Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 111 - Simon ＆ Garfunkel: The Big Break and the Breakup

Simon & Garfunkel: The Big Break! - Part IV

In this installment, we take a multifaceted look at Simon & Garfunkel’s album Bridge Over Troubled Water, which brought their brief collaboration to a close, and we reflect on Paul Simon’s musical journey.

The Culmination of Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water

Their previous album, Bookends, was a highly accomplished work that fused the introspective qualities inherent to Simon & Garfunkel with a pop-rock sensibility.
At the time, their music was shelved in record stores under the New Rock category. In fact, if one were to ask about the genre of Paul Simon’s music at the time of his debut, it would likely be classified as folk.
Although Paul—renowned for his exceptional acoustic guitar skills—crafted songs with a strong folk flavor, his compositions also carried a distinct nuance that set them apart from traditional folk.
As his career progressed, however, his music expanded beyond the folk label. The musical landscape evolved into what we now recognize as Paul Simon Music, transcending the confines of folk or rock alone.
While some of his tracks undeniably embrace pop elements, many introduce unexpected twists. In those twists, one can sense the innate “darkness of the heart” and “solitude” that define Paul’s unique artistic flavor.
Had Paul aimed solely to create pop songs, his music might have vanished altogether—yet it is precisely this daring deviation that has ensured his lasting legacy.

Paul Simon’s Burden: Art Garfunkel

On the other hand, Paul Simon carried a burden—his longtime partner, Art Garfunkel. As Art pursued a career in acting, his film commitments often prevented him from working on music with Paul. In a duo, the absence of one member creates a fundamental disconnect. At that point, there was no real necessity to continue under the name Simon & Garfunkel—it could have simply been a Paul Simon solo album. However, Art’s voice was indispensable to Paul. Though Paul was a capable singer himself, Art’s angelic voice was an irreplaceable piece in bringing Paul’s music to life.
The cracks in their partnership became irreparable with this album.

■ Recommended Album: Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970)

Simon & Garfunkel’s final album, Bridge Over Troubled Water, was released in January 1970 and spent six consecutive weeks at No.1 on the Billboard charts. It also topped the annual charts, achieving massive commercial success. The album won four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, while also securing Best Album and Best Engineered Recording.

This album showcases Simon & Garfunkel’s evolution beyond Bookends, demonstrating an even greater musical leap. It is evident that Paul Simon’s songwriting had reached its peak at this point, as reflected in the exceptional quality of the compositions. His creative repertoire had expanded, and the album includes many of their most iconic songs, such as the title track “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, “The Boxer”, “Cecilia”, “El Cóndor Pasa (If I Could)”, “Baby Driver”, and “Song for the Asking”.
Compared to their earlier works, this album leans more toward rock, with a diminished folk influence. The arrangements, in particular, stand out—songs like “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “The Boxer” incorporate electric instrumentation and grand orchestration, adding a fresh and striking depth to their sound.
There is no doubt that Bridge Over Troubled Water is a monumental album in Simon & Garfunkel’s career. However, it was also the album that ultimately cemented the growing rift between Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, exacerbated by Garfunkel’s increasing focus on his acting career.

Recommended Song: “Bridge Over Troubled Water”

Simon & Garfunkel’s greatest hit, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. The song conveys a message of self-sacrifice, likening oneself to a bridge over turbulent waters for someone in need.
The performance of pianist Larry Knechtel shines throughout the track. Although composed by Paul Simon, he does not sing on the song. Instead, Art Garfunkel sings the entire piece in a modified key, making full use of his angelic voice, which enhances the song’s emotional impact. Inspired by gospel music, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is the most gospel-influenced song in Simon & Garfunkel’s catalog.
Notably, in the outro, the crashing sound of cymbals is heard several times, adding to the grandeur of the song. This sound was actually created by striking a bicycle chain formed into a circle against the studio floor and recording it, further elevating the song’s dramatic feel.

Recommended Song: “The Boxer”

One of Simon & Garfunkel’s most significant songs, “The Boxer” tells the story of a poor boy living in New York City who becomes a boxer. The lyrics shift perspectives between the boy, his youth, and a third-person narrator, reflecting themes of urban alienation and loneliness—perhaps mirroring Paul Simon’s own emotions.
While the song is relatively easy to grasp, it is far from simple, incorporating many creative elements. The melancholic pedal steel guitar in the instrumental break, the bass harmonica layered in the final chorus, and the outro’s iconic “Lie-la-lie” refrain all contribute to its depth. In a unique production technique, the cymbal crashes in the outro were achieved by recording the sound of a studio door slamming shut with deep reverb, blending it seamlessly with the percussion. Like “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, this track showcases the intense passion behind the song’s production.

Recommended Song: “El Cóndor Pasa (If I Could)”

Paul Simon had previously drawn from English folk traditions in “Scarborough Fair”, and similar methods of musical borrowing appear on this album as well. One of Simon’s distinctive approaches to songwriting is his embrace of global music influences, and El Cóndor Pasa (If I Could) is a prime example.
This song is based on Peruvian folk music, adapted and reimagined by Simon.

Musicians, Albums, and Recommended Tracks Featured in This Article

• Artists: Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Larry Knechtel
• Album: Bridge Over Troubled Water
• Recommended Tracks: “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, “The Boxer, El Cóndor Pasa (If I Could)”

⇨List of Pianos/Synthesizers

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