Album: Watermark

Introduction
"Watermark" is the 3rd solo studio album by American singer-songwriter and star Art Garfunkel, released in 1978. The album marks a shift in Garfunkel's solo career, as it features cooperations with significant musicians and authors, along with a concentrate on Jimmy Webb's songwriting. "Watermark" received mixed reviews from critics but produced several successful singles and has given that become a fan favorite.

Background and Recording
After the release of his 2nd solo album, "Breakaway", in 1975, Art Garfunkel decided to take a more speculative method to his music. He started working with different musicians and producers, consisting of composer and pianist Jimmy Webb, understood for his deal with Glen Campbell, The 5th Dimension, and Richard Harris. Webb would end up being a significant figure in the development of "Watermark", contributing 10 of the twelve songs on the album.

"Watermark" was taped at numerous studios in New York City and Los Angeles with the assistance of some of the industry's leading artists and producers. In addition to contributions from Jimmy Webb, the album also features performances from Paul Simon, Michael Brecker, Stephen Bishop, David Crosby, and Graham Nash. The production group included notable names such as Phil Ramone, John Haeny, and Roy Halee, all of whom added to the album's distinct noise.

Structure and Themes
"Watermark" is mostly a showcase of Jimmy Webb's songwriting, with Garfunkel translating each track in his own emotive singing design. The album covers a variety of musical categories, consisting of pop, easy rock, country, and folk, demonstrating both Garfunkel's versatile voice and Webb's diverse songwriting.

The album also features 2 tunes not composed by Webb: "She Moved Through the Fair", an Irish folk tune arranged by Van Morrison, and the hit single "Wonderful World", a cover of the Sam Cooke timeless including Garfunkel's former musical partner, Paul Simon, in addition to James Taylor.

Some repeating themes of "Watermark" consist of love, loss, longing, and life's transitions. The album's title is a referral to the ever-changing nature of water, and this idea is echoed in both the music and lyrics. Many songs present narratives of people facing the complexities of life, love, and relationships, with Garfunkel's emotive singing delivery giving weight and intimacy to each story.

Release and Reception
"Watermark" was launched on October 25, 1978, by Columbia Records. In spite of blended reviews from critics, the album carried out well on the charts, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and achieving Gold certification for sales. The album's standout track, "Wonderful World", peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.

While some critics praised Garfunkel's vocal performance and the album's production, others discovered the heavy dependence on Jimmy Webb's songwriting to be a disadvantage. Nonetheless, "Watermark" has considering that ended up being a fan favorite, with its moody and reflective tone resonating with Garfunkel's audience.

Tradition and Impact
"Watermark" is typically seen as a turning point in Art Garfunkel's solo career, as it signaled a shift towards checking out numerous musical genres and a concentrate on collaboration. The album stays a favorite among fans of both Garfunkel and Webb and continues to be appreciated for its ageless styles and emotive vocal performances. Its unique sound and atmosphere have actually developed "Watermark" as one of Art Garfunkel's many memorable albums in his solo discography.