THE ORIGINAL “SOUNDS OF SILENCE” Simon and Garfunkel (REACTION) 

This is the CLASSIC version and in my opinion the BEST version.

These are the original writers and singers of this ICONIC song. Simon and Garfunkel's harmonies are of music legend.

Paul Simon the shorter man wrote the words and music. He is a genius and Art Garfunkle sings like an angel. Check out Bridge Over Troubled Water.

The word you are looking for with this version is melancholy.

"The Boxer", "I Am A Rock", "America", "Homeward Bound"

I feel sorry for anyone who's only ever heard the Disturbed version. This is it, the way it's meant to be.

“Bridge over troubled water “ in my opinion is a song that you should hear.

Simon and Garfunkel were still hopeful; Disturbed isn't.

I read a comment that someone left on a RU-vid reaction, that, I believe describes the difference between S & G vs Disturbed. It went something like this: 'S & G's version was a warning. Disturbed's version is the anger that people aren't listening to the warning.'

The thing for me about this version and Disturbs is that while I enjoyed Disturbs version I have listened to the original hundreds (if not thousands) of times - Disturbs twice.

The harmony of those two voices is just ... wow

They used this song in the classic “The Graduate” good movie thanks for sharing your reaction

Fun fact: in the early 60's Columbia Records put together a folk trio group called The Pilgrims as their answer to Warner Records very popular hit folk trio Peter Paul and Mary. A then little known songwriter working in Tin Pan Alley came to the studio to shop a song that the Pilgrims' producer hoped to include on their debut album. He asked the songwriter to record a demo of the song for the Pilgrims to rehearse, but when he heard the song sung by the songwriter and his buddy he immediately gave them a contract to record it themselves, and the Pilgrims' debut album 'Just Arrived' was released without that song. The songwriter was Paul Simon, his buddy was Art Garfunkel, the song was 'Song Of Silence'. The lead singer of The Pilgrims was a black former soldier, who was also enjoying a successful career as an opera singer, dancer, musical and stage and Broadway actor and concert singer. He later had a very successful career on two hit tv sitcoms, 'Soap' and 'Benson'. His name was Robert Guillaume. P.S. there are RU-vid videos of him singing another Simon and Garfunkel hit 'Bridge Over Troubled Waters' live.

You should check out "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" by Simon and Garfunkel.

You didn't comment on the harmonizing of Simon and Garfunkel. That is a skill not easily mastered. These guys have mastered the art form. I wouldn't describe this version as light in mood but having heard Disturbed's cover I understand your perspective.

Paul Simon's album "Graceland" is one of the greatest albums of all time.

Folk Music was HUGE in the early 60's. Simon and Garfunkel added more instruments to their songs.

This song is about how people are unable to communicate with each other. “People pray to the neon god” is referring to the television and the fact people would rather sit and stare at that rather than talk

You should do their original "The Boxer." You'll love it.

Art Garfunkel has one of the most eerily beautiful voices that has never been matched in the 50 years since this song was released. He is by far the most underrated singer ever.

I love this song. Simon and Garfunkel songs are amazing. Their harmonizing is soooo good! I'm so glad you heard it. And you have a beautiful smile!

When Simon and Garfunkle first started out (Tom & Jerry "Hey School Girl") Art said that he would concentrate on Paul Simon's mouth to insure that as he harmonized, his words started and ended precisely in exact time with Paul.

This is definitely the absolute best and original...the greatest of any version. And I'd have to say that to me, this version - the original - is the darkest and most moving.

I had bought Wednesday Morning 3 AM in late 1964, Yes one of the 17 people who bought it the first time around. 😁 The album is all acoustic with just Paul and Art singing, It is very much in the early sixties Greenwich Village hip folkie style, but singing mostly Paul's original compositions in a somewhat more intellectual vein. Nobody paid much attention to the duo until late 1965 when Sounds Of Silence had a rock accompaniment added on and lit up the airwaves, After that they put out a succession of albums and concert tours with Bridge Over Troubled Water being their last work together.

