Reviews (page 5 of 13)
Pretty kickass but I suspect I heard it too much 3.7
Amazing from start to finish, wonderful lyrics, one of the best albums of all time. Timeless, I could listen to it over and over at any point in my life and still enjoy it and feel different emotions.
Hazy Shade of Winter is one of the best guitar riffs OAT
Banging so close to a 5. America is one of the best songs I’ve heard
Very good album; flowed great and had good songs.
A very easy listen with some lovely guitar work, lead vocals and harmonies. Definitely worth 29 minutes of your time.
I really need to remember to look at some basic info on each album before I put it on. I listened once, and while some of the songs were enjoyable enough, the whole thing was pretty incoherent and the choice to put some of the best stuff at the end baffled me. Once I realised side A was a concept thing and side B was just individual songs I knew I had to listen again. Thankfully it's one of the shorter albums on this list, but I'm very glad I did! Understanding what it was supposed to be opened me up to enjoying it more. Side A was interesting, if a little weird. "Save the Life of My Child" was a standout, but I felt pretty neutral about the rest of it - it was fine, but nothing I really loved. Side B is full of bangers. I'd listen to just side B any day. Having read some of these reviews, I know this album seems to be pretty polarising... Half the listeners think Paul Simon is a genius (which on some level I can't deny), and the other half think he's pretentious (which is also hard to deny) and the album is rubbish. I personally think the album as a whole struggles because it's trying to be too clever... but when they're just doing good music, it's really good music. This places my rating somewhere between the coveted 5/5 and a lousy 2. Also I know this will be an unpopular opinion, but this version of "Mrs. Robinson" is way better than The Lemonheads' cover. Sorry. The Lemonheads' version is fine, but it just doesn't live up to the original. On the other hand, The Bangles' cover of "A Hazy Shade of Winter" is an absolute banger and far outstrips the original - although that's not to say the original isn't good.
album gostosinho de ouvir parece com a vibe dos beatles, e eu amo os beatles... so que esse album saiu mais como um beatles americanizado.
приятная музычка, без негатива.
Another brilliant album by S&G. Has enough all-time classics to be automatically given a 5*, (America, Mrs Robinson, Hazy Shade, Save the Life of my Child) but i'm going to be harsh and rate it as a 4*, as it's not quite as consistent as some of their other efforts, and Old People Voices takes me right out of it. Still a lovely listen, and an album that would be particularly nice to listen to on a cold day, with a cup of tea and a book. 8/10
Lit
Lyrically and musically masterful. This has never been my style of music though. With a few exceptions, this is the kind of music that, if I were taking a nap and woke up to this, I would fall asleep again immediately. But it’s clear why they were at the top of their game when this music was dominant. Geniuses in their own field.
Pleasant and enjoyable - 4/5
4 ou 5 ... tem pelo menos dois megahits ...banda de apoio do wrecking crew..
Beautiful work
A classic
Excellent
I picked this up for a quid from a charity shop back when vinyl was gathering dust and nobody cared. I remembered it cropping up in Almost Famous, that scene where music feels like salvation. But I didn’t give it the time it deserved back then. Listening now, Bookends feels like a quiet revelation. It’s nostalgic without being sentimental, poetic without being pretentious. Tracks like “America” and “Old Friends” hit differently with a bit more life lived. It’s short, but it lingers. Like a photo album you didn’t realise meant so much until years later.
Funkier bass lines than I expected
150925 17:32 4
#2 - 12.09.25
Whatever, Mrs Robinson
A couple of certified bangers on here, and then a couple of things i could’ve done without (the old people? Maybe that’s critical to the album and I’m just too dumb but i didn’t like it). Anywho, nice job Art and Paul.
4/5
I was disappointed by the lack of funk, despite the bandname.
I like Simon & Garfunkel quite a bit, and this album was a pleasant listen. Many of the songs, I knew and loved.
J’ai écouté les cinq albums de Simon & Garfunkel cet après-midi (le vendredi 10 octobre 2025). Je ne les connaissais que pour un best-of avant ça. Beaucoup de bonnes chansons sur ces albums (qui sont, pour la plupart, assez courts) ! Les deux premiers sont assez classiques : le duo qui chante et s’accompagne à la guitare. Le troisième est très intéressant, plein de belles mélodies et une plus grande panoplie d’instruments est impliquée. Le quatrième (Bookends) est probablement le plus expérimental, mais je ne suis pas certain que ça convient à leur son. Le cinquième est leur plus fort, je dirais. On sent que Paul Simon a énormément évolué comme compositeur et qu’ensemble ils ont grandi comme interprètes. Aussi, plus d’instruments et de belles instrumentations. Un groupe à réécouter. Cinq albums à réécouter.
Moro moro :D Nautin tästä levystä todella paljon. Muutama tuttu biisi josta aiemmin kuullut coverin. Ihan huippu mut muutama heikompi biisi mukana.
This is a hard one because I really like so much of the back half of the album, America and Hazy Shade of Winter are so good, and yet the first part of the album drags so much for me.
Classic
Aiempi arvostelu tulikin vahingossa musiikkikirjakerhon nimellä, kun satuin avaamaan väärän sivun sivuhistoriasta... :) Miellyttävä, ja tuli samalla täytettyä jonkinlainen aukko sivistyksessä, kun en suosiosta huolimatta ollut aiemmin juuri tutustunut kyseiseen duoon.
Onhan tämä lähestulkoon mestariteos. A-puoli ehkä vähän epätasainen, sieltä löytyy yksi Simon & Garfunkelin parhaista biiseistä (America), mutta myös kyllä suoraan sanottuna vähän täytettäkin. B-puoli onkin sitten ihan pelkkää greatest hits -ilotulitusta. Hienoa tarinankerrontaa, upeita melodioita ja viimeisen päälle kauniita stemmoja. Kai tämä folkiksi nykypäivänäkin vielä niputetaan, mutta itse aina ajatellut että tässä ollaan tosi vahvasti americanan juurilla - sillain hyvällä tavalla. Vaikka tässä onkin kahden käden sormilla laskettava määrä viiden tähden biisejä, niin silti kokonaisuus ei kuitenkaan ole niin ehjä että koko levy ansaitsisi viisi tähteä.
Vahinkoarvio :)
I've never questioned the sincerity of giraffes until now. A real life altering album.
Classic Little Rock action. Most songs were enjoyable but with Mrs Robinson as a standout.
Feels like background music, not invasive, not bad, not remarkable, ms robinson is great tho 4
Another older classic album. Liked most of the songs
Mrs. Robinson is an objectively great song that hits whatever the opposite of a sweet spot is. I can't stand it. I do enjoy the rest of this album though! It's a bit too quirky and mellow for me to listen to all the time, but America is a tremendous song, and I can always appreciate their incredible melodies and harmonies.
Really beautiful album, but it’s too short. For an album that’s less than 30 minutes, I’m amazed they devoted time to literal old people talking. That being said, it’s a nice segue into the song that comes after. Great vocal harmonies throughout. All of the songs felt very distinct with their own stories. I enjoyed this one, but I just have a few minor gripes here and there.
i discovered even more good song through the spotify radio of this album 3.5/5
They really do make it seem effortless eh? Just dropping perfect harmonies. The old people track weird but somehow endearing. The cornflake line was weird but nah it was just weird but what a smooth bass line on that track. 4 stars
Solid S&G album here. I keep having to remind myself that people listened to these on vinyl records and there was a side 1 and side 2, because the weird intermission part with "Voices of Old People" just thrown in there was ending the first side of the album, and Fakin' It starts side 2. Overall I liked it. 3.5 / 5 stars
This album is an experience. A whole story of life. Not bad
Interesting to hear the album on which "Mrs. Robinson" appears. Some of it is very experimental (looking at you, "Voices of old people"), but overall I liked it.
