Surprise is the eleventh solo studio album by American musician Paul Simon, released on May 9, 2006.

It peaked at number 14 on the Billboard 200 and was his final studio album for long-time label Warner Bros. Records.

Also in December 2004, Paul Simon's studio albums were re-released in remastered issues, as well as re-promoted.

"[1] In personal terms, Simon was inspired by the fact of being over sixty years old – an age that he turned in 2001 and that he humorously referred already on his single "Old", from the You're the One album.

Simon also cited being affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11, which occurred one month earlier.

Now if I find something to say, and I say it in a way that I think is artful and true, I'm relieved I wasn't frustrated or stymied.

Pop music, as it's constantly evolving, is completely different from the value system and aesthetic I grew up with and contributed to."

Downloading has made people more eclectic in their tastes, and I'd guess eventually that will redirect radio to loosen up, because it will have to compete.

Simon expressed gratitude with the album – "Working with Brian Eno opens the door to a world of sonic possibilities; plus he's just a great guy to hang with in the studio, or for that matter in life.

Surprise gained attention for spawning an unusual number of singles for a later Simon album, something that did not happen with either Songs From the Capeman or You're the One.

It managed to reach number 31 in the UK, becoming Simon's only appearance as a solo artist on the British singles charts after 1990.

Finally, "Outrageous", one of the most promoted and particularly distinctive songs from the album, was released as the third single of Surprise on November 13.

[3] The Observer reviewer Neil Spencer praised both Simon's and Eno's work: "Simon offers no easy answers to the questions sprayed out in his memorable lines, alternating dreamy idylls with grumpy dissatisfaction while Eno's production ebbs and flows like a digitalised Greek chorus."

[9] Entertainment Weekly's Chris Willman stated that "patience is rewarded with moments of stellar songwriting", in an allusion to the high anticipation of the release of the album.

"[5] Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic was also very positive with the album, calling the album a "comeback": "Simon doesn't achieve his comeback by reconnecting with the sound and spirit of his classic work; he has achieved it by being as restless and ambitious as he was at his popular and creative peak, which makes Surprise all the more remarkable.

Promotion in the UK was next, with Simon performing "Outrageous", "Father and Daughter" and "Graceland" on Later... with Jools Holland.

[14] Surprise was also Simon's highest chart position in his homeland since The Rhythm of the Saints landed at number 4 in 1990.

All tracks are written by Paul Simon, except where notedThe Surprise Tour covered the United States, Canada and parts of Europe between June and November 2006.