Everyone of Paul Simon’s vintage has a favourite Simon & Garfunkle song. I have several including the still very beautiful Bridge Over Troubled Water and highly contemplative narrative The Boxer. These and many others share the same lyrical and melodic strengths of virtually all the duo’s work. Then came the split and Simon’s classic GRACELANDS which still remains one of my favourite albums of all time, and of course spurned the hilarious music video featuring Chevy Chase. Sonically, it broke new ground with South Africa beating gloriously at its musical heart. In this sense Simon, along with Ry Cooder and John McLaughlin, has never been afraid to cross cultural and musical barriers, while always creating the most accessible adult pop. SURPRISE may not be as adventurous as other albums, but by introducing Brian Eno into the production equation he has managed to make a record that is fresh and vibrant, while still managing to include sonic snippets from his past releases. It is a very fine album laced with social, political and highly personal observations. Lyrically and sonically, it’s as strong as anything he has ever recorded.

The opening track, How Can You Live In The Northeast? , is one of several highlights, while pretty well summing up everything good about Simon’s music. The opening passages feature superb, rocky guitar and drum sounds before that distinctive voice rings out to deliver its lucid and intelligent message: “How can you build on the banks of a river when the flood pours from the mouth? How can you tattoo your body? Why do you cover your head? How can you eat from a rice bowl, the holy man only breaks bread?” Brian Eno’s production is nothing short of excellent, but then steps up a gear for the next track Everything About It Is A Love Song. The opening instrumental passage is a combination of the mystical and the blues, moves slowly along with vocal in tow. Then its pace suddenly quickens before settling back again. There’s more than enough melody for anyone while the magical lyrics are direct and heartfelt (“We don’t mean to mess things up, but mess them up we do. And then it’s ‘Oh I’m sorry.’”). Outrageous is another standout with its hard-edged musical commentary on modern materialism, vanity, and in fact sums up where we now find ourselves: “It’s outrageous to line your pockets off the misery of the poor. Outrageous, the crimes some human beings must endure. It’s a blessing to wash your face in the summer solstice rain…. Who’s gonna love you when your looks are gone? God will. Like he waters the flowers on your window sill.”

Another highlight is Wartime Prayers where a gospel style chorus adds depth and beauty to another heartfelt song. Looking at the sleeve notes it is Herbie Hancock on keyboards, Pino Palladino on bass, Steve Gadd on drums and the Jessy Dixon Singers that add weight to this gorgeous song. Beautiful is another winner and describes adopting babies from Bangladesh, Kosovo, and mainland China. I can only assume that these children were adopted by Simon, and it certainly sounds like it with lyrics like: “We brought a brand new baby from Kosovo. That was nearly seven years ago. He cried all night. Could not sleep. His eyes were bright, dark and deep. Beautiful.”

SURPRISE is really no surprise at all; it’s as interesting, intelligent and moving as Simon’s music gets; standard for him, unattainable by many other singer/songwriters. Brian Eno’s contribution is substantial; he has injected sonic originality and diversity, while not allowing electronics and fashion drown out what’s at the heart of this album. I also believe it’s his finest production achievement. So there you have it, a great album from a great artist. There are three albums to win so check out details on our front cover.

4.5/5