Paul Simon

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

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

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

likeeeee

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.

hi girlie

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

pretty pleasant

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

3.5

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.

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.

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

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

A couple iconic songs and a couple more that should be

Beautiful one Paul “man with two first names” Simon, thank you 👍. My standouts would be Duncan and Run That Body Down.

Schön, gutes Gitarrenspiel

Is it possible that Paul Simon is an underrated lyricist/musician? He has a knack for finding the right people to work with.

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.

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.

I always go into a Paul simon album thinking it will sound a bit lame and I won’t think too much of it but I feel every time I’m pleasantly surprised. Can’t say that there was really a bad track on here, there was a good range of moods, and genre blends, the majority having a cool blues/country and folk sound worked very well with dashes of rock and reggae mixed into one or two songs. The second half of the album wasn’t quite as strong as the first but still pretty decent, my standout songs were ‘Peace like a river’ and ‘Duncan’. Overall, the album kept me entertained and was enjoyable to listen to.

Whilst not his best solo works it clearly has the makings of what he goes on to achieve later in his career

Enjoyed it, especially when it came to the acoustic guitar coming into the songs in a more powerful way. I thought it was a nice listening experience.

Superbe album, je ne connaissais Paul Simon que de "Sound of Silence" de Simon & Garfunkel, et ce deuxième album solo après leur division marque un changement de style que j'aime beaucoup, on a des moments de reggae, de violon, de bonne guitare folk.

it's 3.75 but today i'm feeling good

Pretty good!

che me re sorprendió, es muy el estilo de música que podría escuchar todo el día. Súper de confort

Great songs

Such a gifted storyteller and songwriter. Not the best Paul Simon record but still excellent. Duncan is a highlight.

Slic album

Gorgeous collection of music from Mr. Simon. Favorite track: Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard

Not my favorite Paul Simon record, but still good.

I enjoyed it a lot more that I expected. 4.5 stars

Great Album I have never heard. It had 1 song that I had heard before. But the entire album was solid gold

8 - GOOD

This is a classic Paul Simon album - very clever lyrics, a wide variety of musical styles and instrumentation, and excellent production. Only a handful of the songs are really memorable, but none of them are bad. Extra bonus points for letting Stéphane Grappelli cut loose on "Hobo's Blues."

Really enjoyed this!

Listening session: march 13th, while commuting to internship Listened to before: heard one song before Thoughts: a great folk album with fun influences from around the world. My favourite part has to be the cuica that is being used on Me And Julio Down by the Schoolyard Favourite tracks: Duncan, Run That Body Down & Me And Julio Down by the Schoolyard

alles met simon & garfunkel is automatisch goed omdat mn moeder ervan houdt

Pleasant

In my head this sits at a 4.5. It's really good; Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard almost puts it at 5 by itself, and the whole first half of the album is great. The album loses me just a little in the back half, although I still think that section is decent. Ironically, in hearing some of the added demo versions of songs like Duncan, I actually like the demos more, which makes me think slightly less of the official album version. So we're settling on a 4.

Garfunkellel egy kicsit jobb volt azért.

I thought I hated the reggae style drag of "Mother and Child Reunion" but nope, total banger. Honestly, the whole album is and the younger me would be appalled at how genuinely great I find Paul Simon to be in my crippled dotage.

I never listened closely enough to “Mother and Child Reunion” to realize it’s a reggae song. Elsewhere, Paul Simon dabbles in slide-guitar blues, foreshadowing his later fascination with so-called “world music.” At any rate, this album, his first after parting ways with Art Garfunkel, shows Simon exhibiting considerable range in his songwriting. There are some peculiarities here: “Duncan” is a lovely folk tale —with flute! — about a fisherman’s son who leaves home and loses his virginity to a woman he sees preaching “about the Pentecost” in a parking lot. “Papa Hobo” is a strange tune set in Detroit, I think (or is the protagonist trying to go to Detroit for a job in an auto plant?). A quirky but enjoyable listen.

It's very good and has some great songs. But based on Simon's overall set of work, a couple of songs just not quite up to scratch.

Vibes

I was surprised by this album, I thought it was very pleasant to listen to. Sorry Paul for saying that “You Can Call Me Al” is a dumb song. I shouldn’t have doubted you.

The guitar on this are very cool, an in-depth analysis of the text should require some time too. Overall a great album, expecially if you want to relax

Kul

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Franchement je me suis bien ambiancée je m'y attendais pas pour un artiste aux vibe blues/country !

Waowawewa vilket album!!! Första låten Duncan tog mig verkligen, älskar flöjten??? Gillar mycket panoreringen av gitarrerna i me and Julio…, och i allmänhet på typ alla låtarna. Papa hobo jättemysig kommer lyssna på sommaren, hahaha kul med det buzzande bas munspelet (googlade och verkar vara det??) Kul också att han slängt med några extra demos i slutet. Mer Paul Simon kan man väl inte få? Man känner sig glad och mysig och sådär lite lagomt skönt nostalgisk. Skön blandning av vibes. Inte något jag hade kunnat lyssna på hela tiden men helt klart otroligt! Det jag inser är att jag har lyssnat alldeles för lite på Paul Simon 8,5/10

Love this album!

Biggest two things I learned from this album is that Paul Simon is actually a beast on guitar, and that gatorade was that culturally prominent in 1972. I thought it was an 80s thing. Also these songs are great.

Like Lennon and McCartney’s early solo efforts, there’s a sense that this is missing a piece. There’s a big Garfunkel-sized hole here. Every song would be improved by his harmony vocals.

Solid

Surprise for me!! Loved it. Great guitar. 4.5

como un reggae

I like this a lot. Never would have listened to Paul Simon without this list!

v good, but simon and garfunkel were better together

WAY TO GO PAUL

A lovely Paul Simon album of mostly quiet folk songs. The lyrics are poetic and writerly. And as always, he has a beautiful voice. Two songs stand out a with a bigger, brighter energy: “Mother and Child Reunion” and “Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard.” Both are great songs, especially “Me and Julio.” That’s one of those amazing songs that absolutely everyone loves. You can change a bad day to a good one with that song.

I think my favorite reviews on this list are ones where I see an album name or cover pop up and I get brought back to some specific period of my life, where I can then share a bit about that. I didn't grow up with Paul Simon, but "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" is a song that for me is so strongly tied to the first few years of dating my wife that I can't help but spill my anecdotes all around whenever I hear it. I swear 99% of the times that I've heard this song, it was being played by a family friend (singing and playing guitar) at a family BBQ, and at every BBQ he would bring his guitar and play this song- so it's a really strong neural connection for me. I can smell the grill, taste the hot dogs, and feel the sun on my skin. Something that I find interesting is how Paul Simon will write songs about some niche experience; like "Mother and Child Reunion" is such a unique circumstance to write a song about. Starting "Run That Body Down" with a story about him going to the doctor? Awesome. Nice album. Hard rate. Between a 3 and a 4 for me, like a 3.8. High enough for a round-up.

Usually takes me a while to warm up to new albums, but a lot of these songs were instant hits for me. I like the acoustics. Going to revisit some of the songs.