The Concert in Central Park cover

The Concert in Central Park

Simon & Garfunkel · 1982

76 min · 19 tracks · folk rock

A jubilant blend of folk harmonies and poignant storytelling, capturing the essence of Simon & Garfunkel's legacy in a live setting.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Mrs. Robinson — This track resonates with audiences not only for its nostalgic lyrics but also for its connection to the film 'The Graduate', amplifying its cultural significance.
  • →
    Bridge Over Troubled Water — As one of their most iconic songs, this performance showcases the duo's vocal harmonies and emotional depth, creating a powerful moment during the concert.
  • →
    The Sound of Silence — This song’s haunting melody and introspective lyrics make it a quintessential representation of Simon & Garfunkel’s artistry, especially in a live context that enhances its resonance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album captures a significant live reunion with strong performances but lacks a cohesive narrative flow.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature spoken introductions that engage the audience, creating a sense of intimacy despite the large crowd.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • nostalgic storytelling experiences
  • dynamic live performance energy
  • wave-like pacing and flow
  • introspective late-night listening
  • long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on February 16, 1982, The Concert in Central Park came after Simon & Garfunkel's long hiatus following their breakup in 1970. This performance marked their first major reunion concert, highlighting the duo's enduring popularity and the nostalgia surrounding their music. The album solidified their status as icons of the folk rock genre.
Stylistic neighbors
The Byrds· James Taylor· Buffy Sainte-Marie

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Mrs. Robinson 3:52
  • 2 Homeward Bound 4:22
  • 3 America 4:57
  • 4 Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard 3:22
  • 5 Scarborough Fair 3:52
  • 6 April Come She Will 2:37
  • 7 Wake Up Little Susie 2:19
  • 8 Still Crazy After All These Years 3:55
  • 9 American Tune 4:33
  • 10 Late in the Evening 4:09
  • 11 Slip Slidin’ Away 4:54
  • 12 A Heart in New York 2:49
  • 13 Kodachrome / Maybellene 5:51
  • 14 Bridge Over Troubled Water 4:48
  • 15 Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover 4:23
  • 16 The Boxer 6:02
  • 17 Old Friends 2:52
  • 18 The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) 2:01
  • 19 The Sound of Silence 4:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata