The Essential Paul Simon
Paul Simon · 2007
148 min · 45 tracks · folk rock
A rich tapestry of folk, rock, and world influences woven with introspective lyrics and melodic hooks.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mother and Child Reunion Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Graceland — The title track not only reflects Simon's journey through personal loss but also highlights the fusion of African musical elements that defined much of his later work. Its upbeat tempo contrasts with profound themes of grief and resilience.
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50 Ways to Leave Your Lover — This track stands out for its catchy chorus and clever lyrical storytelling, providing a humorous take on relationship dynamics that became one of Simon's signature styles. Its rhythmic complexity showcases his ability to blend pop sensibilities with insightful commentary.
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Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes — Combining intricate harmonies with rich instrumentation, this song exemplifies Simon's ability to incorporate world music into mainstream pop. Its vibrant energy captures the essence of cultural exploration that characterized much of his work post-Graceland.
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Still Crazy After All These Years — This poignant track encapsulates themes of nostalgia and reflection while showcasing Simon's lyrical elegance and mature vocal delivery. It's a testament to his introspective songwriting style that resonates across generations.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This compilation highlights Simon's varied influences and strong songwriting but lacks a cohesive narrative arc.
What we noticed
- The album features a wide range of styles, from folk and rock to world music, reflecting Simon's diverse influences.
- Many songs include intricate arrangements with layered instrumentation, highlighting Simon's attention to detail in production.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- 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
Significant within its genre. 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
- 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
- seeking immediate high-energy tracks
- prefer standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — A comprehensive collection ideal for introducing new listeners to Simon's work.
- Themes
- South African rhythms· relationship storytelling· cultural fusion· legacy reflection
- Career context
- Released in 2007, The Essential Paul Simon serves as a comprehensive retrospective of Simon's solo career following his departure from Simon & Garfunkel. By this time, he had already established himself as a significant solo artist since the early '70s, with landmark albums like Graceland defining his evolving sound. This compilation showcases the breadth of his work across decades, encapsulating both commercial hits and deeper cuts.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Taylor· Cat Stevens· Nick Drake
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Slip Slidin’ Away
The narrative shifts from personal anecdotes to broader reflections on life's uncertainties and missed opportunities.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Mother and Child Reunion Start here 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)
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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