5 Amazing Album-Closers by Paul Simon

Paul Simon going out on tour once again stands as one of the most surprising and uplifting stories from the music world in 2025. The fact that his wonderful catalog will get even more exposure can be nothing but a positive development. How deep will Simon dive into his solo work during these live shows? Who knows? Maybe some of these brilliant album-closing songs from his career will make the setlists.

“Congratulations” from ‘Paul Simon’ (1972)

Simon’s solo debut stands out as one of those rare flawless albums. That would be impressive enough under any circumstances. That he accomplished it in the face of doubters who thought he was making a mistake leaving the comfort of Simon & Garfunkel makes it even more of a feat. “Congratulations” ends the album on a somewhat subtle note. But it sneaks up on you the more you listen to it. Larry Knechtel, famous for his piano work on “Bridge Over Troubled Water” does double-duty here. His electric piano and organ curve around each other while Simon sings in pained tones about a fading love.

“Loves Me Like A Rock” from ‘There Goes Rhymin’ Simon’ (1973)

We always use the term “solo” when describing an artist performing under their own name alone. But Paul Simon would quickly tell you that his albums have been greatly enhanced by key contributors and special guests at every step. In the case of “Loves Me Like A Rock”, the vocals of The Dixie Hummingbirds provide a crucial jolt of gospel fervor. Simon’s rhythmic guitar work also makes a huge difference. As for the lyrics, they’re mostly just an excuse for Simon to trot out some mellifluous phrases like “presidential podium.” Don’t go looking for deep meaning. Just enjoy the musical rush.

“The Late Great Johnny Ace” from ‘Hearts And Bones’ (1983)

Hearts And Bones didn’t have much of a chance in the marketplace in 1983. Released in the throes of MTV’s sudden surge, Simon’s reflections on relationships and middle-aged life quietly faded into the background. Now we know this record as one of the most underrated in his catalog. It certainly goes out on a high note. Many artists wrote tribute songs about John Lennon in the wake of his passing. Simon just might have found the most inventive way to do it. While “The Late Great Johnny Ace” mentions Lennon’s death, it focuses on how even those making the most vital music are subject to the whims of fate.

“Father And Daughter” from ‘Surprise’ (2006)

Does anybody remember The Wild Thornberrys movie? Probably not, unless you were a kid at the time (or had one). “Father And Daughter” made its first appearance in that 2002 film. Simon decided to then tack the song onto the end of his 2006 album Surprise. And a surprise it was. The song’s warm, relatively straightforward approach was somewhat different from that album’s reliance on electronics and studio embellishment. In any case, it makes for a charming song from parent to child. Simon adds just enough idiosyncrasy to the lyrics to keep them from getting cloying.

“So Beautiful Or So What” from ‘So Beautiful Or So What’ (2011)

We’re choosing So Beautiful Or So What as Simon’s finest album since the turn of the millennium. Come to think of it, we’d go all the way back to Graceland in 1986 to find an album in his catalog that tops it. And the title track closes it out with a bit of fiery catharsis. The song cops a vibe somewhere between rockabilly and rickety blues. Simon fires off one-liners that have little to do with each other but add nonetheless to the overall vibe. In that respect, “So Beautiful Or So What”, in all its lived-in wisdom and candor, resembles a late-period Bob Dylan track.

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