Not as coherent as bridge over troubled water but the harmony is still beyond compare
I liked this one! Old people talking was silly and not really in the vein of the rest of the album, but the album was full enough otherwise so it was just a fun inclusion, imo. Some classics, the rest were so good but not notable
I prefer Bridge Over Troubled Winter to Bookends and I really don't know how it can be considered that close. The first half of this album, absent America is experimentation and some bizarre attempt to have a concept album. There was clearly some drug use during the making of this album, as some of the songs are the trippiest that Paul Simon ever wrote. The last six songs are incredibly strong, and though they don't have a "theme" they are just better than the first six songs. It makes it difficult to rate this album, as I would give it five stars if there were 8 songs on the album. Unfortunately, there are 12 songs and one of the songs is just old people talking (for some reason). There are quite a few great songs on here and I think there is a place for the album in the book, as this is the album where they shed some of their folk-duo persona and stretched out their sound a bit. My favorite tracks: Bookends (combined into one) Save the Life of My Child (I think I like it) America Fakin' It A Hazy Shade of Winter Mrs. Robinson At the Zoo
« We smoked the last one an hour ago… » is a beautiful line! I got lost on the electronic instrumentation. A little jumbled song sequence but some real gems in there
Hört sich ganz cool an
I’ve gotten 3 Paul Simon solo records and I am of the belief that Paul Simon is one of the greatest songwriters pop music ever had. His music has this charm and fun while also being excellent actual written works. This album was the third consecutive album Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel had that struck gold. This one better even than their previous. I love the light integration of some psychedelic elements. I love the urgency on the vocals to “Save The Life Of My Child” the harmonies and power in “America” make it one of the greatest in their catalog. I’m a huge fan of “Overs”. “Old Friends” is great, “Punky’s Dilemma” is a fun one that feels different than the average S&G song. I of course love the classic “Mrs. Robinson” one of the songs of my childhood and one of the earliest songs I loved as a child. I also love the closer “At The Zoo”, though not quite the finest moment (that would come two years later with their subsequent album) it’s a somewhat close second place
A very artful and creative expression of life’s simplicities: mundane yet profound. The references through much of the album center around the New York and the stories feel like they could have inspired the Humans of New York project. The music serenades the soul through visual stories of the human journey. From the joyous innocence and playfulness of youth, to the spring of life, on through changing of leaves, and finally the quiet winter - the beauty remains present at each stage. Simon certainly had a way of weaving a colorful tapestries of story, creating collective experience both honest and deeply connected. I thought about my grandparents during two tracks and felt a bit emotional. I have to admit, at age 19, I had a major crush on Garfunkel. Sure, he was more the ‘looks’ of the two and not the songwriter but I dunno … the beatnik turtleneck and curly hair were totally my jam.
These fellas pop up in some important memories of my Gen X life. The first time I heard Simon and Garfunkel was when I was a pre-adolescent kid hanging out in my grandpa's garage. It had that rich warm gasoline smell of old cars and machine grease that only garages of a certain era smelled like. I seek to recreate that aroma in my garage today; sometimes running my vintage Triumph motorcycle a little rich so that that smell soaks into the bare studs somehow. Anyhow, gramps was listening to The Sounds of Silence. I remember thinking how haunting all the songs sounded, especially the eponymous track and "Scarborough Fair". Another time, many years later, I watched The Graduate for the first time with my mom during the pandemic, (some 20-odd years after it was recommended to me when I myself graduated). I've never sat down to actually listen to Paul and Art, but they've been on the hi-fi in a room I've been in several times throughout my life; and when they have been, they are moments I remember. Today it's soundtracking my day while I scan photos of my grandfather and my mom, who are gone now. I'll remember today, too. In an era of singles, it was quite the move for this duo to release a concept album. The material here is definitely a measure more upbeat and rockin' and rollin' than the haunting sounds I grew up with. There are a few that stuck out to me. "Save the Life of My Child" has evocative, Dylanesque lyrics and vocal phrasing; well at least until we get to the chorus. "America" has tones and words that lend to it being a classic anthem of a time. These guys were writing music for what seemed to be everyone. When we get to "Old Friends" I was struck at how much it sounds like the closing music on a Wes Anderson film. Of course, "Mrs Robinson" and "A Hazy Shade of Winter" are essential tracks here, nothing more needs to really be said. They have become a permanent part of the American book of popular song of the last 100 years. What struck me by the record's end is how much "At the Zoo" sounds like any indie rock single from the mid 2000s. I never put that together but I can see a connection now that I didn't before. These boys are hugely influential. Huh. The album cover art is seriously tasteful. So clean. I can see how Apple's whole design aesthetic might be inspired by this album art alone. The cover photo looks like a professional silver-gelatin portrait of two Eurotrash lesbians with an electro-clash project, and I love it. Then we have a modern, simple, small, typographic element in the ever so slightly Art Deco typeface Venus tucked neatly at the bottom (where it would likely be invisible as a masthead in record bins - what a total flex). Put all together, we see an example of a layout that proves the theory that oftentimes, less is more.
Vibes of that whimsical surreal Beatles/PF/Kinks - love the idea of the concept on the first half of the album. The non rhyming lyrics show just how insanely melodic and well produced this album as they never seem out of place or too abstract. Also the second part of the first half of the album is just immensely sad
The Good: We know how the story ends… The Bad: We aren’t always sure where the story started… The Ugly: Paul Simons haircut… 30 minutes… that’s what this album lasts, and technically speaking, just for that, it should get an additional star ranking, because the fear that enters me when I see an album I don’t know with a runtime of around 1+ hour, mainly product released post 1995… This album serves to make several points; don’t judge a book by its cover, being the main one! I did NOT know that the song America was them performing it, and I’ve heard that song countless times. And it’s not that I don’t like the song, it’s just that I had placed it away in the folder labelled “pantsy hippy shit”… Then you are forced to sit down and listen, and I actually tried to pay attention to the lyrics (for which I deserve an extra star rating)… Before reaching the much known Mrs Robinson, we are treated to sonic delight… what the fuck? And reading about how, when one would be listening to the album, side one starts and ends with the aptly named bookend… fuckers are just giggling while my mind starts to understand a little bit more… And then comes the hammer… A Hazy Shade of Winter, one of the greatest songs ever performed by The Bangles, turns out to be a cover! Fuck me! I spend some time trying to see if I can get the movie “Less Than Zero” on any of my streaming services, but alas, just like the movie “Under the Cherrymoon”, this ‘80s gem will be denied, for the moment… I am struggling as to which score to give the album… it is nice, and it is special… I am just not certain if I wan’t it to have 5*… why can’t we rate to 10???
Really enjoyable listen. Not mind blowing but very good. Strong 4
Yeah not bad needs another listen
Very nice
a little uneven, but there are some amazing tracks on here.
Just great harmonies and melodies.
Classic S&G
Quite a nice album, more varied than some of their others. Quite progressive use of synth/sampling that I didnt know they used
I thought I knew what I was getting with a Simon & Garfunkel album, but I was wrong. When Save the Life of My Child started, I briefly thought I'd put the wrong album on. Then there's the sheer oddity of Voices of Old People, and the ghostly way Art's voice floats in on Overs. I liked it though. Maybe they should have got weird more often.
Clear to see the influence they had on elliot smith Really enjoyable album
Ortega y Gasset si hicieran musica
The first side is amazing. The second is pretty good (Mrs Robinson being the standout). But seriously, the Bookends melody returning at the end of Old Friends made me ascend.
Just incredible stuff from these little nerds, love em!
Classic album! Good songs!
Pleasant and enjoyable.
This album surprised me. I can see now what my mom saw in Simon & Garfunkel back when this album came out. I liked all of the tunes on this one and want to go back and listen more closely. This is one I'll definitely be returning to.
very calming, feels like a novel expressed through music.
Hazy Shade of Winter is a metal song.
Absolute classic
"Mrs. Robinson" and "A Hazy Shade of Winter" elevate this album from 2 to 4 stars; otherwise, forgettable.
Just such a vibe.
With some of Simon & Garfunkel's finest songs and some of my favourites, this album will not disappoint. Easy listening and always enjoyable.
Minus one whole star because we have already reviewed other Simon & Garfunkel albums and the redundancy is obvious. Just pick one and let's go.
This album is fantastic. Knocked down for “Voices of Old People”
Some nostalgic songs and some weird ones I do not remember at all!
Silly folk songs are good
Thoughts before listening: I like pretty much everything by Simon and Garfunkel, so I feel confident that this will be no different. Should be some solid 60s folk with memorable melodies and vocal harmonies. I'm sure there will be some classics on this as well. Review: The first real song on this album is "Save the Life of a Child" and it sets the stage for what seems like a bit more of an experimental sound for Simon and Garfunkel. Lots of bass in the mix on this one and I'm rather enjoying it. Next comes "America" which is one of my favorite songs of all time so it's inclusion as the 3rd song on this album is an immediate win in my book. They lose me a bit with some slow tunes and an entire track of old people talking, but then bring it back with "Fakin' It" and of course "Mrs. Robinson". I'll give this 4 stars with the high points being very high.
so so good. any album with America on it is an automatic favourite in my book , but I was pleasantly surprised by the b-sides/'filler'. Save the life of my child was kind of awesome. Also Mrs. Robinson gets a lot of play but it's really that good.
Some classics on here
I mean, you can't deny there are some incredible singles on here. 29 mins is a great shout for this project too. 'A hazy shade of winter' did a great job pf packing in a lot for less than 2 and a half minutes. Top track. Bridge over troubled water was always my favourite probably still is, but this is close.
Some bangers on here like Mrs. Robinson, Hazy Shade of Winter, and America... but also did we need an entire track of old people talking? It's more like a 3.5 but I'll be generous because the standouts are such classics, but still it's not even close to Bridge Over Troubled Water.
I like how weird and kinda loud this gets. Didn't know they had it in them, honestly. Full Mrs Robinson is all american anthem. Woo woo woo.
Short and sweet album. Favourite Track(s): America, Hazy Shade of Winter Least Favourite Track(s): Save the Life Of My Child
at the zoo is my favourite song of all time
Such a mixed bag. Best of times, worst of times. I read up on this album on Wikipedia after listening to it. The modern format doesn't suit the album. Originally this would have had side A and B on a record, which would have given it a coherent theme. As it is, it's a thematic jumble with some fantastic songs and some that really don't work.
Was really the start of something big for them.
Have seen the cover for years, never put it on before. Definitely wasn't expecting the synth and crash at the beginning of 'Save the Life of My Child', but everything after that pretty much eased into standard S&G sound. I'm good with it, and don't have the complaints that others seem to have about the concept album A side and the inclusion of Mrs Robinson on the B side - this was the first full length album after it was in the Graduate - why wouldn't they include it?
First Simon & Garfunkel album in this journey. Have definitely heard a few of these songs but not all together. Enjoyed the idea and the music. Definitely lose the goal of 2 separate sides with streaming!
America and A Hazy Shade of Winter only just nudge it up one star, but this really wasn't as good as expected.
8/10 Love America, although the low sax is detrimental to it. Also Mrs Robinson is obviously excellent. Just a bit too much is meh to lift it to 5 stars, but it is very good.
It’s one of those ‘nice/pleasant’ albums isn’t it, but it’s hard not to really like its chilled nature. Enjoyed that.
This was great! moved very quickly, sounds perfect, felt like the whole thing was over in an instant. Wonderful!
Some very surprising songs
Beautiful and harmonic, I love the sound of this and the warmth it gives me. Best song: America Worst song: Voices of Old People Cover check: Singer-songwriter duo looking thoughtful at you
Classic - was nice to hear some of these tracks I never heard before, in addition to the heavy hitters. Some Paul Simon melodies just make you tingle and think about your life. America is a personal top track for me - I feel like it speaks to the state of the country and the people in it so well. Timeless. Save The Life of My Child is too Bob Dylan ripoff for me, but everything else is great.
liked songs: America, Fakin' It, A Hazy Shade of Winter Look, I liked this better than I expected. The flow of the album is very good, as is the production and songwriting. I find it interesting that the "concept album" side is only 15 minutes long, but the conciseness is definitely a positive. I still like the Yes cover of America better than this original. 3.75
Favorite Track: Mrs. Robinson
Good but not my kind of thing
Pretty album
Haven’t listened to too much Simon and Garfunkel prior to this, but it’s not quite what I expected. I was in for a ride that was more stripped down and minimalist compared to the full, cinematic and sometimes harmonically interesting record I got. After a quick listen it seems to be a nice cross-section of American life and changing culture of the time, and in that way it’s true to the folk music roots that the artists pull through their work. Old friends, Overs and America were all tracks that I haven’t heard previous and really liked. Would pick this one up if I saw it in the store.
Some classics on this, but pretty uneven. Bookends theme had some interesting ahead-of-times electronic vibes.
There is just something about the soothing sounds and harmonies of S&G. This isn't their best album, but a generational classic none-the-less
Classic. Much better than I thought it would be. Had nit listened to it sinc the mid eighties
Довольно интересный альбом. Правда, это больше относится ко второй части, нежели к первой. Первая половина альбома для меня пока непонятна. Посему лишь 7 из 10.
Timeless...wonderful harmony
Bookends is one of those rare albums that feels like it’s speaking directly to you, even decades later. I’ve always found something so comforting in the way Simon & Garfunkel balance melancholy with melody, and here they absolutely nail that mix. The first half flows almost like a short film, touching on themes of youth, aging, and memory the “Bookends Theme” in particular has this gentle, wistful quality that really gets to me. It’s simple, but it feels timeless. For me, the real emotional punch comes from “America” and “Old Friends.” “America” builds slowly and beautifully into this soaring blend of longing and hope, while “Old Friends” is quietly devastating in its stillness. You can practically see the park bench and the worn faces. And then there’s the second half songs like “Mrs. Robinson” and “A Hazy Shade of Winter” still sound so sharp and smart, adding just the right jolt of energy to the album’s reflective tone. What makes Bookends such a standout is how personal it feels, even when the lyrics are abstract or poetic. It’s an album about growing up, losing people, and holding on to fleeting moments. I come back to it whenever I need something familiar, something human.
Voices of old people
This is a gorgeous album. America will forever take my mind right to the scene in Almost Famous where the sister leaves home. The Bangles version of Hazy Shade of Winter is better, but it is a damn well written song here. Mrs. Robinson is a timeless classic. Some of the other songs sound so delicate that they may break. There’s a comfortable cinematic calmness throughout this record that now feels lost to time.
Enjoyed this a lot. The concept on side 1 is moving and emotional, especially on a day when we buried our uncle. Especially loved America on that side, and the sound bites from all the older people, though I wish some of them were more audible. And side 2 is a lot of fun! Mrs Robinson is great of course, I had no idea they did Hazy Shade of Winter, and At the Zoo was a goofy good time. They packed a lot into 29 minutes!
Nice album but not my taste. Best number mrs Robinson.
Score. Simon (Pronounced as if he’s from northern Québec) and Garfield’s uncle himself, Big Art. I’m excited about this. I always enjoy the output of this musical duo. Expect the words “lush” and “beautiful” to appear en masse. For my birthday in 8 months, I would like a thesaurus. Don’t pester me about this internet. I can barely use the internet at this point without having to wrestle with the question “did a robot produce this on behalf of a corporation to sell me something at great expense to real nature?” The answer to that is almost always, yes. Anyway. Harken me back to a simpler time. When men were sensitive songwriters, and the only intelligence that was artificial was that of an in over his head scientist. Bookends Theme - Meh. Save the Life of my Child - This is pretty dense musically. Dense in the way a forest is dense, not the skull of a boy wearing the dunce cap. Echoey, lush, and not what I expected. Beautiful vocals underneath a strange, psychedelic musical output. Very cool. America - This is the lyrical and songwriting content I come for. Cigarettes in raincoats sung as softly as anything possibly could. I don’t know what culture it’s conveying, but damn if it doesn’t speak to me. I yearn for the ethical coffee shops. As ethical as it can be to ship a tropically grown bean from the tropics, to frigid Canada. Only for me to complain about the price. Overs - That falsetto interjection is incredibly beautiful. I’m sure “beautiful” is one of those words that this site keys in on for this album review. Fantastic set of songs so far, and this may be the the king up to this point. Voices of Old People - As much as I would like for underprivileged/underrepresented groups to have more of a say, I feel like society is still run by people this age. If it gives you any comfort, i believe all of these people are dead. That’s just kind sad. Anyway. Out of the retirement home and into the uhh fire. Poor choice of phrase. Old Friends - He said bookends! Huge news for fans of album titles everywhere. This song was ok. Bookends Theme Reprise - Meh Part Deux Fakin’ It - Never would I expect these two upstanding gentlemen to use a conjunction!! At least it’s an impression of being folksy and relatable. This is not as much what I want from a duo like Simon & Garfunkel. More bombast and electricity than I appreciate from these two. Sing more about old men and park benches. That’s your wheelhouse. Punky’s Dilemma - See? “I wish I was cereal.”That’s where you guys need to be. Even though in this day and age, I’d point at product placement, this just shows the effortless songwriting ability of this duo. Write a song that is as listenable and enjoyable as this whilst being about waking up a sentient breakfast. The magic of the 60’s. Mrs. Robinson (From the Motion Picture “The Graduate”) - The smash hit. For real this time. It is so pretty and is a rare deserving member of the hit parade Hall of fame. You know what I mean. If a song lingers in the cultural zeitgeist, it’s a rare thing that it is this level of quality. A special song. Saying Joe DiMaggio will always be funny to me, but a nation turning its lonely eyes to him? A symbol of a nation building an identity and outgrowing it, despite a desire for the nostalgic comforts of a seemingly simpler past? It still rings loud and clear today. A Hazy Shade of Winter - Whoa this brings the energy WAY up. I typically like when this band stays in their calm beauty, but this felt urgent and the right time to come alive. Hell yeah. At the Zoo - Ooh I want to see the hippos. I don’t care about the political affiliations of the zebras. I’d think with their mixed race, they would be far more moderate and less reactionary. Boy do I have egg on my face. This album was so very interesting. It wasn’t what I expected for the most part and deked me out at every corner. From the harder rocking moments to the lyrical content, all the way to the prog leanings of the first track. Simon and Garfunkel continue to cement their legacy as one of my favourite folk pop duos and really one of my favourite mainstream acts of all time. A great way to spend some time. Transported to New York in the formerly brisk winters that they once experienced. But st least a robot can tell me my 7/11 order with 48% accuracy. That sure beats having seasons. Great job fellas. 4 HIGHLIGHTS - Save the Life of My Child, America, Overs, Mrs. Robinson (From the Motion Picture “The Graduate”)
Dug it more than I anticipated
Not super Nirvana fan, but favorite songs from album: - Heart-Shaped Box - Dumb
#ВидатнийАльбомЩодня Simon & Garfunkel - Bookends (1968) Це все ще не Sounds Of Silence, але все ще дуже крутий класичний фолковий альбом в якому відчувається якась студентська романтика, що є універсальною напевно, що для будь-якого часу. Не дарма саме Simon & Garfunkel звучать у саундтреку оскароносного «Випускника» Майкла Ніколса. Певно, що режисер також відчував в них цей самий вайб. Та у кожного та кожну з вас хто послухає альбом зараз також обовʼязково просочиться цей бунтівний дух юнацької романтики. Музично його можна розділити на дві частини, а якщо слухати на платівці, то вона вже це зробить за вас. Адже саме на першій стороні можна почути усі меланхолійні, тендітні, а часом навіть трохи «темні» треки, що більш епічні та «оркестрові» за розмахом, та що закінчуються наче резюмуючою репризою. В той час як на другій (починаючи з Fakin’ It) зібрані більш веселі та оптимістичні речі. Серед яких всім відомі хіти Mrs.Robinson та A Hazy Shade Of Winter. Альбом відмінно передає настрій та уособлює собою трохи наївну, оптимістичну та пристрасну природу молодості, коли увесь світ перевертається у твоїй голові «з ніг на голову».
Not quite as good as "Bridge Over Troubled Water" but still a good album. I knew three tracks and those are the ones I like the most: "Mrs Robinson", "Hazy Shade of Winter", and "America". But some of the other tracks grew on me too. I'm a little embarrassed that I didn't know Simon and Garfunkel did the original "Hazy Shade of Winter" (I thought it was a Bangles song).
i love this guy, paul simon
A very fine album. Some of these songs are even more well-known or popular in different versions, illustrating the song-writing capabilities of Paul Simon. It's very nicely arranged too, maybe just a little too soft on the ears.
Two of my fave Simon & Garfunkel songs are on this album. Have listened to this one before, and will listen to it again.
Some good stuff then literal random old voices
3.9/a lil sad
Oväntat bra! Poppigare än jag trodde!
"Short and sweet," is probably the best description of the album. Not even a full half hour, but it does so much in that half hour. The classic hit "Mrs. Robinson" is great as always, but "America" and "Old Friends" are such good songs too.
Side B was better than Side A. Overall it was good, but, the "song" Voices of Old People was utterly pointless. I understand what they were going for conceptually, however I don't feel like they pulled it off. If they had pulled that off it would have been significantly better.
I never heard the entire album before. I should have. It has Mrs. Robinson and Hazy Shade of Winter, two songs I knew before. They’re some of my favorite songs, but not even my favorites on the album. But it also has Old People talking, so it’s not 5 star. Favorite song: old friends.
> The Beatles
Okay, yeah. I liked this.
Goed, niet geweldig, maar wel gewoon goed
this album has some great songs and could have been legendary if they had not bothered with the failed concept attempt and made it more consistent. 4+. Mrs robinson alone made it a 4 already.
Sounds dated, but very pleasant sounding overall.
A beautiful album: Warm and inviting, and full of charm. The stories on this album are a bit corny and dated. But it’s wholesome, and doesn’t feel like it’s trying to cater to a particular listening group. Songs like Bookends are genuinely touching (and alarming from a couple of 20-somethings). S&G’s songs play heavily on emotion, and while those emotions are subdued on this album compared to the grandness of the superior Bridge Over Troubled Water, it still hits its target. Hazy Shade of Winter is the peak for me, delivering some much needed urgency and excitement to the album’s closing tracks. Really love this album. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
8/10 honestly mostly bangers except for the first couple of songs and voices of old people was odd
mrs robinson
8.3/10 I’m Simon and Jeremy is Garphonkel
I really enjoyed listening to this over the weekend. Filled with classic songs, beautiful melodies, and poetic lyrics. They sound like the American Beatles. This vinyl is sitting on our shelf but I’ve never listened to it - gotta get our record player hooked back up. Also, The Lemonheads’ cover of Mrs. Robinson is really good (I had that on a mislabelled mp3 so believed it was a cover by Guster until approximately 2 years ago). Also also, The Bangles’ cover of Hazy Shade of Winter is pretty fun.
This is another album that meant a lot to me when I was younger... I think I discovered it at 20? Bookends was on the 500 days of summer soundtrack and The Graduate was directly referenced in the film. That ofcourse lead me to Simon and Garfunkel... and this album. It was fun revisiting this one... it's still great. Not sure it's the 5/5 it was to me 10 years ago, but it still means a lot to me now. My main knock against it is that It feels less like one cohesive album and more like two EPs stuck together. The first half is this concept EP about time and memory and aging. And the second side is just a collection of fun, light classic singles. I think if they were releasing it now, with the freedom of digital releases, the 2 sides would be separated. I love both halves for different reasons. But together they don't feel like one cohesive album. The first half is dramatic, cinematic, intense at points.... emotional. It makes me contemplate my own aging. Bookends is beautiful... "preserve your memories, they're all that's left you." America just has this massive, high drama chorus. Overs is lazy, reflective, sweet (i kind of think its about their friendship and not a romantic relationship). Old Friends feels like a folk song at war with the orchestra... and in the end orchestra wins in this epic, crecendo that turns sour (much like the relationship of Simon and Art). The second half is just a good time that brings a smile to my face. It's proof of how incredible Pual Simon was at writing catchy folk rock bangers. Punky' Dilemma makes me feel like I'm relaxing by the pool owned by a glamorous 60s starlet, sipping a decade appropriate cocktail. Mrs. Robinson... is just one of the greatest folk rock songs ever written. I'm not ashamed to put in writing that I enjoy it. Hazy Shade of winter is pure momentum and has this strange moody vibe. I love it. Reminds me of April come she will. Simon is the best at using seasons and weather to contemplate the passage of time. At the Zoo is just a really fun song about the animals at the zoo. Anyone trying to get their kids into Simon and garfunkel, start here. 4.5 stars?
I don’t think this holds together quite as well as bridge over troubled Waters, but still of course giving it a four.
Love this version of S&G!
3.5
Really bums me out that these guys are as good as their reputation because wimpy acoustic guitar music pisses me off in theory - but not here. The fuzz on track 2 took me pleasantly by surprise. The experimentation doesn't always pay off, but they don't seem particularly cynical about some of their earnest cynicism/saudade so I mostly give it a pass. Punky's dilemma, however, is everything I hate about this kind of stuff - it feels like one of those bubblegum songs from Scooby Doo, but uses its cutesy facade for an adult theme. Dogshit. But Mrs. Robinson is an all-timer.
Strange album very strange not bad though
Definitely an above average album. Paul Simon is one of the greats. The harmonization does sound a bit dated/silly but you have to respect it for what it is. 7.75/10 (3.875/5)
Høres ut akkurat som forventa, det e fint og æ likte det og æ kommer neppe til å høre på det igjen, for det va ingenting som satt sæ fast i øran mine.
I like Simon and Garfunkel in a surface level way. Whatever has been offered I’ve liked. One time I karaoke’d me and Julio at rays happy birthday bar in Philly and it’s the best I’ve ever karaoke’d anything ever. At 29 minutes I can afford to give this the recommended 2-3 listens. First listen through I only heard the songs I knew. America. Ms. Robinson. Good stuff. Next listen I’m only doing the ones I don’t know. Opening of child is rad. Thought it might be something different. Is Paul Simon a theatre guy? Musicals? I like it alright. Kind of interesting now that I’m paying attention. No idea what he’s singing about and the orchestration is all over the place. 4th listen and it’s really growing on me. It’s a reallly dark song with some haunting stuff in the background but a catchy chorus. Never noticed that humming at the beginning of America. Skipped because the point is to hear the other ones. Overs - what a snooze of a song. I’m struck by the utter lack of sympathy this song inspires in me. I’m just an irritated friend tired of his complaining. Fucking break up already. old people talking. Sets up old friends. That orchestration again. Strings. So sentimental. It’s hard to listen to. Am I going to find out this was a soundtrack? Or maybe there’s some conflict in the songwriting I’ll learn about later? Paul Simon wanted to write pop songs and Arbuckle Garfunkel wanted to make music from the previous decade? Bookends reprise was cool but not really a song. What is the concept that I’m missing on this album. Fakin it is good. I’ll listen to this again. Pinky’s dilemma makes me think of The Beach Boys. Intentional? Hazy shade of winter sounds like the Zombies. I like it Zoo makes me realize that Paul Simon s musical gift is writing what sounds like narratively driven songs that don’t have a clear narrative structure when you listen to them too closely. I think zoo might grow on me. It’s so weird. Going back to Punky again to see if there’s something there too. Some good songs. A couple new ones I liked. Some snoozers. I don’t know that I would tell anyone this was an album that they had to listen to before they die. Just read the wiki. It is a concept album and I’m just dense. Not sure that it rehabilitates the snoozers. I don’t understand what made this such a breakthrough album. Wonder what else I’m missing. This one is really hard to rate. I think 4 because every song grew on me the more I listened to it. Even overs.
Two solid jump scares in this album, it it’s almost comical. First track is all whimsical here we go again, and then all of a sudden bam hitting the face with his low ass synth. Pretty cool way to set the tone for the album definitely took me off guard. I was almost about to skip this one. Glad I didn’t very experimental which is cool. I thought I’ve heard all the Simon & Garfunkel songs but I guess I’ve only heard a handful of these on this album or maybe I’ve skipped through it Being a captive audience to it. I can definitely appreciate the artistry. Voices of old people was so lovely that’s cool that they are carving out little moments like that in the album. I think it’s hilarious. Also, that after the other book end reprise they smack you in the face again with the loud noise like the album just kind of repeats itself. Both of their voices are heavenly. I’ve always been a fan sometimes I’m just not in the mood to be lulled and rocked. Miss Robinson is definitely a stand out. Radio hit here. The rest of the songs are just kind of pretty compositions and interesting takes on what you would expect from a Simon & Garfunkel song. Their instrumentation has always been so interesting. Save the life of my child. Does a similar thing that they do in the boxer. Using a lower register instrument and exploring the deep bottom so unique to them on this song it’s a lower active synthesizer, but on the boxer they’re using a bass harmonica which never even knew existed but it rattles your chest keeps you wondering what’s around the next turn? Overall solid album I don’t know if I put it on often but certain moods for sure.
This could reach a 5 depending on the mood I think. Really clean folk singer/songwriter guitar with gorgeous lyrics. Old friends is one of the most contemplative songs I've heard. Simon and Garfunkel don't really miss
4/5
So many of the songs you know are on this album. The opening song was an pleasant surprise.
7.5/10. This is a pleasant folk album.
Side one is a masterpiece of memory and mortality; side two trades the concept for a hit parade. The brilliance never fully fades, and when it lands, it’s timeless.
Insulting to elephants but more people should write songs about going to the zoo
old friends ❤️
Classic LP.
I was expecting a straight forward folk album but this blew my expectations away. A really enjoyable listen.
A tough one to rate. It contains three of the all-time S&G tracks - (America, Mrs. Robinson, and Hazy Shade of Winter). Some of the material is OK - some is just plain awful. Pretty adventurous for the time so I am going to bump it to a 4. But, BTW, the Bangles follow-on version of Hazy Shade beats the original hands down....
Very solid album. I do like Simon & Garfunkel's style of music.
Great
Starts off weird (great) and just continually gets better. Need this on vinyl so I can throw it on during a sunny spring day with the windows open.
Very soothing
It's Simon & Garfunkel, where you'll find classic compositions constructed to intrigue your ear and invite your contemplation. For me it's America, Old Friends, Mrs. Robinson, and Hazy Shade of Winter that stand tall amongst the Bookends. But like every Simon & Garfunkel album I've ever listened to, there will be songs less satisfying and choices I puzzle over. Great but not perfect, maybe that's where they'd rather be.
Packs a ton into 29 minutes. Part musical, part folk rock. "Mrs. Robinson" will always, to some extent, explain the 60s. Worth a listen. And always funny to remember its cameo in "Almost Famous".
Dope
The balance between the vocals and instrumentals so interesting, makes the vocals kind of ambient which I love
I thought for sure I’d heard this before. Glad I finally took a listen.
Great album
Still very easily recognizable with their sometimes sudden use of sample hits. This sounds like a soundtrack, which I'm going to assume it is.
I was blown away surprised with this album. Obviously I have heard all the classic songs from this duo before, but never did I really give much thought to their full albums. That was clearly a mistake. This is a fantastic blend of experimental sound with classic 60's pop structure. I will be revisiting again in the future.
Immediately, my fav songs were fakin' it and a hazy shade of winter. the only song i knew was mrs robinson. i was def expecting hello darkness my old friend to be on this album but i guess they have multiple albums that have permeated pop culture even half a century later.
America is an amazing song. Mrs. Robinson is a classic— the rest are not inspiring
Bookend themes and Hazy shade are awesome songs. Some interesting things going on in this, not what I expected.
Not a big fan of filler on albums. Some classics here, but who wants to hear old people talking? At least talk about something interesting.
More misses than hits... But the hits are soooooo good.
Side one is perfect, side two is pretty good.
Great hits plus hidden gems. Good album
Wow very interesting
Bookends is the fourth studio album from Simon & Garfunkel. It was created as a concept album, exploring the journey from youth to old age. Bookends was released during the same year as the duo's soundtrack to the movie the Graduate; together, the releases made Simon & Garfunkel among the most popular acts in the world. The album includes some of their biggest hits, like "America," "Mrs. Robinson," and "At the Zoo." Some of the "concept album additions" - like "Voices of Old People" - are not as strong as the singles.
Definitely a classic!
Some terrifically beautiful moments here!
A little surprising. Some classic acoustic harmony stuff I associate with them but also some discordant and electronic elements I didn’t expect.
Last 3 songs. Really good
Fantastic album. Simon and Garfunkel can go from this slow and whispering almost haunting vibe in songs like Old Friends to explosive sing-alongs in mrs. Robinson. Lots to explore here. Notable song: Fakin’ it
This was solid, though not quite my cup of tea. Good instrumentals and decent vocal work. 'Mrs. Robinson' was my fave and hard carries this album for me.
Beautiful album. I haven’t albums so much with simon and Garfunkel, I’ve more songed with Simon with these in the mix. Fantastic album with such a feeling of the time and place and evolving style and harmonies (if that was Garfunkel doing harmonies on the last bit of ‘America’ I can more fully understand why Simon kept him around for as long as he did). People, including me, often refer to duos as the ‘current/next S&G’ (presently I’ve used that for the Milk Carton Kids’) but there Will never be another S&G.
Concept albums are funny to me and that's probably the only thing that drags this one down from a 5 to a 4. Giving it a theme and having that weird Voices of Old People track. Otherwise, enjoyed listening to Simon and Garfunkel at the height of their powers.
7/10.
Awesome folk/pop album! Short and sweet with no filler.
America and Mrs. Robinson the obvious highlights. Actually surprised the album mostly dragged otherwise. 60s...
4 - pretty good album. Side a was good but side b wasn’t as strong
pleased to hear it again. Sounds very modern
It’s sooooo close to a 5, but the “song” with old people talking holds me back.
Simon and Garfunkel are great. Brings back fond memories. Some songs I didn't enjoy, so it gets a 4.
Good music with a few bangers
As much as I love Simon & Garfunkel, they’re definitely a “best of” group. Every full album I’ve listened to in this project has just had a couple major stinkers.
The early tracks are mostly unpleasant noise, but there are some real bangers on here.
I haven’t heard much Simon & Garfunkel before but I really enjoyed this album. This was really pleasant to listen to
Surprised at how much I liked this. I really enjoyed the concept on the front side of the album, it was really easy to follow but you still felt the emotions captured by each song in each “stage” of life depicted (also America is just such a beautiful tune). Voices of old people probably cost it a 5. The rest of the album was pretty good too, with a bunch of previously unreleased singles that were mostly pretty catchy, especially Mrs Robinson. Overall, 4.1/5. Fav song: America
Good album. Was a little underwhelmed by the first couple, but I thought it finished really strong. 3.6/5
1968. Folk Rock. 8.5/10 Save the Life of My Child / America / Overs / Voices of Old People / Old Friends / Bookends Theme / Fakin' It /Punky's Dilemma / Mrs. Robinson / A Hazy Shade of Winter / At the Zoo"
I liked it heard it before nice folk warm acoustic tones.
I didn't love it all, but the bangers are great. Mrs Robinson is a classic. Other highlights were Save the life of my Child, America , A hazy Shade of winter and At the zoo. Thought the second half was the stronger side. 4 stars.
at times not what you would expect of S&G, in a good way
Overall: 8/10 This is a good little dose of folk rock. Simon and Garfunkel obviously have incredible harmonies and their music can range from fun to calming for me. I think I prefer Graceland (I know its only Paul but still), but it's still a great, short album with songs worth adding to your life. Fav Song: Fakin' It Least Fav Song: Old Friends
Never heard a full S&G album before, but really enjoyed this, especially everything after Bookends Reprise. The unexpected synth bit in track 2 made me double check what I was listening to
Really enjoyed this. I don’t think I’ve ever listened to one of their albums in full. The lyrics are really nice, standouts are Save the Life of my Child, America, Fakin It & Mrs Robinson
4.5 if I could give it. So many great tracks on this album including some of my favourite S&G (and all time) songs. Yet as a whole it's not my favourite of theirs - but damn it's good.
"I love this warm hug of a folk-duo" were my first thoughts when I clicked play on this, only to be greeted, after a nice music-box opening, with the cacophony that is 'Save The Life of My Child'. A song that just doesn't sound like a '60s song at all, let alone a Simon and Garfunkel song. From the strange brightened up samples to those striking vocal swells in the chorus, to the blaring saw, to the tragic lyrics - it was all just too much, but in a good way. Luckily, everything else here falls in line with exactly what I wanted, and sort of needed, out of a good ol' S&G album. 'America' was an early highlight, and the baroque aging-anthem 'Old Friends' paired with its vocal-sample predecessor provided some nice cohesion to this record - I mean from the child about to kill himself to the sorrows of the old and aging, this idea of the "Bookends" to life comes together nicely here - I'd say these ideas of fast-living also come through with the song 'A Hazy Shade of Winter'. Not saying this is a concept album or anything, but that's just my 2 cents. Either way, the songs here are all incredible, especially 'Mrs. Robinson' - it was my first time hearing this incredibly popular song, and it didn't disappoint. I guess I just really love the music these guys make.
It's Simon and Garfunkel!
A bit of a weird album, but always love the harmonies and songwriting
Very nice album, just not quite as strong as Bridge.
Really good.
"Bookends" I like it. But I can't really do much with those two guys. Garfunkel and his statements completely discredit him and he sounds like a complete asshole. And all that with his voice. I never understood Simon and his Africa thing, but I also lack the context. After the duo split up, I was no longer interested in either of them solo. But the film and the songs used in it are fantastic. There's also "America", "A Hazy Schade Of Winter" and maybe also "At The Zoo" for the rest you have to be very strong, otherwise you won't get through 3 or 4 stars. Mrs. Robinson is the deciding factor - 4 stars!
4/5. This is a great album, even if Bridge is objectively better. If they committed to a full concept album all songs were interconnected, I think this would be considered one of the greatest albums of all time. The writing chops are there, but the second half feels like B-sides even if they were the hits. It's not perfect and some songs on both sides bring it down in my opinion. But it's still a folk rock classic. Best Song: America, Mrs. Robinson, Old Friends
It was weirder than I expected at the beginning… I liked it though. Good story telling throughout.
Some pleasant songs
Great album
Classy
❤️ Simon & Garfunkel aka Tom & Jerry. Mrs. Robinson war der erste Popsong der als Filmmusik verwendet wurde - und zwar bei the graduate mit Dustin Hoffman
Felt like listening to a musical. Mostly intriguing, sometimes weird. The Beatles vibes. Great storytelling. Love the folk instrumentals and harmonies. Also the album cover looks like Ben Platt and Jonathan Groff lol.
Bookends on weekends! The album is soothing, and feels like a big warm blanket. Favorite Song: "Mrs. Robinson".
Sounds like what being a butterfly flying through a field on a sunny day must feel like.
I prefer more modern folk music, but this wasn't bad - America sounded very familiar, Mrs. Robinson is famous, and A Hazy Shade of Winter is an absolute classic. The rest of the album ranged from mediocre to decent, but since most of the songs were relatively short, nothing dragged on enough to bother me.
Perfect…
For the most part, I really liked this album and thought it was really good. I believe it would be even better with some of the weirdness removed…all of the excess noise in Save the Life of my Child, and completely removing Voices of Old People come to mind. But even so, I think this album is deserving of four stars.
This album manages to keep things interesting enough despite the short length. I feel like the ending was a bit abrupt though.
I can't see this album without thinking of "Almost Famous:" "It's not poetry... they're stoned." I, like I'm sure everyone else, has heard "Mrs. Robinson" thousands of times by now, and I was essentially expecting that for an entire album. What I got was a pleasant surprise! I think this album will make my future rotation. "A Hazy Shade of Winter" was the standout track for me.
Pretty good and a nice vibe. 4 stars. By no means as perfect as some people will say
Like a distant memory that never happened, short, bittersweet, forgotten, only to be reminded of in a couple of years. There's a couple of bangers in the 2nd half though.
Good vintage stuff
Super beautiful, beatles vibes
S Gsamtwerch vo ihne isch sehr zwürdige und Text gäbet eim Stoff zum Nahdänke. Die Songs sind abwächsigsrich und gspickt mit kreative Elemänt, und doch unverkännbar Simon & Garfunkel. America isch de Hammer.
soo jz hani nachli ziit bim heiweg vo klosters ohaa richtig geile hindergrundgsang bi save the life of my child hahahahega cools kontrollierts chaos! america kenni sogar, crazy voices of old people isch sehr en...passende titel? seeehr es atmosphärischs album bis jz! d lieder einzeln mussis sege schwebed chli ah mier verbii? mrs. robinson natürlich super lied! hazy shade of winter hani sehr gern hmm ich glaub ich muss es morn nomal lose, ich verstah d wichtigkeit vom album aber s hetmi nöd mega umghaue? alsooo dufchlauf numero due america isch echt soo schön und faking it isch mega beatles? hazy shade of winter findi NOCHLI besser ja alao ich nimm jz d lieder scho besser wahr. 4!
Late 60s. Concept album. Life from childhood to old age. Breakthrough album. Folk but with electronic elements. Short and beautiful, gentle. Very touching and nostalgic. Some strange, experimental choices.
Although I haven't dug too deep into the albums message - I can at least appreciate a very different take on aging that this album seems to try to deal with. Folksie guitars, great singing. Two things you are guaranteed on a Simon & Garfunkle album.
I was reacquainted with a old friend Andy. He did a tv show based on me that the pilot got picked up and another friend did a painting of me sold for 12 million...then, I believe it may have been my sister, wanted me to ride with her in a go cart driven by a very flamboyant man dressed in a grocers uniform. I didn't want to ride in the go cart. I was insisting I walk. We weren't dropping off groceries though. It was two bags of chopped up bodies, to believe or not, Tony Soprano. Junior was there and some version of AJ. There was a lot of discussion on what to do with them because one was a friend. The flamboyant grocer was definitely the killer and Tony was mad bc he killed the friend. That's all I remember.
A great folk rock album with great songwriting and beautiful harmonies
Some excellent songs
Yep yep love Simon and Garfunkel love this album lovely. America is my faveee
This has to be one of the shortest albums on the list. I really like Simon & Garfunkel, but this is one of my least listened albums of theirs. For such a short album there's quite a bit of filler content or barely songs, almost like a concept album that wasn't fully realized due to runtime constraints. However, there's some of the greatest Simon & Garfunkel songs on here. America, Mrs. Robinson and A Hazy Shade of Winter in particular. Overall 4 stars.
Mrs Robinson is so good Not my favourite genre but good album
Wasnt expecting moog honking on a S&G record. Two of my favorites of theirs on this though.
