Paul Simon announces new album Seven Psalms – his first collection of new material in seven years

Paul Simon has announced that he has a new album, Seven Psalms, on the way. Intended to be listened to as "one continuous piece," the 33-minute, seven-movement work will be released on vinyl, CD and across digital platforms on May 19.

The project was recorded entirely on acoustic instruments, largely performed by Paul.

"A stunning, intricately layered work, it’s a record which establishes an engaging and meditative, almost hymnal soundscape," the official announcement on his website reads, "with Paul’s lyrics providing the gravitational centre for constellations of sound woven from guitar strings and other acoustic instrumentation – including choral elements from the highly-regarded British vocal ensemble VOCES8, and a beautiful vocal appearance by Edie Brickell."

"True to the origin of psalms as hymns meant to be sung rather than spoken, Seven Psalms reaches back to the very genesis of folk music: King David’s Psalms," the statement continues. "The result is a quietly moving musical experience which uncovers a wealth of subtle details with every repeated listen. A step apart from anything Paul Simon has released before, Seven Psalms defies categorisation."

Watch trailer for the album below:

Seven Psalms, produced by Paul and Kyle Crusham, is a single suite of music comprised of the following seven interlinked movements:

1. The Lord
2. Love Is Like A Braid
3. My Professional Opinion
4. Your Forgiveness
5. Trail of Volcanoes
6. The Sacred Harp
7. Wait

Paul Simon last played Dublin in July 2018, as part of his Homeward Bound Farewell Tour. Revisit Pat Carty's live report here.