azza
Proud Member
What, in your opinion is/are the best pop music 'Best Of's, Hits collections? What some people call "guilty pleasures", I myself simply call 'pleasures. I'll get the obvious out of they way. Yes, a lot of it is contrived, generic, over-produced, kitch, camp, cheese, but that, is part of the point. It's not to be over-analysed, simply enjoyed for it's aural pleasure. It doesn't all have to be too deep or have any great meaning or poetic truth, although some of it does/can. The lyrics don't have to make sense or connect with you on some sort of spiritual level, although sometimes/alot of the time it bloody well can and does. So here is my favourite pop collections. Whats yours? The discriptions are courtesy of Amazon. It's way past my bedtime.
MJ 'King Of Pop UK-3-Disc Edition
Following the release of the 1CD King Of Pop, Sony BMG are releasing the ultimate fan edition of King Of Pop.
Disc 1 - the classic King Of Pop as voted for by the British public.
Disc 2 - 18 more of Britain's favourite MJ tracks.
Disc 3 - Rarities and Classic 12"s.
There are few true rarities in the MJ catalogue but we have unearthed a few for this one...
Can't Get Outta The Rain - single b-side never released on CD
Is It Scary (single radio edit) - this edit version has never been on CD
Smile (Short Version) - previously unreleased commercially - promo only
Thriller Megamix by Jason Nevins - previously unreleased. Plus two tracks only available on the Ultimate Box Set
On The Line - bonus track included in the `ghosts' boxset video
Someone Put Your hand Out - originally a cassette only promo with Pepsi
Madonna 'Celebration DVD-Audio Version
The undisputed Queen of Pop, Madonna, releases her third definitive best of collection 'Celebration', after almost three decades of defining the cultural landscape with her own imitable style; this collection inspired by the fans is destined to be every bit as iconic as the 'Immaculate Collection'.From 'Holiday' to '4 Minutes', every song is a classic and is a must for every music collection. Includes new songs 'Celebration' and 'Revolver' with Lil' Jon.
Prince 'The Hits The B-Sides 3-Disc
Even with single edits substituting for full-length versions in a handful of cases, The Hits/The B-Sides is a mighty testament to the man we once called Prince. (For that matter, we still do.) In addition to most of his singles, from "I Wanna Be Your Lover" to "Thieves in the Temple", from "When Doves Cry" to "7", this triple-CD set throws in some worthwhile new music and a full disc of the fantastic flips that made buying 7- and 12-inches a must even when you already owned the A-side. "You can be the side effect," he mutters herein. "I'd rather be the dope." Witness some of the funkiest pharmaceuticals around.
This 3CD set brings together the 1993 compilations 'The Hits Vol.1' and 'Vol.2' (both available seperately), and adds abonus disc of b-sides. The collection concentrates on what was arguably the multi-talented Minnesotan's most fruitful period. A total of ten UK top 10 hits are included.
Britney 'My Prerogative Limited Edition 2-Disc Version
No longer a baby, Britney Spears has become a pop princess to Madonna's (with whom she sings here) queen. Featuring all her biggest songs, Greatest Hits collects 17 tracks spanning her remarkable career so far. The tracks include her massive pop debut "Baby One More Time", the saucy "Oops!...I Did It Again", the funky Neptunes-produced "Slave 4 U", and the kickin' "Toxic".
George 'Ladies & Gentlemen
Since the break-up of teen duo Wham! in 1986, George Michael has constantly had to reinvent himself as a credible master of various musical styles. Ladies And Gentlemen charts this journey, from his duets with pop elite such as Aretha Franklin ("I Knew You Waiting (For Me)") and Elton John ("Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"), to dance floor classics such as "Too Funky" and "Fastlove" and bleak, evocative numbers such as "Jesus To A Child" and "A Different Corner".
The songs are arranged on two complementing discs: the slower, ballady productions are on the first disc ("for the heart"), and the more dancey, poppy numbers are on the second ("for the feet"). The compilation also includes three tracks specially recorded for the album, most notably his duet with Mary J Blige on the Stevie Wonder classic "As".
This set has been described by critics as the definitive George Michael collection. The first disc brings together the former Wham star's most popular solo ballads; whilst the second concentrates on his uptempo danceable tunes. Twenty of the tracks featured here reached the UK top 40 singles chart,with six reaching the no.1 spot.
Pet Shop Boys 'Discography
Where would the '80s have been without the Pet Shop Boys? Discography makes a compelling case for the notion of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe as pioneers, if not geniuses. Mixing the cold feel of Euro-techno beats with the Boys' quest for something warm between the sheets, "What Have I Done to Deserve This" and "Suburbia" sound almost soulful. Although they seemed to be suffering from a terminal case of boredom, they managed to alchemize their ennui into touching sentimentality in "Love Comes Quickly," "Rent," and, especially, the AIDS-oriented "Being Boring." Discography begins with the Pet Shop Boys' beginning, "West End Girls," traveling past "Domino Dancing" and including their covers "Always on My Mind," and the medley "Where the Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You.)"
Janet 'Number Ones
Janet Jackson has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and is one of the best-selling artists in contemporary music. For the first time ever, all of Janet’s global number one hits, plus the newly recorded single, "Make Me" are available on one album: The Best. The two-disc set includes every number one track from Janet’s original albums, from her 1986 blockbuster breakthrough Control to her most recent, 2008’s Discipline.
ABBA 'ABBA Gold
Anyone looking for the key to ABBA's enduring appeal should look no further than "Voulez Vous" and "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" for their answer. There was an innocence to the Swedish quartet, even when they were singing about one-night stands and the invitations to them. Gold establishes that the band, while appreciated as campy, were actually multifaceted in their execution. "S.O.S." has a raw urgency in its chorus, and "Does Your Mother Know" draws its energy from classic 1950s rock & roll. Likewise, you don't have to be Priscilla to swoon over "Mamma Mia" or "Dancing Queen". And when it comes to drama, those soaring vocals on "The Winner Takes It All" turn the song into a bitter anthem of every relationship that has ever fallen apart. The much-covered "Lay All Your Love on Me" is practically epic.
This special edition greatest hits collection from arguably the greatest pop group of all time also features a bonus DVD which includes remastered videos of all ABBA’s greatest hits, plus a cartoon version of "Money Money Money" made circa 1977. This very rare clip was made by the Australian production company Reg Grundy and was only ever screened briefly during ABBA's heyday and has never been seen in complete form since.
Wham! 'The Final
One of the defining pop groups of the 1980's, the ebullient duo Wham! were chart toppers and award-winners. With their straightforward, infectious dance pop, members George Michael (who went on to become a very successful solo artist) and Andrew Ridgeley became two of the first Mtv bred superstars. THE BEST OF WHAM! takes a comprehensive musical look at their illustrious career
Kylie 'Ultimate
Kylie Minogue, one of the top selling female artists in the world, releases the double CD Ultimate Kylie. This is the only comprehensive collection of her greatest hits from 1987 to the present day and the only one to feature each of her 31 hit singles. Ultimate Kylie also includes two brand new tracks, including "I Believe In You", a stunning collaboration with Jake Shears and Babydaddy from the Scissor Sisters. Ultimate Kylie features, 31 International Top 40 hits, 7 UK No 1 singles and a massive 25 UK Top 10 singles.
'Ultimate Kylie' is the first 'greatest hits' package to span Kylie's entire career. From the early PWL pop of 'I Should Be So Lucky' through to the sophisticated disco grooves of'I Believe In You', the album charts the rise of one of Australia's most popular exports who has earned no less that seven UK number one singles.
Boy George/Culture Club 'The Best Of
One of the most iconic 80s pop bands, Culture Club racked up seven consecutive Top 10 hits in the UK and went on to score 5 Top 10 albums.
This 2-disc collection of all the hits - including the smash singles "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" and "Karma Chameleon" - as well as promo videos, a band interview and live performances on the accompanying DVD.
Erasure 'The First 20 Hits
A singles band if ever there was one, the hits on Pop make the duo of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke of Erasure sound like the Rogers & Hammerstein of synth-pop disco. With the exception of The Circus and The Innocents albums, most of Erasure's full lengths house only a few brief moments of brilliance, the rest of the songs being limp and uninspired. But putting songs like "Blue Savannah" with its sweeping loveliness, the haunting "Ship of Fools", and the campy, raucous "Love to Hate You" all on the same disc shows that when Erasure is on, they shine like a thousand-carat tiara. The energetic and electronic disco is front and centre here with "Oh L'Amour" and the audience participation number "Stop!", but the beautifully crafted "Sometimes" shows the band's true potential. The irrepressible melody line is punctuated by an acoustic riff and a melancholy trumpet solo that actually has to do its best to keep up with Bell's warm lament. An indispensable collection.
