The Definitive Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel · 1991
56 min · 20 tracks · folk rock
Timeless harmonies intertwine with poignant storytelling, creating a reflective soundscape that captures the essence of 1960s folk rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Sound of Silence — This track exemplifies the duo's ability to blend haunting melodies with profound lyrics addressing isolation and societal issues, marking a pivotal moment in their career.
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Bridge Over Troubled Water — As one of their most iconic songs, it features lush arrangements and emotional depth that highlight Garfunkel's soaring vocals and Simon's poignant songwriting.
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Mrs. Robinson — This song gained additional cultural significance through its association with The Graduate film, showcasing the duo's knack for capturing the zeitgeist of their generation.
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Scarborough Fair / Canticle — Blending traditional folk elements with modern sensibilities, this track reflects their innovative approach to storytelling through music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This compilation captures key moments in Simon & Garfunkel's career but lacks the cohesive intent of a studio album.
What we noticed
- The album features a chronological selection of tracks that showcases the duo's evolution from their early acoustic sound to more elaborate arrangements.
- Several live recordings are included, which highlight the duo's vocal harmonies and stage presence, differing from studio versions.
- The sequencing alternates between well-known hits and deeper cuts, providing a balance that reflects their career while maintaining listener engagement.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
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
- introspective moments for reflection
- gentle melodies for quiet evenings
- nostalgic sing-alongs with friends
- wave-like pacing with emotional peaks
- rich harmonies for deep listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat and fast tempos
- seeking instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1991, The Definitive Simon & Garfunkel is a comprehensive compilation that encapsulates the duo's influential career. By this point, Simon & Garfunkel had long established themselves as key figures in music, following their breakup after the release of their last studio album, Bridge Over Troubled Water, in 1970. This compilation serves both as a retrospective and a celebration of their enduring legacy.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Byrds· James Taylor· Buffy Sainte-Marie
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. 2:11
- 2 The Sound of Silence 3:03
- 3 Homeward Bound 2:26
- 4 Kathy’s Song (live) 3:23
- 5 I Am a Rock 2:49
- 6 For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her (live) 2:14
- 7 Scarborough Fair / Canticle 3:07
- 8 The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) 1:38
- 9 7 O’Clock News / Silent Night 1:58
- 10 A Hazy Shade of Winter 2:17
- 11 El Condor Pasa (If I Could) 3:08
- 12 Mrs. Robinson 3:55
- 13 America 3:31
- 14 At the Zoo 2:21
- 15 Old Friends 2:34
- 16 Bookends Theme 1:21
- 17 Cecilia 2:50
- 18 The Boxer 5:08
- 19 Bridge Over Troubled Water 4:50
- 20 Song for the Asking 1:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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