The Essential Paul Simon cover

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.

Why this album works

Best for
introspective storytelling throughout collection wave-like pacing with varied moods for reflective afternoon drives
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.
If you like
folk rock, soft rock

The Essential Paul Simon is an album by Paul Simon, released in 2007. A rich tapestry of folk, rock, and world rhythms woven with introspective storytelling. 'The Essential Paul Simon' solidified Simon's status as a seminal figure in American music, achieving commercial success by reaching the top of various charts. Notably, it received positive critical acclaim for its curated selection that highlights the depth and diversity of his songwriting, notably influencing aspiring singer-songwriters and enriching the folk-rock genre. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Essential Paul Simon sound like?

A rich tapestry of folk, rock, and world rhythms woven with introspective storytelling. Rooted in folk rock and soft rock.

What makes The Essential Paul Simon by Paul Simon notable?

'The Essential Paul Simon' solidified Simon's status as a seminal figure in American music, achieving commercial success by reaching the top of various charts. Notably, it received positive critical acclaim for its curated selection that highlights the depth and diversity of his songwriting, notably influencing aspiring singer-songwriters and enriching the folk-rock genre. 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.

Who is The Essential Paul Simon for?

The Essential Paul Simon works well if you're into introspective storytelling throughout collection, wave-like pacing with varied moods and for reflective afternoon drives.

How many songs are on The Essential Paul Simon?

The Essential Paul Simon has 45 tracks, running approximately 148 minutes.

Tracklist

45 tracks·148:55

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Mother and Child Reunion Standout 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 Standout 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 Standout 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)

Release Date

June 26, 2007

Genre

folk rock, soft rock

More albums in soft rock

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

148 min 55 sec