MJ 'King Of Pop UK-3-Disc Edition
Following the release of the 1CD King Of Pop, Sony BMG are releasing the ultimate fan edition of King Of Pop.
Disc 1 - the classic King Of Pop as voted for by the British public.
Disc 2 - 18 more of Britain's favourite MJ tracks.
Disc 3 - Rarities and Classic 12"s.
There are few true rarities in the MJ catalogue but we have unearthed a few for this one...
Can't Get Outta The Rain - single b-side never released on CD
Is It Scary (single radio edit) - this edit version has never been on CD
Smile (Short Version) - previously unreleased commercially - promo only
Thriller Megamix by Jason Nevins - previously unreleased. Plus two tracks only available on the Ultimate Box Set
On The Line - bonus track included in the `ghosts' boxset video
Someone Put Your hand Out - originally a cassette only promo with Pepsi
Madonna 'Celebration DVD-Audio Version
The undisputed Queen of Pop, Madonna, releases her third definitive best of collection 'Celebration', after almost three decades of defining the cultural landscape with her own imitable style; this collection inspired by the fans is destined to be every bit as iconic as the 'Immaculate Collection'.From 'Holiday' to '4 Minutes', every song is a classic and is a must for every music collection. Includes new songs 'Celebration' and 'Revolver' with Lil' Jon.
Prince 'The Hits The B-Sides 3-Disc
Even with single edits substituting for full-length versions in a handful of cases, The Hits/The B-Sides is a mighty testament to the man we once called Prince. (For that matter, we still do.) In addition to most of his singles, from "I Wanna Be Your Lover" to "Thieves in the Temple", from "When Doves Cry" to "7", this triple-CD set throws in some worthwhile new music and a full disc of the fantastic flips that made buying 7- and 12-inches a must even when you already owned the A-side. "You can be the side effect," he mutters herein. "I'd rather be the dope." Witness some of the funkiest pharmaceuticals around.
This 3CD set brings together the 1993 compilations 'The Hits Vol.1' and 'Vol.2' (both available seperately), and adds abonus disc of b-sides. The collection concentrates on what was arguably the multi-talented Minnesotan's most fruitful period. A total of ten UK top 10 hits are included.
Britney 'My Prerogative Limited Edition 2-Disc Version
No longer a baby, Britney Spears has become a pop princess to Madonna's (with whom she sings here) queen. Featuring all her biggest songs, Greatest Hits collects 17 tracks spanning her remarkable career so far. The tracks include her massive pop debut "Baby One More Time", the saucy "Oops!...I Did It Again", the funky Neptunes-produced "Slave 4 U", and the kickin' "Toxic".
George 'Ladies & Gentlemen
Since the break-up of teen duo Wham! in 1986, George Michael has constantly had to reinvent himself as a credible master of various musical styles. Ladies And Gentlemen charts this journey, from his duets with pop elite such as Aretha Franklin ("I Knew You Waiting (For Me)") and Elton John ("Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me"), to dance floor classics such as "Too Funky" and "Fastlove" and bleak, evocative numbers such as "Jesus To A Child" and "A Different Corner".
The songs are arranged on two complementing discs: the slower, ballady productions are on the first disc ("for the heart"), and the more dancey, poppy numbers are on the second ("for the feet"). The compilation also includes three tracks specially recorded for the album, most notably his duet with Mary J Blige on the Stevie Wonder classic "As".
This set has been described by critics as the definitive George Michael collection. The first disc brings together the former Wham star's most popular solo ballads; whilst the second concentrates on his uptempo danceable tunes. Twenty of the tracks featured here reached the UK top 40 singles chart,with six reaching the no.1 spot.
