The Greatest Hits Collection
Artist: Bananarama
Community Score: 5.00

Theoretically, this should be a note-perfect example of commercial '80s pop music at its best. But it isn't. Half of this album is actually pretty great, though -- particularly the early Bananarama hits. The Fun Boy Three-produced "He Was Really Sayin' Something" throws that band's quirky avant-funk underneath the threesome's harmonizing; the... Read More

Safety Dance
Artist: Men Without Hats
Compact XTC: The Singles 1978-1985
Artist: XTC

An expanded version of 1983's excellent singles compilation Waxworks, Compact XTC: The Singles 1978-1985 is simply that: all of the group's singles from 1978's White Music to 1985's The Big Express, in chronological order and including the misbegotten attempt at writing a proper hit single, 1980's "Wait Till Your Boat Goes Down," which wisely... Read More

History Never Repeats
Artist: Split Enz

The look of Split Enz was as important as the music the band produced (especially in the eccentric early years), so a translation to video is no great stretch; despite the lack of an outlet for videos, the band embraced the medium early on, producing clips for most of their singles, as well as album cuts. History Never Repeats (later retitled... Read More

Greatest Hits
Artist: Rick Springfield
History Never Repeats: The Best of Split Enz
Artist: Split Enz
Community Score: 10.00

Split Enz are probably best remembered in the U.S. for their new wave-era singles; History Never Repeats: The Best of Split Enz collects all of the major singles from the band's A&M albums in a single disc package. For the casual fan, there is no better starting point. The Australian issue is far superior as a career overview however, as it... Read More

Ramones Mania
Artist: The Ramones
Community Score: 5.56

Ramones Mania is a relentless collection of 30 tracks from the Ramones' first ten albums, ranging from the classic Ramones to the less-than-classic Halfway to Sanity. Although not all of their great '70s songs are included, it boils down the highlights from the inconsistent '80s albums quite effectively, making it a useful summation of their... Read More

Beauty and the Beat
Artist: The Go-Go's
Community Score: 9.93

Although the relatively polished production belies the Go-Go's' punk roots, Beauty and the Beat remains one of the cornerstone albums of new wave, bristling with energy, revamped surf rock and girl-group hooks, and an intoxicating sense of fun. The infectious, bouncy "We Got the Beat" and the pulsating "Our Lips Are Sealed," which Jane Wiedlin... Read More

One Thing Leads to Another: Greatest Hits
Artist: The Fixx

The Fixx's music stood out from '80s radio, even though they shared the airwaves with numerous techno bands and new wave groups. They had an intangible quality to their lyrical flow and musical rhythm that kept them from sounding like everyone else. On One Thing Leads to Another, the indistinguishable characteristics become evident as all of... Read More

Decade: Greatest Hits
Artist: Duran Duran
Community Score: 7.33

Decade is an excellent singles compilation, featuring all of the highlights from Duran Duran's heyday -- "Planet Earth," "Girls on Film," "Rio," "Is There Something I Should Know," "Union of the Snake," "The Reflex," "The Wild Boys," "Save a Prayer," "A View to a Kill" -- plus late-'80s hits like "Notorious," "Skin Trade," "I Don't Want Your... Read More

The Greatest Hits
Artist: The Boomtown Rats

1987's greatest hits package from the Boomtown Rats does gather their best releases, but is extremely short with only ten songs. Kicking off with their most lucrative tune, "I Don't Like Mondays," and followed by the multi-paced social commentary of "Rat Trap," the songs do offer up a quick insight into Bob Geldof's band, and as for a brief... Read More

The Best of Blondie - AUSTRALIA
Artist: Blondie

Although Blondie made several first-rate albums, most of their best songs were released as singles, which makes The Best of Blondie an essential collection. The Best of Blondie glosses over their punk roots -- very little from the first album, apart from the vicious "Rip Her to Shreds" and the seductive "In the Flesh" -- but the band's pop hits... Read More

The Best of Berlin 1979-1988
Artist: Berlin
Community Score: 8.00

Berlin's electro-pop sound is salvaged only by the enduring and assertive voice of Terri Nunn, which is why The Best of Berlin is the most preferable place to hear this Los Angeles-based group's music. The synth-soaked punch of "No More Words" from 1984's Love Life album and the week-long number one ballad "Take My Breath Away" from the film Top... Read More

History Never Repeats - AUSTRALIA
Artist: Split Enz

The Australian version of History Never Repeats: The Best of Split Enz offers a better picture of the band through a wider range (all of the albums are represented on this one) and better song selection. Although it may be hard to find, collectors will find this essential if only for the alternate mix of "Late Last Night," not available... Read More