkel stuff, but with a wider range of influences and he's experimenting with more genres. In particular, I really wasn't expecting the reggae bits.
Cover is sick, vocal reminds me of reggae a bit, but I really like it and the vibrato. Duncan has this really sparkly guitar, reminds me heavily of nick drake. Also love how alot of older albums have story telling in alot of its songs, kinda gives you something to stay listening for i guess. Run that body down as this cool qucik guitar part me like. damn i love a harmonica in paranoia blues. I finished it and loved it, such an underrated folk album
Mother and Child Reunion cool bold drumming but nothing special Duncan nice and warm bittersweet instrumental at the end leaves time to ponder EPTFA the lyrics made me a little sad but he is right Run That Body Down reminds me a bit of Vienna by Billy Joel also cool guitar solo Armistice Day he’s tired of all the fighting and I feel that Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard I don’t know where I’m going either Masayoshi sound at the end Peace Like A River I feel like the music would serve the lyrics better if it was a little more melancholic maybe no drums and a lower tone Papa Hobo I hate Detroit and had no idea Gatorade existed back then Hobo’s Blues sounds like something off the Fallout radio would drink moonshine to this Paranoia Blues exactly how I feel about New York and America Congratulations no I don’t think so but maybe that’s a good thing
Nice rythm ,but I like more his other albums
Some songs I really liked, but the album overall wasn't my favorite
I guess it’s Garfunkel I like, because without him Paul Simon is rather boring.
again my boy 🥰
Bof
That was a nice folk rock album. Even though this is not a genre I really associate with much, it was a pleasant venture. It carried out its vision consistently, and although it got repetitive at times, it had some enjoyable highs. The guitar work was pretty good, and the lyrics also had their moments to shine. My favorite songs were “Duncan” and “Run That Body Down.”
A solid slab of 70’s folk.
Not exactly my jam but good nonetheless. Bro goes CRAZY on that guitar. Favorites: Hobo's Blues and Paranoia Blues
Not for me
8/10… singer - songwriter / folk / *1972
This is yet another album where I listened to it the first time, went "eh, this isn't for me," but then gave it another listen and was like "wait, isn't this really good...?" Music really depends on what type of mood I'm in when you're listening to it for me. Also the activity you're doing at the time of listening. The first time I listened, I was playing a fighting game and I was pissed off at my job. Now I'm just chilling listening to this in the afternoon while I plan to go to the store to get stuff for dinner. If it was a slightly rainy day out, it'd be perfect. I'm not one for this style of music, but this is a great album. I don't think it's memorable for me personally but I bet for a lot of people it is.
mother and child reunion is my favourite paul simon song
Listened to this 3 times and sadly nothing really landed with me other than Me & Julio which I love and already knew very well. Its an eclectic mix combining a range of styles (some more successful than others) which for me felt in the most part a little sterile. Not sure what I am missing here.
Paul Simon Across all the different characters I love the vague undercurrent of sad wistfulness on this album. Although there is a degree of typical sardonic humour, even the more upbeat songs like Mother and Child Reunion, Me and Julio or Paranoia Blues have a plaintive sense to them, a feeling of longing or resignation, not least on Papa Hobo with its melancholic portrait of Detroit. Everything Put Together Falls Apart feels like it jumped off Junk, with the opening line of paraphernalia and a similar atmosphere. Musically it’s superb too, pushing out into different genres that were hinted at in S&G, most obviously reggae with Mother and Child Reunion, but there’s a strong streak of blues and jazz, as well as some Latin and European sounds alongside characteristic folk-pop. It’s sequenced brilliantly, and there isn’t a weak song, but alongside Mother and Child Reunion and Me & Julio I particularly love Run that Body Down, Peace Like a River, Armistice Day and Congratulations. It has a fantastic low key production, with sympathetic embellishments, a contrast to the grandiosity of latter day S&G. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of his first 3 solo albums, but this is probably my favourite of his, and one of my favourite of all time. Straightforward 5. 🐔🐤🐔🐤🐔 Playlist submission: Could be any song, but I’ll go with Congratulations
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.
Run that body down was the only song I had already listened to. I MUST SAY THAT !!!!! the whole vibe starting from a lil reggae song then passing trough folk to get more bluesy is my goddamn shit. Loved the lyrics, found them touching and quite - sadly - relatable in some passages. Added the album to my faves.
3.5
This album is a bit too mellow for me...
Paul>John.......oh, sorry. Wrong messy break up.
You can see the progression away from Simon & Garfunkel from this, through Hearts and Bones, to Graceland. I liked it.
Buen funk
Toute nouvelle perception de Paul Simon que je connaissais qu’à travers le duo. Un album presque country par moments, avec quelques pépites comme Run that body down
Я понял кто в русском роке мне напоминает Пола Саймона - Чиж. Так же уныло.
3.5
3.5
Paul:)
A really slow start with unmemorable songs, it started picking up for me at Armistice Day which has some great guitar work. Me and Julio is a great track and the album seems to keep that momentem for the most part to close out. There are definitely some songs to revisit but as a whole I wasn't huge on it.
Pretty good work by Paul Simon. The blusier stuff doesn't hit as hard as the folkier stuff, but it balances the album out nicely. The vibe is denim overalls. And a puffy coat with fur trim.
It sounds exactly like a Paul Simon record, so I think he nailed the title.
