Seven Psalms

Seven Psalms by Paul Simon is a brilliant album, the songwriter’s latest. While there are some traditional Paul Simon elements in the piece (one thirty-three-minute song in seven parts) in terms of guitar style and lyrics, the album shows an artist who continues to evolve just as he did when he wrote Graceland. He breaks new ground here both musically and thematically.Simon has said in many interviews that he received the music and lyrics for Seven Psalms in a series of dreams that began in 2019 and continued through the Covid lockdown, which allowed him to explore the concept and the information that kept coming between 3:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. At the beginning, the first dream told him that he would be working on an album called “seven psalms.” After consulting a Bible to look at the Book of Psalms, he decided that he couldn’t write a piece in that exact format or tone. Still, the piece has a structure that qualifies the work as a dialogue about God or “the Lord,” the latter being the name of the opening section.Simon has explained in other interviews that he was doing what many artists have done through the millennia, which is to be the vehicle for what wants to be expressed. It’s interesting that he doesn’t claim that these are messages in any kind of orthodox or denominational sense, and they’re certainly not. They do, however, have a spiritual flavor, and he has stated that perhaps he’s having an argument with himself on the nature of God or the Divine. At heart, though, what pulled this listener into buying and listening to the CD is that he felt certain that the lyrics and music were coming from someone or something that he didn’t fully understand. I was already a Paul Simon fan, but this was the hook that I couldn’t resist.Simon is on record as stating that the final step in a song is what the listener brings to it, which may or may not represent his original intention or meaning. In fact, it may have a twist that is just as relevant or salient. So my take on Seven Psalms is just that: my interpretation and impressions. But I do know that the album deserves multiple hearings because it is a layered work that will bring something new to the forefront each time someone listens to it.The work is narratively rendered in the first person, although “Your Forgiveness” is in the second grammatical person and appears to be addressed to the Lord. This is but one of many aspects of the piece that I find intriguing, for the album in its entirety seems to be both a question and an answer, certainty and doubt, descriptions of the good and the bad, hope and a few glances back at the narrator’s hesitations (“The Lord is a puff of smoke, That disappears when the wind blows, The Lord is my personal joke, My reflection in the window”).These balancing and sometimes opposing forces reminded me of William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience. The world is a tiger; the world is a lamb. In the case of Seven Psalms, “The Covid virus is the lord, The Lord is the ocean rising, The Lord is a terrible swift sword ….” versus “The Lord is a meal for the poorest of the poor, A welcome door to the stranger.” This juxtaposition of opposites is, in some ways, reminiscent of Eastern spirituality and its emphasis on yin and yang and complimentarity. During some listenings, I felt I was perceiving a grand unification of ideas and the connectedness of all things.That may or may not be there intentionally, and I don’t think Seven Psalms is a hoorah for Eastern belief systems. That’s the beauty of it. It transcends being categorized into this or that, yes or no, up or down. Perhaps that is also why there is versatility among the sections of the piece. “My Professional Opinion” is a bluesy number that contains trademark Simon humor, while “The Sacred Harp” is a more linear narrative about a pickup truck picking up two hitchhikers.The end of “The Sacred Harp” expresses a longing for the sound of the harp that David played in the Book of Psalms so that hearts might be set ablaze. This sets the stage for the final piece, “Wait,” which employs a more Western spiritual vernacular and expresses an optimism and hope after the belief-doubt dialogue in the previous sections. We hear the words “Children! get ready, It’s time to come home,” which echoes the earlier “Dip your hand in heaven’s waters.” The album ends with a traditional “Amen.” I felt that this one-word ending was saying, “This is the way I received it, and this is the way I’m passing it along. I’m finished now.”Seven Psalms is perhaps a meditation, but above all it is a mystery. Indeed, Simon sings towards the end “I want you here by my side, My beautiful mystery guide.” It’s a note of confidence and trust that brings the other pieces together and provides a focus for the entire album. The mystery isn’t completely solved, of course, but there’s now hope on the spiritual path.I really loved this album. The music is innovative and moving, and Simon’s vocals—at times plaintive, evocative, and even assertive—are strong. I’m glad he shared his continuing journey, and I hope there will be new insights and songs in the future.

