Customer Reviews

Bridge Over Troubled Water

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

While I don't share the breathless and hyperbolized estimation of Paul Simon as the "greatest lyricist of the last fifty years" like another reviewer (who evidently has never listened to the unbelievable poetry of Bob Dylan, Donovan, Leonard Cohen, or Harry Chapin, etc. Simon is an accomplished poet, yes, but just one of so many brilliant lyricists emanating from the sixties), I do agree that this blockbuster album that marked the highpoint of their collaboration showcases why they achieved such fame and popularity. Here they continue with the same innovative strands first initiated with albums like "Parsley Sage" etc. where they interspersed a newscaster's rendition of the nightly news with Garfunkel's almost angelic counterpoint of "Silent Night". The effect is devastating and dramatic. Here they also use traditional Incan melodies, race-car sound effects, and wider use of the kind of orchestral instrumentation they first employed on "Sounds of Silence", where they first used an electric guitar as a driving force behind their otherwise pristinely acoustic arrangement.

Yet there is great "sturm und drang" here; the two could hardly inhabit the same studio, for the creative genius both brought to their collaboration was literally tearing the duo's long-standing personal friendship apart. Garfunkel at first refused to sing the lead in "Bridge Over Troubled Water", for he felt it was so uniquely Simon's work and so clearly headed for a huge hit that Paul should sing the lead. Only the intervention of their long-time producer made Art change his mind and agree to sing the lead. One can also feel the tension on the most brilliantly executed song here, "The Boxer', as well, although this is so well packaged and delivered that it seems more part of the internal structure of the song and its arrangement than the result of the vocal strains between them. Simon was headed in other directions with his work, and there are indications of it with songs like "Cecilia", which is an almost Bob Dylan-like play on words and circumstances than an effort at poetic workmanship.

Likewise, in "Only Living Boy In New York", Simon vocalizes his sense of dismay and frustration as being left by Garfunkel (who was working on the movie "Catch 22" in Mexico) to work out the problems on the album alone. He urges "Tom" (Art) on, and wishes him well, but resents being left behind at the same time. He retorts that "he can gather all the news he needs from the weather report", another hint he is about to retreat into a life of more personal experiences and less concern for the world at large. In the same vein, "Keeping The Customer Satisfied" is meant ironically, Simon's way of announcing that, like the Beatles, he is finally sick of trying to meet popular expectations, and that he is about to quit the chase and pursue his own interests, which of course he soon did, leading to the release of the quirky but beautiful "Paul Simon album" a few years later. This is a farewell album that didn't announce itself as such, and was such an overwhelming success that it took years for everyone to realize Simon was serious about going solo. It is a brilliant last effort by a fabled pair of exceptional pop folk singers, and this album belongs on everyone's favorite music list. Enjoy!

More than three decades later this album still reveals its treasures with every listen. It's the absolute highlight of the folk-influenced or singer/songwriter genre that emerged in the 1960s. The greatness of the songs are proved by the many cover versions that they inspired: Bridge much be one of the most covered songs on earth - the versions by Aretha Franklik and Linda Clifford immediately come to mind. El Condor Pasa has exotic Andean flute and Cecilia is a naughty, uptempo song that became a dance hit again in the 1980s by some obscure disco singer. Songs like The Boxer and Bye Bye Love are sheer poetry, I mean lyrically and in their flowing melodies and the beautiful blend of the voices. This album remained in the album charts for many years after its original release and one listen will show you the reason why. Poetic, intelligent lyrics set to heavenly melodies characterise these outstanding songs to make the album a timeless classic.

Bridge Over Troubled Water marks the duo's last team effort yet, and I must say that they went out with a bang. The Boxer is Paul's relentless tale of a lost soul who may or may not have found his way. Cecilia is rock with a trash can. The Only Living Boy in New York is a display of sheer rhythmatic genius (a personal favorite). El Condor Pasa is a nice little diddy that adds flavor. Bridge itself is an exhibit of Art's almost all-too angelic vocal ability. Song for the Asking is the duo's epitaph, ending all with what we love the two best for- sweet, poetic harmony.

How many albums can you say that about? With "Bridge Over Troubled Water," it's not hyperbole to state that every song is memorable and marvelous. This is Simon and Garfunkel's last album and possibly their greatest. Simon introduced horns and brass arrangements when previoulsy they had been an acoustic duo.

Though casual listeners only know the title track on this album, there is an amazing amount of brilliant music on this disc. This is virtual perfection from Paul Simon and every song is a genuine classic. What's interesting is that the hit songs from this disc (the incomparable title track and "El Condor Pasa") are probably not as good as some of the sleepers. Listen to the simple poetic beauty of "The Only Living Boy in New York" and the driving "Baby Driver." An innovative touch in the latter song is the faux-race car announcer talking at the tail end of the song. Another incredibly catchy tune is "Keep the Customer's Satisfied," which never got any airplay but which is quirky and memorable.

