Reviews (page 6 of 13)
Better than Simon & Garfunkel. Still not Graceland
Perhaps I have unrealistic expectations for this Paul Simon record since I just had Graceland a few albums before it, and although it doesn’t live up to the creativity and fun of that one it is still a quality listen. Some cute song topics mixed with effective political takes as well, and just a very lighthearted and innocent sound throughout. 7/10
Awesome and eclectic assembly of Paul Simon's diverse musical skills and inspirations. The wax and wane between hard acoustic blues melodies and whimsical folk tunes is mighty refreshing. This is a good album for those looking to get into Paul. Much more out there for the devout discography heros in terms of his art but those looking for some pop hits that don't diminish the charm of his song writing style, look no further than the self titled.
Fun tune,Idk I can't place it really but it's like going thru the American country kinda beat slow sunny days
Light. Airy. Spry. But not thin.
This is a good album. Paul was definitely the song-writing talent of S&G. Key songs for me were Me & Julio, and Run That Body Down, which feels a little biographical. Surprisingly good album.
An album I admit I had not heard in its entirety despite always enjoying Paul Simon and his work. Of course some fine songs like "Me and Julio" and " Mother and Child Reunion" demonstrate where he came from and provide clues on what is to come. A deep track gem is "Congratulations".
Good. Melodic. Easy listening. Good lyrics.
Me... meet Paul Simon. Great record! As someone who really only knew PS though S&G this was a great introduction to his work as a solo artist. So much competent guitar work in a folk record. My standout was "Peace Like a River" 4/5
I don't think I've heard this album in its entirety before, but it has some classics on it like "Me and Julio down by the schoolyard". I would totally listen to it again!
that first song, Mother and Child Reunion is an absolute reggae banger
Decent collection of gentle folk and blues. Paul Simon really excells in making comforting music. There is some wonderful guitar work but I feel you're often waiting for the end of the chorus to hear that one crazy riff. The blues chords really brighten up the harmony, especially in tracks like Falls Apart. Some of it might be too easy towards the end. I have a soft spot for stripped back albums like this. Enjoyable for sure.
I laugh every time I see this album cover because it's so funny to imagine a contemporary top 40 singer appearing like this. Actually, maybe under certain circumstances a hip hopper could have a parka like this. Wonderful songwriter, guitar player and singer kicking off a staggering run. Some accuse him of cultural appropriation, for example with the reggae of "Mother and Child Reunion" on here. I find the entire concept silly.
Un lindo album folk, con partes de blues e incluso folclore argentino.
From the first note there are hints of the global music influences that took nearly 15 more years to coalesce into the landmark of Graceland: Caribbean/reggae rhythms on "Mother and Child Reunion," Andean flutes on "Duncan," and Brazilian percussion on "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard." Other songs are clearly more to his folk singer/storyteller past. Many of these are lovely, but I think it's far more fascinating to hear this album in light of his later success, and consider the deep influence Simon has taken from musical around the world throughout his entire career.
Really nice folk album. Nothing wierd or quirky just solid tunes from a great talent.
Classic Paul Simon. Beautiful melodies, nice arrangements - what else could you ask for. Incredible opening track. Notable tracks include mother and child reunion, run that body down, peace like a river, me and Julio, and paranoia blues.
Most striking thing about this album is the use of secondary (behind the guitar) instruments. Lots of flutes, strings, percussion, and some that I wasn't even able to ID. Paul's voice isn't the best but its simple nature lends itself well to this album's atmosphere of mirth and celebration -- don't be fooled though, there is depth here that is only heightened by how much the self-title seemingly doesn't seem to take itself. Favorite tracks: Celebration, Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard
Really enjoyable, very relaxing and soothing.
Very similar to Simon and Garfunkel but still remains true to Simon as an artist. Great album overall.
Wasn't expecting to enjoy this, but this album was fire
Generally solid song writing, never really a dull moment on the album
Paul Simon can write and sing, who knew! 3.8
When you think solo Paul Simon this is the sound you hear. Not as great as Graceland but I liked it more than Rhymin Simon. Some good deep tracks and some pleasant discoveries. Songs added to Spotify: 3
3.5
Grew on me as the album went on. I think "Peace Like a River" was my favorite track. Really enjoyed the guitar on this album.
This was a fun listen. Still remnants of Simon and Garfunkel, but you can hear his exploration of “world music” for lack of a better term coming in as well.
Yeah this is iconic
Not Graceland, but still good. Paul Simon is criminally underrated overall.
This dude can do everything. Thought I had pretty decent understanding of the Paul Simon "oeuvre", just from the big hit singles and his general existence in Pop culture and my parents' radios. But diving into this really expanded my view of his talents and impact. Assumed I would enjoy this but still surpassed expectations.
Liked it, his voice is so beautiful, really liked Peace like a river.
Flöjt är inte så ofta man hör. Jag var inte så fokuserad på att lyssna, men Paul Simon är bra, och det tyckte det albumet var rätt bra också. 4/5
Simons voice is so sweet mixed in this sugary sound
First Album that was post-Simon and Garfunkel-I'm not as familiar with his early solo work. Very simple, straightforward. and intimate with his storytelling. Clearly stretching his legs with different styles and sounds. I love the classics Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard and Mother and Child Reunion, but my favorites for this album are Peace Like a River and Congratulations.
Folk-rock. Un poco lento para el vinilo. Un 4.
A few lulls, but mostly classics
Jaunty
Early solo Paul Simmon. Two icon songs, Mother and Child, and Julio are fantastic. The remaining songs are more than just fillers, you can see the beginnings of what would be a career long exploration into many genres of music.
Poetic
Very good easy listen
Enjoyed, easy to listen, nice vibes.
LOVE love love
I like the guitar-play. Over all a very solid album without smashhits or fails. Not an easy 4-star-rating but for sure better than average. Feels more like a 3.5.
Really like this kind of folk/blues/melancholic music.
Nice, chill and pleasant sounds, there are moments when this could just be it.