I'm so happy that you're playing this version--my favourite by far. What a moving song! Still works after all these decades.

Simon and Garfunkel are a legendary duo. You have about 50 great songs ahead of you if you want to follow up on this. I suggest (and hope) you do so.

Great reaction! But seriously, I was a young hippie when S&G first wrote and performed this song. They were freaking prophets! The lyrics are DEEP and definitely stand the test of time. I've listened to the Disturbed version too. S&G had fantastic harmonies and I feel the juxtaposition of their angelic voices and the actual message of the song made for a more powerful listen. It did for us back in the day anyway. Thanks! 😃 👍 🚬 P.S. As far as originals vs covers, please react to Adam Lambert and his cover of Cher's hit song Believe ( at the Kennedy Center Honors) Now there's a powerful example of a cover being better! Thanks again! 👍

This shows the genius of Paul Simon. To be able to write lyrics that's transcend a specific time and remain poignant perhaps even more so today. I think your reaction to the Distubed version was incredible and it spoke to you. I'm pretty sure even if you had known this version first, your reaction to Disturbed would have been the same.

was lucky enough to see the during their reforming in the early 80's - great gig. I think its always good to listen to the original source to get a feel of how it should feel. One exception might be "Me and Bobby Magee" by Janis Joplin of whom writer Kris Kristofferson said that he had finally heard a song he had written sung as he had meant it. Excellent reaction, thank you

The "Sound of Silence" is a song by singer-songwriter duo Simon & Garfunkel. Written in February 1964 by Paul Simon in the aftermath of the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy, President of the United States (1961-1963). Its lyric expressed the people's feeling at that moment.

THis is the ONLY version that should EVER be played. The AMAZING Simon & Garfunkel.......... Perfection.

The message is within the words, yet they are clear to those who can listen. This is Music from my day.

I heard Disturbed’s version when it came out. While I can appreciate the artistry, his voice & interpretation of the song, I don’t care for it. The original is like a warning. Disturbed is like... that’s it, we’re done, you can’t change anything... it’s all over... it is hopelessness. For me, I’m not in to any form of art that depresses me or brings me down. Of any version I’ve heard, I still prefer Simon & Garfunkel’s.

I enjoy your honest and genuine reactions. It would be hard to pick a favorite "Sounds of Silence." They all convey such different feelings. I was a teenager when Simon and Garfunkel released it and I think I held my breath the first time I heard Disturbed perform it. Happy to be a subscriber. ;)

This is a much brighter and crisp version of the Sounds Of Silence. My favorite version.

Simon n Garfunkel are great. “Scarborough Fair” is one of my faves since I was a kid and learned it on the piano.

The thing that sets this apart from any cover of this song is the simplicity, it works so well.

FYI, this version was on the LP album "Wednesday Morning 3 a.m." released in late 1964. However the version that became a big hit single for Simon and Garfunkel in 1965/66 was a remix of the same basic track, where the producer (without telling the artists) added bass, more (electric) guitars, drums, etc. and a lot of reverb . In addition to the 45 rpm 7" single, the remixed version was also released on "The Sounds of Silence" LP in January 1966. It is the remixed version that most people remember. Here's a link to that version: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4fWyzwo1xg0.html

If you just look at the lyrics by themselves, they are kind of dark. Disturbed did a dark presentation of the dark lyrics. Simon and Garfunkel were intentionally ironic. They contrasted the darkness of the words with a light melodic presentation. Both are very good. Personally, I really enjoy the Pentatonix version. Their version to me is more about the hopefulness that we can prevail over the darkness.

Simon & Garfunkel original is in the times of the hippies love, Peace and the song tempo and vibe reflects that while Disturb goes deeper and darker with their version.

This is one of my all-time favorite songs!

A very troubled time, a very beautiful song. We needed this.

Their best version was in the Central Park free concert, I think around 1976, see it on u tube, they sounded perfect in that concert.

