Released 10 years ago
Stranger to Stranger
Paul Simon · 2016
37 min · 11 tracks · folk rock
A rhythmic exploration of life’s uncertainties intertwined with eclectic instrumentation and introspective lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Werewolf Start here — Opening with a catchy beat and playful lyrics about transformation, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of identity and change.
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Wristband — This song offers a witty commentary on social exclusion through its narrative-driven lyrics, highlighting Simon's ability to blend humor with serious themes.
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Stranger to Stranger — The title track encapsulates the album's central theme of alienation and connection, featuring unique rhythms that reflect a sense of urgency.
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In the Garden of Edie — This brief yet poignant piece showcases Simon's storytelling prowess, creating vivid imagery that invites listeners into a reflective moment.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases eclectic instrumentation and thoughtful lyrics, creating a distinctive sound while exploring life's uncertainties.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'The Werewolf' that sets a tone of urgency, which is maintained through the first half.
- Tracks like 'Wristband' and 'Stranger to Stranger' feature layered instrumentation, blending traditional folk elements with modern electronic sounds.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt shifts in tempo and mood, particularly evident in 'In a Parade', which contrasts playful lyrics with a more somber musical backdrop.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 pacing with reflective moments
- introspective themes for quiet afternoons
- eclectic sounds for curious listeners
- thoughtful melodies for deep focus
Maybe skip if you
- prefer energetic party atmospheres
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and innovation in a late career phase.
- Themes
- identity in flux· experimental soundscapes
- Career context
- By the time 'Stranger to Stranger' was released in 2016, Paul Simon was a revered veteran of the music industry, known for his profound lyricism and innovative musical styles. This album came as his 13th studio release, following the critically acclaimed 'So Beautiful or So What' from 2011, showcasing his continuous evolution as an artist well into his sixth decade of recording.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Taylor· Cat Stevens· Nick Drake
Tracklist
- 1 The Werewolf Start here 3:25
- 2 Wristband 3:17
- 3 The Clock 1:02
- 4 Street Angel 2:11
- 5 Stranger to Stranger 4:35
- 6 In a Parade 2:21
- 7 Proof of Love 5:44
- 8 In the Garden of Edie 1:48
- 9 The Riverbank 4:11
- 10 Cool Papa Bell 4:02
- 11 Insomniac’s Lullaby 4:33
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Carrie & Lowell
Sufjan Stevens
Explores themes of identity and loss with an experimental yet intimate folk sound.
Ghost on Ghost
Iron & Wine
Combines lush arrangements and introspective lyrics, echoing Simon's eclectic and reflective style.
Sleep Well Beast
The National
Shares a blend of atmospheric soundscapes and personal themes of change and uncertainty.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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