High quality songwriting, singing and guitar playing. every song feels unique with a good mix of folk and rock.
Beautiful album. This was a joy to listen to. I had imagined it’d be good but not that it’d be this pretty and fun.
4,3
Nice mix of musical styles.
I liked it. But it felt like elevator music. That's probably a comment on the success and likability of Paul Simon's music. But I'll never forgive him for taking Edie Brickell away from me. 4
I’ve heard several tracks from this album before. It’s a great album, and Simon’s acoustic guitar and soft vocals are compelling. I give this 4 stars.
Amazing! I've listened to Graceland once, but don't remember it well enough for it to have affected my expectations here. I had expected this to be very forgettable, a little shallow and generally unextrodinary - why I expected that I don't relly know, but I'm so pelased to have been wrong. From the off this album is full of heartfelt anti-wart sentiment, intricate (but not obnoxious) guitar playing, and a folky-bluesy undertone that really resonated with me. I listened to this twice and both times thoroughly enjoyed it. There's some filler, but it pales to the high moments of this album.
lets goooo
never listen to simon & garfunkel but this was a nice album all the way through
i really like this album. great songwriting as always and has a nice mix of styles. “run that body down,” “everything put together falls apart,” and “me and julio” are my favorites.
Interesting acoustic work that I hadn’t heard before.
Great background album,
Nice to sing to the baby
This was a great album- loved it all the way through
Another day and still no boo radleys - interesting. 4.2
Playful album, the lyrics are quite simple but all songs tell a story. Think this also shows Paul's vocal range/adaptability, as well as some cool guitar licks.
Paul Simon is SO BAD at choosing album cover art, that I feel it important to celebrate this album for him doing a good job in that realm for a change (possibly the only other time being Graceland). All the Simon and Garfunkel album covers are embarrassingly lame. Well, Sounds of Silence is okay, but that Greatest Hits cover, woof. And then There Goes Rhymin Simon is giving Steely Dan a run for the worst album cover by a great recording artist of all time. When Paul Simon was picking his stats he put everything into song writing and musical ability and attributed no points to graphic design, the min-maxing motherfucker. I just watched The Wrecking Crew documentary and was surprised to recognize several of the session musicians from that movie as playing on this album. Makes sense I suppose. Paul Simon is the type to bring in whoever will make his album as good as it can be. It’s really no different than going to Kingston to record with members of Toots and the Maytals in order to make “Mother and Child Reunion” sound like actual Reggae and not a pale imitation. Paul Simon was going to make the best music he could make and didn’t care if he had to beg, borrow or steal to do it. The first song on each side is the hit and up there amongst the best pop music of all time. But the rest of the album isn’t filler. It never reaches the heights of the two singles, but they are almost all compelling songs in their own way. This is a great artist making an album when he was in his prime. The world is a better place for this album being in it.
Some reggae elements on the opening track, followed by some 60s/70s flute heavy storytelling. A lot of other influences throughout (Latin, jazz, folk, blues), and thus, very diverse album. A little somber in places, personal and introspective, but then some rollicking and energetic, with unique percussion on "Me & Julio.." Fanciful guitar picking and playing, some nice little melodies. Pleasant record overall.
Fun!
Great album by Paul Simon solo, great sounds of folk, rock even reggae. Really enjoyed listening to this album.
Fantastic background music, some of the absolute best. I wasn't expecting such a variety to be honest.
I always forget the song Mother and Child Reunion! Anyway, great album, classic Paul Simon.
I’m sure most people think Graceland is the high watermark of his solo career, but give me this one. 4/5
Excellent album! Very relaxing!
Very interesting song writing. Really strong solid beginning, starts losing steam half-way.
Enjoyable, mainly calm easy listening. Some gems: Congratulations, Me and Julio down by the Schoolyard, Duncan
Worth to listen to
A beautifully, written, performed and produced collections of songs from the pint sized balladeer of mid-century America. His usual magpie nature sees him borrowing from such diverse influences as Mississipi Delta Blues to Reggae, but his delivery lack either the authenticity of these influences, or the later inventiveness of 'Gracelands'.
A great melodic, rhythmic and energetic album. Various changes of musical styles compliments Simon’s vocal and lyrical approach.
me and julio down by the schoolyard sounds like it could be synced in a travel ad
a favorite for sure
Again, I can hear his influence on other songwriters that I enjoy. That said, I’ll continue to let others tell me how good Simon is, rather than seeking his music on my own.
Vraiment une excellente surprise ! Je m'attendais à détester ça mais au contraire, c'était vraiment fun à écouter
Exquisitely crafted pop songs. I tend to gravitate to the songs with more fleshed out production, as the sparsely arranged ones seem more like sketches or ideas. But I can't find much to complain about; there isn't a single weak song on the album.
Gefällt mir direkt ziemlich gut. Er hat einfach schöne Hits. Geht auch teilweise schon in die Richung von „Graceland“. Gefällt mir!
Some really good songs and a couple of stinkers.
Siempre es agradable escuchar la voz y la música de Paul Simon. Un buen disco.
Couple classics ; paranoia blues has a couple interesting versions, never heard it before.
Lots of great riffs on this one. Quick easy listen overall.
A collection of different instruments kept this interesting and fun enough to break the traditional folk sound that I would associate with Paul Simon. His story telling is exactly what I enjoy about his music but some of the slower stuff doesn't manage to hold my attention all the way through. Duncan and Me and Julio Down By The School Yard are some of my favorites on here. Overall a solid album with good storytelling.
More mellower than I thought. More funky than anticipated. Excellent finger picking. Musically very clean well recorded
Of course love Me & Julio Down by the School Yard but I found some other Paul Simon songs I liked and learned a bit about him too!
Good stuff
Very beautiful work in music and lyrics. The acoustical guitar work one this album is amazing.
Another gorgeous record by Paul Simon - impeccably produced - just the perfect length and great great songs. I don’t know how I passed over Paul Simon for so many years but he’s been a delightful discovery to me. It’s not 5 stars by a hair - because it’s not his best record - so I’m being very unfair here.
