Stranger to Stranger
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Stranger to Stranger Image
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

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8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

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  • Summary: The 13th full-length solo release for the folk rock singer-songwriter was produced by Andy Smith and Roy Halee.
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Top Track

The Werewolf
Milwuakee man led a fairly decent life, made a fairly decent living, had a fairly decent wife. She killed him, ah, sushi knife. Now they're shopping... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. The Guardian
    Jun 2, 2016
    100
    Simon’s lyrics are finely honed, from the conversational The Werewolf to the confessional title track, a moving exploration of his creative process.
  2. Los Angeles Times
    Jun 1, 2016
    90
    A distinguished and captivating extension of, rather than a dramatic departure from, his rich body of work.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 6, 2016
    90
    Simon’s thirteenth studio album is as fresh and relevant as anything currently being mass-consumed by the market, and the things it forces you to think about are far more important than most of the topics that are being fed to us by the industry.
  4. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 1, 2016
    80
    Few songwriters can juggle seriousness and whimsy as adeptly as Paul Simon on Stranger To Stranger, his best album in several years.
  5. PopMatters
    Jun 6, 2016
    80
    The inflections in his voice make the wonderment work, but it’s the mind behind the statement that serves as a reminder, even now, why his is such an essential voice in the pop lexicon. Nobody can do what he does. In fact it’s hard to even imagine anyone attempting to try.
  6. American Songwriter
    Jun 2, 2016
    80
    This album is just more evidence that few have ever been as fluent in that tongue as Paul Simon.
  7. Spin
    Jun 8, 2016
    60
    It’s more of a mixed bag.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. williamblake
    Jun 3, 2016
    10
    With his latest addition to an extraordinarily influential discography, Paul Simon proves he is "Still Relevant After All These Years". Few ofWith his latest addition to an extraordinarily influential discography, Paul Simon proves he is "Still Relevant After All These Years". Few of his contemporaries can do what he did - keep pushing themselves to grow and reinvent. It sounds like Simon but it is fresh and different. The album definitely rewards repeated listening. It rewards slowing down and taking in the music with the lyrics rather than just using it as background noise, as so much new music has become. The lyrics are playful and fun and to a casual listener may sound a bit too literal for someone of Simon's lyrical prowess. But when you listen carefully, they still send chills down your spine. This is not just another album of someone who does not know when to stop. It is relevant, original and beautiful.… Expand
  2. DrSchnitz
    Jun 12, 2016
    10
    Paul Simon never disappoints - this album is truly fine. It's not Graceland or Rhythm of the Saints, but it's close. Perceptive, thoughtful,Paul Simon never disappoints - this album is truly fine. It's not Graceland or Rhythm of the Saints, but it's close. Perceptive, thoughtful, haunting and new - it's not the same as the others; none of Simon's albums are the same. He is a national treasure. I am very grateful.… Expand
  4. linclink
    Jun 3, 2016
    10
    The three album run of "Surprise", "So Beautiful Or So What" & "Stranger To Stranger" is as great a run as his other best two... "Heart &The three album run of "Surprise", "So Beautiful Or So What" & "Stranger To Stranger" is as great a run as his other best two... "Heart & Bones", "Graceland" & "Rhythm Of The Saints"... and then "Bookends" & "Bridge Over Troubled Water" & I think I'd go with "Paul Simon" over "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme", but either way... Paul Simon's career is truly up there with anyone's you care to name & of all the giants of the 60's & 70's, he is producing the most impressive work of the last decade.
    "Proof Of Love" & "Insomniac's Lullaby" are probably my absolute faves, but that's among an incredible field, without a weak track on the album. I hope he ends up doing more material from this on his current tour (currently doing "Werewolf", "Wristband" & "Stranger To Stranger"    … Expand
  5. sky_of_galaxy
    Jun 4, 2016
    8
    Paul Simons latest album seems to encompass a combination of the sounds he has used to date.. and then some more! Here is my review of eachPaul Simons latest album seems to encompass a combination of the sounds he has used to date.. and then some more! Here is my review of each song:

