Greatest Hits

Song compilations are very popular and are a necessary source of income for the record industry. Greatest Hits records have always been a regular feature in every genre. Nowadays, everyone can potentially compile their own best of CD by downloading favorite tracks from the Internet.

Some people criticize the industry for exploiting fans by putting out Greatest Hits albums. Sometimes, a label puts out a hits list from an artist who has only produced two albums. It's the case that some compilations have filler tracks, such as inferior outtakes and live versions. Many people in their 40s and 50s want to replace their old vinyl records with CDs and only want the well known tracks in their collection.

There are some artists whose fans want to own every track that they ever laid down. People passionate about a certain act want their collection to be complete and it's a question of owning the history of the artist as well as having the songs. They wouldn't dream of buying a best of record. Most people however like certain singers or bands but don't want to own everything. Greatest Hits are ideal in that situation. There is always debate amongst fans as to what songs should be selected for a best of album. This occurs when someone has had a very long career and not everyone will be pleased.

Established but defunct bands have greatly benefited from hits compilations. A prime example is The Beatles who still reach number one in the album charts with greatest hits, forty years after they formed. Elvis Presley is another artist who still enjoys good sales. A long running band, such as the Rolling Stones or U2 release compilations periodically, chronicling each phase of their career. Even classical composers are part of the compilation market, where the most commercially sounding pieces are selected.

As downloading music continues to increase, some people envisage it will dominate the market very soon. Perhaps, the hits compilation record will decrease in popularity. The item that may remain is the box set. These compilations are attractively packaged with all the hits and lesser known tracks too plus extras such as an informative booklet tracing the history of the artist and interviews etc. Those sets can't be replaced by the Internet. Some of them are expensive but they are priceless to a true fan and all the greatest hits are digitally re-mastered to give quality sound.

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