Showing posts with label Eagles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eagles. Show all posts

Saturday, October 4, 2025

Dave's Faves: My Top 100 Compilations

Dave’s Faves:

My Top 100 Compilations

These are my personal favorite compilations. To clarify, I define a compilation as a hits-focused anthology comprised of the equivalent of 1 or 2 discs of predominantly studio material by one recording act. One of the challenges in compiling this list is how acts often have multiple compilations. Because of that, I opted to only feature one compilation per artist. I also developed a formula to weigh the compilations against each other so the “winner” wouldn’t automatically be the one with the most songs but the one with the best selection of songs. In essence, I rated the albums on a pound-for-pound basis, or the average points in my personal Database of all the songs on the collection. In parentheses after the name of the collection I indicate the years covered by the compilation followed by r. and another date which indicates the year of its release.

Check out other best-of album lists by individuals/critics here.

1. The Beatles 1 (1962-70, r. 2000)
2. Eric Clapton The Cream of Clapton (1966-81, r. 1995)
3. The Rolling Stones Forty Licks (1964-2002, r. 2002)
4. Eagles Very Best of (1971-1979, r. 1994)
5. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band Greatest Hits (1973-2007, r. 2009)
6. Styx Come Sail Away: The Styx Anthology (1972-2003, r. 2004)
7. Olivia Newton-John Magic: The Best of (1973-1990, r. 2001)
8. John Mellencamp Words & Music: Greatest Hits (1978-2004, r. 2004)
9. Elvis Presley 30 #1 Hits (1956-77, r. 2002)
10. David Bowie Changesbowie (1969-1990, r. 1990)

11. Elton John Rocket Man: The Definitive Hits (compilation: 1970-2006, r. 2007)
12. The Doors Best of the Doors (1966-71, r. 1987)
13. Billy Joel The Essential (1973-2001, r. 2001)
14. The Who Who’s Better Who’s Best (1964-81, r. 1988)
15. U2 Best of 1980-1990 (1980-89, r. 1998)
16. Pink Floyd Foot in the Door: The Best of (1967-1994, r. 2011)
17. Bob Dylan The Essential (1962-99, r. 2000)
18. Marillion Best of Both Worlds (1982-96, r. 1997)
19. Rush The Spirit of Radio: The Greatest Hits (1974-87, r. 2003)
20. Prince Very Best of (1979-92, r. 2001)

21. Tears for Fears Rule the World: The Greatest Hits (1982-2017, r. 2017)
22. Journey Greatest Hits (1977-87, r. 1988)
23. Genesis Turn It on Again: The Hits (1973-97, r. 1999)
24. Queen Greatest Hits (aka “We Will Rock You”) (1973-81, r. 1981)
25. The Beach Boys Very Best of (1962-88, r. 2001)
26. Alan Parsons The Definitive Collection (1976-93, r. 1997)
27. The Cars Complete Greatest Hits (1978-87, r. 2002)
28. The Police Every Breath You Take – The Classics (1978-86, r. 1995)
29. Paul Simon/Simon & Garfunkel The Ultimate Collection (1965-2002, r. 2015)
30. Sheryl Crow Very Best of (UK version, 1993-2003, r. 2003)

31. Crowded House Recurring Dream: The Very Best of (1986-96, r. 1996)
32. Crosby, Stills & Nash Greatest Hits (1969-82, r. 2005)
33. Stevie Wonder The Definitive Collection (1962-98, r. 2002)
34. Sting Fields of Gold – The Best of (1985-94, r. 1994)
35. John Lennon Lennon Legend: The Very Best of (1969-80, r. 1997)
36. REO Speedwagon The Hits (1976-88, r. 1988)
37. Paul McCartney All the Best! (1970-87, r. 1987)
38. Supertramp Classics (1974-85, r. 1987)
39. Aerosmith O Yeah! The Ultimate Hits (1973-2002, r. 2002)
40. Madonna The Immaculate Collection (1983-90, r. 1990)

41. Kevin Gilbert Bolts (archives: 1984-96, r. 2006)
42. Creedence Clearwater Revival Chronicle: Their 20 Greatest Hits (1968-72, r. 1976)
43. Michael Jackson HIStory/Greatest Hits (1979-95, r. 1995)
44. Lionel Richie/Commodores Back to Front (1977-92, r. 1992)
45. The Jimi Hendrix Experience The Ultimate Experience (1966-70, r. 1992)
46. Pearl Jam Rearviewmirror: Greatest Hits (1991-2003, r. 2004)
47. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Greatest Hits (1976-93, r. 1993)
48. Chicago Only the Beginning: Very Best of (1969-95, r. 2002)
49. ZZ Top The Baddest of (1973-2003, r. 2014)
50. Squeeze Greatest Hits (1978-89, r. 2001)

51. Little River Band Greatest Hits (1975-82, r. 1982)
52. Peter Gabriel Shaking the Tree: Sixteen Golden Greats (1977-89, r. 1990)
53. Fleetwood Mac Greatest Hits (1975-88, r. 1988)
54. Foreigner Records (1976-81, r. 1982)
55. Bob Seger Ultimate Hits: Rock and Roll Never Forgets (1968-2011, r. 2011)
56. Guns N’ Roses Greatest Hits (1987-94, r. 2004)
57. The Doobie Brothers Greatest Hits (1971-91, r. 2001)
58. Phil Collins Hits (1981-98, r. 1998)
59. Van Halen Best of Both Worlds (1977-2004, r. 2004)
60. Split Enz History Never Repeats: The Best of (US version, 1976-84, r. 1987)

61. Bob Marley & the Wailers Legend (1973-83, r. 1984)
62. Shawn Colvin Polaroids: A Greatest Hits Collection (1989-2004, r. 2004)
63. R.E.M. Eponymous (1981-87, r. 1988)
64. Rick Springfield Greatest Hits (1981-88, r. 1999)
65. Def Leppard Vault: Greatest Hits (1980-95, r. 1995)
66. Led Zeppelin Mothership (1969-79, r. 2007)
67. Eurythmics Greatest Hits (1982-89, r. 1991)
68. Kenny Rogers 20 Greatest Hits (1969-83, r. 1983)
69. Kansas Best of (1974-84, r. 1984)
70. Simple Minds Glittering Prize 81/92 (1981-91, r. 1992)

71. Yes Yes Singles (1971-83, r. 2023)
72. Linda Ronstadt Very Best of (1970-93, r. 2002)
73. Foo Fighters The Essential (1995-2021, r. 2022)
74. Lynyrd Skynyrd All Time Greatest Hits (1972-77, r. 2000)
75. Alabama Greatest Hits (1980-86, r. 1986)
76. Boston Greatest Hits (1976-97, r. 1997)
77. Four Tops 19 Greatest Hits: Compact Command Performances (1964-72, r. 1984)
78. Chuck Berry The Great Twenty-Eight (1955-64, r. 1982)
79. Lyle Lovett Here I Am: The Lyle Lovett Collection (1986-91, r. 1991)
80. Van Morrison Still on Top: The Greatest Hits (US version, 1965-2005, r. 2007)

81. The Supremes 20 Greatest Hits: Compact Command Performances (1963-71, r. 1983)
82. Steely Dan A Decade of Steely Dan (1972-80, r. 1985)
83. Neil Diamond All-Time Greatest Hits (1966-80, r. 2014)
84. Aretha Franklin Queen of Soul: The Very Best of (1967-74, r. 1994)
85. Buddy Holly 20 Golden Greats (1956-58, r. 1978)
86. Jethro Tull Original Masters (1966-77, r. 1985)
87. Berlin Best of (1979-88, r. 1988)
88. Mike + the Mechanics The Singles 1985-2014 (1985-2014, r. 2014)
89. Bryan Ferry/Roxy Music More Than This: The Best of (1972-94, r. 1995)
90. Eminem Curtain Call: The Hits (1999-2005, r. 2005)

