You have to hand it to Paul Simon. Anyone would have trouble following up the excellent, ground-breaking album "Graceland." Although "Rhythm of the Saints" was not as critically acclaimed as its predecessor, it is nevertheless a superb offering from the great American singer/songwriter. In fact, this album's strength lies in Simon's break from the zydeco-heavy music in "Graceland" to concentrate more on pulsing African drum beats. Simon combines his understated guitar-playing with joyful, bouncing bass and percussion to achieve a friendly sort of sound that can almost be described as "pop." I mean that in a good way - the music just never gets dreary or heavy-handed. The lyrics are interesting (if a little cryptic), personal, and (yes, I'll admit) singable. And, of course, they are delivered in Simon's typical low-key fashion.

"The Obvious Child" open the album with a marching snare drum that changes pace and turns into a beat that reminds the listener almost of maracas being shaken. Simon intersperses the drum with a synthesizer tuned to emulate a trombone and a tuba but in an unassuming way. Simon seems to be contemplating growing older when he sings, "I'm accustomed to a smooth ride/Or maybe I'm a dog who's lost its bite." To employ an overused cliche, Simon is getting better with age.

Simon has arguably never sounded better than he does on "The Coast," easily the album's best track. The song features an instantly pleasing guitar melody accompanied by soft congas and a almost-questioning bass guitar. Back are the background singers from the group 'Ladysmith Black Mambazo,' who collaborated so memorably on "Graceland." Sadly, their contributions are limited to a brief addition to the chorus. While the tune is terrific, "The Coast" is truly great because of lyrics like, "This is a lonely life/Sorrows everywhere you turn/And that's worth something/When you think about it."

"Rhythm" turns quietly introspective on several tracks as well. "Further to Fly" presents a soft but complex percussion arrangement. Synthesizer and guitar parts play off one another to give the song almost a Spanish sound (minus the castanets). "Can't Run But" likewise features a soft but very interesting beat, one that involves a 'talking drum.' It also begins with the playful statement, "I can't run but/I can walk much faster than this."

Simon fans will love this album. But, being fans, they probably already know that because they probably already own it. Listeners new to Simon should enjoy this album (and don't hesitate to pick up "Graceland" also). This album is a joy to listen to and reminds me why I love Simon's music. He was, as he later sings, "Born at the instant/The church bells chime/And the whole world whispering/Born at the right time." Thank goodness for all of us that he was.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends