FIRST TIME HEARING: Disturbed "The Sound Of Silence" 03/28/16 | CONAN on TBS REACTION

[@jwhiteuk]

With huge respect to Simon and Garfunkel, 50 years or so after this beautiful song was written it was finally sung how the lyrics demanded. David Draiman's dark and sombre handling of the lyrics is masterful and the musical arrangement is perfect. Arguably the greatest cover of any song.

[@wiredjerk]

Another reactor/commentator said it best “The original was like a warning of what they saw coming. This version is like a continuation, as if to say “You were warned. You had 50 YEARS. And you didn’t listen!” It’s more of a scolding as opposed to the warning of Simon and Garfunkel.

[@elainepearson4817]

Even Paul Simon agreed and put it on his own Social Media pages suggesting his own fans listen to it. 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@johntiggleman4686]

The only cover that beats this is Johnny Cash's cover of Nine Inch Nails "Hurt." That will just tear you up, especially if you've followed any of his career. But yes, Disturbed's cover is outstanding.

[@queenbabylonia4594]

Johnny cash “hurt’ cover especially if seen with video is something that will leave tears in your eyes. Even Nine inch nails remarked on how great it was.

[@brucebannerman6848]

@@elainepearson4817 Thats what I was going to say, thanks!

[@SaintJoi]

I love watching people react to this song. No one ever expects the beauty and power of it.

[@chrisdemeritt1597]

agreed. I've watched close to 100 reaction videos, and to watch the reviewer go from chatty to unable to say anything... The number of people who are fighting back tears by the end... it's just amazing to see people experience this for the first time...

[@deco9863]

​@@chrisdemeritt1597 Agree, and I envy them... (getting to hear this masterpiece for the first time)

[@marklashhorn7072]

You can almost "hear" the stunned silence of the audience, until the final note. They didn't want to miss a single part of it.

[@ritalowrie1296]

I don't know how many times I've listened to this song and it still gives me the chills every time.

[@alsvinylcollection]

I feel exactly the same! Not many songs have that effect on me, but this is truly just a masterpiece.

[@toniapps1787]

Totally agree.

[@KunuMcGruder]

Regardless of the genre of music preferred, or whether or not one comprehends the lyrical context, there is a command presence here. It ultimately garners an emotional response. In my opinion, this version is powerful.

[@brendabatt6874]

I grew up in the original version and I prefer this one. This grandma is a new Disturbed fan.

[@carolginsberg8392]

I think I just died

[@RissaFirecat]

What David did with this song was epic. It gives me chills Every. Single. Time. I hear it. I love it!

[@mitchelejoson3426]

😢😢😢 I am like this

[@Cathydavidson061]

I am not into metal music, but thought to try this song and boy, its been a big fave of mine now...been listening to him sing it since 2020 or 2021....nothing compares to the feeling he puts into how angry the words are....loved your reaction!

[@pattischeuerman6920]

Thank you for truly listening without interrupting this cover, you nailed it with your comments, I can't go a day without listening to this version

[@QueenBee-ig2tp]

Same here cant get enough of it

[@debistover7718]

David brought this song it’s peak performance. My fav and I’m 61 and know the original too.

[@shirleyryan5045]

I'm a fan of Classical and jazz, this has the creativity and depth of jazz and the training necessary for classical performance. Amazing voice!

[@deannatown2248]

And sick also

[@LawrenceHyde]

One of the best reactions I 've seen and I've watched a lot of them! I love this version of this song and completely agree that with the original the meaning and depth were not there for me! This version made me think and appreciate the genius of the lyrics and the message behind them!

[@patriciacook7485]

As a 60 something year old I was never interested in a new version, but, Dude! WOW, just WOW. I absolutely love this version! Just again, never judge a book by its cover 😊. Applause Applause 👏🏼.

[@scotpettengill7801]

This song originally done by Simon and Garfunkel was absolutely a gem. This version is an absolute national treasure. It's absolutely pure genius and amazing poetry for the ages.

[@johnjwedrall4290]

I agree with every word you say about this adorable song thank you 👍👍

[@terryherrick9784]

Disturbed also did a cover of Sting's "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You" which is remarkable how the change the meaning of the original version. Very fitting after COVID.

