Simon & Garfunkel – Bookends (1968): Album Review, Tracklist & Trivia

Introduction to Bookends

Bookends is the fourth studio album by American folk duo Simon & Garfunkel, released on April 3, 1968, by Columbia Records.

The album captures Simon & Garfunkel at a peak of artistic maturity, combining folk-rock, orchestral textures, and deeply introspective songwriting. It is widely regarded as one of their most cohesive and influential works, exploring themes of youth, aging, and social change.

Background and Recording

Following the commercial success of Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966), Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel collaborated with producer John Simon and arranger/producer Bob Johnston to create an album that would reflect:

A conceptually unified structure, with themes of life’s stages
Experimentation with studio techniques and orchestration
Social commentary on 1960s American society

The album was recorded between 1967 and early 1968, blending acoustic folk, electric instruments, and orchestral arrangements.

Musical Style and Sound

Bookends blends:

Folk and folk-rock
Orchestral arrangements and sound experimentation
Poetic, introspective, and socially conscious lyrics

Key characteristics:

Sophisticated vocal harmonies
Innovative studio effects, including tape loops and layered instrumentation
Lyrical exploration of youth, aging, love, and social alienation
Mix of upbeat songs and somber, reflective ballads

The album demonstrates Simon & Garfunkel’s growth from traditional folk to modern folk-rock artistry.

Bookends (1968) Tracklist

The album features 12 tracks, divided into two thematic sides:

Side One – The Bookends Theme (Concept Suite)

Save the Life of My Child
America
Overs
Voices of Old People
Old Friends / Bookends Theme

Side Two – Standalone Tracks
6. Fakin’ It
7. Punky's Dilemma
8. Mrs. Robinson
9. A Hazy Shade of Winter
10. At the Zoo
11. The Boxer
12. Finale / Reprise of Bookends Theme

The tracklist balances conceptual unity with individual standout singles like “Mrs. Robinson”.

Album Credits

Simon & Garfunkel

Paul Simon – vocals, acoustic guitar, songwriting
Art Garfunkel – vocals, harmonies

Additional Musicians

Session musicians for orchestration, percussion, and electric instruments
Arrangements by Paul Simon and orchestral arrangers

Production

Produced by Tom Wilson, Bob Johnston, and Paul Simon
Released by Columbia Records
Recorded in New York City, United States

The production emphasizes innovative sound textures, vocal layering, and narrative cohesion.

Reception and Legacy

Bookends was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, reaching #1 on the Billboard 200 and producing the international hit “Mrs. Robinson”, featured in the film The Graduate.

Key points:

The album is considered a folk-rock masterpiece, combining concept album structure with mainstream appeal
Simon & Garfunkel’s lyrical depth and musical sophistication influenced generations of singer-songwriters
Tracks like “America” and “Old Friends” are celebrated for their poetic introspection

Bookends remains a definitive 1960s folk-rock album, blending artistry with popular success.

Fun Facts About Bookends

Bookends was partially inspired by the social turbulence of the 1960s, including generational alienation.
“Voices of Old People” incorporates real recordings of elderly New Yorkers, adding realism and emotional depth.
The album was originally intended as a concept album about life’s stages, hence the title Bookends.
“Mrs. Robinson” was written for the film The Graduate, becoming the duo’s signature song.

Trivia

Paul Simon used multiple recording studios to achieve layered vocal and instrumental textures.
The album’s cover art features Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel in profile, visually reflecting the theme of life’s progression.
Several tracks were reworked from earlier demo recordings, showcasing the duo’s evolving songwriting skills.

Did You Know?

Bookends was the first Simon & Garfunkel album to blend folk, rock, orchestral, and conceptual storytelling into a single cohesive work.
The song “Old Friends” has been performed live by both Simon & Garfunkel and Paul Simon in solo arrangements due to its enduring popularity.
The album inspired later concept albums in folk-rock and singer-songwriter genres, influencing artists from the 1970s onward.