The Rhythm Of The Saints (studio album) by Paul Simon

Paul Simon might be my second favorite artist after the Beatles. He delivers on this album.

Paul Simon fusing New York sensibilities with Brazilian rhythm is way cooler than expected. Special mention to the special participation of the great Milton Nascimento and of Olodum.
eighties to early nineties Paul Simon also bear some of his best lyrics

From llibnanoon 07/07/2020 19:45

Meh. Rating (74.00)

Underrated masterpiece. People want to compare it to Graceland, though it has little in common with that album. This is pure atmosphere.

I always had trouble with the album falling short of breath quite early on. Until I discovered the actual track sequence Paul Simon had in mind for this (which, when considering the actual sequence on the album as produced is 3-6-4-7-8-1-2-9-5-10). I tried it and only then discovered the masterpiece it truly is. But don't take my word for it: try for yourself!

From RoundTheBend 05/15/2016 23:21

I like a lot of other Paul Simon albums better than this one. It's not bad. I just haven't gotten it yet... and I'd like to consider myself a Paul Simon album, so it is with sad heart that I give it this rating at this time.

The long awaited follow up to Graceland, rythym of the saints, sees Paul Simon swapping African grooves for the sounds of south America. Again, the playing is faultless, and the songs are excellent. However, some of the songs don't feel quite so fully formed as they could have been. This doesn't apply so much to the more ambient tracks such as, further to fly, and, she moves on, but songs like, born at the right time, the coast, and, proof, end up sounding a lot better in their live incarnations, especially on the, concert in the park, album in 1991. On that record, the songs sound rich and finished in a way they don't on this one. Still, they're excellent songs. Elsewhere, the LP is very good. The obvious child, is a genuine Paul Simon classic, can't run but, is also very good, featuring guitar from J.J.cale. spirit voices, is lovely, and, the cool,cool river, is good, but another of those tracks that sounds better live. Simon left outtake, Thelma, off the album, which is a pity as it's a good song. The record ends with the title track, which is probably the weakest song here. All in all, another very good and inventive album from a great artist.

I notice that I have a special affinity for songs centered on a tight musical riff. For anyone who is sucked in by that, how can you not have an orgasm on this album. Of course a lot of people are not going to like the fusion of world styles with Simons pop sensibilities (see also, Sting) but I am just not one of those people, clearly. Though listening to this album I do feel bad for not knowing any of the musicians' work apart from Paul Simon. I will say the album's subject matter doesn't pack a whole lot of emotion or depth and the music almost feels a little weighed down a bit by percussion. Still, this is a real classic for me

From paladisiac 01/03/2014 17:13

Paul Simon can't put out a bad album. This is another solid outing from a man making music for 25 years + at this point. I will agree that this feels like he was trying to recapture the magic of Graceland, and to an extent, he does. The melodies and rhythms are quiet fun to jam along with. There are some pretty good songs on here like "the obvious child" and coast. This album doesn't reach the highs of Graceland or some of his other best albums, but he shows off his songwriting and producing skills, masterfully capturing latin american energy amidst these fine songs.

I disagree with you all, this album is nothing like Graceland it wasn't trying to be it's far superior, my #10 album of all-time, it's amazing.