Is Hearts and Bones a good place to start with Paul Simon?

Yes, Hearts and Bones is recommended as a starting point for new Paul Simon listeners. A contemplative blend of folk rock and introspective lyrics that explore love, loss, and the passage of time. Released in 1983, Hearts and Bones was Paul Simon's seventh studio album, coming five years after the critically acclaimed Still Crazy After All These Years. At this point in his career, Simon had established himself as a solo artist post-Simon & Garfunkel and was navigating a new sound that incorporated more personal storytelling.

Who is Hearts and Bones for?

Hearts and Bones works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective journey, thoughtful melodies for quiet moments and intimate storytelling for late nights.

How many songs are on Hearts and Bones?

Hearts and Bones has 10 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Released 43 years ago this November

Hearts and Bones

Paul Simon · 1983

40 min · 10 tracks · folk rock

A contemplative blend of folk rock and introspective lyrics that explore love, loss, and the passage of time.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Allergies Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Hearts and Bones — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of vulnerability and emotional complexity through a haunting melody and reflective lyrics.
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Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War — This song showcases Simon's unique storytelling ability, using vivid imagery to convey nostalgia and art with an intimate touch.
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Train in the Distance — With its rich metaphorical content, this track explores longing and separation, making it a standout reflection on personal relationships.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases thoughtful songwriting but lacks strong cohesion and distinctiveness compared to Simon's earlier works.

What we noticed

Several tracks employ unconventional song structures, such as 'Think Too Much (a)' and 'Think Too Much (b)', which present contrasting musical ideas.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of love and loss through vivid imagery, with songs like 'Train in the Distance' offering reflective narratives.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective journey
thoughtful melodies for quiet moments
intimate storytelling for late nights
contemplative listening on rainy days

Maybe skip if you

prefer high-energy party tracks
seek instant gratification songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry in Simon's catalog, appreciated by fans but not a major commercial success.
Themes: surreal storytelling· post-war reflections
Career context: Released in 1983, Hearts and Bones was Paul Simon's seventh studio album, coming five years after the critically acclaimed Still Crazy After All These Years. At this point in his career, Simon had established himself as a solo artist post-Simon & Garfunkel and was navigating a new sound that incorporated more personal storytelling.
Stylistic neighbors: James Taylor· Cat Stevens· Nick Drake

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Hearts and Bones

The song shifts from recollections of past relationships to a poignant realization of present emotions.

This transition illustrates how memory shapes current feelings, highlighting Simon's skill in intertwining narrative with emotional depth.