7. “Mother And Child Reunion”- The very first track on his first solo album following his separation from Garfunkel, “Mother And Child Reunion” immediately establishes the musical adventurousness that would distinguish Simon’s subsequent career. Recorded in Jamaica, it’s one of the first pop songs to incorporate reggae rhythms. That it does so without sacrificing any of Simon’s innate melodic touch is the real triumph.
9. “Hearts And Bones”- While contemporaries were courting MTV in 1983 with glossy dance tracks, Simon was writing twisting, profound relationship songs like this title track to his most underrated album. The marriage of the “One and one-half wandering Jews” (Paul and former wife Carrie Fisher) may not have survived the romantic pitfalls Simon eloquently renders, but their “arc of a love affair” is endlessly captivating nonetheless.
It’s really hard to name a top 15. This does well but depending on the day my top 15 change. Pity no mention of songs from Stranger to Stranger – I find Wristband and many others strong. Who am I kidding? I LOVE all his work
It’s really hard to name a top 15. This does well but depending on the day my top 15 change. Pity no mention of songs from Stranger to Stranger – I find Wristband and many others strong. Who am I kidding? I LOVE all his work