Album: Lefty

Overview
"Lefty", launched in 1988, is the 6th solo studio album by the popular American vocalist Art Garfunkel. Best called one half of the hugely effective duo Simon & Garfunkel, Art Garfunkel embarked on a solo profession after the duo dissolved in 1970. His solo career saw the release of a number of effective albums in the 1970s and early 1980s, with "Lefty" further sealing his status as a flexible and accomplished solo artist. Produced by Jay Graydon, "Lefty" acts as an intimate collection of magnificently crafted pop/rock tunes which showcase the melodic voice and prowess of the multi-talented singer.

Background
Following the release of his 1981 album "Scissors Cut", Art Garfunkel took a short hiatus from the recording studio to focus on his acting career. Throughout this duration, he starred in films such as "Carnal Knowledge" in 1971, "Catch-22" in 1970, and "Bad Timing" in 1980. When he went back to music, he coordinated with manufacturer Jay Graydon, best known for his work with pop icons like Al Jarreau and George Benson. This collaboration in between Garfunkel and Graydon supplied a fresh and sleek noise, which became the driving force behind "Lefty".

Track Listing
"Lefty" includes 10 tracks that show the ongoing evolution of Art Garfunkel as a solo artist. The album opens with "This Is The Moment", a soaring ballad that showcases Garfunkel's angelic voice. Other standout tracks consist of "I Wonder Why", a mid-tempo pop tune co-written by Garfunkel and his other half, poet Kimmy Hynes Garfunkel; "If Love Takes You Away", a heartfelt expedition of love and loss written by Stephen Bishop; and "Heart in New York", a tribute to his precious city penned by Benny Gallagher and Graham Lyle.

The album also consists of a cover of "I Have a Love", a beautiful track from the famous musical "West Side Story"; "Love of the Common Man", the Todd Rundgren classic which includes a spectacular plan that highlights Art Garfunkel's singing prowess; and "Take Me Away", an advanced pop tune that captures the mood of the album perfectly. Other notable tracks consist of "In a Little While (I'll Be on My Way)", "And I Know", and "Scissor Cut", all of which contribute to the alluring and poignant environment of "Lefty".

Reception
Despite its appealing and sleek noise, "Lefty" did not attain the industrial success of a few of Art Garfunkel's previous efforts. The album peaked at # 134 on the Billboard 200 chart, while the singles "This Is The Moment" and "I Have a Love" failed to make a substantial effect on the charts.

However, "Lefty" got favorable evaluations from music critics, who admired the album's production quality, songwriting, and performance. Art Garfunkel's unique voice and the carefully picked material integrated to develop an album that remains a vital listen for fans of his work both as a solo artist and as a part of Simon & Garfunkel.

Tradition
"Lefty" may not have attained the commercial honors of some of Art Garfunkel's other solo albums, but it remains a remarkable and important entry in his discography. The album's refined production, strong songwriting, and ageless tunes make it an engaging listen to this day and enable fans to appreciate the particular skill that is Art Garfunkel. With songs that continue to resonate and captivate, "Lefty" is a testimony to the long-lasting impact and artistry of one of music's most renowned voices.