The Rhythm of the Saints

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The Rhythm of the Saints
Rhythm Of The Saints.jpg
Studio album by
Paul Simon
ReleasedOctober 16, 1990
RecordedDecember 1989 – June 1990
GenrePop, rock, worldbeat
Length44:34
LabelWarner Bros.
ProducerPaul Simon
Paul Simon chronology
Negotiations and Love Songs
(1988) 		The Rhythm of the Saints
(1990) 		Paul Simon's Concert in the Park
(1991)
Singles from The Rhythm of the Saints
  1. "The Obvious Child"
    Released: September 1990
  2. "Proof"
    Released: February 1991
  3. "Born at the Right Time"
    Released: 1991

The Rhythm of the Saints is the eighth solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Paul Simon, released on October 16, 1990 on Warner Bros. Like its predecessor Graceland (1986), the album gained commercial success and received mostly favorable reviews from critics.

In 1992, The Rhythm of the Saints earned two nominations for the 34th Grammy Awards – Album of the Year and Producer of the Year.[1][2]

Reception[]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic4/5 stars[3]
Blender4/5 stars[4]
Chicago Tribune4/4 stars[5]
Christgau's Consumer Guide(1-star Honorable Mention)[6]
Encyclopedia of Popular Music3/5 stars[7]
Entertainment WeeklyA+[8]
Los Angeles Times4/5 stars[9]
Orlando Sentinel5/5 stars[10]
Rolling Stone4/5 stars[11]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide2/5 stars[12]

The Rhythm of the Saints peaked at No. 4 on the US album chart, while Graceland had peaked at No. 3, ranking them both among Simon's most commercially successful albums. The album was also successful across the Atlantic, reaching No. 1 on the UK album chart. However, with the exception of "The Obvious Child", none of its three singles—including "Proof" and "Born at the Right Time"—charted or received substantial radio play. "The Obvious Child" also failed to reach the US top 40, although it reached No. 15 in the UK, becoming Simon's last major hit there. The album was certified Multi-Platinum.

Central Park concert[]

Alongside various musicians, Simon performed live versions of many of the songs from the album at a free concert in Central Park, New York City on August 15, 1991, in front of an audience of around 50,000 people. The performance was recorded and later released as the album Paul Simon's Concert in the Park.

Track listing[]

All tracks composed by Paul Simon, except where noted.[13]

Side one

  1. "The Obvious Child" – 4:10
  2. "Can't Run But" – 3:36
  3. "The Coast" (Simon, Vincent Nguini) – 5:04
  4. "Proof" – 4:39
  5. "Further to Fly" – 5:36

Side two

  2. "She Moves On" – 5:03
  3. "Born at the Right Time" – 3:48
  4. "The Cool, Cool River" – 4:33
  5. "Spirit Voices" (Simon, Milton Nascimento) – 3:56
  6. "The Rhythm of the Saints" – 4:12

Alternate track listing[]

According to Robert J. Reina of Stereophile gazine, Simon's original track sequence was changed when "the boys in Warners' front office insisted the album's lead single, 'The Obvious Child' be given pride of place."[14] To hear Simon's preferred track order, the current release would have to be re-sequenced as 3-6-4-7-8-1-2-9-5-10. At least two sleeves reflecting this track listing are known to exist.[15]

Side one

  1. "The Coast"
  2. "She Moves On"
  3. "Proof"
  4. "Born at the Right Time"
  5. "The Cool, Cool River"

Side two

  1. "The Obvious Child"
  2. "Can't Run But"
  3. "Spirit Voices"
  4. "Further to Fly"
  5. "The Rhythm of the Saints"

2004 reissue[]

In 2004, the album was remastered by Dan Hersch and Bill Inglot. It was reissued with the same track order as the original release, along with four bonus tracks:

  1. "Born at the Right Time" (Acoustic demo) – 3:50
  2. "Thelma" (Outtake) – 4:14 (Previously released on the Paul Simon 1964/1993 box set)
  3. "The Coast" (Work-in-progress version) – 5:13
  4. "Spirit Voices" (Work-in-progress version) – 3:49

Personnel[]

