User Score
Universal acclaim- based on 55 Ratings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 49 out of 55
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Mixed: 2 out of 55
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Negative: 4 out of 55
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EdSMay 10, 2006Paul Simon - the great explorer. Could he be the National Geographic of soundscapes? Always guiding and pulling me into new places with his songs. Surprise indeed!
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JohnCMay 20, 2006Pure Simon - despite all the hype about Eno. Sounds gorgeous and the lyric poetry often haunting and sometimes packing an emotional wallop. If only he was more productive and we didn't have to wait six years betweeb albums!
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CarloSMay 24, 2006A song writing and sonic triumph! As good as Graceland
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stevepJun 20, 2006Once again, Paul reinvents himself-A fresh new sound. This CD will get in your head and stay there-it is contagious. The lyrics and melodies are fantastic and the band showcasing Gadd on drums with Eno's landscapes will have you hooked.
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GregBJun 2, 2006Stellar. This CD creeps up on you and then gets totally into your head after a few listens. Hooks galore, although they're subtle at first. Great lyrics too, many about growing older and taking stock. Eno's guitar work is perfect. This is easily another artistic peak, right up there with Rhythm of the Saints (his unheralded masterpiece IMO) and Graceland.
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DaveMJun 7, 2006Surprisingly outstanding. Simon's usual cryptic lyrics haven't changed, but this has virtually no weaknesses. A stronger effort than "You're The One" and trails only "Graceland" in his catalog of powerful work.
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AlejandroRMay 10, 2006Brilliant
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BobFMay 11, 2006The best pop album since Graceland. It's as if Paul Simon was listening to Death Cab For Cutie, took all the best parts and made them his own. It's Graceland for the 21st Century.
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JuliánSMay 10, 2006A great, great record
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MichaelGMay 14, 2006Outrageously good!!!
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ScottAMay 15, 2006
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nancyMay 20, 2006I really love this album. I find it deeply emotional without being overwrought. His lyrics are deceptively simple and evoke a wide range of philosophical thoughts. I like the melodies, as well.
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cindykMay 22, 2006superb
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mikes.Jun 26, 2006lots of depth lyrically and eno's production provides layers of electronic ear candy. Excellent album, its a grower, For some reason I keep coming back to it, the more you listen to it the more you'll appreciate the genius of simon and eno.
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SuperDonkeyAug 14, 2006Two historically talented musicians collaborate each contributing their own styles. Turned out great and we should be glad they were both open minded enough to try it. Cheers
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TiagoAOct 20, 2009Beautiful record!!!
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BennySNov 19, 2006This album gets better and better with each playing as one starts to put together the ENTIRE picture of this excellent work of art. Not for the lazy minded. Thanks Paul!
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MattD.May 11, 2006It's not as revolutionary as Graceland or as classic as his Simon and Garfunkel work, but it shows Simon moving forward in a way that doesn't lose his personality. And his voice is mostly in tact after all these years. Do not listen to Pitchfork - the lyrics are appealingly poetic as always.
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JoeKMay 10, 2006
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suepMay 12, 2006love it! nice one paul
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gerrybMay 14, 2006love the lyrics, love the arrangemnts, I cant stop listening to it
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BrainEmoMay 15, 2006masterpiece
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RYMay 22, 2006All the organic and unique Paul Simon melodies and rhythms, against a different backdrop. Moments of greatness and moments of OK-ness.
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DaleKMay 23, 2006This is a great album! Paul's phrasing is confident, assured, each note is perfect. The music is interesting, and the sound thru headphones is spacey and pleasant. A CD that will make you happy.
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SpudderSpudderJun 16, 2006Repeated listening reveals depths that popular music is not supposed to reach. M
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JohnLJun 29, 2006
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ERobinsonJul 20, 2006The music is so interesting; its melodic and crashing within one song. The lyrics keep catching me by 'surprise' as I listen again and again.
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lliorAug 28, 2006a superb album musically and lyrically . maybe a bit long , but brilliant nevertheless. each song has at least one unforgetable line.
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LincJSep 13, 2006This is his best since "Rythm of The Saints" ! It is my favorite album of the year, and maybe of the deacade so far. It sounds, feels and reads just amazing. It really feels like he's rejuvinated. He and Eno fit together seamlessly ! A classic to be sure !!!!
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JeffSJan 5, 2007After the 3rd listen, its the best "new" sound I've heard in years. Wonderful poetry (not that I'm a bit poetry fan), good Simon rythms, and I love the Eno background.
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CWMar 23, 2007Awesome music with insightful lyrics!
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MarkEMay 30, 2009Good record. Eno adds interesting touches to the music and doesn't overwhelm Simon's folky core. Lyrics will keep you wanting more. But no great songs here that match up with Simon's best work. Best tracks are Outrageous and Beautiful.
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EdwardCMay 12, 2006Harks back to Sticks and Bones with some really complex ideas in the lyrics. Hard-edged lyrically, but not musically.
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BrettFMay 15, 2006Really solid and reflective work from a pop legend. It takes a few spins, but it's one of his best.
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LisaWMay 15, 2006Of his newer music, there cant be any comparison to Graceland, but I have been listening to it ever since it came out, and like it more and more each time. no one has such a way with words as paul simon
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KyleMay 21, 2006With Eno producing, no album blends lyrics with Peter Gabriel-like soundscapes like this album. It's catchy the first time through and even better as you go through and dig into Paul's amazing lyrics. Right under Graceland in my opinion
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joeeMay 27, 2006It's the BEST cd I've bought in 5 years and I buy allot of music. I bought because it's the "new" Paul Simon album no question bout it, has't be great tunes. It's no "Surprise". Look who wrote the cd. Joe (peace)
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Mar 24, 2012
Awards & Rankings
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Despite the album's shiny surface, Simon sounds like Simon.
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"Surprise" falls shy of a masterpiece, but it is consistently engaging and offers some of Simon's most creative songs in two decades.
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An ambitious and challenging work full of sonic experimentation and oblique lyrics.