Wow. It's been years since I've heard anything by Paul Simon but this popped up as a suggestion and thought I'd give it a try. Nothing prepared me for the stunningly haunting lyrics, music and overall impact. As a life long fan of his early work as well as a forever fan of the duo, this is perhaps his best work ever. The creativity, the questions, the small self deprecating "jokes" at his own struggle...it resonates, it sooths, it conflicts all along the journey. This is not the rehashed versions of old glory days but something new, mature, ephemeral and yet so very foundational. I can only hope he continues to add to this collection...it's unlike anything else in the very best way.

Love Paul Simon and have enjoyed his albums for years. So glad he is still very productive even with age. ~30 min continuous music without breaks, intended to be listened to as a whole. The first listen through I wasn't sure but then I really listened to whole thing without other distractions and loved it. This is a mature Paul Simon with a more aged voice. Guitar is lush and beautiful, lyrics are mostly great and I love that it is almost all acoustic and not over produced. Several of the songs just stick in your head (The Lord--which also pops up several times between other songs like a bridge, The Sacred Harp). The only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is that when I put it in my car cd player the cd itself is labeled "Chris Cardell, Essential Profit Strategies".... that's the name that comes up on the computer screen. I bought a 2nd cd hoping it would have correct name but, alas, name is same thing. Oh well, saved it to my in-car music collection anyway and I know it is actually Paul Simon. Love this CD. Listen to it often. Thanks Paul!

"Seven Psalms" is the present where Paul Simon, who has continued to sing the loneliness and melancholy of the city, has arrived. The soundscape of the “Seven Psalms” is reminiscent of chants and hymns. Paul's voice is soothing, and his guitar playing is heartfelt. Paul sings that the corona epidemic, the impact of global warming, and the tragedy in conflict areas are all due to God's will. His singing voice, which repeats "The Lord is..." over and over again, shows no sign of resignation or dissatisfaction with the current situation. Rather, we feel something like Paul's strong determination to face the difficulties in front of him in a natural way while obediently accepting them. It is the lyrics of Paul Simon that occupy a position firmly in the centre. Although it is a simple composition with only voice and guitar, it is full of appealing charm. This truly shows that Paul's craftsmanship is at its peak. This wonderful, intricately crafted work deeply fascinates the listener and invites us into a world of meditation.

The way I came to hear about this album may show how God works to bring awareness to what he wants people to pay attention to. First a friend told me to go watch a video and I decided to do that. Then while I was watching the video I was listening and then went to write some emails. Then I suddenly heard a different voice speaking and it sounded familiar.So I stopped writing emails and went to watch and listen to Paul Simon telling an interviewer that his latest album came to him in dreams of words. Since God is known for sending dreams to people I found this all very intriguing. So I decided to get the album and see if I could figure out what God was saying or at least how Paul Simon was interpreting the messages.I truly believe God still speaks to us and is trying to get our attention if we will listen. That is why I recommend this CD of heartfelt songs. It seems Paul Simon's inner wisdom and God's messages to him created an album that is very meaningful and profound.Some of the lyrics which seemed especially true include:"All that really mattersIs the one who became us.""Life is a meteorLet your eyes roamHeaven is beautifulIt's almost like home"There is only one track so you can't listen to a particular song without listening to everything from the beginning. This is not a problem really as the music is supposed to be listened to from start to finish with familiar choruses sung here and there to connect the songs as a whole.The lyrics are almost hypnotic with the beauty of the acoustic guitar and Paul Simon's soul vibrating in his voice. These songs demand your full attention and speak of a soul grappling with eternal truths, even with a dose of humor.Some of the issues these songs deal with include forgiveness, humility, doubt, belief, heaven and death. Each song seems to blend into the next creating a continuation of soothing melodies with unique instruments. Bells, gongs, drums, flute and cello make this spiritually beautiful. The harmonies with Edie Brickell are truly comforting.The booklet has no issues except the word "time" was left out at the end of Trail of Volcanoes. It is fun to read along so you catch all the rhymes. Paul Simon sings at his own pace and some of the songs feel like stories from his life.I can recommend this highly knowing the music will affect you deeply and may it help to transform you into who you are becoming. Be ready to experience something truly unique in the world of music CDs.~The Rebecca Review

