Released 27 years ago this November
The Best of Simon and Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel · 1999
64 min · 20 tracks · folk rock
A harmonious blend of folk melodies and poignant lyrics that captures the essence of a generation's hopes and heartaches.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Sound of Silence — This iconic track embodies the duo's ability to blend haunting melodies with profound lyrical themes of isolation and awareness. Its cultural resonance has made it a defining anthem of the 1960s.
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Bridge Over Troubled Water — As one of their most beloved songs, it showcases Garfunkel's soaring vocals paired with Simon's heartfelt songwriting, encapsulating themes of support and resilience that resonate universally.
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Mrs. Robinson — This track captures the zeitgeist of the era, intertwining personal narrative with broader social commentary, further solidified by its association with 'The Graduate' film, making it a cultural touchstone.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This compilation highlights Simon & Garfunkel's songwriting and harmonies but lacks a cohesive narrative flow.
What we noticed
- Tracks are arranged chronologically, reflecting the evolution of their sound from early folk to more polished arrangements.
- Several songs include intricate guitar work that complements the lyrical themes, enhancing the emotional resonance of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- reflective, introspective listening moments
- dynamic emotional storytelling
- gentle, soothing background ambiance
- engaging lyrical explorations
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1999, this compilation marked Simon & Garfunkel's return to the spotlight after years apart, showcasing the duo's timeless appeal. It came during a period when nostalgia for the 1960s was resurging in popular culture, allowing new listeners to discover their influential sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Byrds· James Taylor· Buffy Sainte-Marie
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Sound of Silence 3:07
- 2 Homeward Bound 2:28
- 3 I Am a Rock 2:51
- 4 The Dangling Conversation 2:38
- 5 Scarborough Fair / Canticle 3:10
- 6 The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) 1:55
- 7 A Hazy Shade of Winter 2:17
- 8 At the Zoo 2:24
- 9 Fakin’ It 3:12
- 10 Mrs. Robinson 4:03
- 11 Old Friends / Bookends 3:57
- 12 The Boxer 5:10
- 13 Bridge Over Troubled Water 4:54
- 14 Cecilia 2:56
- 15 The Only Living Boy in New York 3:59
- 16 Song for the Asking 1:51
- 17 El Condor Pasa (If I Could) 3:08
- 18 For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her (live) 2:22
- 19 America 3:37
- 20 My Little Town 3:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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