Me gusto como primer album, estilo country de los 70s. Tranquilo y compañero de fondo. Lo escucharia una vez mas pero en la ruta/vacaciones en montaña. Pd: Muy buena la portada, sencilla pero acompaña a la musica. Top 3: 1. Mother and Child Reunion 2. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard 3. Duncan Mencion especial: Run that Body Down No lo conocia
I’m still pretty new to Paul Simon’s post–Simon & Garfunkel work. I know a decent number of his songs, but he’s never been someone I go out of my way to listen to—more neutral than anything. He also wasn’t a staple in my house growing up, for reasons I can’t quite pin down—maybe my parents just weren’t fans, or maybe they felt the same kind of indifference. That said, this album was a really nice surprise: laid-back, easy to listen to, and enjoyable all the way through.
While the slower, more intimate songs really dragged this album down, I really enjoyed the eclectic mix of styles and the album as a whole.
This was my first exposure to Paul's solo career and I think it's still my favorite. It's the perfect album to rise out of Bridge Over Troubled Water and the dissolution of Simon & Garfunkel, a self-confident solo effort that plays with some really fun textures and influences. "Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard" is one of Paul's 3 greatest songs, with or without Garfunkel. An awesome album.
It fine. It’s folk rock, and its laid back variety, so not my thing; however, I didn’t really hate anything about this album. It has some catchy parts, but ultimately it’s too minimal and uneventful for my taste.
Es muy bueno. Me dio vibras como de música vaquera así como de la película de vacas vaqueras y también muy tranquilo. Me gusto mucho
I really like this album :) I believe it’s called folk rock It’s a music genre blending traditional folks storytelling, poetic lyrics, and acoustic instrumentation with electric instrumentation. For me a core focus was on the storytelling through the instrumentals that’s why I like this genre a lot. Could resonate with the songs, I like songs that help me reflect more about life
6/10 pretty decent but not something id listen to on a regular basis. would be a good album for a road trip in American countrysides.
Chill music. Feels nostalgic, grounded. 8/10
“Late In The Evening”, a Paul Simon song NOT on this record, is a song that reminds me of my childhood and my Mom, who was a huge fan of both S&G and solo Simon. That song, referencing his own mother listening to music in another room, reminds me of my own listening to PS, including “Late in the Evening”. I mention this to give context to Paul Simon in my life. A songwriter I've literally heard as long as I've been hearing music. My second ever concert was the Graceland tour at RCMH. I'm a fan. This is a strong record, though for me I'd have gone with There Goes Rhymin Simon, a stronger too to bottom album. But who can fuss over a record with Mother and Child Reunion, Duncan, and Me & Julio
Excellent with some classics and easy listening great acoustic numbers.
A couple iconic songs and a couple more that should be
Sweet
Beautiful one Paul “man with two first names” Simon, thank you 👍. My standouts would be Duncan and Run That Body Down.
Some pretty memorable and nice folk songs with a few not as memorable songs. I'm not crazy about some of the more bluesy songs but they're fine. Probably a 60/100 overall but I really like the folky songs he does so that might bump it to like a 68~70/100. Unreleased version of Paranoia Blues is better than the real one tbh.
wasn't sure about it at first, but after a few songs i got into the album. i think it is good and has some good tracks, but definitely not an always listen. i think i would have to be in the mood in order to listen again. high 60s mid to low 70s, 3.4 / 5
59# Oh sim, o paulo simão bro even taps into reggae on 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard' my guy in the middle of 'Everything Put Together Falls Apart' stops a bit to scratch his beard and continues like nothing happened. What a guy, absolute cine.. music. 'Run That Body Down' saved it from what i was thinking would be a boring album 'Armistice Day' that guitar playing goes kinda hard. 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard' oye como va RUliô? MPB sounds and all, this is so fun. 'Peace Like a River' whatever, too peaceful. 'Papa Hobo' oooh so sillyyy look at me, silly boy. 'Paranoia Blues' oh now i'm silly and paranoid, quirky me huehue. But it is a cool concept really. OH NO THEY STOLE HIS CHINESE CHIMICHURRAS Today i felt like making little comments for each track, i'm autistic like that.
Schön, gutes Gitarrenspiel
The 2nd Paul Simon after Hearts and Bones in the same week. This one definitely hits better with a more traditional S&G sound.
Paul cooks.
Is it possible that Paul Simon is an underrated lyricist/musician? He has a knack for finding the right people to work with.
Some nice songs, an easy listen but nothing special. Enjoyed it nonetheless, favourite tracks were Duncan, Run Your Body Down and Me & Julio.
Classic
A very upbeat album that spans genres. He has assists from people like Ron Carter, bringing in a distinct jazz vibe, Brazilian maestro Airto Moreira for more laid back Latin vibes and it comes through immediately.
So great it's worth listening to the demo and previously unreleased tracks, too.
Compared to Paul Simon's earlier work with Simon & Garfunkel, and his upcoming solo albums, this is more modest effort. But it still has all the qualities that make his music great: masterful acoustic guitar playing, imaginative flowing lyrics, and a sympathetic view of the characters he writes songs about. It's always good to spend time with a Paul Simon album.
Couple of songs on here - Mother and Child Reunion and Me & Julio Down by the Schoolyard are great. The rest just don't break through like those two do. It's his first album after breaking up with Garfunkel, so he's finding his new solo sound maybe? It's a Sunday morning kind of album. Slow, easy going.
Album tranquilo chill con influencias que son una mezcla entre folk estadounidense y country, y hasta sonidos que son muy del norte de argentina. Ok
Не особо впечатлило, хотя понимаю, почему он может многим нравится
Very good album, to my liking. I love that combination of folk, rock and Latin sounds. It has a very calm vibe but with a rhythm that makes me want to move and sing. From what I read, each of the songs has a lot of meaning. I don't have much to say about the album, but I liked it.