20 Best Paul Simon Songs, Ranked
1. Graceland – The title track from the 1986 album, it’s a poetic masterpiece blending Americana with African rhythms.
2. You Can Call Me Al – An upbeat and catchy song that’s hard not to dance to, with a memorable bass solo and music video featuring Chevy Chase.
3. The Sound of Silence – Originally performed with Art Garfunkel, this haunting tune is one of Simon’s most iconic works.
4. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes – A richly textured song from ‘Graceland’ that combines Simon’s clever lyricism with South African musical influences.
5. Mother and Child Reunion – Inspired by a chicken and egg dish at a Chinese restaurant, it’s an early example of reggae fusion in American music.
6. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover – With its smooth melody and practical breakup advice, this tune showcases Simon’s skills in songwriting.
7. Kodachrome – A nostalgic song that celebrates color photography as a metaphor for life experiences, encapsulating the joy of living in vivid hues.
8. Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard – A playful story-song that features an infectious chorus which has been a crowd-pleaser for decades.
9. American Tune – A reflective and melancholy song that touches on themes of disillusionment and hope within the American experience.
10. Slip Slidin’ Away – The gentle folk-rock tune that captures existential musings with its smooth harmonies and poignant lyrics.
11. Late in the Evening – This lively track reflects Simon’s exploration of rhythm and storytelling in the cityscapes of New York.
12. Still Crazy After All These Years – A saxophone-driven ballad that ponderously looks back on life with both wry humor and deep sentiment.
13. Loves Me Like a Rock – A soul-infused song where Simon celebrates motherly love backed by the gospel group The Dixie Hummingbirds.
14. The Boy in the Bubble – It marries introspective lyrics with vibrant South African beats reflecting on technological advancements against human emotions.
15. The Obvious Child – Driven by Brazilian percussion, this intricate song contemplates maturity and the passage of time.
16. Born at the Right Time – The foot tapping rhythm buoyantly carries optimistic lyrics about being lucky in life’s timing.
17. Train in the Distance – A profound narrative about hopefulness despite the persistence of human folly resonates deeply in this track.
18. Rene and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After the War – This is a beautifully surreal song painting intimate portraits through historical references.
19. Cool, Cool River – With its flowing melody, it is a rich commentary on violence and forgiveness weaving through our collective conscience like a river.
20. Hearts and Bones – An introspective tune about relationships and their complexities mirrors his own short-lived union with Carrie Fisher.”