For me, Paul Simon goes back to early childhood as I first heard his music as a toddler in the mid-1970's. I have clear memories of "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" (1975) and "Slip Slidin' Away" (1977). I am a big fan of his music and especially his songwriting. I own all of his solo albums (but not Simon and Garfunkel)."Seven Psalms" is a meditative rumination on life in one 33-minute cycle (not unlike Prince's 1988 album "Lovesexy"). There are no indexes for the tracks. There are seven songs, "The Lord", "Love is Like a Braid", "My Professional Opinion", "Your Forgiveness", "Trail of Volcanoes", "The Sacred Harp" and "Wait" with "The Lord" reprising at the end of "My Professional Opinion" and "The Sacred Harp".In comparison to his other body of work, for me, this was on par with his lesser works like "Songs from The Capeman" (1997), "One-Trick Pony" (1980) and "In the Blue Light" (2018) and maybe even "Hearts and Bones" (1983). This is an entirely acoustic affair with some additional instrumentation added to certain tracks. Surprisingly, his wife, Edie Brickell, appears on the last two tracks. I say surprising because they've been married for 30 years and this is the first time either has appeared on either's work. I liked it.I also noticed, at 83, that Simon's vocals are not what they used to be. He sounds hoarser here than ever before, but his songwriting is still intact. His sense of melody remains solid as well and I can hum and sing many of these seven songs which is a testament to Simon. When he dies I will miss him and the industry will have lost a great songwriter. As for "Seven Psalms" all I can say is Simon is still throwing curve balls even this late in his career, but it's not a favorite of mine. I give it three stars (average).Here's how "Seven Psalms" compares to Simon's other works:1972 Paul Simon: Five Stars1973 There Goes Rhymin' Simon: Five Stars1975 Still Crazy After All These Years: Five Stars1980 One Trick Pony: Two Stars1983 Hearts And Bones: Three Stars1986 Graceland: Five Stars1990 The Rhythm Of The Saints: Five Stars1997 Songs From The Capeman: One Star2000 You're The One: Four Stars2006 Surprise: Three Stars2011 So Beautiful Or So What: Three and a Half Stars2016 Stranger to Stranger: Three and a Half Stars2018 In the Blue Light: Three Stars2023 Seven Psalms: Three Stars

This feels like it may be Paul Simon's last album. Apparently it came to him in a dream, but it certainly deals with death and the prospects thereafter, which is likely top of mind for someone Paul's age. It is a beautiful and haunting work featuring brilliant guitar playing, something you don't often see from an octogenarian.

At 33 minutes, this is a very short album, kinda like the masterpiece 'Tea for the Tillerman' (<37 minutes). It does flow like all the selections are part of the same song; they're connected by reprises of the first song, "The Lord". You don't have to be religious to receive Paul's message(s). Just listen. If you're completely intolerant of Christianity, you're truly lost, and probably can't appreciate anything. Loosen up, and you'll hear a little bit more each time you play this album. What an incredible body of work this man has produced, and he's not through yet. Paul Simon is like a Beatle.

Erg ingetogen album

Uma obra impecável de Paul Simon. Apesar da voz mais grave, sua identidade musical permanece a mesma, com dedilhados rápidos e acordes limpos no violão. Recomendo.

Just when you think Paul Simon was quietly - snd deservedly - enjoying his golden years and status as a living legend, he wakes up in the night with this song cycle going through his head. It is one long 30-minute song with no individual tracks. It is a work of beauty that engages and transports.

Paul Simon non si smentisce mai, ma d'altronde come potrebbe.Veramente un bellissimo album, copertina molto bella, cartonato.

IK kan geen sterren geven - CD werd besteld en betaald maar nu nog altijd niet geleverd. Zou zelfs niet meer beschikbaar zijn bij Amazon wat vreemd is....