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Album Thoughts

The final album from one of the best songwriting duos of the 60s, and arguably their most ambitious work, is a fitting end to their star-studded career. Bridge Over Troubled Water is a truly exceptional album.

The title track, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” showcases Art Garfunkel’s angelic vocals alongside what has become one of the most recognisable piano pieces of the 70s pop genre. The album’s soft, smooth opening sets the stage for its profound ambition. The song itself is gorgeously composed, with the interplay between Garfunkel’s vocals and the orchestra creating a captivating sound. The lyrics express unconditional love and devotion, promising unwavering support and love through life’s challenges. It’s articulated so poetically in the simple chorus: “Like A Bridge Over Trouble Water / I Will Lay Me Down.” Sometimes, the most profound lyrics don’t need to be complicated; they simply need to be genuine. These lyrics perfectly capture that essence.

As the song progresses, the push and pull between the vocals and the orchestra intensifies, making it truly captivating. Initially, the piano blends with the orchestra’s almost gothic percussion, followed by the soulful bass chiming in. Then, Paul Simon adds his harmonies on the bridge, “Sail On, Silvergirl / Sail On By.” This harmonious moment brings the full orchestra into play, with violins and a heavier drum beat. Garfunkel then sings the chorus once more, introducing a new line: “I Will Ease Your Mind.” His breath control throughout the song is exceptional, and his final note truly soothes the listener. 

“El Condor Pasa (If I Could)” is a beautiful traditional folk song. The most memorable part is the lovely flute throughout. It sits perfectly between the guitar’s bounce and the melody of the lyrics. The song moves like a ticking clock, making you sway side to side. 

“Cecilia” is a sing-along favourite. Despite its upbeat and happy tune, the lyrics reveal a sad story about a man begging his partner to return home after discovering she’s been unfaithful. Their iconic harmonies and bouncy strumming pattern make it an unforgettable song that gets stuck in your head. Another classic bouncy tune is “Keep The Customer Satisfied”. This time the full band is involved, creating a real toe-tapper, especially during the chorus. The first time I heard this song after working in hospitality for 11 years, it felt like someone had written it specifically about my experiences. The horns towards the end really elevate the song to a fun and satisfying conclusion.

The song that disappoints me the most is “So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright”. It has a melancholy quality, but not in a good way. It’s just too sad for me and after the upbeat “Keep The Customer Satisfied” it really disrupts the flow.  

They pick it up again with one of the album’s best songs, “The Boxer”. It feels very much like their debut album, with its traditional folk and harmony-driven sound. The song tells the story of a poor boy who travels off to find a better life, and the narrative-driven lyrics paint a vivid picture of his journey. The angelic guitar pattern and soothing harmonies create a sense of peace within the song.  The thought-provoking lyrics add a real visual element, making it easy to imagine the man walking through your mind, witnessing his trials and tribulations. I think that’s what makes this some of the best writing on the album – it’s not just something you can hear, but something you can also visualise.

“Baby Driver”, like most of their songs, features a very crisp guitar. However, this time it’s blended with a bluesy double bass, creating a distinctly bluesy folk sound. This is further enhanced by the saxophone chiming in after the first chorus.  The sound effects, such as the car driving past, are also a first for them, feeling like a fresh approach. 

“The Only Living Boy In New York” is a deeply moving yet melancholic song. It paints a poignant picture of a partner’s loneliness after their loved one has departed, and the solitude they experience as they navigate life alone. The sadness is not only conveyed through the chord choices but also in Paul Simon’s soulful vocals. 

This song really surprised me. The harmonies are so characteristic of them, yet the heavy, almost tropical bass sound from “Why Don’t You Write Me” was a complete departure. It wasn’t bad at all; I think it’s one of the funkiest tracks on the album.  It was quite unexpected after such a deeply personal song beforehand. 

The live cover of “Bye Bye Love” by The Everly Brothers offers a country twist on this classic.  I first heard Ray Charles’s soulful version, which really stood out. This cover, however, felt more mellow and didn’t quite resonate with me. Growing up with a more soulful version, it fell flat.  But the seamless transition from the crowd clapping to the final song “Song For The Asking” is impressive. It’s hard to tell where one song ends and the next begins.

This incredibly short and incredibly sweet song “Song For The Asking” once again demonstrates Paul Simon’s lyrical prowess. The very clear melodic apology from Paul Simon to Art Garfunkel for past wrongs and faults in their band relationship creates a fitting and almost poetic conclusion to their final album together. Despite its brevity, under two minutes, the lyrics are powerful and encapsulate a full life’s work of triumph and failure.

Looking back on their final album, I can understand why it became one of the biggest sellers of the early 70s. Paul Simon’s lyrical genius, combined with Art Garfunkel’s angelic harmonies, created another winning formula. While incredible, it still felt like it wasn’t quite scratching the surface of their best work. We’ll always wonder what could have been if they’d stayed together as a duo, what their future might have held and the songs they had yet to record.  It’s a dream we’ll never see, but we can still cherish the beautiful songs they gave us, like this album.   

Track List

1. Bridge Over Troubled Water
2. El Condor Pasa (If I Could)
3. Cecilia
4. Keep The Customer Satisfied
5. So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright
6. The Boxer
7. Baby Driver
8. The Only Living Boy In New York
9. Why Don’t You Write Me
10. Bye Bye Love (Live)
11. Song For The Asking