Paul Simon is one of the greatest songwriters in history, and in his latest offering, You're the One, he certainly lives up to that standard. Although a departure from his recent albums -- the African-influenced Graceland and The Rhythm of Saints, which had Brazilian undercurrents -- You're the One gets back to Simon's simple storytelling and simple music.
Paul Simon
You're the One
Warner Brothers
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The album starts off with the sweet "That's Where I Belong." Simon sings of his love, "When I see you laughing/ When I see you smiling/ The way you turn/ That's where I belong." The song conjures up sunny days driving in a convertible and lying in the grass. The sweet sounds of the bamboo flute run through the song and give it that extra tinge of melodiousness.
As Simon approaches 60, it is obvious in this album that he is taking stock of his life. Death, religion, love and life permeate You're the One. In "Darling Lorraine," for example, Simon sings of Frank's relationship with the aforementioned Lorraine and how, even though she does nothing, he still needs her.
Lorraine is terminally ill and the listener waits as Simon sings, "All the trees were washed with April rain/ And the moon in the meadow/ Took darling Lorraine." The longing and love in Simon's voice makes the listener wonder if there ever was a Lorraine. In "Old," Simon talks about growing up with music, the birth of religion, the human race and God.
You're the One only gets better as it goes along, with Simon's melodic voice cutting through the deep rhythms. In "Love," the word wavers dark and yearning over the guitar rhythms. In "Hurricane Eye" the lyrics bounce over the Caribbean pulses that twinkle through the song. The album ends on a high note. "Quiet" is soft and slow, as if lulling the listener into a peaceful sleep after an amazing story.
In the more than 30 years since Simon has made a name for himself as a musician, it is obvious he hasn't lost a beat. You're the One returns him to his roots and leaves the listener breathlessly wanting more.
