I have to disagree on the original of "The Sound of Silence" being better than the cover. In theory I shouldn't like the cover. I'm a big fan of vocal harmony - the original is an excellent duet and the cover is sung as a solo. I generally dislike (and in many cases despise) nu-metal or grunge or whatever genre it is that Disturbed falls in.
But I think the cover here is better. I suppose you could make the argument that the contradiction between the pleasant harmonies of Simon and Garfunkel and the bleak imagery of Simon's lyrics is what makes the song work, but I think it just dilutes it. The original drags; the cover builds. It takes the lyrics seriously. Musically, the cover is stronger too. Draiman has some real range, and he shows it off here. He's singing with power, but it's still singing and not screaming. I like the piano and strings better for this song than the original's acoustic guitar and snare drum. Overall it's just an improvement in almost every way.
I'm somewhat in-between. I don't love the either the cover version or the original. But, what I find interesting (and I think works) about the cover is that the delivery transforms the meaning of the lyrics.
The original is about the way that people are disconnected and alienated from each other. The cover sounds like a H.P. Lovecraft horror story with literal zombies or demons threatening.
I know that there are always plenty of good options for each week's theme, and you pick what seems interesting at the time, but I'd highly recommend & would be curious for your opinion about Meshell Ndegeocello's latest album of covers. I think it's really great.
I have to disagree on the original of "The Sound of Silence" being better than the cover. In theory I shouldn't like the cover. I'm a big fan of vocal harmony - the original is an excellent duet and the cover is sung as a solo. I generally dislike (and in many cases despise) nu-metal or grunge or whatever genre it is that Disturbed falls in.
But I think the cover here is better. I suppose you could make the argument that the contradiction between the pleasant harmonies of Simon and Garfunkel and the bleak imagery of Simon's lyrics is what makes the song work, but I think it just dilutes it. The original drags; the cover builds. It takes the lyrics seriously. Musically, the cover is stronger too. Draiman has some real range, and he shows it off here. He's singing with power, but it's still singing and not screaming. I like the piano and strings better for this song than the original's acoustic guitar and snare drum. Overall it's just an improvement in almost every way.
My biggest issue may be that I just don’t like disturbed. You make a compelling case, though
I'm somewhat in-between. I don't love the either the cover version or the original. But, what I find interesting (and I think works) about the cover is that the delivery transforms the meaning of the lyrics.
The original is about the way that people are disconnected and alienated from each other. The cover sounds like a H.P. Lovecraft horror story with literal zombies or demons threatening.
(But I also love the eldritch horror covers of "Jolene" -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGSdYFR50Y8 )
The "eldritch horror covers of 'Jolene'" is not an expression I would ever have expected to read. I suppose I'll have to check that out.
I think it’s fun, well done, and I suspect Dolly Parton would have enjoyed it.
Chris, thanks!
I know that there are always plenty of good options for each week's theme, and you pick what seems interesting at the time, but I'd highly recommend & would be curious for your opinion about Meshell Ndegeocello's latest album of covers. I think it's really great.
https://www.npr.org/2026/10/19/nx-s1-6007821/meshell-ndegeocello-reflects-on-her-musical-influences-im-the-child-of-many