91. Heart These Dreams: Greatest Hits (1975-93, r. 1997)
92. Red Hot Chili Peppers Road Trippin’ Through Time (1991-2006, r. 2011)
93. Elvis Costello Best of (1977-84, r. 1985)
94. Alanis Morissette The Collection (1995-2005, r. 2005)
95. The Smiths Louder Than Bombs (1983-87, r. 1987)
96. Del Amitri Hatful of Rain: The Best of (1989-98, r. 1998)
97. Duran Duran Greatest (1980-97, r. 1998)
98. Tina Turner Tina! (1966-2008, r. 2008)
99. aha Headlines and Deadlines (1985-91, r. 1991)
100. Bryan Adams So Far So Good (1983-93, r. 1993)

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First posted 10/4/2025

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Monday, February 3, 2025

The Grammy Song and Record of the Year Winners Ranked

The Grammys:

Song and Record of the Year Winners

The Grammy Awards have been given annually since 1958. Two of the most prestigious awards are Record of the Year (given to the performers) and Song of the Year (given to the songwriters). Below is a listing of all songs to receive either award. Following that is a ranking by the DMDB of all those songs.

Check out other “songs of the year” lists here.

Spotify Podcast:

Check out the two-part Dave’s Music Database podcast celebrating the Grammy Winners for Record and Song of the Year 1959-1992 (debut: April 5, 2022 at 7pm CST) and 1993-2022 (debut: April 12, 2022 at 7pm CST). which references songs on this list. New episodes based on Dave’s Music Database lists are posted every Tuesday at 7pm CST.

SONG/RECORD WINNERS BY YEAR:

  • 2025 SONG: Kendrick Lamar “Not Like Us” (2024)
  • 2025 RECORD: Kendrick Lamar “Not Like Us” (2024)
  • 2024 SONG: Billie Eilish “What Was I Made For?” (2023)
  • 2024 RECORD: Miley Cyrus “Flowers” (2023)
  • 2023 SONG: Bonnie Raitt “Just Like That” (2022)
  • 2023 RECORD: Lizzo “About Damn Time” (2022)
  • 2022 RECORD/SONG: Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak as Silk Sonic “Leave the Door Open” (2021)
  • 2021 SONG: H.E.R. “I Can’t Breathe” (2020)
  • 2021 RECORD: Billie Eilish “Everything I Wanted” (2020)
  • 2020 RECORD/SONG: Billie Eilish “Bad Guy” (2019)

  • 2019 RECORD/SONG: Childish Gambino “This Is America” (2018)
  • 2018 SONG: Bruno Mars “That’s What I Like” (2016)
  • 2018 RECORD: Bruno Mars “24K Magic” (2016)
  • 2017 RECORD/SONG: Adele “Hello” (2015)
  • 2016 SONG: Ed Sheeran “Thinking Out Loud” (2014)
  • 2016 RECORD: Mark Ronson with Bruno Mars “Uptown Funk!” (2014)
  • 2015 RECORD/SONG: Sam Smith “Stay with Me” (2014)
  • 2014 SONG: Lorde “Royals” (2013)
  • 2014 RECORD: Daft Punk with Pharrell Williams “Get Lucky” (2013)
  • 2013 SONG: Fun with Janelle Monáe “We Are Young” (2012)
  • 2013 RECORD: Gotye with Kimbra “Somebody That I Used to Know” (2011)
  • 2012 RECORD/SONG: Adele “Rolling in the Deep” (2010)
  • 2011 RECORD/SONG: Lady Antebellum “Need You Now” (2009)
  • 2010 SONG: Beyoncé “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” (2008)
  • 2010 RECORD: Kings of Leon “Use Somebody” (2008)

