Art Garfunkel: Breakaway - 1975
This was Art Garfunkel's most successful album, from October 1975. I remember seeing its cover as I flicked through record sleeves back then in the shops but it wasn't my sort of thing. It was the sort of gentle, easy listening fare that filled student rooms (particularly female ones). It is immaculately produced and Garfunkel's voice is as it always was - sweetly high-pitched but strangely one-dimensional. It is a perfectly pleasant listening experience, however, although lacking in much intrinsic excitement. The album begins with a smooth, slickly-produced cover of Stevie Wonder's I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever), full of crystal clear drums, percussion and warm bass. An even more laid-back vibe is to be had on the summery, peaceful Rag Doll. All very pleasant and this ambience is continued on the sleepy Break Away. The Beach Boys' Bruce Johnston-penned Disney Girls is absolutely tailor-made for Garfunkel's tender, plaintive voice. It is a