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As a master craftsman of song, Paul Simon takes his time between albums. SURPRISE arrived six years after its 2000 predecessor YOU'RE THE ONE, but proved to be well worth the wait. In the realization of a process that was already beginning on that earlier album, SURPRISE fully assimilates the international influences of GRACELAND and RHYTHM OF THE SAINTS into a style that's equally polyrhythmic yet indebted to no lone cultural tradition. It doesn't hurt that this is a historic collaboration with producer Brian Eno, who's been delving into pan-ethnic waters since 1981's MY LIFE IN THE BUSH OF GHOSTS.
For his part, Eno adds more electronics to the mix than Simon has ever employed before, but like the former's trademark, they're of a warm, organic nature. Ultimately, they add as much propulsion to the tunes as Simon's world-music percussionists of yore did, and they're fully integrated with Simon's own graceful acoustic guitar patterns. A continually evolving artist, Simon leaves structural convention ever further behind; the vocal syncopations and poetic imagery are unmistakable, but they consistently flout expectation. Lyrically, SURPRISE makes its post-9/11 and post-Katrina allusions clearly but subtly, joining with the electro-acoustic musical approach in making this an album of, but not bound to, its time.
Recording information: Capitol studios, Los Angeles, CA; Clinton Studios, NY; Lansdowne Studios, London, England; Mayfair Studios, London, England; Ocean Way, Nashville, TN; Right Track Studios, NY; sony Studios, NY; the Hit Factory, NY.
Photographers: Paul Simon; Loreto Caceres; Charles Duke; Peter Zander; Foster Witt; Laurent Millet; Paul Treacy; Jason Todd; Erika Larsen; Geoff Spear; Michael Vitti.
Personnel: Paul Simon (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Paul Simon (vocals); Adrian Simon, Adriana Simon, Jessy Dixon Singers (vocals); Alex Al (bass instrument); Abraham Laboriel, Sr., Pino Palladino (bass guitar); Andy Smith (programming); Vincent Nguini (acoustic guitar); Bill Frisell (electric guitar); Herbie Hancock (piano); Gil Goldstein (harmonium, keyboards); Leo Abrahams (fretless bass); Robin Dimaggio, Steve Gadd (drums); Jamey Haddad (percussion); Brian Eno (electronics).
Audio Mixer: Tchad Blake.
Rolling Stone (p.229) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "Eno outfits some of Simons' most elegant songs with spacey accouterments..."
Entertainment Weekly (p.75) - "[W]ith moments of stellar songwriting....Eno finds a smart way to accent Simon's worry lines." -- Grade: A-
Q (p.114) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "Eno's washes of sound are present and correct. He also appears to have given Simon's still bittersweet voice a deeper, warmer timbre."
Q (p.123) - Ranked #32 in Q Magazine's "100 Greatest Albums of 2006" -- "A timely reminder of the power of thinking; positive or otherwise."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.100) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "Though couched in arrangements that sometimes camouflage their immediacy, the tunes are dependably strong."
Paul Simon - Surprise Songs
Surprise Music Review
Average Rating: (4.1 out of 5 stars)    List All 12 Reviews SURPRISE not to be missed
This is easily Simon’s best album since Graceland, and perhaps his best ever. Every song is a gem, both musically and lyrically. Surprise has not left the CD player since arriving in our home.
Submitted by Jon & Andrea (Greenville, NC) 
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Intriguing
Simon likes to experiment (good for him) and this is a success. Very engaging and haunting. . . . draws one in for repeat listening.
Submitted by Victoria (Minnesota)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful. After a few listens...WOW!
Have been an artdent Paul Simon fan from the moment I purchased 'The Sound of Silence' LP back when I was just a kid in'65. This album however took a few listens before it really hit home...and when it did!
Pure genious...
Submitted by faust8577 (Lorraine, Que. Canada)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful. A powerful sound change, but still old Rhymin' Simon
One thing that you will notice from this album is how far Paul Simon has taken his craft. The fact that he can incorporate his sixties-style songwriting with the electronica/rock sound of the millenium is a powerful testament to his prowess as a crafter of songs. One thing another reviewer noted (not on this page, but can't remember his name) was that both Brian Eno and Paul Simon were "Worldbeat explorers". What this meant was that, although they come from different backgrounds musically, they can fit together like a big cog in a clock with a small cog in the same clock. Thus, this album proceeds like well-organized clockwork.
Now, that is far from a bad thing, especially from Paul Simon. After his last major album, Graceland, Paul Simon has slowly been on the downswing in popularity and creativity. Now, however, Paul returns to the standards of his best work - a great tune, great lyrics, and strange, wonderful messages hidden in both lyrics and tune. You will find everything that a Paul Simon fan will want to hear on this album, if you listen hard enough. I have listened, and, in all honesty, this album is as good and as groundbreaking as Graceland was. Definitely a must.
Submitted by Galen (Anchorage, AK, USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful. The 'Real' Simon Returns!
As a fan of Simons since '70(...hell I AM getting old), I was still dubious about buying this album.I needn't have worried as he's back to top form.This album is head and shoulders above his last 'Your The One'.
Opening with the beautiful 'How Can You Live In The Northeast' this album just improves as it flows easily along.The 'Sonic Landscape' created by Brian Eno is effective in a similar way to 'Ladysmith Black Mambazo's' backdrop on 'Graceland'.Highlights for me are 'Wartime Prayers' and 'Father And Daughter' but all tracks are wonderful.
Welcome back Mr.Simon....
Submitted by Michael (Birr,Offaly,Ireland.)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No 1 of 1 found this helpful. List All Reviews | Have you heard this album? |  |
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