Good album with some absolute classics. Paranoia blues is a favourite. His blues stuff in general is my favourite. A little rough around the edges in places, from a time where not everything was so polished (and an early album for him too). Can see the inspiration of other artists in his style. Listened at the gym Listening environment: 4/5 Album: 4/5
Many favorites, a few masterpieces.
Nice one, good Sound and easy to listen.
I like the vibe, chill but with emotions and tells a story
Enjoyed
a classic one
What I expected from a Paul Simon album. Very nice first half, a bit worse second half. Stand-out: Mother and Child Reunion
A gem I didn't remember.
Sure I've listened to Simon and Garfunkle and even Graceland by Paul Simon. Mom used to have the cassette tape. But only to that extent on Paul Simon. I was surprised to hear a reggae beat on the first track here Mother and Child Reunion. What a fitting track, since I was thinking about mom with this artis. The acoustic guitar is nice on the second track AND it has what sound like Andean flutes! I like this so far. The words are good too. Oh I guess I'd heard Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard. I really enjoyed this album. 4 stars!
Classic
He's not just another singer-songwriter, he's Paul freaking Simon.
what a butthole 9/10
Onverwachts top
Enjoyed this far more than I'd expected, nicely chilled and mellow,. Great album. (I still can't work out why I had such low expectations.)
A bit too folky for my tastes, but there are some undisputable killer mic-drop tracks on here. It's no Bridge Over Troubled Water, but it is also less twee than that.
Hadn't listened to this album before. Quite enjoyed it, pleasant, mellow and relaxed. Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard is a highlight!
A good album with a variety of types of songs. Couple of dud songs for me, but enjoyed the album as a whole. When he’s on form he smashes it out the park.
Lovely
enjoyable folky
I wonder what Garfunkel is up to
At first it seemed like Simon’s songs were lacking without the addition of his former partner backing him, but as I listened more, the songs on here seem to draw from many aspects of Simon’s creativity, making this just as, if not more enjoyable all the way through than many of Simon & Garfunkel’s albums.
A very mellow album, that will probably lead to me listening to Simon & Garfunkel. Need to digest the lyrics more! 4/5 on first listen. Also rating these on RYM.
This was a really pleasant listen.
過渡期といえる本作ならではの味わい深さがある。
This must have been a liberating album for Simon, writing and performing whatever he wanted and just for himself, expanding on the sounds we knew from Simon and Garfunkel. Simon was bound for success no matter what context he was in as he was such an excellent performer and song writer. Most of this album was new to me as I've only listened to Simon's greatest hits and it was an enjoyable listen. If I knew nothing of his work and was hearing this for the first time I would want to hear more.
This album is good Not great I want to give 3.5 but I cannot so I’ll be nice I think Paul Simon is a good album it’s just hard because his other stuff is really good and that’s my comparison point I think Graceland is one of the greatest albums ever made This is still good though
The acoustic guitar is great More of my style of music Top tracks: Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, Peace Like a River, Hobo’s Blues, Paranoia Blues
A beautiful piece of work. A real melting pot of cultures and ideas. His lyricism and tone effortlessly portrays snapshots of life and captures vignettes of daily life. The lack of dynamic left it a bit flat as a cohesive work, but it thrilled none the less. Solid.
Honestly not a lot I can say about the album. It’s solid. Pretty much what you would expect from Paul Simon. I enjoyed it and would listen to it again. Favourite track Mother and Child Reunion or either of the Blues on the album.
I like it
it was easy to get through. me and julio down by the school yard is something my spanish teacher in high school would say. so it was nice to know where that came from. i would listen again.
A solid folk effort from one of America's truly great songwriters. As an occasional Simon listener generally but a stalwart evangelist of Graceland as a top five album and The Boxer as a contender for Greatest American Song, it's no insult when I say that much of it just sounds like a bulk order of 'some Paul Simon'. The mid-record run of Armistice Day/Me and Julio/Peace Like A River is the strongest section for me but it's all worth listening. Even the low points of Paul Simon's songwriting career are worth listening to. The melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, textural, poetic and story elements of his writing are rich, deep and often unexpected. His prime influences seem to be Delta Blues and Tin Pan Alley and those are bright as day, here. Plus, it's a short one. It's not my favorite Simon work, but it's an album that most of us could only dream of writing. Check it out regardless - maybe I'll be your favourite.
Really enjoyed this, and i really didn't think i would.
paul simon's comfort genre is folk, and on the whole, this album is mostly folk! i find myself amazed of the other genres included in "mother and child reunion," but reggae does stand out the most. the reggae element is a great one to use to open the album, but it also makes for a great song. outside of that, this album has so much folk that sometimes it borders on country. folk isn't my typical genre, but gosh does it make for easy listening. the usage of pop in "me and julio down by the schoolyard" lightens the album's load, too. simon's songwriting talents are clear on his first album after simon & garfunkel's breakup. a lot of these songs showcase a vulnerable side to simon, especially revealing songs like "run that body down" or "everything put together falls apart" or "paranoia blues." these songs reveal who simon was in 1971. in the middle of the album, there's "peace like a river" as a semi-hopeful desire for peace, but the final line of "congratulations" is "live together in peace," which definitely brings the album full circle but also suggests what simon deems as most important. 3.5 because the second half wasn't as solid, but i'll round up for good intentions.
This is a nice folk rock album that doesn't overwhelm you with folk! There are hints of Latin and reggae in this album, already hinting at Paul Simon's love for using world music and other cultural sounds in his music. While this was technically his second solo album, it was his first released in the US, and definitely the album that cemented his solo career, showing that he could excel sans Garfunkel. Somewhere between a 3 and 4 for me, but close enough to a 4 that I think it warrants it!
Found a copy of this in the depths of a second hand shop. Cover was parted and the record was filthy dirty but no scratches. It’s Paul Simon and worth a couple of quid so took a chance. After a careful restoration of disc and cover I got to listen to this for the very first time. What I found was a beautiful set of songs from an artist I had never really heard outside of Simon & Garfunkel.
the most paul simon listened to me by far, and it wasn't awful.
A great album that transitions Paul Simon from his partnership into solo work. Sure, not all songs are great and there are some weak parts but it also has some songs that have become a part of the American songbook
Solid music.
Good stuff.
OK Google
Niet heel aandachtig geluisterd moet ik zeggen. Was wel leuk zoals alles van Paul Simon, maar geen Graceland, en ook niet in de buurt van Simon & Garfunkel.
I like Paul Simon and this has just enough hits to make it worth listening to. Lots of different styles and musical traditions here (which has always been a feature of the chap). It's a nice soothing album.
soft mood
Graceland is still my favourite. Anyway, anything Paul Simon does is pure and kind, like the sound from careless childhood.
Dads around the world cant be wrong
4. The amount of different sounds caught me off guard pleasently and bumped it up to a 4. The ending song is also beautiful
- Heard a few Simon & Garfunkel albums before but never any of their solo ones - Surprised by how few of the songs I was already familiar with - Really good album but with a few songs I didn't like as much as some of the others - Fav songs: Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, Mother and Child Reunion, Duncan
It's not Graceland but Paul Simon is always incredible. Me and Julio is the highlight but there are a number of great tracks.
Real nice background singing one, enjoyed more than I thought I woulx
Nice album, dude plus guitar, songs all have range, and sound different enough to make it interesting Great car listening and I liked 2 songs on Spotify
Really like Duncan and Me and Julio down by the schoolyard - very good storyteller but not as good as Graceland
Julio and schoolyard. Abby knows it from her dad playing it
Peak Simon, great timbre, musicality without the grating edge of some later albums produced
sheesh
It's real nice. Lovely song-writing. Good instrumentation. It's quite inventive and with varied songs.
Solid album, really feels like parting ways with Art inspired Paul to start exploring different musical concepts that would fully bloom in later albums like Graceland.
"Everything Put Together Falls Apart" is the sad bop of the century.
This was a nice listen, certainly not his best work but I’m never going to talk down about Paul’s particular brand of songwriting and bouncy Folk-ness. There are some pretty good peaks in the song quality here (Mother and Child, Armistice Day, Julio, etc) and while not everything meets that peak (not a huge fan of the Hobo suite towards the end) it’s still an enjoyable trip.
Classic, like to get on vinyl.
The palette of sounds and styles drawn from is by far the most interesting thing about this album. I don’t think it’s amazing by any means but a few tracks definitely stood out as classics. It also sounded a lot like modern indie folk which I thought was interesting. I could see Fleet Foxes or Sufjan singing these songs today.
Mon 2ème album de Paul Simon. Le 1er est celui de 1983. J'aime le mood pas mal! Sur la route, must be nice.
Relaxing, joyful, acoustic
I'll agree with dmo - just give me "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" on repeat for 11 tracks. It turns out that song is only 2 minutes and 42 seconds. Clearly not enough. But the rest of the album is actually pretty solid too. I enjoyed "Duncan" and "Paranoia Blues," but there's not a bad track there. However, only "Me and Julio" is a 5.
If the whole album was me and Julio it woulda been a five.
While the reggae influenced Mother And Child Reunion doesn’t fit the rest of the album, I like the song a lot. It’s good that it comes first so that it doesn’t feel like a complete departure once the rest of the folk songs have been heard. Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard is an all-timer type song. What a fantastic song! I’ve heard this song a 100 times. This time I noticed the 2nd rhythm guitar on the right channel. It provides a light, airy counterpoint to the main rhythm guitar. The interesting thing to me is that the 2nd rhythm line has been a key component to the song that I’ve definitely felt, but not necessarily isolated. It’s higher up the neck than the open chords of the mainline. As someone trying to learn the whole fretboard, this really stuck out. The guitar on Peace Like A River is amazing, as are the break downs during Armistice Day. I love the bluesy hammer-ons and bends. This solo Paul Simon offering offers quite a bit to get into.
Me and Julio down by the schoolyard is a song I knew!
I am quite glad to have discovered this album from Paul Simon who is someone I had never heard of before as the folk scene is not one I was previously invested in. This album was quite pleasant sounding with acoustic guitar taking over as the main instrument here. These songs were simple but unique elements in each song kept things interesting. Each song felt different from the last and Simon is obviously trying to tell a story of some kind which is something I always appreciate in an album. I see myself coming back to this one.
Folk again! Another cool album from Paul. Some tracks are more forgettable than others, but it’s still good and has its moments. Chill and relaxed. Cool!
love love
Kivaa akustista, tykkäsin lauluäänestä.
Did not expect this to start out on a reggae-inspired dub track. I'm not sure how to feel about this being appropriated by a white dude, but it is done very well so I'll let it pass. Duncan puts the spliff down for a folksy storytelling number with traditional elements. Masterfully done, Simon jumps from anecdote to anecdote painting vivid pictures. Everything Put Together Falls Apart is a sparse bluesy number -- pretty cool. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard is a low-key jam. Feels a bit like some of The Dead's jams off of Workingman's Dead. This is another one of those albums that I had zero expectations for that has blown me away. I know of Paul Simon from his work as half of Simon and Garfunkel, but never really listened outside of their hits. This album has a lot of character and a ton of range start to finish. His voice and ability to tell stories on record are great. I was enjoying all of it even as it drifted into the background of work. 4 / 5
A nice, calm, folky album for a gloomy day. Pretty good combination. Not a lot of songs that I recognize on this album except for Julio which is one of his bangers. I like a lot of Paul Simon's music, especially his voice and lyrics. Might not be the best music of all time, but it always puts me in a good mood when I listen to Paul Simon. This is a 4 with some bias helping out.
Solid
Durcheinander, gute Folkmusik, sucht Stil
Great album. Simon nearly at his S&G best.
Wow! What a great album! Love the voice, harmonies and, oh gosh, the guitar tone! Thanks for bringing this to my ears!!
Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon Paul Simon
Pretty chill
Loved it
A couple of absolute classic songs everyone should know. You might even say they should hear them before they die. Even in his "lesser" songs, Paul Simon knows how to speak plain but also turn a phrase. He manages give rise to and coax an emotional response from me more than I'd like him to. It's a gift that keeps on giving. That said, I feel like there wasn't a lot of reining Paul in when he thought something was a good idea which is how we also get "Hobo's Blues" on this record only to be followed up with some questionable instrumentation on "Paranoia Blues" which borders on self-parody. The album just doesn't close as strong as it opens, I'm sorry to report. Even Congratulations which isn't as bad as his "blues" tracks doesn't have the gravitas of the starting block (first half of the first side).
Genres: Folk rock Formed: 1970-72 (solo) Run time: 14 songs, 42 min, 52 sec The second solo studio album by the American singer-songwriter. Overall it is an album about the trials and tribulations faced throughout life. Spotify: Least popular song: >1.1M Most popular song: almost 298M plays. "Mother and Child Reunion" is an emotional track about a parent grieving the loss of a child. As an interesting note, the title is actually the name of a Chinese dish made up of chicken and eggs, i.e. mother and child. "Duncan'' is the story of a young man named Lincoln Duncan. He leaves his past behind to start anew, finding his way through religious experiences and love. "Everything Put Together Falls Apart" is about an individual’s struggle to cope with life. It is a warning against using drugs as a coping mechanism. "Run That Body Down" is also a warning about self-destructive behaviour and its effect on body and soul. "Armistice Day" is a solemn song about Armistice Day. "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" is about a boy who goes to meet his friend (Julio). His parents are not happy about what he’s up to and go to the police. Consequently, he is arrested but the only consequence seems to be him appearing on the cover of Newsweek. We don’t know who the boy is, or what he has done. I can only assume there is a metaphorical meaning to the song . "Peace Like a River" is about the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement. "Papa Hobo" is a song about Detroit (“Motor City”). The car industry made it a great city, now that success is choking the city with pollution. The singer then talks of leaving. "Hobo's Blues" is an Instrumental. "Paranoia Blues" describes the mistrust the singer feels as a result of living in New York. "Congratulations" is about someone being congratulated for an achievement. The singer, however, resents the person for their success because he himself continues to be miserable. The songs are really well written and executed with simplicity, putting the song front stage, rather than the artist. Listen Again?: Maybe My Rating: ****
Yes
This is awesome.
The epitome of “hard to hate” music. Easy listening, good musicianship. He’s got some better albums, I think. But this is great
It is af he tried to figure out his genre for himself, while having the talent to back up such a project. Fun album!
Nuevamente Paul Simon nos da un gran singer songwriter que se escapa del sonido habitual. Hablándonos no solo desde sus letras, sino que también desde melodías que son ricas y tiene una tendencia a la profundidad. No es tan excelente como Graceland pero este disco sorprende para bien, es complicado situarse como singer songwriter pero rozando el pop y rozando el folk y al mismo tiempo ser identificado, pero al mismo tiempo alejándose de lo que era referente en esa época como Dylan o Cohen. Por eso, este disco se gana un 8/10.
A nice one. Lovely tracks and lyrics throughout, never overworked. Not something that's gonna rock my world but there was abundant pleasantness. Even tenderness you might say. Tenders. Three and a half. Fave track: Paranoia Blues
Nice, in exactly the way I would expect Paul Simon to be. I like that I can actually hear the lyrics & story.
Pleasant but I'm not a huge fan of these storytelling songs so a whole album won't get a 5 from me.
Solid album, but not as strong as any of the S&G stuff or Graceland.
If we just for a moment pretend that the record ends on 'Peace Like A River', then this is probably the best mini-album ever released. Simon delivers a masterclass in songwriting and impossible guitar techniques. It's intellectual but always packing an emotional punch. Even songs that start out as pretty straightforward, like 'Everything Put Together Falls Apart' and 'Armistice Day', end up evolving into completely different beasts. Heck, 'Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard' isn't even a highlight among the first 7 tracks! And then we have the last 10 minutes which are incredibly bland - just barely saved by the earnestness of 'Congratulations'. Such a shame.
Paul Simon comes really close to delivering a perfect solo record. Unfortunately he fumbles at the end, and you’re left a bit unsatisfied. Being a Paul Simon record “a bit unsatisfied” it still more satisfied that you are after listening to almost everything else.
Paul Simon's cool. 3.5/5
It's not as good as Graceland yet, but it's a fantastic release. Thanks to the 1001 list I'm becoming a fan of Paul Simon!
Great album. This album shows how important it is to have a good opener. As always with Paul Simon material, there are great slices of other genres, some African music influence, even a little ska. Its a high 4. Will deff revisit in the future
A smart and witty collection of songs showing the world there is life after Garfunkel.
A very strong debut after he left his partnership with Garfunkel. Many songs like "Duncan" and "Everything Put Together" are songs I'd definitely hear on one of their albums, but so many others are taken off in a more energetic, poppy direction that shows his talent as a songwriter is only growing, incorporating jazz and gospel. "Mother and Child Reunion" shows he's growing and taking notes from contemporaries like George Harrison. Got weaker and more forgettable in the last few tracks, but it's all good. Favorites: Run that Body Down, Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, Peace Like a River
4 stars decent
He's a brilliant songwriter, but as he continues, his work feels more and more derivative of itself. This has a couple of great tunes, and a number of what feel like complete throwaway tracks. Sometimes you get a group of artists whose collaboration obviously benefits from whatever creative frictions and constraints present in their process. When these groups go solo, it's obvious in many cases that their work benefited from those constraints. I think this album is a good example of that. Awash in many of Simon's creative excesses, it's still the work of an incredibly talented man, but those previous constraints helped to reveal and refine his genius.
One of the great singer-songwriter records of its time and of all time. Difficult to critique due to simply doing everything well.
Good stuff. Fully enjoyable style and voice. I was excited to listen to this because I know it as one of my mom's favorite albums and I'm not sure I've ever listened to it fully through before now.