But the outstanding song here is the "Boxer," containing arguably the greatest lyrics of any song written by anyone in the Rock generation. Just read the lyrics on the album sleeve... they are poetry! "The Boxer" shows eloquently that Paul Simon is unmatched as a lyricist, nothing Dylan or Lennon and McCartney (not even "Eleanor Rigby") can compete with the poetic majesty of this man. Listen to this record and find out for yourself or confirm what you already knew. A magnificent album!

An enduring classic indeed. These songs are all gems. The title track stands out not only because of its poignant lyrics but mainly due to the beautiful arrangement and instrumentation. Art Garfunkel's crowning moment as a singer.

And oh what other great tunes. The Only Living Boy In New York is an underatted gem. Just love the tone between the vocals and the instrumental support. Cecilia, Baby Driver, Bye Bye Love, and meandering ballad The Boxer are all great songs to sing along to. Song For The Asking is pretty way to close this chock full of classics recording.

One of the few times, an recording group concluded with their best original work. Paul Simon wnet on to record some excellent solo material but truthfully this recording may be his best one of them all.

Simon and Garfunkel's final album as a duo, Bridge Over Troubled Water, couldn't have been better. Every song on this album is worth listening to, not just the most popular ones. The diversity of the songs keeps you interested throughout the CD, while the perfect harmonies in the vocals tie all the songs together. Bridge Over Troubled Water illustrates the incredible talents of Paul Simon the songwriter. The album's lyrics are intelligent and powerful and backed by music that uses many eclectic instruments and styles from tambourine and woodblocks to jazzy brass to gentle acoustic guitar. This album moves from pensive to pulsating, from delicate to dancelike.

The title song, Bridge Over Troubled Water, is an awesome song, full of tenderness, about unconditional friendship written by Paul Simon for Art Garfunkel. The soaring vocals and intricate piano touch the soul. The album's second most popular song, Cecilia, contrasts with the title song's delicacy and features pounding bass drum, clapping, and rhythmic guitar. Cecilia makes you want to get up and dance. Even the CD's lesser-known songs are great and incredibly underrated. The fourth track, Keep the Customer Satisfied, is my personal favorite. The jazzy harmonies and wailing brass make it a perfect sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs song. The CD even features a cover of the Everly Brothers' song Bye Bye Love, a rarity for Simon and Garfunkel. Each song takes on its own feel, but all are held together by the harmonies that characterize Simon and Garfunkel's music. This album is a guaranteed pleaser and a perfect blend of thought provoking, soul touching ballads with foot-tapping, head bobbing feel good music.

I bought this album on vinyly when it was released. As an impoverished student I had to be careful where I spent money, else I woudn't eat. This record was worth all the meals I missed! BOTW was a MASSIVE hit as both a single and album here in the UK and it's really not hard to hear why.

Overwhelming the whole set is BOTW itself. This song, supremely performed, defines the meaning of friendship. It is the music of angels.

Almost all the other pieces on the album are excellent as well, thus justifying my purchase all those years ago. It's one of the first LPs where I learned all the words to all the songs. However, the vinyl did wear out and was eventually replaced by CD.

One thing I find interesting is that my son (now 19 and at university himself) listened through this CD recently and fell in love with it himself - wonders will never cease!

I remember being at Tri-Hi-Y camp when I was a teen and taking a stroll through the snowy, clear, star-studded midnight woods with some friends. Someone had a radio and the DJ was playing "So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright." The mix of that clear winter night and this lovely, ethereal song was the closest I've come to experiencing true magic in my life (not wholly unlike the scene in the "Pink Moon" Volkswagen commercial). Simon and Garfunkel's music has always affected me that way, and this album is their apex. It will always remind me of my adolescence and how poignant and intense everything felt then.

The only thing that could make this otherwise perfect album better, would be for it to be remastered. Simon and Garfunkel are one of the best loved and talented duos of all time. Their blend of folk and pop, with their delicious harmonies will never grow old. 100 years from now when the world has forgotten the Britneys and Rickys and Christinas of the current pop radio airwaves, Simon and Garfunkel will still be listened to. The lyrics are intelligent and poetic, and the music catchy and well arranged. What could be better? Too bad it was the last album they recorded as a duo.

This is by far their greatest album. Rich in textures and harmonies. There is sweet simplicity where there needs to be on song like "Song for the Asking", "So long Frank Lloyd Wright" and of course, the "Bridge over...." And then a lot of pure pop get up and go on song like (possibly early beach boys inspired) "Baby Driver", "cecilia" and "Keep the Customers satisfied". I have always enjoyed this album under many different moods and periods of my life. There is a great balance and Love in this album, and I highly recommend it.