Precise and poignant take on classics
Paul Simon has brought an album of re-recorded deep cuts with In The Blue Light, releasing as he winds down his “farewell tour.” Notoriously precise in his musical methods, it’s interesting to listen to the album with a curious ear, discovering the various alternative imaginings that Simon came up with. It’s a legendary move to rework lesser known songs rather than go the easier route of bringing back his longstanding mega-hits like “You Can Call Me Al.” Simon’s voice is now slightly deeper and fuller, but as strong as ever and the album is a wholly nostalgic experience.
Opening with “One Man’s Ceiling Is Another Man’s Floor,” In The Blue Light showcases Simon’s strong vocals over a more free-wheeling piano jam than in the original. Throughout the album, Simon opts for a jazzier twinge on many of his previously more countrified tracks, and the album features stars like jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and saxophonist Joe Lovano. “Pigs, Sheep and Wolves” loses its country-folk twang and is reimagined as a funky New Orleans tune. There are stunning string arrangements courtesy of chamber group yMusic woven throughout. “The Teacher” transformed from its previously calypso incarnation to a more emotional string-driven version. Simon draws heavily from his 2000 album You’re The One, with In The Blue Light featuring 4 of its 10 songs from that album. Being as meticulous as he is, it is clear that Simon relished the opportunity to take advantage of technological advances to perfectly mix and master the tracks, each one incredibly clear and balanced.
In The Blue Light is a refreshing take on the farewell album. Choosing to honor his own legacy rather than reinvent his sound in an attempt at relevancy, Simon adds just enough newness to craft an album his fans will surely treasure. Both a gift to long-term fans as much as it must be a gift to himself, it is a joy to have a deeper look into the lesser-played songs. Simon knows “Graceland” has had plenty of shine, and is rightfully ensuring these 10 deeper cuts are getting their fair attention.
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