Seven Psalms isn't simply just a new album within Paul Simon's vast discography. It's definitely one of his most adventurous, intriguing, and engaging releases within his career.
Alright folks. You and I both know who Paul Simon is. I don't need to write a long winded introductory paragraph that acts as a history lesson explaining Paul Simon's legendary career and undeniable influence he's had within the music world as a whole. No, I'm not going to do that. Instead, I'm going to talk about his new album... or new song... or new suite? I honestly don't know what Seven Psalms is. It's technically billed as a movement of seven pieces that are meant to be listened to from start to finish in one continuous listen. So, it's kind of an album but also not. It's not your typical conventional pop album, that's for sure. This is his fifteenth "album" under his sole name and his first since In the Blue Light in 2018, which is a criminally underrated album that revisits some of his older songs in different ways and casting a new light on them. It's also his first collection of original music since 2016's Stranger to Stranger, which is also criminally underrated. I don't know why people don't really talk about this one. The production's so insane on that album!
Seven Psalms features Paul Simon in both a different and similar direction. Instrumentally, it features passages that often will repeat throughout the album while each movement seems to feature different sonic components. Lyrically, there's the primary humor, joking, and introspection that you'll typically find on a Paul Simon album. That's pretty much here in spades but there's definitely more of a current take, such as commentary on the Covid virus' impact. The overall album is in a continuous mix for the most part, where each section (or 'psalm') cohesively glides into the next one. The ideas and themes across the project came to him in a dream, which is pretty cool and spontaneous. Since it is intended to be listened to all the way through in one sitting, I definitely recommend doing the same. That's the best experience for exploring Seven Psalms. "The Lord" pretty much introduces the main theme of the record and will often repeat certain melodies or guitar tones throughout the album. These tones and melodies then progress and morph in a dreamy fashion that's really fun to hear.
"My Professional Opinion" has the wit, stomp and harmonica playing similar to "Paranoia Blues" from his classic 1972 self-titled album. It's very fun, enjoyable, and nostalgic. As the album progresses, things start to get more and more experimental. The percussion on "Trail of Volcanoes" is very minimal and haunting. "The Sacred Harp" and "Wait" feature Simon's wife, Edie Brickell, on vocals offering a warm layer to the already warm instrumentation. It adds some nice added variety within an already pretty diverse album. As warm, inviting, and enveloping as Seven Psalms is, it certainly isn't Simon's most accessible or most pop-centric release. I could see many being tuned out by how these act like movements in one cohesive piece rather than traditional pop songs included in an album. As any fan of Simon's, I think nowadays it's pretty welcoming that Paul Simon is giving us new music this late into his career. Seven Psalms isn't simply just a new album within his vast discography. It's definitely one of his most adventurous, intriguing, and engaging releases within his career.
My Rating: 7 / 10 Psalms
Favorite Psalms: "The Lord," "Love Is Like a Braid," "Your Forgiveness," "Trail of Volcanoes"
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