You may have been too young to witness the musical magic of Simon & Garfunkel when they were at the peak of their career, but their songs have undoubtedly stood the test of time.
From their soulful melodies to their poignant lyrics, the duo’s music has resonated with generations of listeners.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best Simon & Garfunkel songs of all time, so you can relive their brilliance or discover their music for the first time.
Their discography spans over a decade, from the early 1960s to the early 1970s, but their impact on music and culture is immeasurable.
Simon & Garfunkel’s songs were a reflection of the turbulent times they lived in, and their ability to capture the mood of the nation was unparalleled.
Their music was both personal and universal, touching on themes of love, loss, and social justice.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to their music, this list is sure to take you on a journey through the greatest hits of Simon & Garfunkel.
1. “7 O’Clock News/Silent Night”
You’ll love how the haunting melody of “7 O’Clock News/Silent Night” transports you to a snowy, silent night as you listen to Simon & Garfunkel’s greatest hits.
This unique track seamlessly blends the traditional Christmas carol with a news broadcast, creating a haunting juxtaposition that emphasizes the harsh realities of the world even during a time of supposed peace and joy.
The duo’s signature harmonies add an ethereal quality to the song, making it feel both timeless and otherworldly.
“7 O’Clock News/Silent Night” is a testament to Simon & Garfunkel’s ability to create music that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.
2. “El Condor Pasa (If I Could)”
If you’re looking for a haunting melody that transports you to a different world, listen to “El Condor Pasa (If I Could)” by Simon & Garfunkel.
This song is a beautiful rendition of a traditional Andean melody, with the duo’s signature harmonies and acoustic guitar.
The song’s lyrics speak of the desire to fly like a condor and see the world from a different perspective.
The melody is haunting and evocative, with a sense of longing and nostalgia that is characteristic of Simon & Garfunkel’s music.
“El Condor Pasa (If I Could)” is a timeless classic that showcases the duo’s musical prowess and their ability to create music that transcends time and space.
3. “The Only Living Boy in New York”
When you’re walking through the bustling streets of New York, let “The Only Living Boy in New York” by Simon & Garfunkel be the soundtrack to your journey.
This song captures the essence of the city with its poetic lyrics and acoustic guitar riffs that transport you to another time.
The harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel are at their best in this song, as they sing about the loneliness of being the only one left in the city.
The song’s melancholic tone is contrasted by its upbeat tempo, making it the perfect song to walk to.
It’s no wonder that this song is one of the greatest hits of Simon & Garfunkel.
It captures the spirit of New York and the human experience of feeling alone in a crowded place.
4. “Kathy’s Song”
Listen closely to “Kathy’s Song” by Simon & Garfunkel, as it’ll transport you to a world of introspection and nostalgia.
This song is a beautiful and haunting ode to lost love and the memories that remain.
The gentle guitar strumming and harmonious vocals perfectly capture the melancholic mood of the lyrics.
It’s a song that speaks to the heart and soul with its poetic and evocative imagery.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that has faded away and the longing that remains.
The subtle use of percussion adds to the understated elegance of the song, and the overall effect is one of pure emotion.
“Kathy’s Song” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners to this day.
5. “Bleecker Street”
“Bleecker Street” is a haunting and poignant song that transports the listener to the heart of Greenwich Village in 1964.
It’s a song about lost love and the memories that linger in the streets and buildings of a city.
The haunting melody and melancholic lyrics are a perfect match for Simon & Garfunkel’s signature sound, and the song remains one of their most enduring and beloved tracks.
The song’s imagery and emotional depth are a testament to the duo’s songwriting talent, and the way they capture the mood and spirit of a time and place is masterful.
If you want to understand the power and impact of Simon & Garfunkel’s music, “Bleecker Street” is a great place to start.
6. “Patterns”
Now that you’ve delved into the melancholic tale of “Bleecker Street”, let’s shift the focus to another gem from Simon & Garfunkel’s catalog – “Patterns”.
The song, written by Paul Simon, explores the monotonous routines of everyday life and the desire to break free from them.
The lyrics are introspective and poignant, as Simon questions whether he’s truly living or just going through the motions.
The gentle, acoustic melody perfectly complements the introspective nature of the song, making it a standout track on their 1966 album, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme.
It’s no surprise that “Patterns” continues to resonate with listeners today, serving as a reminder to step back and evaluate whether we’re living our lives to the fullest.
7. “A Hazy Shade of Winter”
As you listen to “A Hazy Shade of Winter”, you can feel the lively energy and fast-paced rhythm of the song.
This track, released in 1968, features a driving beat and powerful vocals.
It makes it one of the standout songs in Simon & Garfunkel’s discography.
The lyrics of the song are introspective.
The narrator reflects on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of youth.
The upbeat tempo of the song provides a counterpoint to the wistful lyrics.
Overall, “A Hazy Shade of Winter” is a testament to Simon & Garfunkel’s ability to craft complex, emotionally resonant songs.
They continue to captivate audiences today.
8. “Richard Cory”
You’re going to love the haunting melody and poignant lyrics of “Richard Cory”.
