Paul Simon’s new album, Songwriter is a director’s cut of his musical career. Curated by the man himself, this two disc compilation gives credence to both Simon’s monster hits (opening with a live version of “Sounds of Silence”) and his lesser known gems such as “Train In The Distance.” Encompassing songs written when he was as young as 21 to as old as 68, “Songwriter” covers a career as much as any compilation could cover one so prolific’s as Simon’s.

Paul Simon is impossible to pigeonhole, as he has never stopped exploring new realms of music. He has delved into jazz, folk, reggae, gospel, salsa, African, rock, electronica, and many more. You can draw on his rhythms and lyrics to suit any occasion. This impressive genre hopping tendency made him especially attractive for soundtracks. Films have been recruiting his soothing voice to score their backgrounds ever since his music played supporting actor for Dustin Hoffman in “The Graduate.”

The beauty of Simon’s music is that it can compliment any setting or mood. You can listen to him on a midnight run, sipping whiskey with cigars, smoking a joint on a balcony, making love to a beautiful woman, lying on the beach, shopping a bazaar in Brazil, or on a road trip through America. His voice can empathize with you when you’re depressed and alone or it can make you incandescently content with life.

Those looking for a “greatest of,” album should keep looking. Seen by the exclusion of such hits as “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover,” “Me and Julio Down By The School Yard” and “America,” this is by no means a greatest hits album. Rather, this is an album designed by Simon himself for reasons all his own. 

The title of the album implies that these may be the songs that Simon is most proud to have written. Placing emphasis on the writing over the singing he even chooses an Aretha Franklin cover of “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” as the third track (the money track). It’s a cover so beautiful and comforting you almost wish he sprinkled a few more throughout the album.

The purpose of the album is made clear in the very first words you hear. Simon opens with an especially emotional live version of “The Sound of Silence” that lets the listener settle in with an extended instrumental prologue before we hear him ominously sing, “Hello darkness my old friend.” From the moment you hear this nakedly poignant first line you know that this album is going to be a tour through the mind of the artist.

This string of music is for fans who want to know the singer rather than be entertained by him. This is for fans who will be pleased to hear some more unfamiliar tracks that Simon considered overlooked throughout his career. It is not for fans who are looking for a few more live versions of “Mrs. Robinson” or “Cecilia.”
So if you want a glimpse into the mind of one of the most brilliant songwriters of all time, take a peak into “Songwriter.” You won’t be disappointed.