[@KathyAnne28]

1:13 you can physically see the awe and surprise hit you. THAT'S David Draiman. Classically trained cantor growing up who chose to go into heavy rock/metal and is an absolute artist. He also had 102-103 fever with the flu this evening. "Darkness" was the first time I heard what his vocals sounded like pure and clear and this just showcases his abilities perfectly.

[@susanreid6541]

I didn’t notice that he was sitting through this performance until I had watched it a few times…

[@Longhornchic]

Well said - 💯 agree

[@lynsmith2698]

I have watched this 100x and I get chills every time. I loved ur reaction…one of the best

[@roemomfreer]

Right! And I'm 74! It is perfect, David is perfect!

[@grimgrod1704]

So great and powerful was this cover, Paul Simon told David this is his song now.

[@kathyjones3940]

This is and always will be the best cover of this song! Can you imagine, David Draiman had the flu when he performed this!! Incredible!! ❤❤

[@digginupthecarolinas9870]

GENIUS!!!!!!

[@hazelblair6634]

Tim Foust "can't help falling in" i love it and hope you will also.

[@brendabishop-d4r]

I love his voice I can't stop listening to this.The most amazing voice I ever heard, I am obsessed.

[@marthagavey9321]

❤😮❤I totally agree, and I've listened to him speak and he's so kind and such a gentleman!! 😍🎶🥰

[@kiki_jd]

I think the original version of "The Sound of Sience" (Simon and Garfunkle) was more of a Folk version of the song. This was a familiar and popular genre at the time. The Distubed version really executed the song expertly. Distubed used the lyrics to guide their emotions, vocals and arrangement. Everyone involved with this arrangement should be hailed as true MUSICAL ARTISTS!

[@dexblade9553]

You saw excited Conan was, the crowd was hyped up and then he did this and whole crowd went silent with absolute respect and awe

[@SandraJolliffe-Grimes]

Seriously addicted

[@judythompson8227]

everyone has the most amazing reaction to this. And he's spot on, this is the way this should sound. Goosebumps every damn time...

[@quirkessence9446]

You had one of the best reactions, mate. And got the essence, immediately. The anger at just the right places in the song, the right delivery of the fantastic song... I've enjoyed with you.

[@roemomfreer]

I'm in love again at 74! THIS IS BEAUTIFUL! Thanks!❤🙏🐾🐾🐾🕊☦️

[@dlv51]

I love watching these reaction videos, especially the faces made during the last verse. I love seeing the shock, awe and tears when he gets to that point. Simon and Garfunkle's version was a warning and Disturbed's version is anger b/c we didn't listen

[@karenstafford724]

Ever time I hear this version, I'm in tears all the way through the song. I absolutely love it.

[@royreynolds108]

I am 76. I heard Disturbed's version about a year ago. I was in high school when Simon & Garfunkel sang The Sound of Silence. I did not really understand it then. After hearing Disturbed's version, I called my younger son about the video and told him that I finally understood the song. It was interesting to watch your reaction as you were "getting" the song. 👍

[@graceparker7003]

I was born in 1958 and remember the first time I heard this song, I mean really heard it. I was about 14 or 15 at the time and suddenly the lyrics were crystal clear and the message was unmistakable and it brought me to tears in the exact same way the Disturbed version and David's voice does every time I hear it. So you are still young and while you get some of the import you don't get the total picture. The juxtaposition between the lyrics and how S&G sang the song is evident. Given the time their version was actually released, give some thought to just how ironic it really was. Instead of powering through the lyrics, they simply presented them in the most unlikely manner. The official video by Disturbed has the most powerful imagery, just as many of their videos do. The message is the same and yes, just as relevant today as it was all those years ago. People need to wake up and realize that we trust too many people at the top to do the right thing. It's all lies and the sooner the younger generations realize that the better the world will be. If you keep doing the same thing expecting different results, you are only fooling yourself. You are wrong when you say Disturbed is too heavy for you and Heavy Metal isn't my cup of tea but they have some seriously beautiful songs... Hold Onto the Memories, The Light and A Reason to Fight to name a few. Do yourself an favbor and don't limit what you are willing to listen to and you will discover some absolute fantastic music.

