Simon & Garfunkel Popular Songs Ranking [2025]

A Hazy Shade of WinterSimon&Garfunkel8rank/position

Simon & Garfunkel – A Hazy Shade of Winter (Audio)

When it comes to Western songs for winter, we can’t help but pick this one.

Released by Simon & Garfunkel in 1966, “A Hazy Shade of Winter”—also well known in Japan by its translated title “Fuyu no Sanpomichi” (Winter’s Promenade)—is a track many still remember as an insert song from the impactful 1994 TV drama “Ningen Shikkaku: Tatoeba Boku ga Shindara.” Among Simon & Garfunkel’s songs characterized by their folky sound and beautiful harmonies, this one is perhaps the most folk-rock in style, with a driving, fast-paced beat that feels more suited to a car ride than a leisurely stroll.

In fact, the English title and the Japanese title don’t mean the same thing, and the lyrics poetically liken life to the four seasons: the bleak winter scenery and the anxious state of mind it evokes are anything but leisurely; there’s even a sense of mounting urgency that presses in on you.

So if you’re going to hit the road with this song on, be careful not to brood too much while you drive!

AmericaSimon&Garfunkel9rank/position

Simon & Garfunkel – America

A track that sings about a young teenage couple heading to New York by bus.

Released by Simon & Garfunkel in 1968, it became a hit in the United States, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere.

It has been covered by artists such as David Bowie, Sting, and U2.

El Condor PasaSimon&Garfunkel10rank/position

El Condor Pasa – Paul Simon & Garfunkel

The Japanese title is “El Condor Pasa (If I Could).” It’s an Andean folk song covered by the American folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel.

Among S&G’s many hits, I recommend this one for the sense of expansiveness it evokes toward the sky.

The 59th Street Bridge SongSimon&Garfunkel11rank/position

Simon & Garfunkel – The 59th Street Bridge Song (Audio)

Simon & Garfunkel, a musical duo that had a major impact on folk music.

They were also extremely popular in Japan and are known as pioneers who helped spark the folk boom that swept from the 1960s to the 1970s.

One of their highly regarded hidden gems, The 59th Street Bridge Song, was released in 1966 and became a fan favorite.

It’s an impressive folk tune with a springtime theme, so be sure to check it out.

The Only Living Boy in New YorkSimon&Garfunkel12rank/position

Simon & Garfunkel – The Only Living Boy in New York (Audio)

Included on the 1970 album “Bridge over Troubled Water.” A New York–born music duo who debuted in 1964.

The “Tom” that appears at the beginning of the lyrics refers to Garfunkel.

The sound of the acoustic guitar and Simon’s understated vocals blend to create a beautiful harmony.

It’s a great song.

CeciliaSimon&Garfunkel13rank/position

Simon & Garfunkel – Cecilia

Though Simon & Garfunkel are often remembered for their somewhat somber image in songs like The Sound of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water, they show a completely different, bright and cheerful side in Cecilia.

Cecilia is well known from the Honda Crossroad and Lowrys Farm commercials.

It’s marked by an irresistibly catchy beat—but in fact, there are no drums on this track.

At a party they attended, they created the beat by banging on a bench as a drum substitute, and later processed that recording with reverb and other effects.

It’s a song that’s not only upbeat in tone but also delightfully inventive in its concept!

Old FriendsSimon&Garfunkel14rank/position

Simon & Garfunkel – Old Friends / Bookends (from The Concert in Central Park)

Simon & Garfunkel were a folk duo who were hugely active in the 1960s, and I think many people in Japan are very familiar with them.

Their piece Old Friends was released in 1997.

While it didn’t become a major hit, it’s still remembered today as one of their classic songs.

The lyrics depict two elderly men looking back on their long-standing bond.

With its gentle tone, it might be a good choice to use when sending off someone who’s retiring.