On This Day in 2016, Simon and Garfunkel’s 52-Year-Old Track Made a Surprise Return to Billboard Charts at #6
via Cameron Posh / YouTube
An Old Song Returns
On April 7, 2016, something unexpected happened on the Billboard charts. Simon and Garfunkel’s 1964 track “The Sounds of Silence” reappeared and landed at #6 on the Hot Rock Songs chart. It also reached #2 on the Streaming Rock Songs chart. This return surprised many, especially since the track was more than 50 years old at the time.
The reason behind this sudden comeback wasn’t a new album or tour. It was a viral video clip. The song was used in a short scene featuring actor Ben Affleck, who played Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The video helped introduce the track to a younger audience.
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The Video That Sparked It
In the clip, Affleck sat quietly while his co-star Henry Cavill, who played Superman, spoke about the movie’s poor reviews. The video showed Affleck looking down with a serious face as Cavill talked about the film’s reception. Playing softly in the background was “The Sounds of Silence.”
The internet quickly picked up on the moment. People began sharing the clip, calling it “Sad Affleck.” The moment felt relatable to many, and the music choice fit the mood perfectly. As the video spread, so did interest in the track. Many viewers searched for the song online, leading to a rise in streams.
The Power of Viral Moments
Although the track has always been a classic, this viral video gave it a fresh push. Music fans across different generations discovered or rediscovered the duo’s haunting song. Billboard confirmed the impact when they reported the track’s chart return on April 7.
The moment showed how music from the past could find new life in modern media. The combination of Affleck’s reaction and the sad tone of the song worked together to create something people could connect with. It also reminded listeners how timeless some music can be.
Simon and Garfunkel’s Legacy
Simon and Garfunkel first released “The Sounds of Silence” in 1964. At first, the track didn’t gain much attention. But after it was remixed with electric instruments, it reached #1 in 1966. The duo became one of the most popular acts of the 1960s and early 1970s, with hits like “Mrs. Robinson” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Their music is often filled with emotion and thoughtful lyrics. Even decades later, songs like “The Sounds of Silence” continue to find new audiences, sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