Really cool and interesting record. Such a great songwriter. Another record with cuica!
Eh not bad, ME AND JULIO DOWN BY THE SCHOOL YARD. 7/10
Great record. 8/10
Plenty of good folk here folks Worth it alone for Me and Julio
Great album. Loved the variety of sounds and the cub overall.
ok
Nice and sweet album, I knew Me and Julio down by the school yard but not the rest and it's really cool. I like the chill yet groovy at times vibe of the album it's a really cosy listen. Favorite Tracks: Me and Julio down by the Schoolyard, Hobo's Blues, Run that Body down. Rating: Solid 4/5
I don't know about this album... Ahaha I feel like I did not like it but when I think about it I think about good things... Some tracks have unexpected sonorities and generally it is well produced, catchy and the singer is very good! I will lean toward a 4/5 but there is something that was not it for me... Maybe the wrong mood?
Solid album, congratulations is a pretty perfect album closer (ignoring the deluxe addition CRAP added on after it).
Run that body down one of my fave tracks of his.
Paul just isn’t the same without Art. “Me and Julio” is a great song, all the other songs have their own identity, which is refreshing. I liked it. But didn’t love it.
Reminds me of my childhood
Still crazy …
It's Paul Simon, need I say more
Lotta range, lotta fun, not much to dislike. The lyrics and chords were good. The production and structure were fine. Enjoyed it. 4/5
Noice.
Love, love, love. Paul Simon will forever have my calmed down heart, I know Me and Julio word for word and have done for ages now. 4 stars.
So good! Makes me want to pick up my guitar and play and sing them all.
Similar to the Simon & Garfunkel album I got prior to this, this album is realistically more close to a 3.5 than a 4, but considering I cannot do that here, it shall be rounded up. I enjoyed the overall vibe of this album, although not every song hits the mark for me. It is a huge benefit, however, that the album is pretty short. It makes it a brief and enjoyable experience I could see myself coming back to and re-examining as something I enjoy more.
A great find. I was not that familiar with Paul Simon outside his major hits and radio songs from Graceland. A lot of the roots of that album here, good songcraft, an interesting variety of rhythms and instrumentation.
Didn't know Paul Simon was supposed to be such a bluesman
My second encounter with Paul Simon. I like the strings and most of his lyrics. Is it a political album? For sure, the wind in Duncan is my favorite part of the album. It reminds me the music of Marta...
3/4 somewhere between. So fun and sweet!
Great songwriting and a very smooth voice. I like Paul Simon and really enjoyed this album.
Other than a couple of his singles, I haven't really listened to Paul Simon too much. Honestly the man really could write a song. The album opens with a surprisingly good reggae song. The rest of the album is a delightful mix of styles. He clearly finds amazing people to collaborate with and the result is wonderful. The flutes in Duncan are hypnotic. Armistice Day has some really satisfying acoustic guitar. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard is not new to me and I've always found it to be a fun song. This album is just shy of a 5, only because a couple of the songs didn't really resonate with me. But I feel like on further listen, this album will easily be a 5.
I liked it! A lot of the songs sounded the same but that makes sense because it’s his solo debut and self titled so it should be cohesive. But the whole time I was either like “I miss Garfunkel” or “I wish I was listening to The Rhythm Of The Saints.” But we stan Paul so I’ll give it three
My favorite songs are: Mother and Child Reunion, Run That Body Down, and Paranoia Blues Overall the songs are really solid and really put me in a certain mood, or maybe just the overall vibe of the songs tapped into something I was already feeling. I think its a really cohesive album, and I appreciate the brevity of a lot of the songs. Nothing except maybe Armistice Day felt like it was overstaying its welcome, but even then idk if that's my final opinion on Armistice Day. Really strong album to open this with, 8/10
Love Paul Simon!! My all time favourite album though is obviously Graceland... This album has a very different feel to it. It's much slower and more raw in terms of the storytelling taking a more melancholy direction. The storytelling in these tracks is absolutely wonderful as ever and I've not come across the song Duncan before which is lovely. I'm curious where the inspiration for that song came from and who it is about. Great variety of sounds and instruments and feelings from the different tracks. But I do prefer the more upbeat and exciting Graceland still.
What a great album and I do love Paul Simon! Always feels like such pure, clean music. Weird little stories that are curious to make sense of. I listened to this on an early morning drive to my Granddad's and it was a great soudtrack
Loved it. Love Paul. Love Simon.
Love his voice and some beautiful guitar playing as well. Enjoyed every song on the record.
Solid album, but Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard is the best by far.
Very beautiful sound!
Digged this much more than I expected
\"Me and Julio\" is a delightful little nonsense song. The rest of the album is chill and pleasant to listen to.
Folky pop
Pretty solid, sorta felt like Bob Dylan? Not sure if that's totally off-base though. Definitely some catchy tunes and I liked most of the songs, but I don't really see myself listening to this one super often.
Loved it, very chill vibe, very cosy. Only song I wasn’t a fan of was Papa Hobo
love Paul's voice and his song writing
Great album
Very good, not quite for me so will fall short of a 5 but a lot of good songs. Why does he say Julio like that?
So it's a Paul Simon album, except I've never heard it and don't know any of the songs. And it's brilliant. Why do none of these songs get played? Ah, aside from Me and Julio.
Great album, Paul Simon really does some great and fantastic acoustic guitar work here and his vocals and lyrics seems to go hand and hand.
Like most of Paul Simon's work esp in this era it's very good, it's really hard to dislike some of his most popular songs. Though not every song is great, a few ho-hum songs keep this being a 5 star album.
A gifted singer / songwriter with knack for storytelling. What’s not to like?
Paul Simon was a stable of my house growing up. It's a good album and it reminds me of my dad.
I really like a lot of Paul Simon songs and some of the best are on this album. And the ones that tell a story are my favorite. Only knock this album gets is that a few of the songs are just a bit too similar to one another. So a really good album, just short of great.
It’s really good but will still be below the Simon and Garfunkel body of work.
