The ability of music to bring about feelings in the general public is unquestionably effective. In the turmoil of the 1960’s, a generation of Americans longed for the perfect soundtrack to their country’s struggles. Simon and Garfunkel’s fourth studio album, “Bookends”, did just that. The singing due captured the changing cultural climate with ease, from songs capturing the American spirit like “America” to a generational theme song like “Mrs. Robinson”. This album by the young due ultimately gave an identity to the struggle Americans were facing. The truthfulness to this claim, along with a strong comparison of the relationship between Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel before and after the release, is argued by writer Jim DeRogatis in Old Friends Never Sounded Better. In Jim DeRogatis’ article, he argues that the turmoil of the 1960’s was captured beautifully in “Bookends” and I agree because the 1960’s was a time of uncertainty and rebellious tendencies, which was fully encompassed through the lyrics and instrumentals of the album. 

The number one influence that touches “Bookends” throughout the album is the history that took place during the 1960’s. Entering the decade, many Americans thought that the golden age of the United States would soon be reached. It was just a few years later, after the assassination of JFK, the trouble in Vietnam, and the violence of civil rights movements did the average American believe the country was falling apart, and the promise of the decade was never fully realized. Particularly in the years of 1966 and 1967, when Simon and Garfunkel recorded a major chunk of “Bookends”, major movements were taking place in America due to domestic and foreign conflicts. Race riots were engulfing cities and towns and the war in Vietnam was escalating to a point of madness, with protesters constantly at odds with the government. The conflicts regarding the war had been dragging on for years, and it continued to divide the nation. The majority of protesters seen in the streets were young people who were at odds with the war and the draft. To add to the cultural fire created by the war, many members of the older generations formed what historians would call a “silent majority” in support of the war. The year the album was released, 1968, also had its fair share of incidents including the assassination of MLK and RFK. After both assassinations and the controversy surrounding them, trust in the government was at an all-time low. Simon and Garfunkel lived through all this turmoil along with the American public, and gathered it into “Bookends”. From hope to despair, not one feeling was neglected and not faced head on in the album. It was the brutal truth of the decade, and still acts as a time capsule for those wanting to learn more about the culture of the time. All of that included, the duo still included a feeling of hope throughout the songs, showing that not all is lost, and the American spirit can still prevail. 

Like all great works of art, the effects of “Bookends” was seen throughout the United States. Not only did the release propel Simon & Garfunkel to become arguably the biggest rock duo in the world, but their legacy and reputation went to new heights. No longer were they passed along as a group that could deliver a hit song on occasion, they became voices for America, and for all citizens who needed a soundtrack to reinvigorate their lost hopes. The real effects this album had in America are ones that cannot be measured by a critic, as the closeness that each person has with an album is often not shared. The most influence this album had was not on the big stage, like in the movie “The Graduate”, but during lonely late nights and family porches. This is where the average American can connect with the message’s Simon and Garfunkel send throughout “Bookends”. 

The critical reception of “Bookends” was largely positive, as Simon and Garfunkel’s message and creativity was realized upon the release. From established magazines to the local newspaper, critics around the world wanted to document their thoughts of Simon and Garfunkel’s work. On May 25th 1968, Arthur Schmidt of the Rolling Stone released his review of the album. Of “Mrs. Robinson”, Schmidt writes, “In "Mrs. Robinson," written for The Graduate, Simon has composed perhaps the best song of the movie genre. It follows the plot, but it explains it in imagery outside of the strict confines of that plot. It is also a wonderful song about America, even a rock and roll song, and it is rather poignant.” (Schmidt). Although admitting he is not the biggest fan of Simon and Garfunkel, Schmidt still argues throughout his review that “Bookends” is a very solid album with many arrow pointing to the struggle of America at that time. Chris Welch, a music critic, also wrote, “The words capture part of America today, a lot of its sickness and tragedy.” (Welch). Although critical reviews can be useful, the impact the album had on the culture of America cannot be measured by a star rating system, or nice words from the Rolling Stone. The real effects the album had on America in 1968 was only found in the hope the average American received through embracing this album as the soundtrack of their generation. The measurement of this can only be done through the storied of people who lived through the time period, and had their lives directly affected by the release of the album. Jim DeRogatis captures all of these feelings in his analysis of the album and the relationship between Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. The release of “Bookends” saw the peak of the due’s popularity, and with that the slipping of Simon and Garfunkel’s relationship. This relationship began to dwindle as Paul Simon wanted to sing solo and Art Garfunkel transitioned into an acting career.  

The effects of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bookends” and the context of when it was released are essential to the full understanding of the album Simon and Garfunkel created. This soundtrack put words to what Americans were feeling at a time of uncertainty and turmoil in the United States. Whether it be through the classic 1968 movie “The Graduate”, where the song “Mrs. Robinson” is featured, or the parents of today sharing their favorite music to their children, the effects of “Bookends” will remain imbedded in the American dream, and keep giving hope to countless generations of young Americans, regardless of how rough the waters may seem.   
