Paul Simon's 1990 album, "The Rhythm of the Saints," was not merely a collection of songs but the culmination of a meticulous and deeply immersive creative process. Inspired by Brazilian musical traditions, the album's creation involved extensive travel, on-site recording, and a deliberate approach to songwriting that prioritized rhythm as a foundational element. This behind-the-scenes look reveals the artistic decisions, challenges, and promotional
efforts that shaped Simon's eighth solo studio album, which ultimately earned critical acclaim and commercial success.
Immersive Research and On-Location Recording
The genesis of "The Rhythm of the Saints" began with Paul Simon's profound engagement with Brazilian culture. Between 1988 and 1989, he undertook five separate trips to Brazil, specifically seeking out the sounds of local street musicians. This hands-on research was crucial to capturing the authentic essence of Brazilian music. A key moment occurred in Salvador, Bahia, where Simon encountered Grupo Cultural Olodum. Impressed by their rehearsals, he recorded the ensemble just two days later. These recordings became the rhythmic backbone for "The Obvious Child," the album's opening track, demonstrating Simon's commitment to integrating genuine local sounds into his work.
Simon's creative method for this album was distinct: he chose to build many of the tracks around polyrhythmic percussion patterns. He explained that these rhythms were not simply added but actively influenced the melodies and lyrics that subsequently accompanied the compositions. This meant that the rhythmic structure often dictated the harmonic and lyrical development of the songs. He also noted that the chord progressions on "The Rhythm of the Saints" were "more adventurous" than those on his previous album, "Graceland," a direct result of constructing them around these complex rhythms.
Production Challenges and Release Delays
The production phase of "The Rhythm of the Saints" was not without its challenges. Simon began promoting the album in August 1990, inviting members of the press to the recording studio to hear material over instrumentation that was still being finalized. The album's initial release date was set for September 1990. However, Simon made the decision to push back the release, less than three days before it was scheduled to be distributed to retail stores. His reasoning was that the mixes and track sequencing were not yet satisfactory.
This delay allowed Simon crucial time to refine the album, including redoing some of the vocals. He candidly told Billboard that "if you gave me the record for another week, I could take it up a pretty good notch." This commitment to perfection, even at the eleventh hour, highlights his dedication to artistic quality. The album was eventually released on October 16, 1990, by Warner Bros., and was well-received, earning mostly favorable reviews from critics and achieving commercial success. Its artistic merit was further recognized with two Grammy Award nominations in 1992: Album of the Year and Producer of the Year.
Touring and Legacy
Following the album's release, Paul Simon quickly moved into the next phase of its journey: live performance. On November 15, 1990, he announced on the "Saturday Night Live" sound stage that he would be embarking on his "Born At The Right Time" world tour. This extensive tour was set to begin on January 4, 1991, in Tacoma, Washington, and would feature a substantial 17-piece touring band. The tour was designed to bring the intricate, rhythm-rich sounds of "The Rhythm of the Saints" to audiences worldwide, further solidifying the album's impact and Simon's continued exploration of global musical landscapes.
