Review: Paul Simon - "Surprise"

Experimentation is nothing new for Paul Simon. On Graceland in 1986, he featured South African musicians. 1990’s The Rhythm of the Saints explored the music of Latin America. 1997’s Songs From the Capeman runs from Puerto Rican to doo-wop to rock.

So, it isn’t such a surprise that Simon’s latest release, Surprise finds our hero joining forces with electronic music pioneer Brian Eno (Roxy Music) to dip a toe into still more new musical waters.

More surprising than the resulting music was the release of the album. Coming six years after his last album, You’re the One, the latest one was produced and released with uncharacteristically little fanfare, especially for an artist of his stature.

Paul Simon is a recognized master at telling stories in song, so with each new album the bar is set pretty high. It’s no surprise that the songs on Surprise continue to demonstrate why Simon is one of the most highly regarded songwriters in history.

Eno’s electronica is low key, and is very much an enhancement, rather than a distraction. He co-wrote three of the album’s tracks, and even though this might seem at first glance to be a partnership of dissimilar musical backgrounds and styles, the two actually mesh quite nicely. Maybe that’s the surprise.

Other collaborators on the album include Steve Gadd, the quintessential session drummer who Simon credits with the unique rhythm on “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” and jazz icons Herbie Hancock on piano and Bill Frisell on guitar.

Simon hasn’t lost his social consciousness, as evidenced by the album’s lead track, “How Can You Live In the Northeast,” a reflection on post-9/11 life, and “Wartime Prayers,” whose title speaks for itself.

He can also have fun, as he does with “Sure Don’t Feel Like Love.” He can be folk-y, as he is on “Once Upon a Time There Was an Ocean,” which conjures up memories of his earlier collaboration with Mr. Garfunkel. “Another Galaxy” is alternately ethereal and energetic. “Father and Daughter” is a touching treatment of the special relationship the title describes.

Few artists can combine lyrical themes as diverse as love, war and politics and musical styles ranging from folk to rock to new wave, and get away with it. Paul Simon is one of those few. Surprise, whether it is one or not, is a pleasant treat for both longtime Simon fans, and for those who are just now discovering this genuine musical legend.

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