Paul Simon (album)

Paul Simon is the self-titled debut solo album by American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. It was released in January 1972, following Simon & Garfunkel's break-up. The album features songs written during and after his partnership with Art Garfunkel, and showcases a diverse range of musical styles, reflecting Simon's burgeoning interest in world music.

The album was largely recorded in London and features contributions from session musicians and members of bands such as Traffic, Fairport Convention, and Ace. Its production is characterized by a lush and intricate sound, employing a variety of instrumentation and arrangements.

Notable tracks include "Mother and Child Reunion," which incorporates Jamaican reggae influences, and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard," which became a radio staple. Other well-regarded songs on the album are "Duncan," "Run That Body Down," and "Everything Put Together Falls Apart."

Paul Simon was a critical and commercial success, reaching number four on the Billboard 200 chart and receiving generally positive reviews. It helped establish Simon as a successful solo artist in his own right and paved the way for his subsequent albums, which further explored his musical interests and songwriting talents. The album is considered a significant work in Simon's discography and a key example of the singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s.