When you say "that was crazy" you mean beautiful, emotional or something else, but not crazy, crazy is something else.

This is the "silenter" version... and the original.

I don't know if anyone else has told the story about this song, but it was one of the three songs that Simon and Garfunkel used in the audition that got them a record contract with Columbia records. Their first album, Wednesday Morning, 3am, included this acoustic version, called The Sounds of Silence. The album bombed, and S & G split up. Paul Simon went to England and recorded a Solo album, The Paul Simon Songbook. Art Garfunkel went to Columbia University. Meanwhile, this song started to get playtime on the radio, so the album's producer overdubbed it with drums and electric instruments, and released the song as a single called The Sound (no second "s") of Silence. It went to #1. Paul Simon returned from Europe, and he and Garfunkel got back together again as a duo.

I hadn't taken the time to listen to the original version before, thanks for reacting to this!

WOW, you can really hear the different emotions and meanings with the two different versions. It is amazing...

It’s a type of folk song, and you have to know the context, and the time they were living in, and the events that were happening.

You can't go wrong with Simon and Garfunkel, studio or live. Paul Simon solo is also terrific, as he was by far the more talented of the duo. Try "The Boxer" next!

Never been a fan of "comparisons", you know... "this one is better than that one". They are just different takes on the song. The original is beautiful and a product of its time. Paul Simon is a master song writer. I have enjoyed the different iterations of this song. I view the "covers" as tributes to the original. Whether it be Simon & Garfunkel, Pentatonix, or Disturbed... each provides a different take on the song... and that is a salute to the original and to to their own creativity. The song is still every bit as relevant today as it was back in 1964.

This is about speaking or telling you things without actually talking (the sound of silence). Such as graffiti and neon signs and traffic lights. Very clever writing and hence Paul Simon is one of our greatest song writers. I started writing songs when I was about 15 and my mentors were the likes of Paul Simon, Elton John, the Beatles etc. I gave up because I had to contend with these guy's and thought you have to be that good to make records and sell songs. I realized many years later that we can't all be this good and there is room for other mere mortals.

+1 for Jouni's comment - The original was a warning, Disturbed's version is more the anger that the warning wasn't heeded... for what it's worth, Paul Simon applauded and approved of Disturbed's version

Hi Shiloh You need to watch the full concert in Central Park in front of 400,000 people, one of the best concerts ever, truly Disturbed have got to start writing there own songs & comparing them to two of the greatest singer songwriters of all time

Love the originals but also love the fact new singers can take an original and make it theirs and make it new again. That's the beauty of music.

To put it this way: 1964 Simon & Garfunkel sung this sung like "an old little aunt who has an advice you should care about", 2016 David Draiman sung this song like "a really pissed judge preciding over your case - who is angry that you haven't listened to your aunt and fucked up big".

Amazing vocals.Brilliant production.Beautiful song. The best version of" Sound of Silence" ever recorded by anyone. Simon and Garfunkel did it best. More BeeGees please "lnside and out",Wish you were here" "Closer than close","You Stepped into my Life".Barry Gibb and Barbra Streisand "Promise's"",Guilty".Steppenwolf "Magic Carpret Ride",Elton John"Genie"

For Me the original was way more Harmony and easy listening vs Disturbed power Rock Ballet trying to Drive that message Home the Difference is Astounding and that they both are incredible and can stand on their own merits.

I also love the Pentatonix version of this song. Give it a listen when you have time.

S&G - iconic and you’re on a good path. Lol.. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I hope more young people will dig in to the past to listen to the greats. 🎵♥️

This was the original original version, all acoustic, on their first album. The version that became a mega-hit was the electrified version from their next album. Both great in their own way; the electric version has more edge, and more of a direct line to the Disturbed version.

I remember when the 1965 version came out. I was in high school at the time. I loved the meaning and the blending of their voices. It was really a big hit.

Now you should listen to Pentatonix version of this. I have my order . I love all three

This is my all time favorite pop song and I'm almost 69 years old. There should be no debate as to whether this version, or Disturbs version or Pentatonix version or whomever version is better. My son sings this and is amazing; and hats off to all but at the end of the day, Paul Simon wrote this song and he and Art Garfunkel created this masterpiece. I love Disturbs version as well as Pentatonix as well as my sons, and have watched my son do this Acapulco. ps. Absolutely love the B&W video that Disturb produced when doing this song. Brilliant.

The version used in the graduate is the best.Guitar etc added.Way better than disturbed.

Bought the Greatest Hits when I was in high school (1978).... became my parents favorite album... just shows to go ya.. universal appeal..Also, you have to remember these songs were written at the height of American division... Vietnam War, violent protests in every city, race riots (rebellion) burning down square miles of buildings in cities, Watts, Oakland, Detroit and more..

I love their harmonizing.

Love this version. I was a teenager when I first heard it. I had a good friend in Vietnam that we would sing this. He was a Navy Corpsman in my Marine platoon. RIP Mike "Doc" you are missed.

There is never better version then the original! Ever !

Now I would suggest you check out their Bridge Over Troubled Waters

One of the all-time great songs written by an amazing songwriter, Paul Simon. However, I have to say that given the importance of the lyrics the cover by Disturbed is much more emphatic. Thanks again for another great reaction.

This was a nice reaction for one who has known the original for so many years when disturbed created their very special cover version. Thank you. At one point of your musical journey... you might wanna check out the band "nightwish" if you dont know it yet. First song to pick is "ghost love score" in the live version from wacken in 2013. Symphonic metal with female vocalist. But expect the nightwish army to join your channel ;)

If you want another great Simon and Garfunkel tune, try The Only Living Boy In New York.

I grew up listening to Simon and Garfunkel. Paul Simon's lyrics are timeless. He is an exceptional lyricist. Disturbs version is completely intense. I believe that their version is definitely more impactful. The urgency of their arrangement brings these lyrics to another level.

Great reaction. Growing up in the 60s LOVE this song and usually I like the original better but in this case Disturbed and David totally killed it.

You should check out more of their music. You can't go wrong with any of them. "The Boxer," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Kathy's Song," "I am a Rock," "Scarborough Fair," "America." The list goes on and on and on. They wrote tons of great music before the split up then went on to have solo careers. My current favorite by Garfunkel is "Bright Eyes." It was featured in the movie "Watership Down," but only a small fraction of the song is in the movie (not to be confused with the newer netflix series also based on the same book). It's a stunning song. If you decide to check it out, make sure you have the full version. There's a version floating around RU-vid that has only the small fraction that was in the movie instead of the whole thing.

This is the best version. The entire "Wednesday Morning, 3 AM" is an excellent album as well.

This song is magnificent! It too is a dark song, but done in a way that is presenting its message in a softer way. It was written at a time when the Civil Rights movement was beginning to really pick up steam and there was a larger focus on poverty that affected many many people. It was condemning the silence that until then had been this nation's approach to these and other problems. It also spoke to the dangers of doing so - "The words of the prophet are written on subway walls, tenement halls." If you don't listen to them now, they are going to erupt on society, and they did in just a few years in the mid to late sixties. A time of great music, but also a time of much upheaval and violence!

This song has different meanings to different people. The soft, quiet sound of this tune fit a soft, quiet, and sometimes difficult life. I live with someone who is quite silent. He is on the spectrum. I raised him as a single father and have lived with him for 48+ years. I never remarried. He likes to do crossword puzzles, KenKen, Sudoko, and Hocus Focus daily. He likes to help me and members of my astronomy club despite not have the same passion I do for the hobby. He just cares for my company since friendship is difficult to make for those with his condition. One day I will have to leave him when I die and he will be alone. That both terrifies me and has beauty at the same time.