[@carolynboone80]

David Draiman had the flu (and thus is seated throughout) when he performed this. You might want to take a look at their Official Music Video for The Sound of Silence as well (it's nearing a billion views on KZbin for good reason). While Disturbed is still a hard rock/metal band, they do have a number of "softer" songs. Going back to their second album, there's "Darkness"; more recently, I would recommend "Hold Onto Memories" - I prefer the Official Live version; there are people who consider "The Light" to be fairly soft - I don't think it qualifies as soft with the driving music and distorted vocal, but it's definitely not heavy in the sense of Down with the Sickness. For a more recent tune try "Bad Man" or "Don't Tell Me" featuring Ann Wilson from their 2022 album DIVISIVE. If you like listening to covers - their interpretations are always so spot on and relevant - I recommend "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You" (Sting), "The Land of Confusion" (Genesis), "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" (U2) - in Disturbed's discography it's listed as "ISHFWILF" ... anyway - the Disturbed discography is a rabbit hole that will confound you if you go into it with any kind of expectation that you know what to expect.

[@coffeeandtatuaje]

I love the live Hold Onto Memories as well ❤️

[@yeshuabride-sherry3025]

Agree wholeheartedly. The studio version is even more impactful, but this one is spectacular. I'm not heavy metal and only heard Draiman on this one, so immediately went to look for more and was disappointed. This one . . . according to Simon and Garfunkle as well is now Disturbed's song.

[@gramethyst2920]

I think this live version surpasses the video by miles. The band, the vibe, his singing created pure magic with this performance.

[@tenlow2]

My favorite take I’ve heard is (paraphrased): Simon and Garfunkel sing this song as a warning. Disturbed sing this song as a threat.

[@alsvinylcollection]

Such a brilliant, brilliant way of looking at it!

[@moiralyn23]

I heard it as S&G sing it as a warning and Disturbed sing with anger at the warning being ignored.

[@mariaeendler599]

No matter how many times I've heard this version, I am totally overwhelmed. 🌺😻🐾

[@lisamayreed6399]

Good reaction...ty👍

[@94520shatto]

Ain't it wonderful that there is no Wall of Sound drowning out the voice!

[@ScottVanArtsdalen]

I've read in other reaction videos that the Simon and Garfunkel version was the warning, the Disturbed version is the "I told you so."

[@phyllisness9270]

It was 1974 guys. Recession, Nixon resigning, pulled out of Viet Nam. Gas relatively as high as now, we were putting tape on the light switches to remind us not to turn them on in the daytime. Simon and Garfunkle sang this song in the only way they could have back then without causing a riot. Disturb's version was emotional. I like Disturb's version better. I just wish it could have been sung that way back then. But with the assassinations in the 60s, and songs like "Abraham Martin and John" and Dylan's 'Blowin in the Wind", it was all building up to 1974. If a song had a nice easy sound to it, the older generation wasn't LISTENING so it could be played on the radio. The message was there, but subdued.

[@karenkreiser9963]

It starts out as almost soft enough to sing a child to sleep then gets more into the tone of it

[@boqndimitrov8693]

one of the rare cases when the cover is even better than the original.

[@taahism]

Al’s voice is so calming and serene! I could listen to him all night.

[@deco9863]

Epic masterpiece.....mind blowing. One of the top live performances in music history , in my opinion. Peace.....

[@miguelpoissonbruler]

I've watched more than fifty reactions to this performance and yours, in my opinion, is absolutely perfect and accurate. Thanks.

[@susanreid6541]

The poetry steps forward in this version. What a wonderful surprise

[@janettem7374]

You have to hear Lincoln park sing Adele’s Rolling in the deep. It’s breathe taking ❤❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@retired5218]

This performance on Conan gave Disturbed a Grammy nomination. Disturbed's song "The Light" is about addiction and has touched many lives. Disturbed isn't just about heavy metal but now are a very diverse band with the powerful voice of David Draiman. "Hold on to the Memories" is another non-metal song they do.

[@jeanhorn8891]

Simon and Garfunkel released this in 1964 away before it's time. Unfortunately most song writing today won't be around in 50 years time. Sound of silence lyrics are so apt for today's society. People have to realize this is words said over 50 years ago and written by real musicians.and song writers. I love ♥️ this version but hats off to the writer

[@dallasflynn5200]

The best comment I saw about the two versions of The Sound of Silence is that Simon & Garfunkel sang it as a warning…Draiman & Disturbed sang it as our reality. If you have been alive for both versions then you know this comment is the truth.

[@toniapps1787]

Awesome rendition. Exactly right for the lyrics.

[@j.k.1963]

Hello friend, your spontanious reaction at the moment you heard David singing his first line did it for me. I really enjoy your reactions Al. Keep them coming.

[@kudingcoychamby1361]

Cant even deny that this version do really touched our souls.. Magestic performance

[@rafaelcolon6635]

Great reaction. David and the band definitely performed this the way it should've been. Just emotional and amazing.

[@glendacrosbywilkins4246]

David is from Israel & sang Cantor many years ... He sings from the soul.... This song is a Warning from God to the people...US...! & David Sang it Beautifully !!!!

[@RissaFirecat]

David was born in Brooklyn, New York. He is Jewish and was trained as a cantor like his father was. That's why he has such control over his voice. Sorry sweetie!

[@digginupthecarolinas9870]

Simon and Garf version of the song was meant to be listened to, but Disturbed version was meant to be FELT !!!!

[@riaanbehr7976]

This will always be a top 3 live performance by any artist ever. And David was sick that night and he still did that! PLEASE react to Piece by piece by Kelly Clarkson (live from the American idol farewell season)... She had everyone in tears and broke down Keith Urban. Super emotional performance ❤️

[@rescuelover7891]

I was 11 or 12 when S&G came out with this song. The meaning was not lost on me but it is amazing that as young as you are, you were able to articulate this cover perfectly. This is the best interpreted version of the song. David is perfection!

[@miker4141]

A masterful rendition of a masterpiece

[@lisayoung4987]

Got to see in the Video it Really puts out the Message

[@petercarling425]

He was ill when he performed this, so only 1 wobble that I noticed is amazing. Simon said this song is theirs now, he was so amazed by this rendition. Even David cried when he heard this back in the studio. On a side note I feel sorry for Simon, that his best song writing was writen when he was 21 and having that to live upto for the rest of your career

[@alsvinylcollection]

It is absolutely phenomenal how he was ill when performing and still delivered SUCH an amazing performance! But I agree with you about feeling bad for Paul. Writing a song like this at 21 deserves more recognition alone! The depth of the lyrics shows such maturity at such a young age.

[@retired5218]

Paul Simon also said Disturbed owned this song now.

[@debi0730]

That 1 "wobble" was probably cuz he was sick! Beautiful! Just beautiful! I have a new favorite songs. Grammy worthy!

[@ruthiewohlforth5464]

David Draiman...amazing range and control...a powerful yet soulful voice that can go from warm baritone to angelic tenor, from clear as a crystal to rasp/distortion/vocal fry and back on a dime, which is incredibly difficult to do . He is so unique as he actually puts vibrato on his distortion!....also VERY difficult to do...one of the best male vocalists on the planet imho. Loved your reaction Al!

[@robertbrones2138]

This is one of the finest covers of all time! What a beautiful voice, delivered with passion and mad skill! Another few covers you may want to check out are "Small Town Titans" covers of 'Hallelujah, The Grinch and Folsom Prison Blues"

[@alsvinylcollection]

Thank you for the suggestions! A cover of Folsom Prison Blues is something I'm very excited to hear!

[@janepowers6711]

Without a doubt, yours was the best reaction that I’ve seen - understanding the performance and with intelligent analysis.

[@donnamiley6778]

I love this version. The official video is great.

[@retired5218]

Another good cover Disturbed does is Sting's 'If I Ever Lose My Faith in You'. David Draiman's voice has such range and is so powerful that I think he can sing just about anything and make it better.

[@Eivindvond]

I wished that you wached the music video instead of the live version since this was your first time hearing this amazing song.

