Silence is a powerful and universal theme in music, explored in countless songs across various genres. It can convey mixed emotions, from loneliness and heartbreak to reflection and meditation. Whether it’s the absence of sound or the unspoken words between two people, silence can be a poignant and evocative topic that connects with listeners on a deep level.
This article will explore some of the most popular songs that use silence as a central theme.
Table of Contents
- 21. Sound of Silence – Simon & Garfunkel
- 20. Nowhere Man – The Beatles
- 19. Silence Is Golden – The Tremeloes
- 18. Hush – Deep Purple
- 17. In A Silent Way/It’s About That Time – Miles Davis
- 16. In The Quiet Morning – Joan Baez
- 15. Peaceful – Kenny Rankin
- 14. Sons of the Silent Age – David Bowie
- 13. The Quiet One – The Who
- 12. Our Lips Are Sealed – The Go-Go’s
- 11. Lazy Calm – Cocteau Twins
- 10. Your Silent Face – New Order
- 9. Quiet Heart – The Go-Betweens
- 8. Enjoy the Silence – Depeche Mode
- 7. Silence Kid – Pavement
- 6. Silence – Portishead
- 5. I Better Be Quiet Now – Elliot Smith
- 4. When I Go Deaf – Low
- 3. Silence in Your Head – The String Cheese Incident
- 2. Silence – Marshmello
- 1. The Silence – Manchester Orchestra
21. Sound of Silence – Simon & Garfunkel
“Sound of Silence” is a famous rock song by Simon & Garfunkel from their first album, “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.” in 1964. Paul Simon wrote it, and it features haunting vocals and a basic acoustic guitar melody. The song talks about feeling alone and disconnected in today’s society, with a sense of sadness and hopelessness.
20. Nowhere Man – The Beatles
Are you a Beatles fan? If so, you might know their song ‘Nowhere Man.’ It’s from their 1965 album ‘Rubber Soul,’ written by John Lennon. The song has a catchy melody and lyrics that talk about feeling lost and disconnected.
19. Silence Is Golden – The Tremeloes
“Silence Is Golden” is a song by The Tremeloes, an English band, released in 1967 as a single and on their album “Here Comes My Baby.” It was originally recorded by The Four Seasons, but The Tremeloes’ version became a hit with a softer sound. The lyrics talk about how silence can be meaningful in a relationship.
18. Hush – Deep Purple
You might like “Hush” by the British band Deep Purple if you’re into rock music. This song was released in 1968 on their first album, “Shades of Deep Purple,” and was written by Joe South. With powerful vocals by Rod Evans, “Hush” is an energetic sound that made it a classic of its time.
17. In A Silent Way/It’s About That Time – Miles Davis
Written by Joe Zawinul, “In a Silent Way/It’s About That Time” is a jazz fusion song by Miles Davis. It was released in 1969 on his album “In a Silent Way” and blends rock, funk, and jazz styles. The song has a dreamy and relaxing quality, with a gentle tempo and subtle instrumentation.
16. In The Quiet Morning – Joan Baez
If your music leans towards folk, you might enjoy “In The Quiet Morning” by Joan Baez. It’s from her 1971 album “Blessed Are…” and was written by Mimi Fariña. The song talks about finding peace and hope in the quiet of the morning.
15. Peaceful – Kenny Rankin
Are you up for some mellow tunes? Check out “Peaceful” by Kenny Rankin. It’s from his 1973 album of the same name and features a smooth acoustic guitar and soothing vocals. The lyrics highlight the peace found in nature and the simple joys of life.
14. Sons of the Silent Age – David Bowie
“Sons of the Silent Age” is a song by David Bowie from his 1977 album “Heroes.” It was written by Bowie and Brian Eno and combines rock, electronic, and experimental music styles. The lyrics paint a picture of a dystopian world where fear dominates, and communication is lost.
13. The Quiet One – The Who
Here’s another rock song for you! “The Quiet One” is by the British band The Who, from their 1981 album “Face Dances.” It’s written by bassist John Entwistle and features his lead vocals. With lyrics about feeling like an outsider, this song relates to your experience.
12. Our Lips Are Sealed – The Go-Go’s
Do you like new wave music? “Our Lips Are Sealed” is a song by The Go-Go’s from their 1981 album “Beauty and the Beat.” Co-written by guitarist Jane Wiedlin and Terry Hall of The Specials, this tune is about secret keeping and gossiping.
11. Lazy Calm – Cocteau Twins
“Lazy Calm” is a soothing song by Cocteau Twins, a Scottish band, from their 1986 album “Victorialand.” Elizabeth Fraser and Robin Guthrie wrote it. The song’s mix of ethereal wave and dream pop styles creates a peaceful and tranquil ambiance, making it a great addition to a relaxation playlist.
10. Your Silent Face – New Order
If you’re into sad songs, “Your Silent Face” by New Order is from their 1983 album “Power, Corruption & Lies.” Written by the band members, it features lyrics on isolation and longing.
9. Quiet Heart – The Go-Betweens
Songs with sad themes are often profoundly moving, and “Quiet Heart” by The Go-Betweens is no exception. Featured on their 1988 album “16 Lovers Lane”, the song was written by band members Robert Forster and Grant McLennan. It explores the pain of separation and the longing for emotional connection.
8. Enjoy the Silence – Depeche Mode
Here’s another one from the electronic music classics: “Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode. Released in 1990 as part of their album “Violator,” this synth-pop hit was written by Martin Gore and has become one of the band’s most recognizable and popular songs.
7. Silence Kid – Pavement
Another song for the youth is “Silence Kid” by Pavement. This indie rock track was written by Stephen Malkmus in 1994 for their album “Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain.” It features his cryptic lyrics and unique guitar work.
6. Silence – Portishead
“Silence” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Portishead from their self-titled second album released in 1997. Its deep sadness and lyrics about isolation and desperation make it a standout track on the album. This song was written by Geoff Barrow, Beth Gibbons, and Adrian Utley.
5. I Better Be Quiet Now – Elliot Smith
Elliot Smith’s “I Better Be Quiet Now” is a beautiful, melancholic acoustic track from his album “Figure 8”, released in April 2000. The song’s lyrics, reflecting on pain of loneliness and isolation, make it a relatable and emotional piece of music.
4. When I Go Deaf – Low
Here’s a blend of rock, folk, and post-rock. “When I Go Deaf” is a track from Low’s 2005 album “The Great Destroyer.” This song is truly a standout with its unique genre fusion. The lyrics emphasize the fear of losing one’s hearing, thus evoking a deep sense of vulnerability and longing.
3. Silence in Your Head – The String Cheese Incident
“Silence in Your Head” is a song by The String Cheese Incident, a jam band from the US, featured on their 2014 album “Song In My Head.” The song blends rock, funk, and electronic elements. Its lyrics reflect on finding inner peace amidst external chaos, creating a calming and reflective vibe.
2. Silence – Marshmello
Electronic dance music is always a hit, and “Silence” by DJ Marshmello featuring Khalid is no exception. This 2017 song has a catchy beat and soulful vocals, with lyrics about a relationship breaking down due to a lack of communication. The song’s theme of silence and the importance of communication resonates with many, making it a popular hit in the EDM genre.
1. The Silence – Manchester Orchestra
“The Silence” is a song by the American indie rock band Manchester Orchestra from their 2017 album “A Black Mile to the Surface.” The song has deep lyrics and a haunting melody that builds to a powerful emotional climax. Andy Hull’s singing and soaring music create a solid and emotional experience for listeners.
Have you found a new addition to your playlist? If so, get your music player ready and tune in to these incredible songs!