A CAREER high point for Paul Simon, if not quite the masterpiece to rival Graceland. This is an audio feast for the ears, sonically daring, subtle and crafted.

There are aspects in Stranger To Stranger of earlier periods, the title track’s jazzy grooves hark back to Still Crazy After All These Years while Cool Papa Bell recalls that joyful first solo record as well as those famous South African grooves of 30 years ago.

The record is noteworthy from one angle for its use of interesting instruments that throw out microtones inspired by classical composer Harry Partch. Does it matter if you can’t tell your chromelodeon from your Zoomoozophone? No, Simon is a master at corralling diverse soundscapes and Insomniac’s Lullaby has perhaps the most endearing melody on the record despite these otherworldly instruments.

Flamenco also inspired four of the songs, but then Simon’s palette has always looked to the horizon, and percussion is again a driving force (interspersed with two quiet, timeless instrumentals). It packs so much into 37 deft minutes.

Simon doesn’t quite match his past glories, and the key reason is the melodies that don’t quite fly. In A Parade comes close, with just Simon’s guitar and a drum machine, while all the bells, whistles and clever conceits of The Werewolf can’t quite create a memorable tune.

If this sounds challenging and difficult, fret not, Simon’s sounds are modern, but his lyrical eye is as keen as ever. The wry Wristband takes an amusing look at a locked-out rock star, but then tries to make it more universal, while the title track is a wonderful love song about persevering that will endure.

Like the revered maestros of old, Simon is pushing here in so many directions, yet all lead straight back to him; an old familiar musical friend.