The Ultimate Collection
Paul Simon · 2015
77 min · 19 tracks · folk rock
A rich tapestry of folk-rock melodies interwoven with explorative rhythms and introspective lyrics that span decades of artistry.
Top tracks — play these first
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Graceland — The track stands out for its intricate layering of African musical influences alongside poignant storytelling about loss and redemption, marking a pivotal moment in Simon's career.
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The Sound of Silence (Overdubbed version) — This reinterpretation breathes new life into one of Simon's most iconic songs, illustrating his continuous evolution as an artist while maintaining the song's haunting essence.
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You Can Call Me Al Start here — Characterized by its infectious rhythm and witty lyrics, this track exemplifies Simon's ability to blend humor with deeper themes of identity and existentialism.
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50 Ways to Leave Your Lover — With its catchy chorus and clever narrative about heartbreak, this song represents Simon's knack for creating memorable hooks paired with relatable storytelling.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- nostalgic sing-along moments
- dynamic collection of hits
- poignant storytelling across tracks
- wave-like pacing for reflection
- for road trip playlists
Maybe skip if you
- prefer single-track listening
- need fast-paced excitement
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A retrospective compilation, not a primary entry or breakthrough album.
- Themes
- Graceland rhythms· Simon & Garfunkel nostalgia· identity exploration· cultural fusion
- Career context
- Released in 2015, The Ultimate Collection arrives as a retrospective look at Paul Simon's illustrious career, following the 2011 album So Beautiful or So What. At this point, Simon had already cemented his legacy as a leading figure in American music, having transitioned from his early days with Simon & Garfunkel to a successful solo career marked by experimentation and cultural blending.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Taylor· Cat Stevens· Nick Drake
Tracklist
- 1 You Can Call Me Al Start here 4:41
- 2 Graceland 4:50
- 3 Mrs. Robinson 4:01
- 4 The Boxer 5:08
- 5 Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes 5:49
- 6 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover 3:38
- 7 Cecilia 2:56
- 8 Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard 2:44
- 9 The Boy in the Bubble 4:01
- 10 The Only Living Boy in New York 3:58
- 11 Mother and Child Reunion 3:06
- 12 Late in the Evening 4:03
- 13 Father and Daughter 4:12
- 14 The Obvious Child 4:11
- 15 Slip Slidin' Away 4:46
- 16 America 3:35
- 17 The Sound of Silence (Overdubbed version) 3:06
- 18 Still Crazy After All These Years 3:26
- 19 Bridge Over Troubled Water 4:52
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Rumours
Fleetwood Mac
Shares rich storytelling and harmonies alongside a blend of folk-rock and soft rock elements.
American Utopia
David Byrne
Explores cultural fusion and identity with innovative rhythms and reflective lyrics.
Blue
Joni Mitchell
Similar introspective themes and poignant storytelling through a folk-infused soundscape.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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