The Rhythm of the Saints

Released in 1990 as the successor to the massive Graceland, The Rhythm of the Saints saw Paul Simon shifting his focus from South African mbaqanga to the Afro-Brazilian rhythms of Salvador, Bahia. Working with the percussion group Olodum, Simon recorded drum tracks first, then spent years in New York studios carving melodies and lyrics out of the rhythmic foundations. This 'bottom-up' songwriting process resulted in a more abstract, less melodic sound than his previous work. The album features a stellar cast of global musicians, including Milton Nascimento, JJ Cale, and Michael Brecker. Lyrically, Simon moved toward surrealism and existentialism, contemplating aging, spirituality, and the passage of time. While it didn't match the commercial heights of its predecessor, it is widely regarded by critics as a more complex and artistically daring achievement, cementing Simon's role as a pioneer of global musical synthesis.