There’s often a kind of bad press around ‘Greatest Hits’ or ‘Best Ofs’ by the music press and sometimes even music fans themselves. It’s seen as a bad thing to listen to them, and to own them. And for the band or artist releasing them. It’s almost as if, that they’ve got no more ideas, and it’s a cash cow. It’s something I’ve never understood. ‘Greatest Hits or Best Of’ albums are a great way to get an understanding of an artist or band, and allows new fans to dip their toe into a discography.
I own a number of these records. Especially on vinyl, it’s a great way to listen to an artist.
From The Beatles to Bob Marley, Noel Gallagher to David Bowie, The Rolling Stones to Stereophonics. These Best Of albums are cornerstones or my record collection. It’s not a bad thing.
It’s a brilliant way to discover new music, and it made me certainly delve deeper into an artists discography.
For a casual music fan, they are brilliant. All of an artists best songs are in one place. They make for easy listening. Especially in the circumstances many of us listen to music. On the way to work, on public transport, in the car etc. A best of allows fans to experience an artists or a bands best tracks in the simplest way!
On a final note. The best selling album in U.K. history is ‘Queens Greatest Hits’ see my point!
Thank you for reading x