Twenty cover

Twenty

Taking Back Sunday · 2019

78 min · 21 tracks · alternative rock

A nostalgic blend of energetic riffs and heartfelt lyrics that encapsulate the essence of early 2000s emo and pop-punk.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Cute Without the 'E' (Cut From the Team) Start here — The opening track captures the band's signature emotional intensity and catchy hooks, making it an anthem of youthful angst. Its re-recording highlights the band's growth while maintaining the raw energy that made it a classic.
  • →
    MakeDamnSure — This track exemplifies Taking Back Sunday’s knack for balancing melodic choruses with poignant lyrics about love and regret. The updated version resonates with listeners who have grown alongside the band over the years.
  • →
    A Decade Under the Influence — An iconic song that reflects on the passage of time and personal transformation, this track's reimagining allows fans to reconnect with its themes in a new light. Its infectious energy remains a staple of Taking Back Sunday’s live performances.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album revisits classic tracks with fresh production, balancing nostalgia and modernity.

What we noticed

  • The album features re-recorded versions of 21 tracks, with the first half maintaining a high-energy tempo before transitioning to slower songs in the latter half.
  • Each track retains its original structure but introduces updated production techniques, enhancing the overall sound quality.
  • Several songs include layered vocal harmonies that emphasize emotional delivery, particularly in the choruses.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • nostalgic anthems for youth
  • wave-like pacing with crescendos
  • cathartic sing-along moments
  • dynamic journey through emotions
  • for road trip playlists

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • avoid lengthy emotional explorations

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Revisits classic tracks, appealing to dedicated fans nostalgic for earlier work.
Career context
Released in January 2019, 'Twenty' marks Taking Back Sunday's two-decade anniversary, featuring re-recorded tracks from their earlier albums. This album comes after a period of lineup stability following the return of founding guitarist John Nolan in 2010, positioning it as both a celebration and a reflection on their enduring legacy in the emo and alternative rock scenes.
Stylistic neighbors
Brand New· The Used· Dashboard Confessional

Tracklist

  • 1 Cute Without the 'E' (Cut From the Team) Start here 3:33
  • 2 You're So Last Summer 3:02
  • 3 Timberwolves at New Jersey 3:25
  • 4 A Decade Under the Influence 4:09
  • 5 Set Phasers to Stun 3:05
  • 6 One-Eighty by Summer 3:56
  • 7 Liar (It Takes One to Know One) 3:11
  • 8 MakeDamnSure 3:33
  • 9 What's It Feel Like to Be a Ghost? 3:45
  • 10 My Blue Heaven 4:09
  • 11 Sink Into Me 3:04
  • 12 Everything Must Go 4:44
  • 13 Faith (When I Let You Down) 3:09
  • 14 Call Me in the Morning 3:59
  • 15 Flicker, Fade 4:34
  • 16 Better Homes and Gardens 3:54
  • 17 Tidal Wave 2:35
  • 18 You Can't Look Back 4:30
  • 19 Call Come Running 3:15
  • 20 All Ready to Go 3:59
  • 21 A Song for Dan 5:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata