Paul Simon

Even though Paul Simon's excessive Broadway production The Capeman incited bloodlust among critics, the songs from the production are not without reward. The problem here is that Simon, long loved for his arching and elegant melodies, suffers from indulgent choral orchestrations and a flimsy theatrical narrative that oozes liberal guilt. Since these songs are beholden to that story, they go down with the ship, and, even though "Time is an Ocean" and "Born in Puerto Rico" are highlights, they're relatively dim amid Simon's long and distinguished career.