franciskim's Full Review: Hearts and Bones by Paul Simon
Released just before "Graceland", "Hearts and Bones" was possibly Simon's biggest commercial failure. Upon listening to the album, the reason for the sluggish sales is not readily apparent. Perhaps it was the introspective tone to the album, perhaps it was the eerie melodies, or maybe it was simply that the mellow singles were competing in a marketplace dominated by the Cars or Knopfler (no disrespect intended to them). In the end, it shouldn't really matter that the album was a flop, but oddly enough it has. Take for instance Randy Newman. He has never had a substantial commercial success, but still his albums are revered by those who follow him and by his critics. It's as if Randy is immune from the judgment of the general public -- he seems to appeal to a more 'enlightened audience' (I mean that in the least pretentious way possible, half tongue-in-cheek) who appreciates his music in a much different way. While Paul Simon generally appeals to the same audience, he has tasted real superstar status in his own right. And even to many serious Paul Simon fans, the fact that "Hearts and Bones" was a relative flop for him has caused them to dismiss it as a lesser Simon album.
Don't believe them.
"Hearts and Bones" is simply amazing. It's possibly Simon's most personal album, and when you have a songwriter as potent as Simon writing about his own feelings, you're going to be knocked over. The album starts with "Allergies", one of the most paranoid schizophrenic frantic numbers I've ever heard. Al Dimeola, new jazz/funk guru, makes a guest appearance on the lead guitar. The combination of Simon's lyrics and Dimeola's patented style of quirky lead will leave you feeling nothing but 80's angst. The song is followed by the title track which I feel is Simon's PhD. dissertation on love. Everything about his own fears, insecurities, hopes, and thoughts on love surface in this number.
"When Numbers Get Serious", "Cars are Cars", and "Song about the Moon" are wonderful pop tunes that prove how clever a lyricist Simon is. I would say more on these, but (as in my other reviews), I don't think descriptions of songs get you very far. In a brilliant move, Simon includes two songs of the same title "Think Too Much" on this album. These two songs even share some of the same lyrics, but in the end, you see two ingenious spins on one sentiment. "Train in the Distance" is probably the biggest hit off the album, and if you haven't heard it, buy the album now.
Lastly, "Rene and Georgette Magritte with their Dog After the War" and "The Late Great Johnny Ace" are both melodic departures for Simon. It's no secret that Simon played with our notion of keys and our sense of melody prior to this album, but I think these two songs are masterpieces. He proves to us with these two that he just hears music differently, and he can make you hear it too. And furthermore, he proves that he is one of the best lyricists in the history of the folk and pop tradition. Unlike many folk singers who try so hard to be storytellers, he can weave a story in such a way that you don't realize he's doing it.
Don't let it's sales receipts fool you -- "Hearts and Bones" is a classic album and a must have for any Simon fan. Unfortunately, you will have to shell out money for this one because none of your friends will have it.
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