Greatest Hits: Shining Like a National Guitar cover

Greatest Hits: Shining Like a National Guitar

Paul Simon · 2000

76 min · 19 tracks · folk rock · soft rock

A vibrant tapestry of folk, rock, and world music woven with introspective lyrics and infectious melodies.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • infectious melodies for sing-alongs
  • introspective lyrics for reflection
  • for road trip playlists
  • vibrant sounds for sunny days

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer standalone singles only

Where this album fits

Themes
African musical influences· personal identity exploration· cross-cultural storytelling
Career context
By the time 'Greatest Hits: Shining Like a National Guitar' was released in 2000, Paul Simon was both a celebrated solo artist and former member of Simon & Garfunkel. This compilation album arrived after his commercial peak in the 1980s with 'Graceland', showcasing a career that spanned over three decades and included numerous hits defining the folk rock genre.
Stylistic neighbors
James Taylor· Cat Stevens· Nick Drake
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Feelings by David Byrne — Explores world music influences and personal narratives with a quirky, introspective vibe.
Hejira by Joni Mitchell — Combines folk rock with explorative storytelling and themes of identity and travel.
Rumours by Fleetwood Mac — Shares rich harmonies and emotional introspection, bridging folk rock with universal experiences.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Graceland 4:47
  • 2 You Can Call Me Al 4:41
  • 3 Mother and Child Reunion 2:58
  • 4 The Cool, Cool River 4:33
  • 5 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover 3:07
  • 6 The Obvious Child 4:11
  • 7 The Boy in the Bubble 3:57
  • 8 Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War 3:43
  • 9 Late in the Evening 3:54
  • 10 Bernadette 3:28
  • 11 Slip Slidin' Away 4:45
  • 12 Take Me to the Mardi Gras 3:22
  • 13 Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes 5:49
  • 14 Still Crazy After All These Years 3:22
  • 15 Kodachrome® 3:28
  • 16 Loves Me Like a Rock 3:14
  • 17 Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard 2:43
  • 18 Hearts and Bones 5:38
  • 19 Trailways Bus 5:16

What to play next

Surprise
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2006
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2000
Full Paul Simon discography Artists like Paul Simon
folk rock soft rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata