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Do you know who Paul Simon is?  Of course you do.  His is a name well-known to... well, just about everyone.  Even those unfortunate folk who aren’t much into music know that he is of the greatest figures in popular music of nearly the last sixty years.  (It’s hard to believe, but he is now 83.)  Hearts and Bones, his 6th solo studio album, was meant to be a Simon & Garfunkel reunion album, and some songs were recorded with Garfunkel.   Then Garfunkel left the project, and Simon re-recorded the portions he had done in solo versions.  

Expectations were high for the album, both on his part and that of the public, based on his earlier wildly successful work with Garfunkel and also the success of his earlier solo efforts.  Those expectations went unfulfilled.  Some critics liked it but others did not, and the public’s indifferent response made it a commercial flop.  It’s failure to do well was reportedly a major disappointment for Simon.  

But lack of public acclaim does not make this anything less than an extremely good and worthwhile album!  It certainly deserves to be held in as high esteem as much of his other work.  Perhaps the public that didn’t appreciate it in the 80’s failed to experience the album on a good stereo system – the sonics are excellent.  

This is a well-planned and balanced album.  There is a mix of up-beat, rhythm-driven songs (e.g. “Allergies,” “Cars are Cars”), mid-tempo songs of thoughtful design and depth (the title cut) and slower, reflective songs as well (“The Late Great Johnny Ace”).  My favorite cut is “Train in the Distance” a meaningful reflection of love and disillusionment (that happens to be sonically impressive).

Simon’s considerable talents as a composer, lyricist, vocalist and musician in general are fully on display here, exhibited in all of the songs.  And he has some great side people supporting him.  It’s the kind of album to put on a decent system and sit back with a glass of your favorite adult beverage.  

I have to say that the LP is, but of course, the best and most rewarding format for experiencing the album.  The original release is often found in bargain bins.  (Another reason to spend time flipping through those boxes!)   Apparently it was also reissued on vinyl in 2018 under Sony’s Legacy label.  I haven’t heard that release, but I imagine it’s very good and it’s available from Amazon and Discogs.  The original CD was acceptable but did NOT do it justice.  It was remastered for CD in 2011 (with additional cuts) which I have, and it approaches the vinyl in the sonic quality it renders.