The song tells the story of a wealthy man who seemingly has it all but ultimately meets a tragic end.
The song is based on a poem by Edwin Arlington Robinson, and Simon & Garfunkel‘s adaptation captures the sense of isolation and disillusionment that can come with material success.
He had everything a man could want, power, grace.”
The chorus, with its repetition of “Richard Cory”, is one calm summer night.
Went home and put a bullet through his head, is a stark reminder that money can’t buy happiness or fulfillment.
Through their masterful musical arrangement and emotive singing, Simon & Garfunkel bring this tragic story to life, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.
9. “The Boxer”
“The Boxer” is a timeless classic that showcases Simon & Garfunkel’s trademark harmonies and storytelling prowess.
It is a song that tells the story of a struggling musician who faces countless obstacles in his quest for success.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the character’s journey, from the streets of New York City to the boxing ring, where he learns to fight and survive.
The song’s melody is both haunting and uplifting, and the harmonies between Simon and Garfunkel are simply mesmerizing.
“The Boxer” is a perfect example of the duo’s ability to create music that is both poetic and relatable.
It remains one of their most beloved songs to this day.
10. “I Am A Rock”
You can feel the isolation and emotional detachment of the protagonist in “I Am A Rock” as they retreat into their own self-imposed fortress of solitude.
The song is a poignant reflection on the power of emotional walls that people put up to shield themselves from the pain of human interaction.
Through Simon & Garfunkel’s poetic lyrics and haunting melody, we’re transported into the mind of someone who has been hurt and has decided to cut themselves off from the world.
Ultimately, “I Am A Rock” is a powerful reminder of the importance of emotional connection and the risks that come with shutting oneself off from the world.
11. “Mrs. Robinson”
“Mrs. Robinson” is a timeless classic that captures the allure of a seductive older woman and the young man who is drawn to her.
Written for the movie The Graduate, the song became an instant hit and remains one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most beloved tracks.
The witty lyrics and catchy melody perfectly encapsulate the confusion and desire of the film’s protagonist, Benjamin Braddock.
Its popularity has endured for decades, thanks in part to its inclusion in countless films, TV shows, and commercials.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or hear it for the first time, “Mrs. Robinson” is a song that never gets old.
12. “Scarborough Fair/Canticle”
Listen closely to “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” and you’ll hear the beautiful blending of traditional English ballads and anti-war protest songs.
This song is a masterpiece in its own right, with its haunting melody and Simon & Garfunkel’s signature harmonies.
It’s no wonder that this song has become one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most beloved hits, and continues to be a favorite among fans and music lovers alike.
“Scarborough Fair/Canticle” is a testament to the duo’s incredible talent and their ability to craft songs that are both musically and lyrically profound.
13. “America”
As you delve into the haunting melodies and poetic lyrics of “America”, you’ll find yourself transported to a time and place that is both nostalgic and thought-provoking.
The song captures the yearning for adventure and the search for identity that typified the counterculture of the 1968s and it does so with a simple, yet powerful, acoustic arrangement.
The harmonies between Simon and Garfunkel are particularly striking, as they blend together seamlessly to create a haunting and unforgettable sound.
The lyrics, meanwhile, are a masterclass in storytelling, as they paint a vivid picture of two young people setting out on a journey across America.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Simon and Garfunkel or just discovering their music for the first time, “America” is a song that is sure to stay with you long after the last notes have faded away.
14. “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
So, you just finished reading about “America”, one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most iconic songs.
Now, let’s talk about another legendary track – “Bridge Over Troubled Water”.
Released in 1970, this song has become an anthem for hope and comfort during difficult times.
The soothing melody, combined with Art Garfunkel’s angelic voice, makes it a timeless classic.
The lyrics, written by Paul Simon, speak about being there for someone who’s going through a tough time.
It’s a song that touches the heart and soul of anyone who listens to it.
It’s no surprise that “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Its impact has been felt across generations, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for people all over the world.
15. “The Sound of Silence”
You’ll love the haunting melody and introspective lyrics of “The Sound of Silence”, one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most iconic tracks.
Released in 1964, the song became an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song’s haunting and melancholic melody is perfectly complemented by the introspective lyrics, which speak to the isolation and disconnect that many people feel in the modern world.
The song’s success helped to establish Simon & Garfunkel as one of the most important and influential musical acts of the 60s, and it remains one of their most beloved songs to this day.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Simon & Garfunkel or simply appreciate great music, “The Sound of Silence” is a song that you won’t want to miss.
Best Simon & Garfunkel Songs of All Time – Final Thoughts
Congratulations!
You’ve reached the end of our list of the 15 best Simon & Garfunkel songs of all time.
From the powerful message of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to the haunting beauty of “Scarborough Fair/Canticle”, these songs have stood the test of time and continue to resonate with audiences today.
Simon & Garfunkel’s unique blend of folk and rock, combined with their poetic lyrics and beautiful harmonies, have cemented their place in music history as one of the greatest duos of all time.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, these songs are sure to leave a lasting impression and remind you of the power of great songwriting and musical talent.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy the timeless classics of Simon & Garfunkel.
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