Description
Simon & Garfunkel – The Graduate (Original Sound Track Recording) – Vinyl Record
The Sound of ’68 – 50th Anniversary
Released in 1968, The Graduate (Original Sound Track Recording) brought the music of Simon & Garfunkel to an even wider audience through its connection with the landmark film The Graduate. Directed by Mike Nichols and starring Dustin Hoffman, the movie became one of the defining films of the late 1960s, and the music played a crucial role in shaping its mood and emotional atmosphere.
Rather than composing a completely new score, the filmmakers made the unusual decision to incorporate existing songs by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, blending them with instrumental pieces written by composer Dave Grusin. The result is a soundtrack that moves between folk-pop songs and orchestral cues, creating a musical backdrop that reflects both the reflective tone of the story and the shifting cultural landscape of the era.
At the center of the album are several Simon & Garfunkel songs that had already begun to define the duo’s sound. The most famous of these is “Mrs. Robinson,” which became one of the group’s biggest hits and won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Its upbeat rhythm and witty lyrics contrast with the film’s themes of confusion and rebellion, making it one of the most memorable musical moments associated with the movie.
The soundtrack also prominently features “The Sound of Silence,” one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most iconic recordings. The song’s haunting melody and reflective lyrics perfectly complement the film’s themes of alienation and generational change. Hearing it within the context of the film helped cement its place as one of the defining songs of the 1960s.
Other musical moments on the album include variations and instrumental interpretations of Simon & Garfunkel melodies alongside Dave Grusin’s orchestral pieces. These instrumental segments provide a cinematic framework that ties the songs together, allowing the music to move seamlessly between folk-pop intimacy and film score atmosphere.
The Simon & Garfunkel tracks showcase the duo’s signature elements: Paul Simon’s thoughtful songwriting, the pair’s intricate vocal harmonies, and simple yet elegant acoustic arrangements. Their sound stood in contrast to the louder rock music that was emerging during the same period, offering a more introspective and poetic approach to popular music.
The Graduate soundtrack became both a commercial success and an enduring cultural artifact. The combination of memorable songs and the film’s powerful imagery helped elevate Simon & Garfunkel’s music to an even broader audience, solidifying their reputation as one of the most influential folk-pop duos of the 1960s.
The album remains closely tied to the legacy of the film itself. Its songs continue to evoke the atmosphere of a generation questioning social expectations and searching for meaning, making The Graduate (Original Sound Track Recording) an important intersection of music, film, and cultural history.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Simon & Garfunkel – The Sounds Of Silence
Dave Grusin – The Singleman Party Foxtrot
Simon & Garfunkel – Mrs. Robinson
Dave Grusin – Sunporch Cha-Cha-Cha
Simon & Garfunkel – Scarborough Fair / Canticle (Interlude)
Dave Grusin – On The Strip
Simon & Garfunkel – April Come She Will
Dave Grusin – The Folks
Simon & Garfunkel – Scarborough Fair / Canticle
Dave Grusin – A Great Effect
Simon & Garfunkel – The Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine
Dave Grusin – Whew
Simon & Garfunkel – Mrs. Robinson
Simon & Garfunkel – The Sounds Of Silence
