All hits for the shopping cart

Music is a sort of gift that is always much appreciated. Not only do albums make for very convenient shopping, no need to try on anything or wonder about color, style, etc. There is such a variety of choices that you can find something for everyone on your list. Besides, CDs are also very easy to wrap and you do not have to stand in line at the counter for a long time.

Unless, the recipient has specific favorites, M.Y.M.P.’s Versions & Beyond, Rod Stewart’s Thanks for the Memory or Madonna’s Confessions on the Dance Floor or others, you will seldom go wrong with greatest hits packages. A song is a hit because it appeals to lots of people and when you have 12 or more of these hits in a CD, then you can be sure that plenty of people will enjoy listening to them.

Here are some of the best among the recent releases. They come from some of the biggest names in the music business these days and are truly loaded with hits.

#1’s by Destiny’s Child contains all the No. 1 sellers from the power-packed trio plus three new songs led by Stand Up for Love, the 2005 World Children’s Day anthem. And because this might be the last time that the three talented beauties, Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, will be heard together, you might want to get a copy for yourself.

The CD includes Independent Women Part 1, Survivor, Soldier, Check on It, Jumpin’ Jumpin’, Lose My Breath, Say My Name, Emotion, Bug A Boo, Bootylicious, Bills Bills Bills, Girl, No No No Part 2 featuring Wyclef Jean, Cater 2 U, Feel the Same Way I Do and Brown Eyes

Simple Plan is one of the hottest rock groups to emerge these past few years and its album, Simple Plan MTV Hard Rock Live, is filled with extra goodies to delight any rock buff.

The CD/DVD track list has Shut Up, Jump, The Worst Day Ever, Addicted, Me Against the World, Crazy, God Must Hate Me, Thank You, Welcome to My Life, I’m Just a Kid, I’d Do Anything, Untitled (How Could This Happen to Me) and Perfect. Then there are the bonus tracks that include acoustic versions of Crazy, Welcome to My Life and Perfect. And there’s more, a 32-page exclusive tour book loaded with Simple Plan pics and info.

Sounds of Summer, The Very Best of The Beach Boys. This album should delight moms and dads and even grandmas and grandpas and all those kids who discovered The Beach Boys after Mike Love and the newer members came to town for a show earlier this year. The collection has everything, from California Girls to Kokomo and is a pleasure to listen to. It feels like innocent summer in December.

Also in the track are I Get Around, Surfin’ Safari, Surfin’ U.S.A., Fun, Fun Fun, Surfer Girl, Don’t Worry Baby, Little Deuce Coupe, Help Me Rhonda, Be True to Your School, In My Room, God Only Knows, Sloop John B, Wouldn’t It be Nice, Getcha Back, Rock and Roll Music, Dance Dance Dance, Barbara Ann, Do You Wanna Dance, Heroes and Villains, Wild Honey, Darlin’, I Can Hear Music and Good Vibrations.

Alicia Keys Unplugged: This is the live recording of an MTV Unplugged concert filmed last July at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. All of her hits are performed in new acoustic arrangements in keeping with the Unplugged tradition. She has also included some new songs that are only available in this album.

Cuts are Alicia’s Prayer (A Cappella), Karma, Heartburn, A Woman’s Worth, Unbreakable, How Come You Don’t Call Me, If I Was Your Woman, If I Ain’t Got You, Every Little Bit Hurts, Streets of New York, Wild Horses featuring Adam Levine, Diary, You Don’t Know My Name, Stolen Moments, Fallin’ Love It or Leave It Alone and Welcome to Jamrock. Alicia’s guests are Common, Mos Def, Damian Marley and Adam Levine of Maroon5.

Always by Various Artists. The title says it all. This is a collection of 32 timeless love songs presented in a two-CD package. It is sure to be a hit with the romantic souls in your list. This can be the soundtrack of their lives. Included are If by Bread, Making Love Out of Nothing at All by Air Supply, You’re the Inspiration by Chicago, The One You Love by Glen Frey, Always by Atlantic Starr, True by Spandau Ballet, Eternal Flame by The Bangles, I’ve Never Been to Me by Charlene, Three Times a Lady by The Commodores, How Can I Tell Her by Lobo and Ocean Deep by Cliff Richard.