20 Greatest Hits cover

20 Greatest Hits

Simon & Garfunkel · 1991

58 min · 20 tracks · folk rock

Timeless harmonies weave through poignant storytelling, blending folk and pop with a reflective, soulful essence.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Sound of Silence — This track is a defining moment in the duo's career, showcasing their haunting harmonies and lyrical depth about isolation and longing.
  • →
    Bridge Over Troubled Water — A powerful ballad featuring soaring vocals, this song represents the emotional climax of their partnership and has become synonymous with their legacy.
  • →
    Mrs. Robinson — Originally featured in 'The Graduate', this track encapsulates the cultural zeitgeist of the 1960s while highlighting their knack for combining narrative with melody.
  • →
    Cecilia — With its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics, this song exemplifies the duo's ability to blend upbeat melodies with introspective themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

74 /100
Alpine
Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album effectively compiles classic tracks with strong songwriting and production, appealing to both old fans and new listeners.

What we noticed

  • Each track is characterized by tight vocal harmonies and acoustic instrumentation, often featuring layered melodies that enhance the storytelling.
  • Several songs transition smoothly into one another, creating a cohesive flow that maintains listener engagement throughout its length.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • introspective lyrics for deep thought
  • nostalgic melodies for quiet evenings
  • sing-along favorites with friends
  • harmonious flow through highlights

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek high-energy party anthems

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1991, 20 Greatest Hits captures the peak of Simon & Garfunkel's legacy as they enjoyed renewed interest after years apart. By this time, both artists had pursued solo careers, but their collaborative works remained influential, making this compilation a significant retrospective of their impact on the music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
The Byrds· James Taylor· Buffy Sainte-Marie

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Sound of Silence 3:04
  • 2 Homeward Bound 2:26
  • 3 I Am a Rock 2:50
  • 4 America 3:27
  • 5 The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) 1:41
  • 6 Cloudy 2:11
  • 7 At the Zoo 2:17
  • 8 El Condor Pasa 3:06
  • 9 Hazy Shade of Winter 2:17
  • 10 We've Got a Groovy Thing Goin' 1:58
  • 11 Cecilia 2:49
  • 12 Keep the Customer Satisfied 2:33
  • 13 Mrs. Robinson 3:55
  • 14 The Boxer 5:10
  • 15 Scarborough Fair / Canticle 3:07
  • 16 The Dangling Conversation 2:37
  • 17 Old Friends, Bookends Theme 3:54
  • 18 For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her 2:03
  • 19 Bridge Over Troubled Water 4:51
  • 20 Song for the Asking 1:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata