Bridge Over Troubled Water • Simon and Garfunkel

Bridge Over Troubled Water • 1970

This record is a studio album (the fifth) by the American duo, Simon and Garfunkel (who were the most successful duo ever in their day). It was released in 1970. When I was in school, it seemed like everyone owned a copy of this record. When I used to take piano lessons, two of the very few popular songs I learned on the piano were Let It Be, and Bridge Over Troubled Water. It sounded like a sort of cross between a pop song, and a classic hymn. 

Simon and Garfunkel had long since distinguished themselves as modern day poets, and wordsmiths whose songs were not typical pop fluff. In concert the two might alternately rock out with a full band, and then mesmerize the audience by just sitting on two stools, employing masterful acoustic guitar skills and flawless vocal harmonies. But this record and title song came at a very needed moment. To quote Rolling Stone, “Released during an uncertain time in the country, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ was the comforting balm that the culture, and the world, needed at that moment.”

As to commercial success, the album sold 2 million copies in just the first couple of weeks after it’s release. In fact, it went on to sell more than 25 million copies, making it one of the best selling records ever. It topped the charts in over 10 countries. And it received 2 Grammy awards for the album itself, as well as four more for the title song (including Song, Record, and Album of the Year). It contains two songs included in “Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” (“Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and “The Boxer”). And it is ranked at #51 on “Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” My personal favorite song on this album is the lesser known “Song for the Asking.” I hope you’ll give it a listen.

Sadly, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel parted company later that year, 1970. The good news however is that, though they went their separate ways, the subsequent solo careers were destined to provide us with a great deal more rich and amazing music. Well, hopefully Bridge Over Troubled Water will whet your appetite to hear the duo’s other four albums, which are equally filled with hidden treasures. Below, check out some of these classic tracks for yourself: 

Here is Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water Album on Spotify: 

Here is a Simon and Garfunkel Playlist on Spotify (all of their Best): 

Take a look at these videos to check out some live performances of their hits: 

The Boxer • Live, The Concert In Central Park (In 1991, in front of 500,000 fans) 

The Only Living Boy in New York • Live 

Bridge Over Troubled Water • Live Concert 

Final Video: Bridge Over Troubled Water • Aretha Franklin performing Live on Stage in Switzerland in 1971 (Paul Simon had written the song originally with Aretha in mind): 

For a more detailed analysis, check out this excellent Rolling Stone review of the Album: