Paul Simon: You're the One

BY ALEX OVEIS

After the failure of Paul Simon's experiment in Broadway theater with The Capeman, it was clear that his next album would be subjected to close scrutiny. Further raising the stakes, You're The One is the first pop album he has released in 10 years with completely new material. Given this, it would be easy for a critic to pre-judge this album as another step in the pop legend's decline.

You're the One, however, brings back the successful pop-tune techniques for which Simon is famous. Once again he shows that pop can tackle universal questions and dilemmas. Throughout the album, Simon addresses such topics as his doubts about relationships, the problems of self-knowledge, issues of family, and his attempts to understand beauty. The final product is rich with wisdom, possibility, knowledge, and doubt. This talent for writing intelligent lyrics deep with sympathy is what makes You're the One successful.

The adult-pop sound that dominates the album is mixed, at points, with Simon's love for world music. The Latin-flavored "Senorita With a Necklace of Tears" is reminiscent of The Rhythm of Saints, Simon's exploration of Brazilian music. Overall, the songs have a simple, refined, and meditative nature to them that work well with his wise lyrics. Simon largely makes use of his classic twangy guitar-bass-percussion arrangement, supplemented with New Age and world music elements like bamboo flutes and African guitars. Despite the simple and stripped-down arrangements, the music is performed by a 10-member band, many of whom Simon has worked with on previous projects.

With this album, Simon had the chance to return to his classic adult-pop sound and escape his Broadway failure. With wisdom and maturity, You're The One succeeds on all counts. (WB) 

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