Released 19 years ago this June
The Essential Paul Simon
Paul Simon · 2007
148 min · 45 tracks · folk rock · soft rock
A rich tapestry of folk, rock, and world rhythms woven with introspective storytelling.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective storytelling throughout collection
- wave-like pacing with varied moods
- for reflective afternoon drives
- catchy sing-alongs with friends
- nostalgic warmth for gatherings
Maybe skip if you want
- seeking immediate high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- Themes
- South African rhythms· relationship storytelling· cultural fusion· legacy reflection
- Career context
- In 2007, Paul Simon was celebrating a career spanning over four decades since his early days with Simon & Garfunkel. This compilation, 'The Essential Paul Simon', captures his evolution as a solo artist, showcasing both his classic hits and more recent works like 'Father and Daughter'. The album serves as a comprehensive anthology of Simon's lyrical and musical prowess at a time when he was reflecting on his legacy.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Taylor· Cat Stevens· Nick Drake
- Sounds like this from elsewhere
-
Blue by Joni Mitchell — Shares introspective storytelling and folk-inflected melodies with emotional depth.Songs of Leonard Cohen by Leonard Cohen — Features profound lyrical narratives and a blend of folk and rock elements, reflecting on life’s complexities.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Mother and Child Reunion 3:06
- 2 Loves Me Like a Rock 3:22
- 3 Me and Julio Down by the School Yard 2:43
- 4 Duncan 4:29
- 5 Kodachrome 3:33
- 6 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover 3:35
- 7 Slip Slidin’ Away 4:45
- 8 Gone at Last 3:40
- 9 Something So Right 4:32
- 10 Late in the Evening 4:02
- 11 Hearts and Bones 5:39
- 12 Take Me to the Mardi Gras 3:30
- 13 That Was Your Mother 2:52
- 14 American Tune 3:47
- 15 Peace Like a River 3:18
- 16 Stranded in a Limousine 3:07
- 17 Train in the Distance 4:22
- 18 The Late Great Johnny Ace 4:53
- 19 Still Crazy After All These Years 3:25
Disc 2
- 1 Graceland 4:50
- 2 Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes 5:38
- 3 The Boy in the Bubble 3:58
- 5 Under African Skies 3:35
- 6 The Obvious Child 4:08
- 7 Born at the Right Time 3:48
- 8 The Cool, Cool River 4:31
- 9 Spirit Voices 3:54
- 10 Adios Hermanos 4:42
- 11 Born in Puerto Rico 4:55
- 12 Quality 4:12
- 13 Darling Lorraine 6:36
- 14 Hurricane Eye 4:13
- 15 Father and Daughter 4:10
- 16 Outrageous 3:22
- 17 Wartime Prayers 4:48
Disc 3
- 1 Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard
- 2 You Can Call Me Al 4:40
- 3 The Boy in the Bubble
- 4 Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
- 5 The Obvious Child
- 6 Father and Daughter
- 7 Mrs. Robinson (Dick Cavett Show)
- 8 Loves Me Like a Rock (Saturday Night Live)
- 9 Sweeney Sisters (Saturday Night Live)
- 10 Homeward Bound (Saturday Night Live)
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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