Old Friends cover

Old Friends

Simon & Garfunkel · 1997

168 min · 59 tracks · folk rock · folk-pop · soft rock

A nostalgic tapestry of harmonious melodies, vivid storytelling, and reflective lyrics that encapsulate a golden era of folk music.

Why this album works

This compilation not only reached the Billboard charts but also introduced a new audience to Simon & Garfunkel's profound contributions to folk-rock. Critics praised its curation, which highlighted their intricate harmonies and lyrical depth, ensuring the duo's influence continued in popular music.
Best for
nostalgic reflections on life for quiet afternoons dynamic collection of memories
Context
Released in 1997, 'Old Friends' marked Simon & Garfunkel's first compilation album after their initial breakup in the early 1970s. By this time, the duo had already solidified their legacy with classic hits, but they chose to revisit their catalog for a new generation, demonstrating their enduring appeal and relevance.
Stylistic neighbors
Donovan· Sixto Rodriguez· Steeleye Span

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Bleecker Street 2:44
  • 2 The Sound of Silence Standout 3:07
  • 3 The Sun Is Burning 2:48
  • 4 Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. 2:15
  • 5 He Was My Brother 2:50
  • 6 Sparrow 2:48
  • 7 Peggy‐O 2:26
  • 8 Benedictus 2:39
  • 9 Somewhere They Can’t Find Me 2:36
  • 10 We’ve Got a Groovy Thing Goin’ 1:59
  • 11 Leaves That Are Green 2:22
  • 12 Richard Cory 2:57
  • 13 I Am a Rock 2:51
  • 14 The Sound of Silence (single version) 3:07
  • 15 Homeward Bound 2:30
  • 16 Blues Run the Game 2:53
  • 17 Kathy’s Song 3:19
  • 18 April Come She Will 1:50
  • 19 Flowers Never Bend With the Rainfall 2:10

Disc 2

  • 1 Patterns 2:47
  • 2 Cloudy 2:23
  • 3 The Dangling Conversation 2:38
  • 4 Scarborough Fair / Canticle 3:12
  • 5 The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) 1:55
  • 6 For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her 2:06
  • 7 7 O’Clock News / Silent Night 2:04
  • 8 A Hazy Shade of Winter 2:17
  • 9 At the Zoo 2:24
  • 10 A Poem on the Underground Wall 4:30
  • 11 Red Rubber Ball 2:28
  • 12 Blessed 3:39
  • 13 Anji 2:29
  • 14 A Church Is Burning 3:29
  • 15 Fakin’ It 3:19
  • 16 Save the Life of My Child 2:48
  • 17 America 3:37
  • 18 You Don’t Know Where Your Interest Lies 2:20
  • 19 Punky’s Dilemma 2:14
  • 20 Comfort and Joy 1:51
  • 21 Star Carol 1:46

Disc 3

  • 1 Mrs. Robinson Standout 4:04
  • 2 Old Friends / Bookends 3:57
  • 3 Overs 3:05
  • 4 A Most Peculiar Man 2:35
  • 5 Bye, Bye Love 2:45
  • 6 The Boxer 5:09
  • 7 Baby Driver 3:16
  • 8 Why Don’t You Write Me 2:46
  • 9 Feuilles‐O 1:42
  • 10 Keep the Customer Satisfied 2:36
  • 11 So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright 3:43
  • 12 Song for the Asking 1:51
  • 13 Cecilia 2:56
  • 14 El cóndor pasa (If I Could) 3:08
  • 15 Bridge Over Troubled Water Standout 4:54
  • 16 The Only Living Boy in New York 4:00
  • 17 Hey, Schoolgirl / Black Slacks 1:32
  • 18 That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine 3:28
  • 19 My Little Town 3:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata