Stranger To Stranger
by Paul Simon

I don't know his albums too well - with the exception of the wonderful Graceland - but I only found this good rather than outstanding. But see others state it is a grower so I will return. Wristband was the standout for me.

Six months after it's release this album has finally got me. A lot of listens has now fully revealed the record to me and it is a stunning album. The melodies have evolved over a period of time without even changing, which is incredible, and they've opened themselves up to me to present a brilliantly original record. I would now, after an uncertain start, rate this as Simon's best album since, Graceland. Fantastic record. One of the years best.

From flamingyesdept 11/01/2016 21:30 | #177839 | TOP COMMENT

Brilliant return to form for one of the very best. Astounding effort, especially considering his age - leave it to a 75 year old to create perhaps the most challenging and groundbreaking album of the year.

From sszwalbenest 06/23/2016 16:53 | #169555 | TOP COMMENT

Great to see Paul Simon is still putting out new material. I've been waiting for this one for a while. Featuring the instrumentals is new, I especially loved "In the Garden of Edie". As far as songs with lyrics go, "Riverbank" and "The Werewolf" were the two that mainly stuck out to me.

From RoundTheBend 06/18/2016 05:27 | #169026 | TOP COMMENT

I think this is fantastic and intriguing.

Easily Paul Simon's most challenging album. Gone is traditional structure and replaced with something more about feel. Simon's lyrics are as fantastic as ever, but musically he is really pushing himself, and how refreshing that a guy who will be 75 in October is still pushing himself, as opposed to Bob Dylan whose latest album is the complete opposite of Simon's, it's derivative and pointless. Dylan gets constantly praised for re-writing old folk, blues, and country songs, covers old jazz standards, while Paul Simon is releasing fresh material like this. Simon deserves more credit, Dylan, a lot less. The werewolf, wristband, and, cool papa bell, are excellent. Having said all that a few songs do absolutely nothing, it's certainly has no memorable melodies, or maybe they will come in time with repeated listens. It's a challenging and interesting record but at the moment to me, maybe the idea is better than the finished product. Still, early days, let's wait and see.