There Goes Rhymin’ Simon is Paul Simon’s third solo album, but it’s the first that shows the next evolution in his songwriting after his work with Simon & Garfunkel. Though predominately driven by folk rock instrumentation like always, we see Simon incorporating many new instruments such as electric guitars, organs, and livelier percussion that’s heavier on the cymbals.

As such would suggest, this is a very feel-good upbeat album that seems to be inspired by the more innocent days of Paul Simon’s childhood in the good ‘ol American ’40s and ’50s, a time where people wore sweater vests on a regular basis and went to “the diner” and the “malt shoppe” and stuff. Further painting this nostalgic portrait is the influence of genres popular during the time, mostly Black music such as rhythm and blues, gospel (“Tenderness,” “Loves Me Like a Rock”), and easy listening pop and lounge (“Something So Right,” “American Tune”).

It’s all a rousing success and works perfectly, so I can definitely commend and recommend There Goes Rhymin’ Simon. However, it falls short of greatness to me because Paul Simon’s lyrics, what I feel are usually one of his strongest talents, are simpler to match a simpler time, lacking their usual introspection. However, he still retains a great sense of observation and description that helps set this album’s retro scene. It’s a good one.