The Rhythm of the Saints
Paul Simon · 1990
44 min · 10 tracks · folk rock
A vibrant blend of Brazilian rhythms and introspective lyrics that captures the essence of global folk influences.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Obvious Child Start here — Opening with a lively percussion section that sets the tone for the album, this track reflects themes of nostalgia and the passage of time, encapsulated in its infectious rhythm.
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Born at the Right Time — This track features a reflective narrative that juxtaposes personal contentment against societal upheaval, highlighting Simon's skill in marrying profound lyrics with engaging melodies.
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The Rhythm of the Saints — The title track embodies the album’s core message about finding harmony amidst chaos, utilizing a blend of traditional Brazilian instrumentation that reinforces its thematic focus.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends Brazilian rhythms with introspective lyrics, showcasing Simon's evolution while maintaining a distinct sound.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate percussion patterns that are layered throughout, creating a rich rhythmic texture.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal arrangements, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
- Lyrically, the album explores themes of identity and connection, often juxtaposing personal reflections with broader cultural observations.
- 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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8/10
- 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
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- vibrant rhythms for casual listening
- introspective themes of connection
- suitable for thoughtful afternoon drives
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer quick, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Explores global folk influences, showcasing a shift in Simon's musical direction.
- Themes
- South American rhythms· cultural identity exploration· loss and renewal
- Career context
- Released on October 19, 1990, The Rhythm of the Saints is Paul Simon's follow-up to the critically acclaimed Graceland. At this point in his career, Simon was exploring world music influences more deeply, particularly Brazilian sounds, after the success of his previous album, which had introduced these textures to mainstream audiences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Taylor· Cat Stevens· Nick Drake
Tracklist
- 1 The Obvious Child Start here 4:10
- 2 Can't Run But 3:36
- 3 The Coast 5:03
- 4 Proof 4:38
- 5 Further to Fly 5:33
- 6 She Moves On 5:03
- 7 Born at the Right Time 3:47
- 8 The Cool, Cool River 4:32
- 9 Spirit Voices 3:56
- 10 The Rhythm of the Saints 4:12
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Uh-Oh
David Byrne
Explores similar themes of cultural fusion and features intricate rhythms alongside introspective lyrics.
Kiko
Los Lobos
Blends rock and world music influences with layered textures and narratives of identity and community.
Post
Björk
Combines eclectic rhythms with personal lyrics, reflecting on connection and cultural exploration.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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