Review: Paul Simon's voice on his live album is significantly better than it was in Amsterdam in April

Paul Simon surprised fans in 2025 by launching a new tour, which included three performances in Amsterdam last April. Following these concerts, the singer-songwriter released a live album recorded in Seattle during August 2025. While his vocal performance in the Netherlands was noticeably impacted by his age, the new recording presents a more polished and elegantly fragile sound. The concerts featured an intimate arrangement, including a full performance of his spiritual composition Seven Psalms. Simon was supported by a talented ensemble, featuring renowned musicians like drummer Steve Gadd and bassist Bakithi Kumalo, who added depth to classic tracks such as 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover and Under African Skies. Although some songs lacked the vocal energy of his youth, tracks like The Sound of Silence gained emotional resonance through his matured and delicate delivery. The production highlights the timeless quality of his songwriting despite the physical challenges of performing at his advanced age.