Stranger To Stranger

A lifetime ago I was lucky enough to see Paul Simon in a small local folk club and I have been along for the ride ever since. I have seen him several times since at much bigger venues either as a solo artist or with Art Garfunkel and hope I will see him again.. Whilst he is not the only person of my generation to manage to still be creative it is a tremendous joy to hear a musician in his 70s engaging with new sounds and still writing meaningful songs that deal with personal relationships and the world around us. This album has a number of really warm sounding tracks. If this were the first Paul Simon album you bought it shouldn't disappoint but if you are like me and it is the umpteenth you will find it a great pleasure.

This is a good album and a welcome new recording from Paul Simon. It has hints of Graceland and references to Paul Simon's early albums, but it is firmly in his 'later' period with complex rhythms, unusual instruments and sardonic lyrics."The Werewolf' has underpinning rhythms like 'Graceland' with a simple melody over the top. It doesn't leave you humming the tune, but it is instantly recognisable as Paul Simon. 'Wristband' is Simon at his sardonic best. Here clapping provides much of the rhythm alongside an acoustic bass. This is, I believe, the first single from the album and it stays int he memory.'The Clock' is a short guitar instrumental leading to 'Street Angel' which is again heavy on rhythm. Large parts of this are spoken in tune rather than sung, emphasising the lyrics. 'Stranger to Stranger' has ostinato guitar, minimal drumming and melancholy lyrics. I found it atmospheric rather than melodic. 'In a Parade' is highly rhythmic and has interesting lyrics, leading to 'Proof of Love', which is another atmospheric track.'In the Garden of Edie' is another short instrumental leading to 'The Riverbank' which has highly emotional lyrics.'Cool Papa Bell' is the track that I found most evocative, bringing up memories (for me) of the Graceland album. 'Insomniac's Lullaby' is another strong track: vintage Paul Simon.As you may gather, for this reviewer at least, the album grows in stature and interest as it progresses.The four main bonus tracks are excellent including another version of 'Wristband', a live reworking of 'Duncan' and a final duet with Dion which is sublime. If you were thinking of buying this, my recommendation is that you do. There are few singer / songwriters capable of generating the interest and the complexities that Paul Simon manages. He is a master who has developed over the years and this album is unique.

Paul Simon is back with his best album in decades, Stranger To Stranger has your typical Simon traits while at the same time daring to try out new things, creating unique and interesting sounds I have not heard in mainstream music before. Implementing music from other cultures is always a joy to hear in music, artists like Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon do it the best, and Paul Simon really goes far out with this album, using instruments I probably wouldn't be able to pronounce if I even knew the name. If you're a Paul Simon fan I would definitely check this record out. The vinyl itself is of great quality, it sounds crisp with no problems after repeated listening.

There are a few stand out tracks and this will grow on me but it does not feel like the best he has done. Slightly chanty and not enough singy.None the less he is a genius and I will continue to buy his albums. It is not a bad album, but it does not feel like a GREAT album either,

I love Paul Simon's music and this latest album is no exception in fact I think this is his best solo album. The music is creative, the voice is fantastic and I can honestly say that it is one of the most complete albums I have ever listened to.The tracks are very different to his early years and he experiments beautifully with different instruments throughout. If you like him I would highly recommend this album.PS it sounds unbelievable through my Sony Hi Res walkman

This is Paul at his very best. First impressions were 3 to 4 stars but after owning it for a few months I tell anyone I can that this is a masterpiece they must own. I'm an audiophile and the sound is stunning. Please buy!

I love the new instruments and the rhythms and percussion are excellent. I love this album.

Bought for my husband, we both really enjoyed listening to this not one track to skip