  • Paul Simon – vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar
  • C. J. Chenier – accordion
  • Ladysmith Black Mambazo – background vocals
  • Milton Nascimento – vocals
  • Naná Vasconcelos – percussion, conga, triangle, berimbau, gourd
  • Adrian Belew – synthesizer
  • J. J. Cale – guitar
  • Rigo Star – guitar (Liner notes erroneously credit him as "Ringo Star")
  • Michael Brecker – saxophone, EWI synthesizer
  • Hugh Masekela – flugelhorn
  • Giovanni Hidalgo – congas
  • Kim Wilson – harmonica
  • Clifton Anderson – trombone
  • Francisco Aguabella – congas
  • Artur Andres – percussion
  • Mingo Araujo – percussion, castanets, congas, cymbals, drums, triangle, shaker, African bells, agogo bells, cassinette
  • Isaac Asante – percussion
  • Martin Atangana – electric guitar
  • Dave Bargeron – euphonium
  • Karen Bernod – background vocals
  • Jude Bethel – tenor saxophone
  • Jacques Bolognesi – trombone
  • Randy Brecker – piccolo trumpet
  • Briz – background vocals
  • Anthony Carrillo – bongos
  • Elolongue Mbango Catherine – background vocals
  • Don Chacal – bongos, congas, bata, gourd
  • Wilson DasNeves – percussion, cowbell
  • Djana'd – background vocals
  • Charles Doherty – tenor and alto saxophone
  • Steve Gadd – drums
  • Florence Gnimagnon – background vocals
  • Myrna Lynn Gomila – background vocals
  • Gordinho – surdo
  • Grupo Cultural Olodum – drums
  • Alain Hatot – saxophone
  • Errol Ince – trumpet
  • Kia Jeffries – background vocals
  • Remi Kabaka – percussion
  • Bakithi Khumalo – bass guitar
  • Armand Sabal-Lecco – bass guitar
  • Charlotte M'bango – background vocals
  • Andre Manga – bass guitar
  • Mazzola – percussion, chicote
  • Jimmy McDonald – accordion
  • Clyde Mitchell – trumpet
  • Madeleine Yayodele Nelson – chekere
  • Vincent Nguini – guitars, bass guitar, claves
  • Greg Phillinganes – synthesizer
  • Ray Phiri – guitar
  • Raphael Rabello – guitar
  • Decio Ramos – drums
  • Felix Sabal-Lecco – drums
  • Paul Santos – percussion
  • Paulo Sérgio Santos – chicote
  • George Seba – electric guitar
  • Phillipe Slominski – trumpet
  • Pedro Sorongo – percussion, scraper
  • Justin Tchounou – synthesizer
  • Antonio Luis Alves de Souza – director
  • Remi Kabaka – drums
  • Beloba – percussion
  • Marçalzinho – percussion
  • Armandinho – guitar
  • Canegal – percussion
  • Sidinho Moreira – bongos, congas, drums, bottle, water bowl
  • Madeleine Yayodele Nelson – shekere
  • Jorge Ferreira da Silva – percussion
  • Kofi Electrik – guitar
  • Uakti – percussion

[16]

Charts[]

References[]