  • 2009 SONG: Coldplay “Viva La Vida” (2008)
  • 2009 RECORD: Robert Plant with Alison Krauss “Please Read the Letter” (2007)
  • 2008 RECORD/SONG: Amy Winehouse “Rehab” (2006)
  • 2007 RECORD/SONG: Dixie Chicks “Not Ready to Make Nice” (2006)
  • 2006 SONG: U2 “Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own” (2005)
  • 2006 RECORD: Green Day “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (2004)
  • 2005 SONG: John Mayer “Daughters” (2004)
  • 2005 RECORD: Ray Charles with Norah Jones “Here We Go Again” (2004)
  • 2004 SONG: Luther Vandross “Dance with My Father” (2003)
  • 2004 RECORD: Coldplay “Clocks” (2002)
  • 2003 RECORD/SONG: Norah Jones “Don’t Know Why” (2002)
  • 2002 SONG: Alicia Keys “Fallin’” (2001)
  • 2002 RECORD: U2 “Walk On” (2001)
  • 2001 RECORD/SONG: U2 “Beautiful Day” (2000)
  • 2000 RECORD/SONG: Santana with Rob Thomas “Smooth” (1999)

  • 1999 RECORD/SONG: Celine Dion “My Heart Will Go On” (1997)
  • 1998 RECORD/SONG: Shawn Colvin “Sunny Came Home” (1997)
  • 1997 RECORD/SONG: Eric Clapton “Change the World” (1996)
  • 1996 RECORD/SONG: Seal “Kiss from a Rose” (1994)
  • 1995 SONG: Bruce Springsteen “Streets of Philadelphia” (1994)
  • 1995 RECORD: Sheryl Crow “All I Wanna Do” (1994)
  • 1994 SONG: Peabo Bryson with Regina Belle “A Whole New World” (1992)
  • 1994 RECORD: Whitney Houston “I Will Always Love You” (1992)
  • 1993 RECORD/SONG: Eric Clapton “Tears in Heaven” (1992)
  • 1992 RECORD/SONG: Natalie Cole with Nat “King” Cole “Unforgettable” (1991)
  • 1991 SONG: Bette Midler “From a Distance” (1990)
  • 1991 RECORD: Phil Collins “Another Day in Paradise” (1989)
  • 1990 RECORD/SONG: Bette Midler “Wind Beneath My Wings” (1988)

  • 1989 RECORD/SONG: Bobby McFerrin “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” (1988)
  • 1988 SONG: Linda Ronstadt with James Ingram “Somewhere Out There” (1986)
  • 1988 RECORD: Paul Simon “Graceland” (1986)
  • 1987 SONG: Dionne Warwick & Friends “That's What Friends Are For” (1985)
  • 1987 RECORD: Steve Winwood “Higher Love” (1986)
  • 1986 RECORD/SONG: USA for Africa “We Are the World” (1985)
  • 1985 RECORD/SONG: Tina Turner “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” (1984)
  • 1984 SONG: The Police “Every Breath You Take” (1983)
  • 1984 RECORD: Michael Jackson “Beat It” (1983)
  • 1983 SONG: Willie Nelson “Always on My Mind” (1982)
  • 1983 RECORD: Toto “Rosanna” (1982)
  • 1982 RECORD/SONG: Kim Carnes “Bette Davis Eyes” (1981)
  • 1981 RECORD/SONG: Christopher Cross “Sailing” (1980)
  • 1980 RECORD/SONG: The Doobie Brothers “What a Fool Believes” (1978)

  • 1979 RECORD/SONG: Billy Joel “Just the Way You Are” (1977)
  • 1978 SONG (tie): Debby Boone “You Light Up My Life” (1977)
  • 1978 SONG (tie): Barbra Streisand “Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)” (1976)
  • 1978 RECORD: Eagles “Hotel California” (1977)
  • 1977 SONG: Barry Manilow “I Write the Songs” (1975)
  • 1977 RECORD: George Benson “This Masquerade” (1976)
  • 1976 SONG: Judy Collins “Send in the Clowns” (1975)
  • 1976 RECORD: Captain & Tennille “Love Will Keep Us Together” (1975)
  • 1975 SONG: Barbra Streisand “The Way We Were” (1973)
  • 1975 RECORD: Olivia Newton-John “I Honestly Love You” (1974)
  • 1974 RECORD/SONG: Roberta Flack “Killing Me Softly with His Song” (1973)
  • 1973 RECORD/SONG: Roberta Flack “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (1969)
  • 1972 SONG: Carole King/James Taylor “You’ve Got a Friend” (1971)
  • 1972 RECORD: Carole King “It’s Too Late” (1971)
  • 1971 RECORD/SONG: Simon & Garfunkel “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (1970)
  • 1970 SONG: Joe South “Games People Play” (1968)
  • 1970 RECORD: The Fifth Dimension “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” (1969)