[@dize1209]

I have watched a lot of reactions to this version of Sound of Silence and I absolutely loved watching you listen to it. Your reaction was just like mine - awestruck by this version and David Draiman's performance.

[@marablemorgan8292]

Wait for it...

[@cherylrobbins715]

Your analysis here is extraordinary and appropriate for what we hear.

[@allenellett1678]

Other Disturbed that has a message to their listeners - Hold on to Memories, and A Reason to Fight really reach members of their audience. Although all of their songs have important messages!

[@ultratodd]

I've watched a lot of reaction videos to the two Disturbed covers of Sound of Silence. As a sophomore in High School in 1965, my English teacher had the class discuss the meaning in each line. Advertising. Graffiti. Apathy. Communication. Truth. Deception. Anger. It says a lot in a few words. Paul Simon wrote it circa 1963. Remember that it was a tumultuous time. Civil Rights and anti-war demonstrations. The Silent Majority. Sound of Silence predated Nixon's popularization of Silent Majority, but I would say that the words of the song describe a silent majority and those that can talk but have nothing to say. Nice reaction.

[@rachelmerrie]

I grew up with Disturbed and didn’t know this version was a cover until a couple of years ago.

[@patriciasentz4950]

I enjoyed your reaction so much. It's what I imagine I looked like the first time I heard it. I kept thinking ""wait till he hears this part" or "this part is going to blow him away", and it did.

[@markblock1039]

Best review, analysis, and interpretation of the lyrics I have seen!! Good job!! Thank you!!

[@alsvinylcollection]

Thank YOU my friend! :)

[@silverhairseeker5539]

I was 14 when S&G produced this song. Back then it was a time when many were almost begging for humanity to listen. 50 yrs later Mr Draiman is saying "you'll fucking well listen NOW!! 👍

[@nairsantos7690]

Fantástica voz....bela interpretação!❤❤❤

[@elizabethpetrie2732]

I hope that you will explore more of Disturbed’s music. The instrumental and vocal talents are superb. I’m a fan (and singer ) of classical music, but my tastes are wider. I have asked my family to play Disturbed’s “Hold Onto Memories” at my memorial service when that time eventually arrives. Along with “Never Alone” by Lady A and “Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnegen” from Brahms’ “Requiem.” Eclectic selections for sure!

[@alsvinylcollection]

Hold on to Memories was one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. It'll be played at my memorial service too, I think. Thank you for the suggestions, I appreciate your comment a lot :)

[@marablemorgan8292]

You have to hear Hold on to the memories by Disturbed.

[@discussdebate]

BRAVO... better late than never!! \m/ Heart (Zep tribute) - Stairway To Heaven = kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnfbgJR6mq-gjs0 Johnny Cash - Hurt (cover) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnKrdJmQibd6n6s Brit Floyd - Us and Them (Pink Floyd tribute) = kzbin.info/www/bejne/mH29iIehg96NfNE All Star Band - While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Tribute) = kzbin.info/www/bejne/moi1dKKle7CeacU Lenoid and Friends (Chicago Tribute) - 25 or 6 to 4 = kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5DXoKWFibBop8U Great White (Tribute; unplugged) - Babe I'm Gonna Leave You = kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3LIo6SLrKZ3m5o Bruno Mars - Let's Go Crazy (Tribute) = kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ_UqJ2Cm8erf5Y House of Lords - Can't Find My Way Home (cover) = kzbin.info/www/bejne/opuZZ6OFnrSIg80 Stevie Ray Vaughan - Voodoo Child (Tribute) = kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXfahZWpgNCkrqc The Danish Symphony - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Trib/Soundtrack) = kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5_YgHSoesukfdE

[@lisahaverluk4037]

Awesome..so beautiful ❤️❤️❤️

[@lawrencesilver4661]

No one expected this from them. What a wonderful suprise.

[@tomatolady11]

I prefer the imagery of the official video. When I first heard it, I said to myself, this is the way the song was intended to be sung.