    1) Werewolf: An incredible song that combines haunting instrumental sounds and a central theme of the evils of Capitalism. I would say this has a sound similar to the album You're the One
    2) Wristband: A fun-themed song that where the 'wristband' probably has a much deeper meaning based on passing through racial doors, etc. The instruments are similar the clap-clap style of many songs on the album. I would say this would have a sound similar to the album You're the One as well.
    3) The Clock: A nice instrumental piece that has a clock ticking and many instruments built around it. I would say this has a sound similar to the Surprise album.
    4) Street Angel: The first thing I thought of when I heard this song was the famous line in 'You Can Call me Al': A man walks down the street, it's a street in a strange world..' Perhaps this is the same character? The song is about a man going crazy and being taken away to the psych ward in an ambulance. Perhaps our man Al from 1986 has had a breakdown haha
    5) Stranger to Stranger: The flagship song of the album. The first thing I thought of when I heard the South American sound to the album was the album The Rhythum of the Saints. If I had't know better, this would be a song right off of there and the 'joy' I felt was incredible when I heard this easy-going song.
    6) In a Parade: Our character from Street Angel now arrives at the hospital and here it seems he believes he is in a parade (perhaps the parade from the song 'Proof' on The Rhythm of the Saints album? haha) A sound that seems to have a Graceland feel to it.
    7) Proof of Love: Speaking of Proof, here we have Proof of Love (coincidence?). This is one of my favorites from the album describing Paul Simon visiting a sage or spiritual leader in South America. This song has a combination of The Rhythm of the Saints' South American sound and a bit of the Surprise album sound. This song is truly a gorgeous gem.
    8) In the Garden of Edie: A nice and simple guitar song perhaps dedicated to his wife Edie?
    9) The River Bank: Apparently Paul wrote this song about American war heroes being remembered and also, interestingly, about the Sandy Hook Massacre (he actually sang at the funeral for the victims). A very interesting sound to this album and also haunting. The sound reminds me of the Surprise album, especially the song 'Everything about it is a Love Song.'
    10) Cool Papa Bell: Another one of my favorites from the album, a song describing just taking it easy and not worrying and thinking because.. well, it's not my job to worry or to think! A bit of profanity in this song, but well placed. The song also mentions Cool Papa Bell, an African American baseball player from history. The sounds are very similar to the Graceland Album and has a bit of a 'Gumboots' sound to it.
    11) Insomniac's Lullaby: A beautiful little song that apparently Paul wrote referring to him being awake all night trying to write a song. This song instantly reminds me of 'Everything About it was a Love Song' (remember the line: Locked in a struggle for the right combination of words in a melody line...) a very gorgeous work of art that has a Surprise album sound to it.
    -- Bonus tracks on Deluxe Version:
    12) Horace and Pete: A song apparently that is the theme song for some TV show that Paul wrote. A nice little melody.
    13) Duncan (Live): The classic song Duncan live. Nice little tune!
    14) Wristband (Live): Wristband when it was first played live. A nice live touch to it.
    15) Guitar Piece 3: A nice little guitar piece.
    16) New York is my Home: A duet between Paul Simon and Dion. Not a bad little ending to the album
    ---

    Final review: A gorgeous album cover to cover. I certainly hope this is not Paul's last.    … Expand
  6. anonymous1baby
    Jul 28, 2016
    0
    Self-indulgent clap-trap! Wristband and Cool Papa Bell are passably catchy but the rest is so awful as to leave a person dumbfounded.Self-indulgent clap-trap! Wristband and Cool Papa Bell are passably catchy but the rest is so awful as to leave a person dumbfounded.

    This album is an example of what happens when an artist runs out of ideas but has no editor or close supporting cast to tell him that his latest creations are drivel. On the other hand, perhaps Paul noticed just how much talky, rappy, folksy nonsense is passing for music out there today, and just wanted to cash in one more time.

    I've been a fan since the beginning, but this album is a smack in the face to fans who deserve better from a Paul Simon album. Shame...    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best Album of 2016
100
#100 Most Shared Album of 2016

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