Definitely an interesting album, but it wasn't my favorite. It was a very laid-back album, with hints of energy and culture. It was a really well put together album - It carried a similar theme throughout all of the songs, with a similar sound (very conversational), and overall it was catchy. It just wasn't my thing. For me, it is REALLY hard to get into songs and albums that sound like the artist is talking rather than singing. For instance in the song "Gumboots," it sounds like a guy talking to you at a concert. I also feel like Simon's voice doesn't change much or have much vocal range, which I think is pretty vital to songs so that it keeps your attention. I interpreted the theme of the album to be very hopeful, especially with the first song being "The Boy in the Bubble." Simon includes the lyrics:
It was a slow day
And the sun was beating
On the soldiers by the side of the road
There was a bright light
And the in the chorus he includes:
These are the days of miracle and wonder
I could be completely misinterpreting it and just looking at its literal meaning, but it's what I think.
Graceland (the song) also continues this theme.
Though I think Simon uses a few too many words sometimes, he really has a way for putting them. He uses a lot of metaphors that are really creative and have in-depth meaning that really add a lot to the song. Like in "That Was Your Mother," he uses the metaphors:
She's pretty as a prayerbook
Sweet as an apple on christmas day
These metaphors add a lot of merit to his lyrics, which makes them very unique. Most artists struggle with developing lyrics where as with Simon, I feel like he is the quirky guy who can say something crazy and turn it into a great lyric.
Overall, I think Paul Simon is a really talented guy, but he just isn't my favorite.
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