A treasure trove of hit songs

The greatest hits album is not considered an important release by the music industry. It is seen as just a way to tide artists over until they come up with enough new materials to complete a CD. It is also a good way to squeeze life out of oldies, milk them to inanity while keeping buyers happy. Remember, a greatest hits compilation usually has the most popular cuts from at least three CDs. Having these in one album is really a bargain.

There are times however when a greatest hits album becomes important. One case is when it is the first time for the artist to compile his songs and make his best work available in one album. Another is when the release coincides with an event that renews awareness about an artist and his music. By some coincidence, a few of these happened this year and here are the albums that came with them.

The Complete Clapton by Eric Clapton has all the qualifications of a great compilation album. It traces the distinguished career of one of the most popular artists of his generation in a two-disc collection that includes his early recordings with Cream, Derek & The Dominos, Blind Faith and solo efforts. OK, it has nothing from the Yardbirds but having Layla and Tears in Heaven in one package is more than anyone could ask for. It comes alongside a book, Clapton, The Biography.  Given Clapton’s colorful life, I am sure it is a very interesting read.

Included are I Feel Free, Sunshine of Your Love, White Room and Badge from his days with Cream; Presence of The Lord with Blind Faith; Bell Bottom Blues and Layla as Derek & The Dominos; Crossroads; After Midnight, Let It Rain, Let It Grow, I Shot the Sheriff; Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door, Hello Old Friend Cocaine, Lay Down Sally, Wonderful Tonight, I Can’t Stand It, I’ve Got a Rock ‘N Roll Heart, Pretending, Bad Love, Running on Faith, Motherless Child, Change the World, My Father’s Eyes and others.

Mothership by Led Zeppelin. I recall at least two Led Zep compilations released these past 20 years. But this is Led Zeppelin and really deserves mention. Besides members Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones with Jason Bonham substituting for his late father John reunited last Dec. 10 for a concert in London sparking rumors of a world tour next year. So new rockers out there, meet the heaviest rock band ever with this two CD set.

Good Times Gone Bad, Communication Breakdown, Dazed and Confused, Babe I‘m Gonna Leave You, Whole Lotta Love, Rock and Roll, Black Dog, When the Levee Breaks and Stairway to Heaven, The Song Remains the Same, Over the Hills and Far Away, No Quarter, Trampled Underfoot, Houses of the Holy, Kashmir, Nobod’s Fault But Mine, All My Love plus others.

Whitney Houston The Ultimate Collection. Caught Bodyguard on TV recently and saw how beautiful and what a fantastic singer Houston was at the time. Unfortunately, she did not stay that way and was sidelined by personal problems for several years. News has it though that she has put those behind and now looks lovely and healthy again. She is also set to record anew for the legendary Clive Davis, who steered her to greatness in the ‘80s. To prepare for that event, she has released The Ultimate Collection, a wonderful reminder of the many hits she created. 

I Will Always Love You, Saving All My Love for You, Greatest Love of All, One Moment in Time, I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me), How Will I Know, So Emotional, When You Believe a duet with Mariah Carey, Where Do Broken Hearts Go, I’m Your Baby Tonight, Didn’t We Almost Have It All, Run to You, Exhale (Shoop Shoop), etc.

Spice Girls, The Greatest Hits on CD and DVD. I know these girls are not artistically in the same league as Clapton, Led Zep or Houston. But Emma, Geri, Mel B, Melanie C and Victoria were big during the ‘90s, and though once rapped for not being able to carry a tune, they went on to become the most popular girl group of all time.

This is the Spice Girls’ first compilation and it coincides with a reunion tour and return to recording. Presented are Wannabe, Say You’ll Be There, Become 1, Mama, Who Do You Think You Are, Move Over, Spice Up Your Life, Too Much, Stop, Viva Forever, Let Love Lead the Way, Holler, two new songs Headlines (Friendship Never Ends) and Voodoo and Goodbye. Don’t forget to check out the free DVD for the famous videos.