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Seven Psalms Image
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

  • Summary: The acoustic seven-movement composition from Paul Simon features Edie Brickell and VOCES8.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. May 22, 2023
    100
    Starring his voice and nimble guitar, with subtly dramatic instrumentation adding texture throughout, this is less a record than a dream state designed to wash over the listener in one sitting.
  2. May 19, 2023
    93
    “Seven Psalms” is unlike any other Simon album in almost too many ways to list.
  3. May 18, 2023
    90
    “Seven Psalms” stays true to Simon’s own instincts: observant, elliptical, perpetually questioning and quietly encompassing. ... It has places of lingering contemplation and it has sudden, startling changes; its informality is exactingly planned.
  4. Mojo
    May 18, 2023
    80
    One of the most compelling and stone-cold beautiful albums Simon has ever made. [Jul 2023, p.80]
  5. May 18, 2023
    80
    What makes this music connect is Simon’s ability to make a spiritual setting feel down-to-earth, what you might expect from one of American pop music’s greatest conversational songwriters.
  6. May 18, 2023
    80
    In its still-life reflections, Seven Psalms doesn't play like a summation as much as an epilogue to a major artist's career, music that doesn't deepens appreciation for his lasting achievements, of which this mini-suite is certainly one.
  7. 70
    Seven Psalms is certainly an intriguing album, but not necessarily one that will reflect the faith of his followers.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. May 23, 2023
    10
    In a way, this project reminds me of the first side of Bookends. How terribly strange to be 81. Anything here could stand well next toIn a way, this project reminds me of the first side of Bookends. How terribly strange to be 81. Anything here could stand well next to anything from Simon’s 60’s and 70’s work. He seems to have tapped into that magical creative spirit that eludes almost any other artist in their later years. What a happy surprise. Expand
  2. May 25, 2023
    9
    This is an excellent contemplative album that shows us Paul at his most introspective.
  3. Jun 11, 2023
    7
    A pleasant journey that becomes unreachable just because everything happens on one same track. Even though that, Paul Simon knows how to danceA pleasant journey that becomes unreachable just because everything happens on one same track. Even though that, Paul Simon knows how to dance with his chords to keep this single track, entertaining and strong enough to make it kind of a quick ride through the lowlands. There is a nice mellow essence that is warm and kind to the ears, there are also some happy melancholic moments that I just wish they could exist apart from all of this journey to make this, not just a bag full of memories that is heavy to carry, but a bag with the most special ones that can be saved in a pocket. Anyway, there is something appealing enough to stop and admire here, but in a saturated life, one might prefer to leave early to avoid engaging, or simply swallow the fact they're concerts beautiful enough they only deserve the attention of those who transit, not as passants, but as seekers, and this is a nice treasure to find. Expand