Lyrical and musical mastermind
8/10
7/10. Great lyrics throughout, but musically I thought it was a bit dull, with the exception of Me and Julio, which is always a fun listen.
Great album, slows down a bit after Me and Julio. First half is dripping with nostalgia. 8/10
A master class in songwriting from a master song writer. 4/5.
Very good initial solo effort post-Simon & Garfunkel, with many hints of what was to come for Paul Simon. While Paul Simon has many works that belong on this list though, I'm not sure this one does. It didn't really break any new ground. It's got two or three really good songs but the rest is mostly filler. It is nice to hear Paul Simon getting back to a bit of the acoustic guitar style from the early S&G days. 4 stars.
очень даже симпатично, прям приятно и понравилось
Simon mixes in various other elements not seen in his music previously. He also writes one of his strongest, and frankly best singles. At the core though it’s still his signature folk with that positive spirit.
I totally understand why this was a hit in 1972. Folk was still an influence in popular music that was able to really be put out there. This album doesn't sound dated by any stretch of the imagination. But you can tell from the instrumentation that this is an album that wouldn't have mass appeal in 2023. I like the album, but I don't know that I would need to really listen to this regularly. It is a bit too mellow for me and I prefer Bob Dylan and Neil Young when it comes to things that have the influence of folk to them. I'll give this a solid 83.
Classic hits - easy listen
Really enjoyed the different styles of music especially enjoyed songs that tell a story.
Nice album. I liked it but not as much as Graceland. It's more minimal, and that can be nice, but I liked the instrumentation on Graceland quite a bit more. 3.75/5
Not Paul’s best stuff, he was still trying to find his ground as a solo act, but definitely has its share of classics. It’s pretty good, but his best work will always be with Art. B
Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Mother and child reunion
Simon's solo work reminds me of John Lennon's in that, yes there are some gems, but there's something missing. And in both cases, it's their musical collaborator. Paul Simon needed Art Garfunkel just as much as Lennon needed McCartney. And vice versa. The two hits here classics, and overall it's one of Paul Simon's more satisfying Solo efforts. But as is always the case with his solo albums, I'm reminded that Tom and Jerry belong together.
Exquisite songwriting by Paul as usual. Could’ve used some higher energy numbers, but a very good debut effort by him!
Really good album, one of the true greats of music.
Joyita la vrd
legend
нечего сказать
Something really gentle. And sound of the voice is really amazing
Great music and storytelling and Me and Julio is a banger!
I love Paul Simon's voice and musical style. This is just an enjoyable album from start to end.
Simple sound, wonderful storytelling. Very relaxing yet fun listen!
Brilliant songwriter, loved the songs, especially the first half of this album. So catchy.
This is probably my favorite Paul Simon album. It's his second, so he had time to shake off the rest of the Garfunkel, but he hadn't yet started appropriating African culture.
Alone Paul Simon is also good.
Me gustó, bastante entretenido de fondo
The fresh start after the initial fresh start, Paul Simon shows the music world how unencumbered he has become with these observational, nostalgic songs that not only continue the skills honed prior but expands and refines it. Only onwards and upwards from here for Rhymin' Simon. Favorites: Duncan, Run That Body Down, Armistice Day, Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, Peace Like a River, Papa Hobo, Congratulations.
Hey, a Paul Simon record I actually somewhat enjoyed. I feel like it's got enough flirtations with world music to be interesting, but not over-the-top. The production is also pretty nice, very warm. Seeing as how this is my fourth Paul Simon record on the list so far, maybe he's breaking me, or maybe this is just the only one I enjoyed. Call it a 3.5. Favorite tracks: "Duncan", "Papa Hobo"
Chill, bernie bro stuff, me and julio down by the school yard
Favs: - Duncan - Run that body down
Feels like I've heard this one before
i’ll take it
The two songs I knew on the album are always enjoyable, even though the title "Mother & Child Reunion" is a weird one, named after a chicken and egg dish. The other songs show the acoustic, songwriter side that he had so perfected with Garfunkel. And for the most part, it works. The contrast comes in with "Me & Julio" "Mother & Child" as they are both more upbeat kinds of songs. But the others do start to become a bit of downers after a while. Still, Simon always turns a good phrase and the album was enjoyable.
I'm a big Paul Simon fan, but I've never found this album all that exciting. There are some really great songs on here, like Mother and Child Reunion, Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, and Peace Like a River, but overall the album doesn't have the pull of a lot of his other work. Nothing bad, just nothing all that exciting - most of the other tunes are nice, but they just don't stick with me. Maybe one more exception is Duncan, but it always feels like a song that has potential but doesn't really go anywhere. Overall, I'm not sure why they included this particular solo album in the 1001 albums. The 1001 also has Hearts and Bones and Graceland, which are both amazing albums start to finish. I guess this album is pretty representative of his 70s output: each album has a few amazing songs and then a bunch of decent filler. Personally, if I had to pick one of his 70s solo albums I'd go for the next one, "There Goes Rhymin' Simon" which includes great tracks like Kodachrome, American Tune (one of my favorite Paul Simon songs), and Loves Me Like a Rock. I'd also put "Still Crazy After All These Years" in the running (heck, just for drum part of 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover...such a great beat. Kudos to Steve Gadd). I'll give this album a 4 mainly because I enjoy the album (which I can say for every album he ever put out, either solo or with Garfunkel), but it's just not a 5 for me.
p275. 1972. 4 stars One of the great singer/songwriters shows to successfully transition from the 60s to the 70s in style. It's not perfect - there is quite a bit of filler - but there are enough standout tracks to make up the gap, and Simon is also an excellent and underrated guitarist.
Starts out pretty tame, sounds like a typical Simon and Garfunkel record, but really takes a turn and delves into a number of different styles and genres. Obviously the catchy riff on Me and Julio stands out, but as a lover of Gypsy Jazz, Hobo's Blues was a surprise, and a very welcome one at that. Then into some real Delta Blues with Paranoia Blues. A real hodgepodge of different songs.