  1. ^ Dennis Hunt and Richard Cromelin (1991-01-09). "THE 34TH ANNUAL GRAMMY NOMINATIONS : Grammys Get 'Religion,' Nominate R.E.M. 7 Times". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2011-08-08.
  2. ^ Dennis Hunt and Richard Cromelin. "Rock On The Net: 34th Annual Grammy Awards – 1992". Retrieved 2011-08-08.
  3. ^ Ruhlmann, William. "The Rhythm of the Saints – Paul Simon". AllMusic. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
  4. ^ Powers, Ann (November 2006). "Back Catalogue: Paul Simon". Blender. New York (53).
  5. ^ Kot, Greg (October 14, 1990). "The Evolution Of Simon's Diverse Solo Career". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 22, 2018.
  6. ^ Christgau, Robert (2000). "CG Book '90s: S". Christgau's Consumer Guide: Albums of the '90s. Macmillan. ISBN 0312245602. Retrieved March 30, 2019 – via robertchristgau.com.
  7. ^ Larkin, Colin (2011). The Encyclopedia of Popular Music (5th concise ed.). Omnibus Press. ISBN 978-0-85712-595-8.
  8. ^ Sandow, Greg (October 26, 1990). "The Rhythm of the Saints". Entertainment Weekly. New York. Retrieved August 31, 2011.
  9. ^ Willman, Chris (October 14, 1990). "Paul Simon: 'The Rhythm of the Saints' (Warner Bros.)". Los Angeles Times.
  10. ^ Gettelman, Parry (October 19, 1990). "Paul Simon". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved January 22, 2018.
  11. ^ McAlley, John (November 15, 1990). "Paul Simon: The Rhythym(sic) of the Saints". Rolling Stone. New York. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
  12. ^ Sheffield, Rob (2004). "Paul Simon". In Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian (eds.). The New Rolling Stone Album Guide (4th ed.). London: Fireside Books. pp. 736–37. ISBN 0-7432-0169-8.
  13. ^ https://www.discogs.com/Paul-Simon-The-Rhythm-Of-The-Saints/release/480387
  14. ^ https://www.stereophile.com/content/1996-records-die-page-6
  15. ^ https://www.goldminemag.com/features/ask-the-expert-the-value-of-a-paul-simon-vinyl-jacket
  16. ^ Online, Globo. "Mazzola comemora 30 anos como produtor contando histórias". Gazeta do Povo (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2021-04-26.
  17. ^ "australian-charts.com Paul Simon – The Rhythm of the Saints". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved 2011-08-08.
  18. ^ "Paul Simon – The Rhythm of the Saints – austriancharts.at". Retrieved 2011-08-08.
  19. ^ Inc, Nielsen Business Media (28 December 1989). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 16 January 2017 – via Internet Archive.
  20. ^ "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". collectionscanada.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 18 November 2015. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
  21. ^ "dutchcharts.nl Paul Simon – The Rhythm of the Saints". dutchcharts.nl. MegaCharts. Retrieved 2011-08-08.
  22. ^ https://books.google.com/books?id=bCgEAAAAMBAJ&lr=&rview=1%7Caccessdate=25 September 2011
  23. ^ Pennanen, Timo (2006). Sisältää hitin – levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972 (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. p. 263. ISBN 978-951-1-21053-5.
  24. ^ "InfoDisc : Tous les Albums classés par Artiste > Choisir Un Artiste Dans la Liste : Paul Simon". infodisc.fr. Archived from the original on 2010-12-28. Retrieved 2011-08-01.
  25. ^ "Album Search: Paul Simon" (in German). Media Control. Archived from the original on August 10, 2011. Retrieved 2011-08-08.
  26. ^ lightmedia.hu. "Kereső - előadó/cím szerint - Archívum - Hivatalos magyar slágerlisták". slagerlistak.hu. Archived from the original on 24 September 2012. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
  27. ^ "Highest position and charting weeks of The Rhythm of the Saints by Paul Simon". oricon.co.jp (in Japanese). Oricon Style. Retrieved 2011-08-08.
  28. ^ "norwegiancharts.com Paul Simon – The Rhythm of the Saints". Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved 2011-08-08.
  29. ^ "charts.nz – Paul Simon – The Rhythm of the Saints". Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. Retrieved 2011-08-08.
  30. ^ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
  31. ^ "swedishcharts.com Paul Simon – The Rhythm of the Saints". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 2011-08-08.
  32. ^ "Paul Simon – The Rhythm of the Saints – hitparade.ch". Retrieved 2011-08-08.
  33. ^ "The Official Charts Company – Paul Simon – The Rhythm Of The Saints". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2011-08-07.
  34. ^ Allmusic – The Rhythm of the Saints > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums
  35. ^ "ARIA Charts – End of Year Charts – Top 50 Albums 1990". aria.com.au. Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 2011-08-07.
  36. ^ "Top 100 Albums of 1990". RPM. December 22, 1990. Archived from the original on October 18, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2010.
  37. ^ "Dutch charts jaaroverzichten 1990" (ASP) (in Dutch). Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  38. ^ "Complete UK Year-End Album Charts". Archived from the original on 2012-05-19. Retrieved 2011-08-07.
  39. ^ "RPM 100 Albums (CDs & Cassettes) of 1991". RPM. December 21, 1991. Archived from the original on April 8, 2014. Retrieved April 29, 2012.
  40. ^ "Billboard's list reveals best sellers". Houston Chronicle Archives. Billboard. Retrieved 2011-08-07.
  41. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1990 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
  42. ^ "Austrian album certifications – Paul Simon – The Rhythm of The Saints" (in German). IFPI Austria.
  43. ^ "Canadian album certifications – Paul Simon – The Rhythm of The Saints". Music Canada.
  44. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Paul Simon; 'Rhythm of The Saints')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie.
  45. ^ "New Zealand album certifications – Paul Simon – The Rhythm of The Saints". Recorded Music NZ.
  46. ^ Solo Exitos 1959-2002 Ano A Ano: Certificados 1979-1990. Iberautor Promociones Culturales. 2005. ISBN 8480486392.
  47. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards (Paul Simon; 'The Rhythm of The Saints')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien.
  48. ^ "British album certifications – Paul Simon – The Rhythm of The Saints". British Phonographic Industry.Select albums in the Format field. Select Platinum in the Certification field. Type The Rhythm of The Saints in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  49. ^ "American album certifications – Paul Simon – The Rhythm of The Saints". Recording Industry Association of America.
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