Art Garfunkel's "Watermark": Mixed initial reception but later recognized as underappreciated gem.
| Entertainment |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published:
4 min read
Art Garfunkel, known for his role in the iconic musical duo Simon & Garfunkel, released his third solo album, "Watermark," following his previous solo projects which had seen moderate success. The album featured a collection of songs predominantly written by Jimmy Webb, lending a distinctive, cohesive feel to the work. "Watermark" included covers of well-known tracks like “Crying in My Sleep” and “All My Love's Laughter.”
Upon its release, "Watermark" did not initially achieve substantial commercial success, peaking at number 19 on the Billboard 200 chart. However, its lead single "Crying in My Sleep" gained traction and contributed to the album's overall recognition. Critics offered mixed opinions, with some praising Garfunkel's vocal performance and the songwriting prowess of Webb, while others noted the album’s lack of energetic differentiation compared to his earlier works.
Despite the lukewarm initial reception, "Watermark" later gained more appreciation, seen as an underappreciated gem within Garfunkel's discography. The contributions of session musicians, including renowned drummer Hal Blaine and the Mitchell Singing Boys choir for background vocals, added depth and texture to the album's sound. The production quality, overseen by Garfunkel in collaboration with producer Phil Ramone, showcased innovative recording techniques for that period.
Garfunkel's fans noted the deeply personal nature of the lyrics and the smooth integration of pop and folk elements, which eventually cemented "Watermark" as a significant part of Art Garfunkel's solo career. The album subtly influenced future artists and maintained a lasting impression on the folk-pop genre.
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Primary Reference: 1975 – 1979 Chronology – Art Garfunkel

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