The 10 best songs by Simon and Garfunkel according to UachateC
In this article we present the 10 best songs by Simon and Garfunkel, according to our opinion and that of some specialized media. These are the songs that cannot be missing from your playlist if you want to enjoy the magic of this legendary duo.
Simon and Garfunkel are one of the most influential and successful duos in music history. Their songs blend vocal harmonies, poetry, and folk rock with a unique sensibility that has earned them recognition from generations of fans and critics.
From their debut in 1964 until their split in 1970, Simon and Garfunkel recorded five studio albums and several singles that became undisputed classics. His music reflects the social, political, and cultural changes of the 1960s, as well as his own personal and artistic experiences.
Best songs by Simon and Garfunkel
1. The Sound of Silence (1965)
It is the most famous and emblematic song of Simon and Garfunkel. It was written by Paul Simon in 1964, inspired by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The original version was acoustic and was part of the album «Wednesday Morning, 3 AM», which went unnoticed. However, producer Tom Wilson added an electric base to it and released it as a single in 1965, making it a worldwide hit.
The lyrics speak of lack of communication, alienation and the lack of meaning in modern society, with poetic and metaphorical images. The melody is hypnotic and melancholic, with a contrast between Simon’s soft voice and Garfunkel’s powerful one. The song has been covered by numerous artists, such as Disturbed, Bob Dylan or David Draiman.
Best songs by Simon and Garfunkel
2. Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970)
It is the song that gives the title to the last studio album by Simon and Garfunkel, considered their masterpiece. It was composed by Paul Simon as a gift to Art Garfunkel, who sings it solo with an angelic and soulful voice. The lyrics are an offering of comfort and support to a friend or loved one going through a difficult time.
The music is a mix of gospel, soul and pop, with a majestic piano accompanying the vocals. The song was a smash hit, winning five Grammy Awards in 1971, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. It has also been covered by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley or Johnny Cash.
Best songs by Simon and Garfunkel
3. Mrs Robinson (1968)
It’s one of Simon and Garfunkel’s funniest and catchiest songs. It was written by Paul Simon for the film «The Graduate», directed by Mike Nichols and starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft. The lyrics refer to the plot of the film, in which a young man falls in love with the mother of his girlfriend, a mature and seductive woman named Mrs. Robinson.
The music is upbeat, upbeat folk rock, with acoustic guitars, percussion and whistling. The song was a critical and commercial success, winning the Grammy Award for Best Original Song for a Motion Picture or Television in 1969. It has also been covered by artists such as The Lemonheads, Bon Jovi, and Frank Sinatra.
Best songs by Simon and Garfunkel
4. The Boxer (1969)
It is one of Simon and Garfunkel’s most complex and elaborate songs. It was written by Paul Simon as a metaphor for his own life as a musician, faced with difficulties and criticism. The lyrics tell the story of a boxer who struggles to survive in the city, with a chorus that says «lie-la-lie», a meaningless expression that symbolizes frustration and loneliness.
The music is a combination of folk, rock, and country, with varied instrumentation including guitars, bass, drums, organ, trumpet, and an echo effect that creates a cannon sound. The song was a commercial and critical success, being considered one of the best ever by various magazines and media.
Best songs by Simon and Garfunkel
5. Scarborough Fair / Canticle (1966)
It is one of the most beautiful and delicate songs of Simon and Garfunkel. It is an adaptation of a 17th century English traditional song, which tells of a medieval market in the town of Scarborough. Paul Simon added a counter-song called «Canticle», which is a modified version of his song «The Side of a Hill», which talks about war and peace.
The music is a sublime vocal harmony, with two melodies that intertwine and complement each other. The instrumentation is minimalist, with only two acoustic guitars. The song was included on the album «Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme», and also on the soundtrack of «The Graduate».
Best songs by Simon and Garfunkel
6. Cecilia (1970)
It is one of Simon and Garfunkel’s liveliest and most festive songs. It was written by Paul Simon as an ode to musical inspiration, personified by a woman named Cecilia. The letter tells how the narrator loses and recovers his beloved, with a humorous and mischievous tone.
The music is an infectious pop rock, with a rhythm marked by handclaps, percussion and guitar. The song was a commercial and critical success, being considered one of the best of the year by various magazines and media. It has also been covered by artists such as Suggs, The Vamps or Los Lobos.
Best songs by Simon and Garfunkel
7. America (1968)
It is one of Simon and Garfunkel’s most poetic and nostalgic songs. It was written by Paul Simon as a tribute to his native country, the United States, and to his youth. The lyrics narrate the journey of a couple across the country, searching for the American dream and the meaning of life.
The music is a melodic and evocative folk rock, with acoustic guitars, bass, drums and organ. The song was included in the album «Bookends», and also in the soundtrack of «Casi Famosos». It has also been covered by artists such as David Bowie, Yes or First Aid Kit.
Best songs by Simon and Garfunkel
8. Homeward Bound (1966)
It is one of Simon and Garfunkel’s most personal and autobiographical songs. It was written by Paul Simon as an expression of his wish to return home after a long tour of England. The lyrics describe the narrator’s feelings of loneliness, exhaustion and longing, who is waiting at a train station.
The music is a simple and emotional folk rock, with acoustic guitars, bass and drums. The song was a commercial and critical success, being considered one of the best of the year by various magazines and media. It has also been covered by artists such as Johnny Cash, The Monkees or Glen Campbell.
Best songs by Simon and Garfunkel
9. I Am a Rock (1966)
It is one of Simon and Garfunkel’s most intense and dramatic songs. It was written by Paul Simon as a defense of emotional isolation as a way to avoid suffering. The lyrics describe the narrator as a rock or an island that doesn’t need anyone or anything to be happy.
The music is a somber and powerful folk rock, with acoustic guitars, bass, drums and organ. The song was a commercial and critical success, being considered one of the best of the year by various magazines and media. It has also been covered by artists such as The Hollies, Red Hot Chili Peppers or Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.
Best songs by Simon and Garfunkel
10. El condor pasa (If I Could) (1970)
It is one of Simon and Garfunkel’s most exotic and innovative songs. It is an adaptation of a traditional Andean melody.
Best songs by Simon and Garfunkel
