Disturbed - Sound of Silence
Disturbed - The Sound of Silence
The Sound of Silence is a song originally composed by the American music duo Simon & Garfunkel. The version by the American heavy metal band Disturbed is notable for its darker, more intense tone and powerful vocals. Released in 2015, Disturbed's cover of this classic quickly garnered critical acclaim and popularity, offering a new interpretation of the song's themes of alienation and lack of communication in modern society.
Understanding the Song
History and Background
The original version of "The Sound of Silence" was released in 1964 and was a critical success, addressing themes of isolation and the inability to communicate effectively. Disturbed's version brings a new depth to the song, with vocalist David Draiman's powerful voice adding a layer of intensity to the lyrics. The cover was part of their sixth studio album, Immortalized, and received widespread attention for its music video, which visually narrates the song's themes.
Musical Composition
Disturbed's version of "The Sound of Silence" is known for its haunting, atmospheric intro, leading to Draiman's intense vocal delivery. The arrangement includes a fuller orchestration compared to the acoustic original, with strings and piano complementing the vocal lines, creating a somber and powerful rendition.
Lyrics Analysis
The lyrics of "The Sound of Silence" speak about the inability of people to communicate emotionally, the superficiality of modern social interactions, and the isolation it brings. Disturbed's rendition emphasizes these themes, making the song resonate with contemporary audiences, reflecting modern societal issues like the overreliance on technology for communication.
External resources for deeper understanding: MOOCit - Disturbed's The Sound of Silence
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the Song
What year was Disturbed's version of "The Sound of Silence" released? (2015) (!1964) (!2001) (!1999)
Which album features Disturbed's rendition of "The Sound of Silence"? (Immortalized) (!Believe) (!Ten Thousand Fists) (!The Sickness)
What is a notable difference between Simon & Garfunkel's and Disturbed's version? (Intense and powerful vocals) (!Use of electric guitar) (!Faster tempo) (!Different lyrics)
Who is the lead vocalist of Disturbed? (David Draiman) (!Paul Simon) (!Art Garfunkel) (!Mike Wengren)
What themes does "The Sound of Silence" primarily address? (Alienation and lack of communication) (!Love and happiness) (!Political unrest) (!Life in the countryside)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What genre of music is Disturbed primarily known for? (Heavy Metal) (!Country) (!Jazz) (!Pop)
In what year was Disturbed formed? (1994) (!1980) (!2000) (!1975)
Which of the following songs is also a hit by Disturbed? (Down with the Sickness) (!Enter Sandman) (!Stairway to Heaven) (!Bohemian Rhapsody)
Where was Disturbed formed? (Chicago, Illinois) (!Los Angeles, California) (!New York, New York) (!Seattle, Washington)
How many members are in the band Disturbed? (Four) (!Three) (!Five) (!Six)
Quiz: Questions on the Lyrics
Which of the following lines is from "The Sound of Silence"? ("Hello darkness, my old friend") (!"I've come to talk with you again") (!"Because a vision softly creeping") (!"Left its seeds while I was sleeping")
The song talks about a vision that was... (Planting its seeds while the narrator slept) (!Whispering in the darkness) (!Screaming in silence) (!Dancing in the light)
"The Sound of Silence" refers to... (The inability of people to communicate) (!The peace after a storm) (!The quietness of the countryside) (!The absence of music)
The song suggests that silence can... (Grow like a cancer) (!Heal the wounds) (!Bring peace of mind) (!Inspire creativity)
The words of the prophets are written on... (The subway walls and tenement halls) (!The pages of history) (!The sand of the beaches) (!The scrolls of the ancient)
Memory
| Disturbed | Heavy Metal Band |
| David Draiman | Lead Vocalist |
| 2015 | Year of Disturbed's Cover Release |
| Immortalized | Album featuring the cover |
| Alienation and lack of communication | Themes of the song |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Create a visual art piece: Create a visual art piece inspired by the themes of "The Sound of Silence". Describe how your artwork represents alienation and lack of communication.
- Explore music genres: Listen to different genres of music and identify another song that discusses a similar theme of isolation or communication breakdown.
- Write a reflection: Reflect on how the themes of "The Sound of Silence" relate to today's digital world and the impact of technology on communication.
Standard
- Analyze lyrical themes: Compare and contrast the themes of "The Sound of Silence" with another song from a different era. Discuss how the portrayal of isolation has evolved over time.
- Research Disturbed: Research the history of the band Disturbed and create a timeline highlighting their major milestones and musical evolution.
- Musical Composition Analysis: Analyze the musical elements (such as melody, harmony, rhythm) used in Disturbed's version of "The Sound of Silence" and discuss how they contribute to the song's mood and message.
Difficult
- Creative Writing: Write a short story or a poem inspired by the lyrics of "The Sound of Silence". Try to capture the essence of the song's themes in your writing.
- Organize a Discussion: Organize a discussion group or a panel to talk about the impact of music on social issues. Use "The Sound of Silence" as a case study.
- Music and Society: Conduct a research project on how music reflects societal issues. Use "The Sound of Silence" as a starting point and compare it with songs from different decades.
- Digital Detox Challenge: Challenge yourself or others to a digital detox for a certain period of time. Document the experience and reflect on the role of silence and communication in your life.
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Oral Exam
- Discuss the Impact: Discuss how a song like "The Sound of Silence" can influence societal thoughts on communication and isolation. What impact do you think the song has had since its release?
- Interpretation of Lyrics: Offer your interpretation of the line "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls". What do you think this implies about society and communication?
- Comparative Analysis: Compare the original version of "The Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel with Disturbed's version. Discuss how the change in musical style affects the interpretation and reception of the song.
- Music as a Reflection: Discuss how music can serve as a reflection of societal issues and emotions. Provide examples of other songs that serve a similar purpose as "The Sound of Silence".
- Evolution of Music: Discuss how the evolution of music genres over time reflects changes in society and culture. Use Disturbed's cover of "The Sound of Silence" as a reference point for modern renditions of classic songs.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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