120,000+ Classic Rock Album Covers Database (1948-2026): Simon & Garfunkel - Sounds of Silence (1966)

Monday, March 9, 2020

Simon & Garfunkel - Sounds of Silence (1966) | Review, Fun Facts & Trivia

Simon & Garfunkel - Sounds of Silence (1966)

Tracklist front / back album art covers

Simon & Garfunkel – Sounds of Silence (1966): Album Review, Tracklist & Trivia

Introduction to Sounds of Silence

Sounds of Silence is the second studio album by American folk duo Simon & Garfunkel, released on January 17, 1966, by Columbia Records.

The album cemented Simon & Garfunkel’s place in folk-rock history, featuring the iconic hit “The Sound of Silence” (with its electrified arrangement) and a mix of original songs and traditional folk-inspired material.

Background and Recording

After their debut Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. (1964) initially sold poorly, producer Tom Wilson overdubbed electric instruments on “The Sound of Silence” in 1965, turning it into a #1 hit.

The success of this single prompted the recording and release of Sounds of Silence, which included:

Newly recorded original compositions
Electrified and acoustic versions
Folk storytelling with socially aware lyrics

This album represents the duo’s first major commercial breakthrough.

Musical Style and Sound

Sounds of Silence blends:

Folk and folk-rock
Acoustic and electric guitar arrangements
Harmony-driven vocals
Poetic and socially conscious lyricism

Key features:

Mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation
Dark, reflective themes in songs like “The Sound of Silence”
Upbeat folk storytelling tracks such as “I Am a Rock”

The album balances introspective and accessible material, creating a bridge between traditional folk and the emerging folk-rock movement.

Sounds of Silence (1966) Tracklist

The album includes 12 tracks:

The Sound of Silence
Leaves That Are Green
Blessed
Kathy’s Song
Somewhere They Can’t Find Me
Anji (Davy Graham cover)
Richard Cory
A Most Peculiar Man
April Come She Will
We’ve Got a Groovy Thing Goin’
I Am a Rock
Sparrow

This tracklist combines early Paul Simon songwriting with folk standards, highlighting both lyrical depth and melodic craftsmanship.

Album Credits

Simon & Garfunkel

Paul Simon – vocals, acoustic guitar
Art Garfunkel – vocals

Additional Musicians

Electric overdubs by session musicians (for some tracks, including “The Sound of Silence”)

Production

Produced by Tom Wilson
Released by Columbia Records
Recorded in New York City, United States

The production captures a balance between folk authenticity and electrified folk-rock sound, appealing to a broad audience.

Reception and Legacy

Sounds of Silence was a commercial and critical success, reaching #21 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Highlights of its legacy:

“The Sound of Silence” became a defining song of the 1960s folk-rock era.
The album established Simon & Garfunkel as major figures in the folk-rock movement.
It influenced future artists combining acoustic folk with electric instrumentation.

The album remains a classic of mid-60s American music, bridging traditional folk with contemporary rock.

Fun Facts About Sounds of Silence

“The Sound of Silence” initially went unnoticed in its acoustic version before the electric overdub made it a hit.
“April Come She Will” was later featured in the 1967 film The Graduate, increasing its popularity.
The album blends original compositions with traditional folk influences, reflecting the duo’s artistic roots.
Sounds of Silence helped define the folk-rock genre alongside artists like Bob Dylan and The Byrds.

Trivia

The title of the album comes from the hit single “The Sound of Silence”, which became a cultural touchstone.
Several tracks, including “Richard Cory,” are based on poems and stories, showcasing Simon’s literary influences.
Tom Wilson’s decision to electrify the lead single was key to the album’s commercial success.

Did You Know?

Sounds of Silence marks the first Simon & Garfunkel album to feature electric guitar overdubs, bridging folk and rock.
Art Garfunkel’s vocals on the album helped define the duo’s signature harmonies.
The album inspired many 1960s folk-rock artists to experiment with acoustic and electric combinations.