[@ApacheIrish62]

DOWN with the Sickness is the heavy part of heavy metal, this is song shows how very versatile David Draiman's voice really is. Absolutely mind blowing. I was born in the early 60's and listened to the original S&A version, but you are right when you said "This is how it should sound". Even Paul Simon said "You made this song your own" truer words were never said about a cover that exceeds the original version in astronomical numbers!!!

[@suemoore6445]

Draiman was quite ill with a temperature, that’s why he chose to sit during the performance! He’s that incredible! Be sure to watch the original video. Really tells the true meaning better. Paul Simon loved this cover. He wrote the song because of what he was feeling about the times, the early 60s. Oh your Like button is not visible, just the thumbs down?

[@OliveWhisperingEye]

Just raw naturally gifted and perfected voice

[@brucegraham4142]

Great, great reaction and assessment Al!! This is my favorite version of this song.

[@alsvinylcollection]

Thank you very much my friend - it's a truly phenomenal rendition :)

[@RissaFirecat]

He had a temperature and that's why he was sitting down. He gives me goosebumps every time I hear him sing.

[@justmenicole4842]

Try this song The Light, and also hold on to memories, and keep fighting .all 3 showcase his voice amazingly, great reaction to this one. :)

[@MaryM-xz5fs]

Loved your gobsmacked reaction! I get CHILLS EVERY TIME!!!

[@rookedave]

Superb 😊

[@mikeneese8619]

Hello Al!! Of all of the reactions that I have listened to yours is the best!! I was a teenager when the Simon and Garfunkel version came out and it's had a very profound effect on me my whole life!! Especially during the 5 and 1/2 yrs I was in Vietnam! I agree with you!! David got it right!! I don't know how I found you but I am glad I did!! P.S. I hate heavy metal as well but this song I feel like bowing and praying to because it defines my whole generation and my horrible life!! Cause I came back from Vietnam a changed human being! I used to listen to this song in the choppers on the way out into the jungle!! And you are the only one of your generation that got it!! Congrats!! This song has become my anthem!! Cheers and beers kid!!

[@kmercer9632]

Try Disturb's cover of If I Ever lose My Faith in You. Again a brilliant interpretation of the lyrics

[@gregheard9425]

Thank you i really enjoy reaction videos and you sir hands down do the THE best reactions you let the song play listening and enjoying the song and then give your thoughts thank you i very much appreciate what you do thanks again

[@lindsaychamberlain2929]

Disturbed are incredible, their Lyrics are such meaningful poetry. Listen to Hold On to Memories, and I think its called " Dont give up" These songs really resonate with me at the moment, and move me to tears. Just incredible.

[@schaney7891]

Masterful arrangement

[@ceg2235]

This live performance is amazing, but you simply must do a reaction to the official music video - it's a work of art. You'll be left speechless!

[@greeneyes92061]

I’m 61 years old and definitely not a metal fan! But this kept popping up on my recommended page couple of years ago (maybe), if figured I would listen to it and if I didn’t like it, I’d just click off of it. Wow! Obviously I was wrong. I’ve listened to this just the video and reactions to it innumerable times. I love this and the official video just as much. By the way, do you like acapella?You ought to give a listen to Home Free, if you haven’t heard them. 😁👍🏼

[@alsvinylcollection]

I'll definitely check out Home Free :) Thank you for the suggestion!

[@KB_-_]

Great reaction! It is one of a few songs that I can clearly remember the first time hearing bc they just absolutely floored me in an unexpected and elevated way… this by Disturbed for the vocals, Rap God by Eminem for its lyrical intricacy/evolving flow, Turmoil & Tinfoil by Billy Strings (at MC Roots) for the musicianship… I’m sure there are more stunners if I thought about but some you will just never forget :)

[@KB_-_]

It’s funny - I just realized the 3 that stick out most to me cross very different genres … goes to show what keeping mind open can do. Good music is good music no matter it’s pre-assigned “lane” :) I would rather listen to an amazing storyteller in a random genre than a mediocre one in a traditional genre

[@catherineday951]

The official video is actually brilliant...really leans into the emotion

[@susanrichardson5568]

he embodies the artistry of good music. he is masterful

[@sevenhdhope]

I loved your reaction! I think you would love the video as well, the visuals are amazing