About this album
Where they were
Released in 2003, 'The Essential Simon & Garfunkel' serves as a comprehensive compilation that encapsulates the duo's illustrious career. This album arrived after their reunion performance at the 2003 Grammy Awards, showcasing their enduring influence on folk music and pop culture. It highlights key tracks from their journey, including classics from their early days in the 1960s to later works.
Why it matters
'The Essential Simon & Garfunkel' achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 14 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album has been praised for its curation of iconic songs that have shaped the folk-rock genre, solidifying the duo's legacy. Its release revitalized interest in their music, introducing new listeners to their profound lyrical themes and harmonious sound.
Essential tracks
- "The Sound of Silence" — This haunting track exemplifies the duo's ability to blend introspective lyrics with memorable melodies, marking a cornerstone of their musical identity.
- "Bridge Over Troubled Water" — A powerful anthem of hope and support, this ballad showcases Garfunkel's soaring vocals and remains one of their most celebrated songs.
- "Mrs. Robinson" — Immortalized by its inclusion in 'The Graduate', this song captures the cultural zeitgeist of the 1960s while highlighting the duo's clever songwriting.
- "Scarborough Fair / Canticle" — This traditional English ballad reimagined by Simon & Garfunkel features ethereal harmonies and intricate arrangements, embodying their unique sound.
Release Date
October 14, 2003
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 The Sound of Silence 3:06
- 2 Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (live) 2:44
- 3 Bye Bye Love 2:48
- 4 Bleecker Street 2:45
- 5 I Am a Rock 2:51
- 6 A Most Peculiar Man (live) 2:33
- 7 Richard Cory 2:56
- 8 Kathy’s Song (live) 3:22
- 9 Scarborough Fair / Canticle 3:10
- 10 Homeward Bound 2:29
- 11 Sparrow (live) 3:03
- 12 Leaves That Are Green (live) 2:30
- 13 He Was My Brother 2:50
- 14 The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) 1:55
- 15 The Dangling Conversation 2:38
- 16 A Poem on the Underground Wall (live) 2:06
- 17 Blessed (live) 3:42
- 18 Cloudy 2:23
- 19 Blues Run the Game 2:52
- 20 A Hazy Shade of Winter 2:18
Disc 2
- 1 Mrs. Robinson 4:03
- 2 Bridge Over Troubled Water 4:53
- 3 At the Zoo 2:23
- 4 Fakin’ It 3:18
- 5 Old Friends 2:35
- 6 Bookends Theme 1:21
- 7 Punky’s Dilemma 2:13
- 8 Overs (live) 2:25
- 9 A Church Is Burning (live) 3:22
- 10 America 3:37
- 11 El cóndor pasa (If I Could) 3:07
- 12 Cecilia 2:54
- 13 Keep the Customer Satisfied 2:34
- 14 So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright 3:42
- 15 The Boxer 5:09
- 16 Baby Driver 3:16
- 17 The Only Living Boy in New York 3:58
- 18 Song for the Asking 1:50
- 19 For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her (live) 2:26
- 20 My Little Town 3:51