Paul Simon

Paul Simon’s self-titled album is solid—really solid—but I’ve never quite understood the overwhelming praise it gets. It’s often cited as proof that Simon is one of the greatest songwriters ever, but to me, it’s more of a competent transition into his solo career than an all-time masterpiece. The songwriting is tight, sure, but it doesn’t feel as groundbreaking or emotionally gripping as people make it out to be.

Take Mother and Child Reunion—a great song, no doubt, but more of a well-executed experiment with reggae than some visionary reinvention of the genre. And Duncan has that classic folk storytelling charm, but it leans more on atmosphere than deep emotional weight. The whole album follows this pattern: well-crafted, pleasant, and impressively arranged, but never quite reaching that next level of transcendence that truly legendary albums do.

Paul Simon’s skill as a songwriter is obvious—his melodies are sharp, his lyrics are thoughtful, and he’s got an ear for arrangement. But should he be in the conversation as one of the greatest songwriters ever? I’m not convinced. He’s great at pulling from different influences and making them digestible for a broad audience, but he rarely pushes into raw, untamed creative territory. His music is polished, refined, and easy to appreciate—but it rarely shakes you to your core.

So yeah, Paul Simon is a good album. Some great moments, some forgettable ones, and overall, a solid start to his solo career. But as far as his legacy goes? I don’t think it justifies putting him on the same pedestal as songwriters who genuinely redefined the craft.

PAUL SIMON - PAUL SIMON
RATING - 7.8/10

FAVORITE TRACK - N/A

GENRE - Folk, Pop, Rock