Greatest Hits or Best Of Bands

[Ashmark]

1) I included a number of greatest hits, best of, compilation albums in my best ever chart. Criticism followed, of course, which was expected and fair. I have no problem with that. I did respond to some people with my rationale for their inclusion because it was not without due consideration.
2) Also, I have followed some of the forum discussions which often discuss whether a band is over- or underrated, generally or by their own “annoying” fan base.

So it occurs to me: what bands (besides the Beatles, ha, ha) have mediocre albums but an awesome Best Of, Greatest Hits or compilation, when all the best songs are collected on one album?

[theblueboy]

ABBA

I can't of any others where I wouldn't just go for an album.

[Ashmark]

I meant to add as an example: The Jesus and Mary Chain. I own Psychocandy and Stoned and Dethroned. Just listened to Darklands, and was left feeling it is only OK. For me S and D is their best album and is merely good. But a best of.....that would be much, much better!

[theblueboy]

Also, nowadays I would just make a playlist rather play a best of if I want tracks off different albums.I think best ofs are becoming a bit obsolete. Good introductions to bands but then I guess you move on.

[Ashmark]

True Michael1981. A good ABBA collection does get me moving! Sad to admit about this eye and ear candy.

[travelful]

Many will disagree probably but The Rolling Stones are that one for me. I always thought every album they released had at least a couple throwaway tracks that brought the album down. I prefer 40 licks.

Greatest hits albums do feel like cheating when ranking albums though.

[Ashmark]

At Michael1981: also true, I forget because I am a dinosaur that hears playlist and hints “mixtape” ha, ha!

[Ashmark]

At ECUpirate,

I agree that it does feel like cheating. I accept the criticism. A truly, truly great album should be cohesive throughout with artistic and conceptual merit. I think that is why people rate Pink Floyd and Radiohead so highly. Still, sometimes I just want to bounce around to “Does your mother know.”

[bobbyb5]

These band's albums are kind of touch n' go, but their Best-of s are awesome. I love listening to all of these tremendously.


The Best Of 3 Dog Night by Three Dog Night


The Best of B.T.O. (So Far) by Bachman-... Overdrive


Greatest Hits by The Lovin' Spoonful


Time Peace: The Rascals' Greatest Hits by The Rascals


The Best Of The Guess Who by The Guess Who
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[url=https://www.besteveralbums.com/thechart.php?a=5559]Retrospective by The Animals


Smash Hits by The Spinners


The Best Of The Box Tops: Soul Deep by The Box Tops


Beautiful People: The Greatest Hits Of ...by Melanie


The Four Tops Greatest Hits by Four Tops


The Essentials by Tommy James And The Shondells


Anthology by The Supremes


The Best Of Bread by Bread

[Ashmark]

Thanks bobbyb5,

Great collection. My ulterior motive for this question is to learn about some great albums from groups/artists that I might ignore if I only listened to their other albums. Must check out the Best Of 3 Dog Night.