One of the best singer/songwriter/musician of our time. His second solo album. I remember when Mother and Child Reunion and Julio were all over the airwaves
Drugi solowy material w dyskografii pana Simona i pierwszy po rozpadzie duetu garfunkelowego, klasyczny krazek folkowego rocka z 72, wiec osluchany juz niejednokrotnie, nagrywany z potezna iloscia muzykow sesyjnych, ktorzy maluja mocno akustyczne melodie na ktorych Paul spiewa na tematy przerozne, raczej jest to lekki odsluch, ale nie zabraknie motywow dragowych czy dorastania, rowniez tego ciezkiego, plyta slucha sie praktycznie sama, bo na 34 minutach nagrania ciezko o dwa takie same utwory, raz ze wzgledu na to jak szerokie grono muzykow zostalo zangazowane w nagrania, a drugim jest fakt czerpania z roznorakich gatunkow, co z jednej strony nadaje nagraniu nieco popowosci, bo chce byc wszystkim i niczym, ale z drugiej juz tutaj widac zainteresowanie pana Paula jesli chodzi o muzyke z roznych stron swiata, co jeszcze bardziej uwidocznione jest na jego kolejnych albumach, kawalki ktore juz mialem na plejce to jedynie me and julio down by the schoolyard, wiec dodam jeszcze drugi utwor z traklisty, czyli duncana, ktory nagrywany byl z panem Los Incas, ktory zrobil tutaj niesamowita robote zwlaszcza na flecie, ale wydaje mi sie, ze zarowno gitarki jak i perkusja rowniez przez niego byla grana, wiec przyjemne odswiezenie sobie takiego klasyka
It was nice and laid back. I didn’t listen to it super closely but i enjoyed it.
Great
Solid, absolute lad.
To be honest I’ve barely delved into Paul Simon’s solo career but I like Simon and Garfunkel so it’s probably gonna be good… The album opens with mother child reunion a track that comes as a massive surprise to someone who’s only herd Simon and Garfunkel stuff and the singles from Graceland. Mother and child reunion is full blown reggae it’s really cool to hear from him! Then you’ve got Duncan, this is the kinda thing I would expect from Paul Simon it’s a really good slow folk track. Everything put together falls apart is short but nice. I really like the rhythm to run that body down it’s quite jaunty and then there’s a muffled wah wah guitar solo which felt off but really welcome. Ending side one is armistice day it starts off sounding like the kinda thing you would expect from him but then evolves adding numerous extra layers making this really interesting, also for some reason that I don’t know why but I really like the guitar tones throughout the track. The first few seconds the guitars of me and Julio down the schoolyard reminded me of something a 2000’s “indie” band would make ( in a good way), the bulk of the song is probably one of the best so far I don’t know why but it’s a banger. Peace like a river seems to be the album’s “left turn” it’s a mix of a Paul Simon jam with rather tribal sounding drums and some of the best harmonies in his whole career! Papa hobo keeps it short and sweet it’s probably the worst so far but still really enjoyable. Then it’s hobo’s blues It’s a short sweet instrumental track nothing else though. Paranoia blues starts with a one note drum line marching straight forward throughout the song, I don’t know if the other elements work with the drums but I like them separately. Congratulations closes the album it’s a good closer very fitting to the rest of the album. Side one was flawless, side 2 was mixed as whilst I liked Julio down the school yard, peace like a river and congratulations the other songs felt quite lacklustre in comparison. 4/5
Having just listened to Graceland previously, this one seems pale by comparison. I mean, it's good, it's Paul Simon, but certainly a singer-songwriter of his time (1972). The singles are as good as ever, and really the shining spots on an otherwise ok album.
очень нравятся тексты. кажется это настоящее крутое кантри. исследую для себя гитару в музыке и как классно она может звучать. хочется добавлять некоторые песни всего из-за нескольких строчек или одной фразы. оочень нравится его фальцет. в песне «Everything put together falls apart» отворачивается от микрофона!
he's light, he's not cool, but he's a great songwriter.
Very nice. Chill, but not boring.
I guess this is the emergence of Americana! Revolutionary for its time.
Great mix of sounds. Liked it from start to finish.
Nice song writing and stories. No guitar shredding obviously but great melodies and pleasant chord progressions throughout. Always an easy listen
Paul Simon's debut as a solo artist is a statement that he no longer needed Art Garfunkel and a blueprint of the stylistic wanderings that he would explore over the next 40 plus years. The bar set by Bridge Over Troubled Water was high, but Paul Simon met the challenge not by writing epics, but by smaller, story based songs that worked in his varied musical styles.
Impressive solo debut. “Mother and Child Reunion” and “Me and Julio” are classics. The rest are all very good. Confirms that he was ready for the next step in his career.
On this album we get concise storytelling and a diverse group of sounds and influences. None of it sounds out of place however. The panpipes in "Duncan" should be a lot more jarring next to the folk strumming on "Everything Falls Apart" or the jazz basslines of "Run That Body Down" but it doesn't! The world music sound he utilize on Graceland is forsehadowed here. Also the two big hits are fantastic, I've heard them both many times before but I enjoy them each time I hear them. The sparseness of many of the arrangements is striking and there were a lot of unsettling moments of quiet, but for someone who just left one of the most successful musical duos of all time maybe that was the point.
Couple of very classic folk songs. Personally I think Still Crazy After All These Years is the better Paul Simon album
Solid album. It doesn't hit Graceland levels but Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard is an absolute smash.
Good one, why haven’t I heard of it before
Prefs: Mother and Child Reunion, Duncan, Everything Put Together Falls Apart, Armistice Day, Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard, Paranoia Blues Moins pref: Peace Like a River
This is Paul Simon’s first solo album to get a wide release. In it we can hear his embrace of world music that would come to characterize his solo career. This album is a tight collection of folk and has some of his greatest hits. Overall, it’s a fantastic album and showed that he was a capable musician and singer outside Simon and Garfunkel.
It's freaking Paul Simon... I mean, how can this not be a great album? 4/5