Simon & Garfunkel Bridge Over Troubled Water and Scarborough Fair are so beautful Songs

Before any "live" version, this is the first of two versions they released, the more simply-arranged version, from their debut album, not released as a single. More than a year after the album came out, a producer took this version and added a more driving rhythm section, and released it as a single, which became a big hit, launching Simon & Garfunkel's fame and rescuing their career together from the forgotten annals of history.

What's funny is that at the 0:18 mark when you dropped your equipment - the beginning of this track with the "Hello Darkness my Old Friend" line has been used during similar moments for a while now :D

These guys wrote the perfect song. It gives all other artists a great format todo their own thing.check out Pentatonix’s rendition!!!!!!!

Hello darkness my old friend. Hell of an opening line.

This is definitely the original version. Simon and Garfunkel recorded this and the entire album in their Folk style. Unfortunately, it didn't sell well at all, coming out in 1964, when the British Invasion was underway and the UK bands like The Beatles and The Dave Clark Five ruled the US airwaves. Disappointed, the duo split for a time, with Paul Simon (the songwriter of the two) travelling to England for a time and busking to earn a living. When he returned, it was now 1965 and he reunited with Art Garfunkel to try again. Almost right away, they heard this song being played on the radio and noticed it was redone as a Rock song, with electric guitars and drums. At first, they didn't even realise it was them! In it's new form , the Sound Of Silence became a huge hit in the brand new Folk Rock style and they quickly cut a new album to take advantage of the success. With Simon's writing, Garfunkel's angelic voice, and their wonderful blending of harmonies, they became one of the top groups of the 1960s, with so many great songs to explore, whether they were hits or not.

The poetry alone... the written word... moves emotions on their own. Add the voices of these geniuses and Voila!

There’s actually another Simon and Garfunkel version that was released in 1965. Same vibe but with electric instruments and drums. It’s my favorite version of the song. It was used in the movie The Graduate along with several other great songs by them.

There is another version by Simon and Garfunkel off their studio album "Sounds of Silence". The original that you just reviewed is pretty much a scaled back acoustic version. The one on the album "Sounds of Silence" is a little bit more filled out instrumentally and is the version that got air play.

That was my first time seeing you, and yes you have an ear for music and an appreciation of all of it for sure. But for me, the time you took at the end of your video to reply and say thank you speaks volumes about who you are as a person. I applaud the time you spent and I thank you. The little things in life. It don't hurt that you are a looker, so even with the sound off.........just joshing.

This is by far the most superior version of this song!!

Have you heard Pentatonix version of this? They do an awesome job of it as well. : )

Great see you truly expand in this musical journey. You can go from Pantera to Simon and Garfunkel AWESOME.

I was able to watch them live at Dodger's stadium back in the early 80's. At the time Paul was married to Princess Leia, who was also at the concert.

This is my favorite version. The version by Disturbed sounds like my drunk uncle doing karaoke

KUDOS TO YOU! (Kudos is praise). You went to the truly original version! (Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!) My introduction to Simon and Garfunkel was when they opened at Melodyland, Anaheim, CA, around 1966 as the lead-in act for the Mamas and Papas (the main draw for me, but then that was my introduction to S&G). Did you listen to the rest of that first album, "Wednesday Morning, 3AM"? Great songs.

Again, you are discovering the songs of my childhood/youth, and your joy of discovery blesses my soul!

This is the original S&G, just a guitar, Paul's brilliant lyrical poetry and Art's effortlessly beautiful voice. If you liked this, go next to 'Homeward Bound', and 'America'. For their developing style, 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,' which is simply a masterpiece

The story of how this became a hit is a fascinating one which you should look up.I t kick-started S&G's career - which was filled with great songs: "Homeward Bound", "America", "59th Street Bridge Song", "Only Living Boy in New York", and - of course - their masterpiece "Bridge over Troubled Water". Dig in - you'll enjoy them!

you can vibe and chill with this one. on the right version.

If you want yet another take on it, I recommend the cover by Pentatonix (PTX). The Disturbed version comes across as angry (a warning unheeded) whereas the PTX version is sometimes read as more hopeful.