As singer/songwriter Frank Tedesso once put it, GRACELAND is the mountaintop and RHYTHM OF THE SAINTS is the mist around the peak. The latter certainly does seem to pick up where it's South African-flavoured predecessor left off. Though RHYTHM OF THE SAINTS relies on the traditional musical forms of a different part of the world (Brazil), Simon uses a somewhat similar strategy. He wraps his very American voice and lyrics around the rhythms and harmonies of a culture much more dependent on polyrhythms. In the process, he creates a newparadigm that is simultaneously familiar and excitingly fresh.
A new development is the undercurrent of social protest in the lyrics, something that GRACELAND only hinted at. Arunning lyrical theme is the intrusion of science and civilisation upon nature, and the catastrophic results. When he finds no solutions in the world of men, Simon turns to the divine. On "The Cool, Cool River", he supplicates himself, with the understanding that "these prayers are the memory of God". However close he may get to heaven, RHYTHM OF THE SAINTSdefinitely finds Simon treading a step or two north of the earth.

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5.0 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)

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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gentle fusion of Brazilian and Western Styles, 17 Sep 2003

By	Pieter "Toypom" (Johannesburg) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)

Paul Simon followed up the classic Graceland, his fusion of African and Western pop music with this stunning album of great songs with a South American and more particularly Brazilian flavour.

The Obvious Child is my favourite, a powerful melodic song with great drums and guitars and a wistful, nostalgic feel. Another favourite is The Coast, a story about a family of musicians taking shelter in a church; this song really impresses with its flowing melody, polyrhythmic drum patterns and moving lyrics.

Proof is another charming pop song, particularly noted for its evocative backing vocals and gentle, lilting rhythm whilst Further To Fly and She Moves On are more subdued, melancholy numbers with bubbling and insistent rhythmic patterns.

The mood lifts with the uptempo and buoyant Born At The Right Time, once again a lyrical and musical masterpiece and filled with catchy hooks. The guitar and atmospheric backing voices of Spirit Voices are beyond compare and the title track is a meandering piece with innovative instrumental flourishes.

What makes these songs particularly moving is that Simon tells the stories of ordinary people and that his perceptive, poetic lyrics are carried so well on the exotic instrumentation. Of course, the beautiful tunes have a lot to do with that. Rhythm Of The Saints may not be as immediately appealing as Graceland and may not offer quite as many classics, but it remains a major achievement, a brilliant marriage of Brazilian and Western popular musical styles.

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars drums, pretty words and perfect singing, 20 Mar 2001

By	rossclark66@hotmail.com (Edinburgh) - See all my reviews

This is the most sophisticated album by one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time. The title says it all; Brazilian and West African drumming is at the core with all manner of exotic instruments making the listener feel as if they are in the heart of the jungle. The singing is understated on a number of tracks, it is spot on and Simon makes remarkable use of his voice. Ranging from an almost talking blues style (Can't Run But) to soothing high pitched tones (Born at the Right Time) and powerful rock like vocals (Obvious Child). This all works remarkably well against the South American/African beat and makes for some of the most original sounding material in mainstream music. The complex lyrics and subtle music mean 'Rythm' is not as accesible as 'Graceland' or 'Your'e the One'. At first, you really have to listen for the drums on some of the tracks and some of the songs will never make complete sense to anyone but Paul Simon as they are not told in a linear fashion. But this is still instantly recognisable as a Paul Simon album. It might take a few listens before you get it, but this album is definatley worth it! The songs are beutiful, as are the lyrics, and the nature of the album means you find something new every time you listen.

Sit back, relax and take in some great music.

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the greatest albums ever, 5 Oct 2000

By A Customer

As a singer / songwriter, Paul Simon ranks as one of the greatest ever - with classic albums all through his career. The Rhythm of the Saints is just one more addition to a brilliant collection of work, with songs which are both deeply beautiful and thought provoking. The music itself continues from the African roots of Graceland to West Africa and from there to South America. The guitar parts are intricate and identifiably African, the rhythms of Olodum and others are unmistakeably South American - working together to produce something quite original for a mainstream album. Simon, an artist known for producing lyrics of exceptional originality and intelligence has exceeded all his previous work and managed to produce some unforgettable lines. An outstanding album in every way - and one which gets better with every listen - this should really be a part of anyone's collection.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Graceland was great. THIS IS BETTER. Hands down.
Believe it or not, this album received mixed reviews, creating a bizarre Pro-Graceland(+ Anti-'Saints'...) vs. Pro-Saints 'Which is better?' war that continues to this day. Read more

Published 7 months ago by C. Clarke

5.0 out of 5 stars A Timeless Classic
This album, coupled with "Graceland", marks a major direction both for the singer/songwriter and sensitive commercial pop music which marries Western sensibilities with the... Read more

Published 9 months ago by C. Killey

5.0 out of 5 stars This is worth your money!! Brilliant!
Paul Simon, probably the greatest singer/songwriter of all time. This album is flawless, with it's array of cultural drums and other unusual percussion instruments, the sounds... Read more

Published on 4 April 2002 by mrnunki@aol.com

5.0 out of 5 stars drums, pretty words and perfect singing
This is the most sophisticated album by one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time. The title says it all; Brazilian and West African drumming is at the core with all... Read more

Published on 21 Mar 2001 by rossclark66@hotmail.com

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	72% buy the item featured on this page: The Rhythm of the Saints 5.0 out of 5 stars (7)
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