The 5 Most Underrated Simon & Garfunkel Songs

When you think of Simon & Garfunkel, it’s the timeless hits that usually come to mind—Bridge Over Troubled Water, The Sound of Silence, Mrs. Robinson. But dig a little deeper into their catalogue and you’ll find a treasure trove of overlooked gems that showcase their creativity, wit, and emotional depth. At Bayou Records, we love shining a light on the underrated Simon & Garfunkel songs that deserve a place in every fan’s vinyl collection. Here are five tracks you may have missed, but shouldn’t.

1. At the Zoo

More than just a playful tune, At the Zoo is Paul Simon at his satirical best. Each animal is given a sly human trait—the monkeys “stand for honesty,” the elephants are “kindly but they're dumb.” Beneath the whimsical surface lies a clever social critique wrapped in catchy harmonies. It’s a Simon & Garfunkel hidden gem that proves even their light-hearted work had depth.

2. The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)

Short, sweet, and endlessly uplifting, this track is a reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment. With its breezy guitar and iconic refrain—“slow down, you move too fast”—it’s pure joy pressed to vinyl. Often dismissed as a novelty, Feelin’ Groovy is actually a timeless anthem for living simply and fully - a sentiment commensurate with the time and place that these artists inhabited. Any Simon & Garfunkel vinyl collection feels incomplete without it.

3. 7 O’Clock News / Silent Night

This haunting experiment combines Garfunkel’s angelic rendition of Silent Night with a news broadcast reporting violence, protests, and political unrest. The juxtaposition is jarring but unforgettable, capturing the tension of the late ’60s. It’s one of the duo’s boldest artistic statements—proof that their music could be as socially engaged as it was beautiful. This is a song that viscerally renders music as an art form, as opposed to just entertainment. 

4. Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.

The title track of their debut album tells the story of a small-time thief facing the consequences of his choices. Stripped back and intimate, it highlights the duo’s early folk roots and Paul Simon’s gift for narrative song writing. Though overshadowed by their later work, it’s a poignant piece of Simon & Garfunkel history worth revisiting—especially on vinyl for its raw, authentic warmth. 

5. We’ve Got a Groovy Thing Goin’

Originally the B-side to I Am a Rock, this upbeat cut is one of the duo’s most fun, rock-tinged tracks. With jangly guitars and infectious rhythm, it’s a reminder that Simon & Garfunkel weren’t just serious poets of the folk scene—they could groove too. It’s a deep cut that feels fresh decades later and adds energy to any Simon & Garfunkel record spin.

Final Thoughts

Simon & Garfunkel’s greatest hits may dominate the airwaves, but their underrated songs reveal just as much of their brilliance. Tracks like At the Zoo and Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. show a different side of their artistry—witty, experimental, and deeply human. For fans and collectors alike, exploring these Simon & Garfunkel hidden gems on vinyl is a journey worth taking.

Looking to expand your collection? At Bayou Records, we celebrate the legends of folk and rock with carefully curated vinyl records that bring classic albums to life. Whether you’re rediscovering old favourites or uncovering overlooked treasures, you’ll find music that truly lasts.