Album: Scissors Cut

Album Overview
Launched on August 31, 1981, "Scissors Cut" by Art Garfunkel is the artist's fifth solo studio album. Produced by Roy Halee and Art Garfunkel himself, the album was launched under the recording label Columbia Records. Following his earlier success with Paul Simon as half of the famous duo Simon & Garfunkel, Art Garfunkel's "Scissors Cut" marked one of his ongoing explorations as a solo artist, mixing his signature angelic tenor voice with the pop and easy rock styles of the late 70s and early 80s.

Main Tracks and Featured Artists
"Scissors Cut" consists of an overall of ten tracks and features an array of songwriters and visitor musicians. Some of the notable tracks on the album consist of:

1. "A Heart In New York" - A homage to the city of New York, the song was written by Gallagher and Lyle and turned into one of the most popular tracks on the album.

2. "Scissors Cut" -The title track, written by Jimmy Webb, looks into the intricacies and psychological turmoil of relationships.

3. "Up In The World" - Another tune penned by Jimmy Webb, this melodic ballad showcases Garfunkel's angelic vocals.

4. "Hang On In" - Written by Stephen Bishop, this song has a traditional 80s pop feel with Garfunkel's relaxing shipment.

5. "So Easy To Begin" - The closing track of the album, composed by David Batteau, highlights the themes of love and relationships that run throughout the album.

Other contributors to the album consist of Jules Shear and Leah Kunkel. Notable visitor artists on "Scissors Cut" consist of well known guitarist, arranger, and Grammy-winning manufacturer Michael Omartian and prolific bassist Abraham Laboriel.

Reception and Criticism
"Scissors Cut" got mixed evaluations from critics, with numerous acknowledging Garfunkel's indisputable singing skill but criticizing the album's total content and production as bland or uninspired. Despite featuring the songwriting skill of Jimmy Webb and a lineup of talented session musicians, "Scissors Cut" did not rather handle to resonate with listeners in the same method as Simon & Garfunkel's earlier efforts or Art Garfunkel's more effective solo albums.

The album charted at No. 113 on the United States Billboard 200 and No. 51 on the UK Albums Chart, suggesting modest industrial success. The single "A Heart In New York" briefly delighted in some popularity, reaching No. 66 on the US Billboard Hot 100. However, the album was unable to accomplish the heights of Art Garfunkel's previous solo efforts such as "Breakaway" (1975) or "Watermark" (1978).

Tradition and Influence
While "Scissors Cut" might not have had the same business success or enduring appeal as other Art Garfunkel albums, it stays an appropriate part of his solo catalog and a testimony to his creative exploration post-Simon & Garfunkel. Tunes like "A Heart In New York" and "So Easy To Begin" showcase Art Garfunkel's uncomplicated vocal capability and emotive delivery that have actually marked him as one of the best singers of his generation.

"Scissors Cut" might not be an innovative classic in the general landscape of music, but it stays a worthwhile listen for fans of Art Garfunkel, Simon & Garfunkel, and the era of late 70s and early 80s soft rock and pop. The album is a testimony to Art Garfunkel's continued dedication to his craft, even in the face of changing musical patterns and the obstacles of marching from the shadow of his renowned collaboration with Paul Simon.