The surprises on Paul Simon's new album are small, but still worthwhile. Teaming up with everyone's favourite boffin, Brian Eno, may seem slightly odd. That is until you remember that Simon made his name with songs that were shot through with intellectual detachment and displayed a mind preoccupied with far more than the standard 60s folkie fare (songs about Frank Lloyd Wright anyone?). And indeed, it seems as though the pairing is an easy match, with Eno's 'sonic landscapes'  tweaking Simon's muse up with sublime ambiences and 21st century rhythms as well as their obvious shared love of an Africocentric vibe.

Belying his voice - which sounds as fresh and angelic as it did in 1965 - the songs concern themselves with age, family and beauty; all set in the socio-political landscape of a post-Bush USA (naturally). While it takes a little time to get used to the sound of the man who wrote "The Boxer" singing over a drum and bass beat, the end results (bolstered with guest spots from luminaries such as Herbie Hancock and Bill Frisell) are both beautiful and credible.

The only exception is the Oscar-nominated final track, "Father And Daughter", which pre-dates the Eno sessions (coming from the soundtrack of The Wild Thornberrys Movie) which, while lovely, jars with the sleeker textures of the rest of the album. But the fact is that Surprise is Simon's best work for aeons. 

Reviewer: Chris Jones 

Like This? Try These:
Neil Young - Prairie Wind
Bill Frisell - The Willies
Brian Eno - Another Day On Earth

I couldn't talk in music jargon if my life depended on it, but as a fan of more than 20 years now, I can tell you I like Paul Simon's new album very much. The lyrics are up there with Simon's (or anyone's) best, and the music too. Although I like 'Father and daughter' too, I agree with most critics that it really doesn't belong with the other songs.
Anne-Mie (Belgium)

I've heard the entire album on US import. It's very different from what Paul Simon has done before. It's refreshing, raw and his vocals bring it all back home. A brilliant surprise from one of the best singer/songwriters around. Buy it.
Jeff W, Middlesex

Interesting little postscript -- all through the lyrics on the liner notes are highlighted words and they all lead us to the lovely discovery that like a drop, a tremendum, the rings of influence, of reverberation are ours to perceive and ours to observe. This post-Bush penseé is an invitation to be a force also. Bravo to Simon for this forceful, personal landscape of water and growth for all of us.
Kat Langford USA

This album is a near masterpiece. Paul Simon's determination not to write standard issue pop tunes continues with his work on "Surprise" with the exception of the anthem-like "Wartime Prayers", a stirring, gospel-inflected rumination on a contemporary troubled world; and the lovely "Father and Daughter", the only cut remotely resembling a "Top 40" song of old. However, both songs seem oddly out of place amid the 9 other tracks which are essentially Art Songs. Simon's voice seems to get better with age. He sings with great emotion and reaches for the high notes with a choir boy falsetto that rivals the angelic beauty of former partner Art Garfunkel's set of pipes. Brian Eno's "sound scapes" mesh beautifully with Simon's impeccable delivery. "Surprise" is a fascinating and often breathtaking album. If "You're the One" was able to cop a Grammy Nomination for Best Pop Album, then "Surprise" by all rights deserves to win the award, which it probably won't in this age of "American Idol" medicrity.
Michael O'Farrell (USA)

The music (especially Simon's guitar-work), lyrics and vocals are all fantastic. I love the album so much so that I will pay to see him in concert soon.
BillyJeen, Fremont CA

If you think this is Simon's work for Aeons, you haven't been paying attention... especially since you keep referring to his 60's work as if that was the height of his career. Surprise WAS a surprise in terms of how completely dull it seems in comparison to some of his other albums. Admittedly, his albums tend to take some time for me to fully appreciate, but this one seems to lack energy.
Roger, San Francisco

Having listened to the album several times now I am becoming convinced that this is is Paul Simons most challenging work so far, in terms of his music as well as his lyrics. Eno's techno sound and Simon's folk souns complement eachother brilliantly, whilst his lyrical depiction of everyday life (i.e. religion, marriage, death etc.) makes you wonder and ponder. Somehow Paul Simon always seems to have written his songs for me personnally and with Surprises this feeling has grown stronger. Buy it, listen to it, feel it and enjoy.
Martyn, The Netherlands

As a longtime fan, I am pleased that Paul Simon has delivered an enjoyable return to form. With "Surprise", he blends both relaxing and upbeat rhythms, whilst maintaining the thought provoking lyrics that he has made a trademark.
Lee Tomlinson, Birkenhead

Just got home after attending a dinner earlier this evening in New York for "The Childrens Health Fund".Paul Simon was present and performed brilliantly to an audience of about 150 in a small room in Chelsea Piers. One of the all time best singer songwriters and his performance of Father and Daughter was truly outstanding.
Chris, New Jersey

Lyricaly the best thing around and music that deserves serious listening..Paul Simon shows how music can still sound fresh and exciting no matter how old the composer.Superb..
Nevets Nibot

A wonderfully ‘musical’ album - full of sincere melodies, intelligent lyrics and a ‘soundscape’ that is a triumph on its own. Simon and Eno come together, each at the height of understanding their craft. Although not entirely revolutionary in its song writing, or production for that matter, both Simon and Eno seem to understand instinctively what is required to give life to the tracks. If only more could write in this way without letting ego or ‘the market’ suffocate the sound or meaning of what you are trying to express. A fantastic piece of work.
Carlo Scattini, London

How many years since or how different the songs to match or contrast. Surprise is delightful to an ear tuned to Simon and still crazy after these years. Father and Daughter caught my ear and did not fall away but lent yet another surprise to an album I have already listened to many many times. Thank you, Paul
Al Gonalez, NJ USA

A fantastic album indeed. My favourite since Rythmn of the Saints and quite possibly my favourite Paul Simon album. The lyrics are masterful and the new cutting edge music, though hard to get used to initially, grows on you quickly. A 5 star effort for sure.
Sumit M, Australia

Its good, very good even. But curiously if you play it on shuffle with Scritti Politti's new one it sounds like the same album.
Paul Westbury

Some have described 'Surprise' as a companion album to 2000's 'You're The One' and I can see there point in that (with the exception of 'Father and Daughter') the songs lack immediacy but are definitely 'growers'. But whereas 'You're The One' found Simon interospective and generally downbeat and understated, 'Surprise' is expansive and outward-looking. Simon seems to have reinvigorated his passion for his music and the enjoyment shows. 'Surprise' once again finds Simon's voice alone carrying the tune and therefore the songs can often take a number of listens to become hummable - but this is what the master wants I am sure. I hope that the experience of creating the album sparks Simon on to more work soon - 'Surprise' I am sure will become (yet another) Paul Simon classic.
Edd, Whitley Bay

I love the new album. The more I listen the more I hear in it. It has taken over Graceland's spot as my favorite. It touches my soul. I can't wait to see him Jul1 1.
Donna King--USA

My heavens the man just gets better and better.Simon has always been a benchmark for excellence in composing and acoustic guitar playing etc but this new album is truly a revelation.He plays all the guitars on this album with only two excepthons.Mid sixties and still pushing the envelope.Buy this cd but beware.These melodies will worm thier way into your subconcious before you can shout...SURPRISE.
Ian D.Queensland Australia