I like this one
Enjoyed this 😀
There's something about it that comes off Rankin & Bass-y. Perhaps the orchestra, the storytelling, or the collection of misfits that make up side two. It's full of the duo's unique character and really ascended them to stardom
Pre-listening thoughts: oh hell yeah. But also this is like the 6th album from the 1960s that we've gotten in a week. So yeah. Post/during listening thoughts: I'm definitely not getting the "concept album" of it all. But I mean, it's Simon and Garfunkel at their peak. Their harmonies are notoriously good and there are some fantastic songs on here. Instrumentation is genuinely beautiful. However I really disliked The Voices of Old People. To me, that just completely broke the flow of the album. This is good, I sadly thought it would be a 5 star album going in but it's just not quite there. 8.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nope Fav tracks: America, Old Friends, Fakin' It, Mrs. Robinson, A Hazy Shade of Winter, At the Zoo Least fav tracks: Save the Life of My Child, Voices of Old People
Love it
Very nice folk music. Standout tracks: Mrs Robinson, Hazy Shade of Winter
So round 2 for Paul Simon, first with Art Garfunkel. I heard this was a concept album, but that only really applies to the first half. That’s probably why the two sides sound a bit jarringly different. Side 1 has a more mellow, but somber feel to it while Side 2 feels more lively. It’s a bit weird, but the songs regardless are great. The Side 1 songs like America and Overs are sung beautifully. The reprise of Bookends almost got to me emotionally. Could have done without the weird Voices of Old People, though. It’s interesting, but a little abstract and a little on the nose for the side’s theme of the life cycle. Side 2 contains the more familiar sounds of the album, especially Mrs. Robinson. They provide a nice break from the more heavier nature of the previous tracks. Overall, the sides balance out. Bookends is pretty good, though it remains to be seen if it’s better than Bridge Over Troubled Water. Favorite track: Mrs. Robinson Other hits: America, Overs, Bookends Theme (Reprise), Fakin’ It, At The Zoo
4.5
As much as Bookends has many of their best works: Bookends Theme, America, Fakin' It, Mrs Robinson, Hazy Shade of Winter, there is large section of side one: Overs/Voices of Old People/Old Friends, that really keeps it from being a perfect five. My least favorite of the ones in the book, and hands down better than the two that didn't make it. (9.4) ★★★★½
4.5
I really like the direction that S&G went after their first few albums. Their sound jusr became so much more interesting as they started to really explore more folk rock.
Plongeons-nous en 1968 car c'est une une année de bruit et de fureur. Hendrix met le feu à sa guitare, les Stones préparent leur "Beggars Banquet" et le rock psychédélique explose dans un maelstrom de distorsion et de substances illicites. Le monde est en pleine convulsion, la jeunesse crie, se bat, expérimente. Et pendant ce temps, deux jeunes intellectuels du Queens, à New York, décident de sortir un album-concept... sur la vieillesse. Il faut avoir des couilles grosses comme des pamplemousses pour oser un truc pareil. À 26 et 27 ans, Paul Simon et Art Garfunkel n'étaient déjà plus des perdreaux de l'année, mais de là à nous pondre une méditation sur le temps qui passe, la solitude et les souvenirs qui s'effacent, il y avait un pas. Un pas qu'ils ont franchi avec une grâce et une intelligence qui forcent le respect, encore aujourd'hui. "Bookends" est un disque d'une ambition folle, c'est un album que j'ai découvert bien plus tard, adolescent, en fouillant dans les bacs d'une médiathèque afin de découvrir et tester des nouveaux sons. Je suis tombé sur ce disque avec sa pochette en noir et blanc et ses airs de thèse universitaire. Il avait l'aura d'un classique, d'un truc "sérieux". Et sur ce point, j'avais raison. La première face de l'album est un chef-d'oeuvre de construction. Encadrée par le court et mélancolique "Bookends Theme", elle déroule le cycle de la vie, de l'enfance à la vieillesse, en une poignée de chansons poignantes. L'album se distingue par une qualité sonore irréprochable ; chaque parole, chaque mélodie, chaque harmonie vocale est travaillée avec une minutie d'horloger. Le son, supervisé par le génial Roy Halee, est d'une pureté cristalline. On est à des années-lumière du son brut et saturé de l'époque. C'est un disque à écouter au casque, pour en savourer chaque détail, chaque respiration. On passe de la fugue amoureuse et géographique de "America", l'une des plus belles chansons jamais écrites sur le sujet, à la solitude poignante de "Old Friends", où l'on entend presque le craquement des os des deux vieillards sur leur banc. Le tout est ponctué par ce collage sonore incroyable, "Voices of Old People", où des enregistrements de pensionnaires de maisons de retraite viennent nous rappeler la fragilité de la mémoire. C'est audacieux, c'est brillant, et c'est profondément touchant. Et puis, il y a la deuxième face. Et c'est là que mon enthousiasme retombe d'un cran, justifiant le 3 sur 4. La face B est en réalité une collection de singles et de chansons diverses, qui, bien qu'excellentes pour la plupart, cassent un peu la magie et la cohérence de la première partie. On y trouve bien sûr le tube planétaire "Mrs. Robinson", un morceau immense et indissociable du film "Le Lauréat", qui a propulsé le duo au sommet de la gloire. C'est la chanson qui a fait d'eux des superstars. Mais à côté de ça, des titres comme "Punky's Dilemma" ou "At the Zoo", bien que sympathiques, semblent presque anecdotiques après la charge émotionnelle de ce qui a précédé. C'est tout le paradoxe de "Bookends". C'est un album schizophrène, d'un côté nous avons un concept-album quasi parfait sur la condition humaine. De l'autre, une compilation de singles très efficaces. Le grand écart est un peu violent. L'album est d'une qualité d'écriture et de production exceptionnelles, c'est un fait. Mais cette perfection a un revers : elle peut parfois sembler un peu froide, un peu trop calculée. C'est un disque qui s'adresse plus à l'intellect qu'aux tripes. On l'admire, on le respecte, mais on a parfois du mal à se laisser complètement emporter par la passion. "Bookends" reste une pièce maîtresse de la discographie de Simon & Garfunkel et un jalon important dans l'histoire de la pop. C'est le moment où le format album a commencé à être pris au sérieux, où des auteurs-compositeurs ont prouvé qu'on pouvait parler de sujets profonds et universels avec l'exigence de la grande littérature. Un très bon album, donc un "gros" 4 sur 5, parce que la première face est un 5/5 indiscutable. Il faut l'écouter pour son ambition, pour la beauté pure de ses mélodies et pour comprendre comment, en pleine tempête électrique, deux voix et une guitare acoustique ont réussi à créer un silence assourdissant.
I mean, this album has 3 certified bangers that basically everyone has heard, so it's already up there. However, besides those, maybe At the Zoo stands up as a fourth? The rest seemed pretty normal, so probably not a 5 star. Might need another listen or two, i get there's a story there but didn't feel it
Nearly a 5, but there are a couple of weird songs.
Good but didn’t blow me away
Very close to a 5. Nice album
Whimsical Chill
A Simon & Garfunkel classic! I like this duo, but I'm not a big fan of this album. But I recognize that it's high class music! I'll give it 4 stars today!
It'd be a 5 star album if it weren't for those weird haircuts on the cover
America Mrs. Robinson
Even with some reused material it's hard not to find something in an album with songs like America on it. Paul Simon is clearly a driving force but when they split the separate results did lose out. Worth hearing for sure. Some big songs but also smaller but reflective ones.
Okay reading the wiki entry which says this is a concept album, but then says "Side two largely consists of previously-released singles and of unused material for The Graduate soundtrack". Makes it feel like they cheated. This is a list of "albums to listen to" tho, not greatest albums. Even then a Greatest hits album could be a great album. Anyway Paul Simon has very strong ability to craft a song. With their powers combined a song like America is undeniably well crafted. I kind of like this audio documentary in the middle, but would be annoyed if I spent money in 1968 wanting music. Old Friends is a nice composition, reminiscent of some movie scores from the 1950s. Good music, but if someone needs a taste of a Simon and Garfunkel album this wouldn't be the one I would recommend.
Products that never existed: Introducing the "Telefunkle" It's your grandmother's Telefunken that only plays your unlcle Artie's Garfunkle tunes. Let's all be in agreement, that Art is the real showman of the duo. And, also that the Lemmonheads did Mrs. Robinson harder and faster than the original two boys. Finally, let's all be in agreement that the album art is even more iconic than the songs within it.
Sweet
Much better than Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. There's a couple of not great bits that keep me from giving a 5, but for the most part I really liked this.
3.8 Not a personal favourite of mine but an ingenious album regardless faves: Mrs Robinson, at the zoo
Yo, these guys are like legit! Favourite track: Fakin' It.
Really a lot more varied than I was expecting! Obviously the hits are all-timers, but Save the Life of My Child and Hazy Shade of Winter really stood out to me.
Solid, kind of short, but still great.
Actually not what I expected. I know the bangers well. America, Mrs. Robinson, and A Hazy Shade of Winter are legit folk rock classics, but clocking in at less than a half-hour long and still managing to feature a couple filler tracks, even at that length, there lacks enough substance for this to be a true masterpiece. The three classic singles on Bookmarks is enough to push it to a four, but it’s a pretty low four. 3.7/5
Good
Albumi #134, 14.12.2024 Hieno Simon & Garfunkel albumi
Amazing how short albums were back in the 60s and 70s but at least you don’t get a load of dross. This has my favourite S&G song, America on it so big plus for that alone. Bit disjointed but excellent in parts. A good listen.
-1st song- guitar!! always my favorite instrument. WOAH electric stuff? -a lot of different sounds going on -America: lowkey serving Wild West pnw cowboys, kind of American Dawn by Her vibes -Overs: super relaxing, like a lullaby -Old Friends: LOVE THE GUITAR -Fakin' It: groovy, Wild West vibes again -I love the ad libs of random people or sounds every so often
A fine record, loads better than I expected. Sound of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water a good tunes but this is a little more toothsome content and I am here for it.
It’s very interesting to me that a 30-minute album can feel like a double album (in a good way), mostly due to its two-part structure. The first half focuses on human life from beginning to end, with an emphasis on youth and old age. The second half features songs about human life as well, but in a less structured way. Overall, it’s a great, well-flowing album.
Super solid. I've hated everything I've gotten prior from these guys which surprised me. But turns out all the stuff of these I enjoyed was off of this album.
Of the multitude of Paul Simon selections I probably liked this one best
For the time, outstanding production. very listenable.
iconic songs on here
This was not what I was expecting! Quite edgy in places, beautiful in others. Like it.
Not at all what I expected and I really enjoyed it, playing it three times in a row.
what a comforting record. definitely will be returning to this one!
There's a few super famous songs on here but I've never listened to the entire record! "Save The Life Of My Child" is morbid, but a good song. "America" I've heard many times before. It's great. "Overs" is a little boring. "Voice of Old People" is as advertised. It's got some really sad moments. I appreciate it a lot as an idea, an album is a strange place for it. "Fakin' It" is a bop. This is one of the best songs on the album for me. "Punky's Dilemma" is fun too. I like whistling in songs. "Mr's Robinson" is one of the most famous songs ever. It's a great album. I don't love the Simon & Garfunkel sound that much, so it's not going to get a sky-high rating but it deserves a good one. 8/10
Haha, man, Kruder & Dorfmeister really pulled one off there! But no, these two are indeed Simon & Garfunkel and this is a strange album. As much as I've learned that Paul Simon makes great music to feel good to and their combined effort on "Bridge Over Troubled Water" got a "Beautiful stuff. Greatest album I've had in a while." from me, I don't quite see how much I should appreciate the circa "Let's Do Beatles" on this one. And then fill side B with what was left before? No doubt this is an 1001AYMHBYD, absolutely, but I had expected to have a more fulfilling time with it, outside of its two bangers. I'll listen to it again, but for now, well, The Bangles elevated that song. Is my strongest thought here.
Y'know, if I were the Randomizer, I would not have given my group this album **after** BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER. Or, goodness, at the very least, not within the same **month**. 'Coz in the debate over whether this or BRIDGE is the group's best album... Well, I can't lie and say I'm exactly in the former's camp, that's for sure. As usual with statements like that, I must make clear: I **like** this album. You saw the score before you saw that first line; you know for a fact I think this is good. But even removing the power BRIDGE gets from being the duo's last album — or at least, trying the best I can to — yeah, I think BOOKENDS gets outshone a bit. And in light of removing that "last album" power, I don't think there's anything specific I'd point to, honestly. I suppose generally BRIDGE has an overall grander feel to it, whereas BOOKENDS, while certainly leagues and such ahead of the first album my group got from the duo, just doesn't hit me in the same way. As a complete package, it doesn't exactly strike that chord where I'm nodding along like, "Yes, yes is the good stuff." Maybe if it committed more to either half of itself. 'Coz, it must be realized, this is basically two half albums glued onto each other. The first half is a concept album about life and aging, bookended (fitting) by the album's theme. The second half, meanwhile, is a collection of out-takes from THE GRADUATE and also an in-take, "Mrs. Robinson". And keep in mind as well: this is a **short** album, just barely under 30 minutes. So, on the one hand, these are nice, bite-sized mini-albums that you don't hafta break your back listening to. On the other, though, neither really go on long enough to develop into much. I might fall more into the latter. I mean, this ain't no 2112 situation. Of these two halves, by the way, I think side two's the more interesting one. Yeah, the one with all the left-overs. Side one's good, but overall it doesn't really grab me. Meanwhile, from the opening seconds of "Fakin' It", I was hooked in. Like, even if you removed "Mrs. Robinson" from the line-up (the stone-cold classic that it is) this side would still hit harder. Honestly, for my tastes, side one might just be a bit too... I'unno, a bit too serious? Not too much that it's a slog or whatever, but still, y'know? If I were to rank the two halves of this album separately... Side one would get a 3 and side two would get a 5. Put 'em together, divide, that's a 4 overall. Good stuff overall; I just prefer one half to the other. And seriously, y'know, if I were the Randomizer I would not have given my group this album **after** BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER.
Ei yksittäisiä. Alotin kuuntelun vähän sillai ettei huvita, mutta mitä enemmän kuuntelin niin sitä enemmän pääsin sisälle ja aloin tykkäämään. Tosi tarinallinen kokonaisuus ja siis nimenomaan kokonaisuus. Oli kiva päästä tähän sisälle.
Not sure what that voices of old people track was.
Yay, Bookend. Some great tracks on here. There's the odd "filler" and so 4/5. Oh, yeah. "Voices of Old People". Why?
Each song had a unique texture but the album as a whole still felt cohesive. Some absolute bangers on this one. Can't believe I've never actually heard the whole album before when I'm word perfect on Mrs. Robinson.
An easy 5? I’m not sure but I really liked life while listening to this album. This one made me remember the gift that exists within beautiful art. (5, but would like many more listens in this lifetime)
I love the 'somber' yet still emotional kind of mood that quite a lot of the songs portray. the instrumentals are usually quite simple by still often go a long way. not really any downsides besides the short length of the whole album. Favorite songs: America, overs, old friends, Mrs. Robinson, at the zoo overall around 8/10
Folk rock pop? Creative production for this kind of music. Beautiful lyrics.
A really good album with a lot of great songs from Simon & Garfunkel. My favorites were Mrs Robinson and Hazy Shade of Winter.
Bit of a weird one! A concept half-album, followed by an assortment of odds and ends. I'm afraid I found that "Voices of Old People" really torpedoed the concept album - really interrupted the flow. I think it needed to either be quite a bit shorter, or to have some music layered in more thickly or something. I think this is my least favorite of the three Simon & Garfunkel albums on the list, but it's not bad by any means. Fave tracks - "Mrs. Robinson" is the big one. A fun karaoke tune! Of the tunes I hadn't heard as much before, "Old Friends", "A Hazy Shade of Winter" and "You Don't Know Where Your Interest Lies" all stood out to me...
This album has no reason being this good. Like even outside the classic Mrs. Robinson, joints like America, Overs, Save the Life of a Child, Hazy Shade of Winter, Fakin It, etc all go so fucking hard. I wish it ended on a better note because the last track At the Zoo doesn’t do much for me, but wow what an album.
classic singer songwriter album
Someone quipped that Bookends is like the Beatles’ “A Day in the Life” played out over an entire album. That seems right. I can feel the influence and vibe of Sgt Pepper here, even though the acoustic presentation provides misdirection. Along with Mrs Robinson, there are some great counter culture gems here (Save the Life of My Child, Fakin’ It, Hazy Shade of Winter). “America” is a Simon and Garfunkel classic. Yet there are low points. Overs, Voices of Old People, and Old Friends is a skippable trilogy. A song about Kellogg’s Corn Flakes and another about the Zoo probably contain profound insight…somewhere…but feel like filler. I think the Beatles had the right idea in keeping it to one song. But — man, the great songs here are really deserving. Put the best songs on a playlist and that playlist should indeed be heard (a few times) before you die.