Paul Simon
Hearts and Bones

THE REVIEW

1983, exactly three years before revolutionizing the world of rock music with "Graceland," the mild Paul Simon begins to open his interests toward certain African sounds and world music in general with "Hearts And Bones," an album that doesn't enjoy as much fame as its successor, but once again demonstrates the talent of this musician endowed with a unique poetic sensitivity. No one can remain unmoved listening to "America," "Kathy's Song" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

The lyrics of the album are mostly autobiographical, reflecting the trauma of separation from his wife; nevertheless, the sound blend is remarkable, with collaborations from artists of the caliber of Chic and Philip Glass. The opening is entrusted to the vocoder that filters Paul's voice in "Allergies," a track that is an excellent example of his rediscovered musical vein after the flop of the film "One Trick Pony," characterized by beautiful vocals and an excellent bass and drum base. It is followed by the acoustic title track, which harks back to the early solo period. "When Numbers Get Serious" and "Think Too Much(b)" are excellent, the latter characterized by suggestive Caribbean percussion. The vocals and decidedly African American choruses make "Song About The Moon" a true masterpiece, as well as the reprise of "Think Too Much", once again a nice rhythm perfectly supported by bass and drums on which Simon's singing fits wonderfully, integrating the choruses and the guitar in the foreground. "Train In The Distance" once again offers a unique piece, endowed with an intimate atmosphere underscored by splendid keyboards and choruses, "Cars are Cars" is the right prelude to the atmospheres of "Graceland," closing with the splendid "The Late Great Johnny Ace."

An album to have to warm up these cold and crazy autumn days a little, a work that testifies to Paul Simon's valuable contribution to world music and perfectly unites his more poetic and reflective side with his musical one.