#172 of 500
· Rolling Stone
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Simon and Garfunkel
Year
1970
Genre
FolkLabel
Columbia
Format
Vinyl LP
“At #172, Bridge Over Troubled Water represents Simon and Garfunkel at a creative peak (1970). The Columbia pressing captures a moment in folk that's been influential ever since. Worth hunting in the bins.”
Simon and Garfunkel were an American folk rock duo consisting of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, active primarily from 1964 to 1970. They emerged from the mid-1960s folk music scene, initially recording as Tom and Jerry before reuniting as Simon and Garfunkel. Their 1966 debut album "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme" established their sophisticated songwriting and vocal harmonies. "The Graduate" soundtrack (1967) became a massive commercial and critical success, featuring the iconic hit "Mrs. Robinson." Their 1970 masterpiece "Bridge Over Troubled Water" became one of the best-selling albums of all time, showcasing their artistic peak with intricate arrangements and deeply personal songwriting. After breaking up in 1970, they reunited for occasional performances and recordings, with notable reunion tours in 1981 and 2003.
Style
Simon and Garfunkel pioneered folk rock by blending acoustic guitar-driven songwriting with lush orchestral arrangements, intricate two-part vocal harmonies, and introspective, poetic lyrics. Their sound evolved from folk-pop toward increasingly sophisticated rock arrangements, incorporating strings, horns, and studio experimentation.
Significance
Simon and Garfunkel are among the most collectible artists in vinyl history, with their albums representing some of the best-selling records ever pressed. Their original LP pressings are highly sought after by collectors, particularly early editions of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "The Graduate" soundtrack, making them essential additions to any serious vinyl collection.
Bridge Over Troubled Water, released in January 1970, marked Simon and Garfunkel's final studio album together. Paul Simon wrote most of the material during a period of creative tension between the duo, with the title track emerging as an unexpected masterpiece. The song began as a gospel-influenced piano piece that Art Garfunkel transformed with his soaring vocal performance, while session musician Larry Knechtel played the iconic piano introduction. Recording took place across 1969 at multiple studios in Los Angeles and New York. The album showcased Simon's increasingly sophisticated songwriting, featuring arrangements by Phil Ramone and producer Roy Halee. Notable tracks include 'Cecilia' (built on a playful rhythm track), 'The Only Living Boy in New York,' and 'Mrs. Robinson,' though the latter had appeared on The Graduate soundtrack. Despite underlying tensions about musical direction and Simon's growing desire for solo work, the pair created their most polished and commercially successful work.
Historical Context
Released during the tail end of the 1960s folk-rock era, Bridge Over Troubled Water arrived as both a culmination of and farewell to Simon and Garfunkel's partnership. The album dominated the early 1970s charts, spending 10 weeks at number one and becoming one of the best-selling albums of the decade. It won the Grammy Award for Best Album of the Year in 1971. Critically acclaimed for its sophisticated production and emotional depth, the record resonated with audiences seeking polished, introspective pop-rock during a period of social upheaval. The title track became an anthem of reassurance and empathy, finding new relevance decades later.
Pressing Notes
The original 1970 Columbia Records pressing (CS 9914) features the classic gatefold jacket design. Early pressings are identifiable by 360 Sound stereo labels and thick vinyl construction. The album has been reissued multiple times, including 1980s reissues and modern audiophile pressings. Collectors should note that original pressings in excellent condition command higher prices. A 50th-anniversary remaster was released in 2020. The album's construction makes it relatively durable compared to later pressings, and original copies tend to sound warm and full-bodied. Mono versions exist but are less common and sought after by collectors.
Graceland
Paul Simon
Simon's solo masterpiece showcases his sophisticated songwriting and experimental production while maintaining the acoustic sensibility that defined Simon & Garfunkel.
Blue
Joni Mitchell
A folk masterpiece with intimate acoustic arrangements and deeply personal songwriting that appeals to collectors drawn to Bridge's emotional depth and lyrical craftsmanship.
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