Pet Shop Boys 'Discography
Where would the '80s have been without the Pet Shop Boys? Discography makes a compelling case for the notion of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe as pioneers, if not geniuses. Mixing the cold feel of Euro-techno beats with the Boys' quest for something warm between the sheets, "What Have I Done to Deserve This" and "Suburbia" sound almost soulful. Although they seemed to be suffering from a terminal case of boredom, they managed to alchemize their ennui into touching sentimentality in "Love Comes Quickly," "Rent," and, especially, the AIDS-oriented "Being Boring." Discography begins with the Pet Shop Boys' beginning, "West End Girls," traveling past "Domino Dancing" and including their covers "Always on My Mind," and the medley "Where the Streets Have No Name (I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You.)"
Janet 'Number Ones
Janet Jackson has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and is one of the best-selling artists in contemporary music. For the first time ever, all of Janet’s global number one hits, plus the newly recorded single, "Make Me" are available on one album: The Best. The two-disc set includes every number one track from Janet’s original albums, from her 1986 blockbuster breakthrough Control to her most recent, 2008’s Discipline.
ABBA 'ABBA Gold
Anyone looking for the key to ABBA's enduring appeal should look no further than "Voulez Vous" and "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" for their answer. There was an innocence to the Swedish quartet, even when they were singing about one-night stands and the invitations to them. Gold establishes that the band, while appreciated as campy, were actually multifaceted in their execution. "S.O.S." has a raw urgency in its chorus, and "Does Your Mother Know" draws its energy from classic 1950s rock & roll. Likewise, you don't have to be Priscilla to swoon over "Mamma Mia" or "Dancing Queen". And when it comes to drama, those soaring vocals on "The Winner Takes It All" turn the song into a bitter anthem of every relationship that has ever fallen apart. The much-covered "Lay All Your Love on Me" is practically epic.
This special edition greatest hits collection from arguably the greatest pop group of all time also features a bonus DVD which includes remastered videos of all ABBA’s greatest hits, plus a cartoon version of "Money Money Money" made circa 1977. This very rare clip was made by the Australian production company Reg Grundy and was only ever screened briefly during ABBA's heyday and has never been seen in complete form since.
Wham! 'The Final
One of the defining pop groups of the 1980's, the ebullient duo Wham! were chart toppers and award-winners. With their straightforward, infectious dance pop, members George Michael (who went on to become a very successful solo artist) and Andrew Ridgeley became two of the first Mtv bred superstars. THE BEST OF WHAM! takes a comprehensive musical look at their illustrious career
Kylie 'Ultimate
Kylie Minogue, one of the top selling female artists in the world, releases the double CD Ultimate Kylie. This is the only comprehensive collection of her greatest hits from 1987 to the present day and the only one to feature each of her 31 hit singles. Ultimate Kylie also includes two brand new tracks, including "I Believe In You", a stunning collaboration with Jake Shears and Babydaddy from the Scissor Sisters. Ultimate Kylie features, 31 International Top 40 hits, 7 UK No 1 singles and a massive 25 UK Top 10 singles.
'Ultimate Kylie' is the first 'greatest hits' package to span Kylie's entire career. From the early PWL pop of 'I Should Be So Lucky' through to the sophisticated disco grooves of'I Believe In You', the album charts the rise of one of Australia's most popular exports who has earned no less that seven UK number one singles.
Boy George/Culture Club 'The Best Of
One of the most iconic 80s pop bands, Culture Club racked up seven consecutive Top 10 hits in the UK and went on to score 5 Top 10 albums.
This 2-disc collection of all the hits - including the smash singles "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me" and "Karma Chameleon" - as well as promo videos, a band interview and live performances on the accompanying DVD.
Erasure 'The First 20 Hits
A singles band if ever there was one, the hits on Pop make the duo of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke of Erasure sound like the Rogers & Hammerstein of synth-pop disco. With the exception of The Circus and The Innocents albums, most of Erasure's full lengths house only a few brief moments of brilliance, the rest of the songs being limp and uninspired. But putting songs like "Blue Savannah" with its sweeping loveliness, the haunting "Ship of Fools", and the campy, raucous "Love to Hate You" all on the same disc shows that when Erasure is on, they shine like a thousand-carat tiara. The energetic and electronic disco is front and centre here with "Oh L'Amour" and the audience participation number "Stop!", but the beautifully crafted "Sometimes" shows the band's true potential. The irrepressible melody line is punctuated by an acoustic riff and a melancholy trumpet solo that actually has to do its best to keep up with Bell's warm lament. An indispensable collection.
Last edited:
lol.
