Art Garfunkel Album: “Breakaway”

This album sounds every bit as fresh as it did when it was released. Give it a listen and notice how the years have changed pop music. More economical in its sound, one could say innocent in sound, yet not in subject matter--this is a very romantic album, for those who can still appreciate the true aphrodesiac romance can be. Tracks like "My Little Town", a Paul Simon tune sung together with Art makes this listener long for what their continued collaboration could have been. "Lookin for the Right One", "Same Old Tears", and "99 Miles from LA", showcase Art's fabulous tenor, phrasing, and knack for the dramatic. Sure it is a little emotional, isn't that one of the things that makes music great?

With his impossibly high pop tenor voice, Art Garfunkel found his best solo material ever on this collection of gorgeously arranged pop songs. Stevie Wonder's I BELIEVE... is simply jaw-dropping; THE WATERS OF MARCH has a kicky, memorable poetic lilt; MY LITTLE TOWN still stands the test of time as Simon and Garfunkel's cryptically brilliant "comeback" duet. There is no clunker on this album, and it is arranged with an orchestral feel that sounds instantly classic. With melodies like these, and with an angelic voice like Art's to steer the course, it is no wonder this album has remained one of my all-time favorites from the 70s through today.

This is one of my very favorite albums from the 1970s and I'm thrilled that it's on CD! It was specifically made as a "mellow" album and no upbeat songs are included. His remake of "I Only Have Eyes For You" is my favorite version of that song, and the other tracks are wonderful, too!

A step up from 1973's "Angel Clare" (which was co-produced by Art Garfunkel and Roy Halee), this 1975 LP is led by the guiding hand of Richard Perry, who filled it with ballads containing lush orchestral arrangements, perfect for Garfunkel's mellow style and ranging vocal abilities. Especially notable on this album are the songs "I Believe," "Disney Girls," "I Only Have Eyes For You," "99 Miles From L.A.," and a beautiful song to wrap up this effort, "The Same Old Tears On A New Background." Although Art didn't have the same amount of commercial success as his longtime partner, Paul Simon, this CD is definitely worth a listen, as there isn't a bad song on it.

BUY THIS CD! This album takes me back 24 years, when I lived in New Orleans. I played the grooves off it then! The songs are at once catchy and memorable. From the evocative and jazzy "Waters of March", to his heart soaring rendition of "I Believe When I Fall in Love", this album is a timeless keeper! I never tire of the songs, or of Mr. Garfunkel's superior and distinctive voice.Recipe for happiness:Put this cd on, grab your lover, light some candles, and pop open a bottle of wine.Perfection....