The Rhythm Of The Saints

About

After a decade and a half of folk-rock stardom alongside Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon started the '80s working out the direction of his solo identity. And after some soul-searching, he turned the pop world on its ear—and revitalized his career in the process—with 1986’s <i>Graceland</i>, a synthesis of South African styles and U.S. singer/songwriter sensibilitie. For the follow-up, <i>Rhythm of the Saints</i>, he doubled down on his then-radical investigation of world music, this time meshing his ideas with the sounds and players of Brazil. From the very first cut, "The Obvious Child," it's clear that Simon is venturing into more percussive and polyrhythmic territory than even <i>Graceland</i>, as Brazilian drum ensemble Olodum crashes and rumbles while Simon delivers a darting mix of impressionism and symbolism. The supple, sinuous flow of "The Cool, Cool River" empowers startlingly revelatory lyrical moments like "sometimes even music cannot substitute for tear." .

via Apple Music

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