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Bookends 1968
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Bookends

When Simon & Garfunkel set out to create Bookends, they already had a path behind them. Following the success of Sounds of Silence and Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, and with the soundtrack for The Graduate fresh out, the duo found themselves at a moment of consolidation. This album, released in April 1968, was conceived as a conceptual work that traverses the life cycle, from youth to old age. The first part of the record is structured as a succession of stages, acting as a framework for the human experience, while the second half includes songs that had already been singles or discarded material for the film. Paul Simon's lyrics explore youth, disillusionment, relationships, old age, and mortality. The recording spanned a year, intensifying towards the end of 1967, and featured the collaboration of John Simon, who stepped in when Paul Simon was experiencing writer's block.

Year
1968
Songs
12
Duration
29 min 43 seg
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About the album

Bookends, according to DoReSol

Bookends was not only a commercial success, reaching number one in the United States and the United Kingdom, but it also generated the single "Mrs. Robinson," which hit the top spot. This work is considered a turning point for the duo, placing them on par with other artists of the era. The production, handled by Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, and Roy Halee, took place at Columbia studios in New York City. Among the standout tracks are America, a piece that captures the essence of journey and search, and Mrs. Robinson, the cut that became a major hit. Other singles that emerged from these sessions were A Hazy Shade of Winter, At the Zoo, and Fakin’ It.

The album was recorded in various stages between September 1966 and March 1968, reflecting a careful creative process. In 2003, Bookends was recognized on lists of the best albums of all time, demonstrating its enduring legacy.

Discography

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