  • 1969 SONG: Roger Miller “Little Green Apples” (1968)
  • 1969 RECORD: Simon & Garfunkel “Mrs. Robinson” (1968)
  • 1968 RECORD/SONG: The Fifth Dimension “Up, Up and Away” (1967)
  • 1967 SONG: The Beatles “Michelle” (1965)
  • 1967 RECORD: Frank Sinatra “Strangers in the Night” (1966)
  • 1966 SONG: Tony Bennett “The Shadow of Your Smile (Love Theme from The Sandpiper)” (1965)
  • 1966 RECORD: Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass “A Taste of Honey” (1965)
  • 1965 SONG: Louis Armstrong “Hello, Dolly!” (1964)
  • 1965 RECORD: Stan Getz with Joao Gilberto “The Girl from Ipanema” (1964)
  • 1964 RECORD/SONG: Henry Mancini “The Days of Wine and Roses” (1963)
  • 1963 SONG: Sammy Davis, Jr. “What Kind of Fool am I?” (1962)
  • 1963 RECORD: Tony Bennett “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” (1962)
  • 1962 RECORD/SONG: Henry Mancini with Audrey Hepburn “Moon River” (1961)
  • 1961 SONG: Ferrante & Teicher “Theme from Exodus” (1960)
  • 1961 RECORD: Percy Faith “A Theme from A Summer Place” (1960)
  • 1960 SONG: Johnny Horton “The Battle of New Orleans” (1959)
  • 1960 RECORD: Bobby Darin “Mack the Knife” (1959)
  • 1959 RECORD/SONG: Domenico Modugno “Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blue)” (1958)

SONG/RECORD WINNERS RANKED:

This is the DMDB’s ranking of all songs which have won Grammys for Song or Record of the Year.

DMDB Top 1%:

1. The Police “Every Breath You Take” (1983)
2. Whitney Houston “I Will Always Love You” (1992)
3. Simon & Garfunkel “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (1970)
4. Eagles “Hotel California” (1977)
5. Bobby Darin “Mack the Knife” (1959)
6. Mark Ronson with Bruno Mars “Uptown Funk!” (2014)
7. Celine Dion “My Heart Will Go On” (1997)
8. Adele “Rolling in the Deep” (2010)
9. Gotye with Kimbra “Somebody That I Used to Know” (2011)
10. Beyoncé “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” (2008)

11. Michael Jackson “Beat It” (1983)
12. USA for Africa “We Are the World” (1985)
13. Coldplay “Viva La Vida” (2008)
14. Santana with Rob Thomas “Smooth” (1999)
15. Adele “Hello” (2015)
16. Ed Sheeran “Thinking Out Loud” (2014)
17. Roberta Flack “Killing Me Softly with His Song” (1973)
18. Kim Carnes “Bette Davis Eyes” (1981)
19. Lorde “Royals” (2013)
20. Debby Boone “You Light Up My Life” (1977)

21. Tina Turner “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” (1984)
22. Willie Nelson “Always on My Mind” (1982)
23. Simon & Garfunkel “Mrs. Robinson” (1968)
24. Roberta Flack “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (1969)
25. Daft Punk with Pharrell Williams “Get Lucky” (2013)
26. U2 “Beautiful Day” (2000)
27. Lady Antebellum “Need You Now” (2009)
28. Green Day “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (2004)
29. Barbra Streisand “The Way We Were” (1973)
30. Johnny Horton “The Battle of New Orleans” (1959)

31. Alicia Keys “Fallin’” (2001)
32. Eric Clapton “Tears in Heaven” (1992)
33. Henry Mancini with Audrey Hepburn “Moon River” (1961)
34. The Fifth Dimension “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” (1969)
35. Amy Winehouse “Rehab” (2006)
36. Carole King “It’s Too Late” (1971)
37. Fun with Janelle Monáe “We Are Young” (2012)
38. Seal “Kiss from a Rose” (1994)
39. Billie Eilish “Bad Guy” (2019)
40. Phil Collins “Another Day in Paradise” (1989)

41. Captain & Tennille “Love Will Keep Us Together” (1975)
42. Dionne & Friends “That's What Friends Are For” (1985)
43. Olivia Newton-John “I Honestly Love You” (1974)
44. Domenico Modugno “Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blue)” (1958)
45. Coldplay “Clocks” (2002)
46. Sam Smith “Stay with Me” (2014)
47. Percy Faith “A Theme from A Summer Place” (1960)
48. Billy Joel “Just the Way You Are” (1977)
49. Sheryl Crow “All I Wanna Do” (1994)
50. Natalie Cole with Nat “King” Cole “Unforgettable” (1991)

51. Tony Bennett “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” (1962)
52. Frank Sinatra “Strangers in the Night” (1966)
53. Louis Armstrong “Hello, Dolly!” (1964)
54. Kings of Leon “Use Somebody” (2008)
55. Bruce Springsteen “Streets of Philadelphia” (1994)
56. Stan Getz with Joao Gilberto “The Girl from Ipanema” (1964)
57. Miley Cyrus “Flowers” 58. The Doobie Brothers “What a Fool Believes” (1978)
59. Bruno Mars “That’s What I Like” (2016)
60. Bette Midler “Wind Beneath My Wings” (1988)

61. Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak as Silk Sonic “Leave the Door Open” (2021)
62. Peabo Bryson with Regina Belle “A Whole New World” (1992)
63. Bobby McFerrin “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” (1988)
64. James Taylor “You’ve Got a Friend” (1971)

DMDB Top 2%:

65. Christopher Cross “Sailing” (1980)
66. Toto “Rosanna” (1982)
67. Lizzo “About Damn Time” (2022)
68. The Beatles “Michelle” (1965)
69. Steve Winwood “Higher Love” (1986)
70. Childish Gambino “This Is America” (2018)

71. Eric Clapton “Change the World” (1996)
72. Norah Jones “Don’t Know Why” (2002)
73. Barbra Streisand “Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)” (1976)
74. Shawn Colvin “Sunny Came Home” (1997)
75. Barry Manilow “I Write the Songs” (1975)
76. Bruno Mars “24K Magic” (2016)

DMDB Top 5%:

77. The Fifth Dimension “Up, Up and Away” (1967)
78. Dixie Chicks “Not Ready to Make Nice” (2006)
79. Billie Eilish “What Was I Made For?” (2023)
80. Judy Collins “Send in the Clowns” (1975)

81. Billie Eilish “Everything I Wanted” (2020)
82. Paul Simon “Graceland” (1986)
83. U2 “Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own” (2005)
84. Henry Mancini “The Days of Wine and Roses” (1963)
85. U2 “Walk On” (2001)
86. Bette Midler “From a Distance” (1990)
87. George Benson “This Masquerade” (1976)
88. Sammy Davis, Jr. “What Kind of Fool am I?” (1962)
89. Kendrick Lamar “Not Like Us” (2024)

DMDB Top 10%:

90. Linda Ronstadt with James Ingram “Somewhere Out There” (1986)
91. Tony Bennett “The Shadow of Your Smile (Love Theme from The Sandpiper)” (1965)
92. Robert Plant with Alison Krauss “Please Read the Letter” (2007)
93. Ferrante & Teicher “Theme from Exodus” (1960)
94. John Mayer “Daughters” (2004)
95. Carole King “You’ve Got a Friend” (1971)
96. Roger Miller “Little Green Apples” (1968)
97. Joe South “Games People Play” (1968)
98. Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass “A Taste of Honey” (1965)
99. Luther Vandross “Dance with My Father” (2003)

DMDB Top 20%:

100. Bonnie Raitt “Just Like That” (2022)

Beyond the DMDB Top 20%:

101. H.E.R. “I Can’t Breathe” (2020)
102. Ray Charles with Norah Jones “Here We Go Again” (2004)

Resources/Related Links:

First posted 1/19/2012; last updated 2/3/2025.

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Sunday, May 12, 2024

Compilations: Top 100 All-Time

Compilations:

The Top 100 Albums

“Greatest hits” packages are maligned entities in the world of music criticism, targeted by haters as cheap, record-contract-fulfilling-repackagings of works better heard in their original presentations. Naysayers argue that gathering up an act’s most commercial product hardly justifies calling a collection “the best of.”

However, compilations serve an important role in music. They are often a casual fan’s entry point to an artist. In some cases, the distillation of an act’s discography into a single collection weeds out the fluff and truly does present the act at its best.

In any event, here is Dave’s Music Database’s collection of the greatest compilations of all-time. DMDB lists are determined by aggregating best-of lists alongside chart data, sales figures, awards, and album ratings. Note: this list is confined to 1 or 2-disc collections. Box sets (3 or more discs) are summed up in a separate DMDB list. When an act has released multiple compilations, only the highest-rated has been listed, unless other compilations cover completely different material. The years covered by the compilation are noted in parentheses followed by the year the collection was released (noted by an r.).

Check out other best-of-genre/category lists here.

1. The Beatles 1 (1962-70, r. 2001)
2. Bob Marley & the Wailers Legend (1973-83, r. 1984)
3. Eagles Very Best of (includes all of 1976’s Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 and 1982’s Greatest Hits Volume 2) (compilation: 1971-2003, r. 2003)
4. Madonna The Immaculate Collection (1983-90, r. 1990)
5. Robert Johnson The Complete Recordings (1936-37, r. 1990)
6. Elvis Presley 30 #1 Hits (1956-77, r. 2002)
7. Queen Greatest Hits (aka “We Will Rock You”) (1973-81, r. 1981)
8. Elton John Very Best of (includes all of 1974’s Greatest Hits (1970-90, r. 1990)
9. Abba Gold: Greatest Hits (1974-82, r. 1992)
10. Eminem Curtain Call: The Hits (1999-2005, r. 2005)

11. Simon & Garfunkel Greatest Hits (1964-70, r. 1972)
12. Creedence Clearwater Revival Chronicle: Their 20 Greatest Hits (1968-72, r. 1976)
13. Michael Jackson Number Ones (1978-2003, r. 2003)
14. The Rolling Stones Hot Rocks 1964-71 (1964-71, r. 1971)
15. Bruce Springsteen Greatest Hits (1975-95, r. 1995)
16. Billy Murray Anthology: The Denver Nightingale (1903-40, r. 2002)
17. Hank Williams 40 Greatest Hits (compilation: 1947-53, r. 1978)
18. U2 Best of 1980-1990 (1980-89, r. 1998)
19. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers Greatest Hits (1976-93, r. 1993)
20. Howlin’ Wolf Moanin’ in the Moonlight/Howlin’ Wolf (aka “The Rocking Chair Album”) (1951-62, r. 1962)

21. Kenny Rogers Greatest Hits (1977-80, r. 1980)
22. Journey Greatest Hits (1977-87, r. 1988)
23. Bessie Smith The Essential (1923-33, r. 1997)
24. Patsy Cline 12 Greatest Hits (1957-63, r. 1973)
25. Guns N’ Roses Greatest Hits (1987-94, r. 2004)
26. Chuck Berry The Great Twenty-Eight (1955-64, r. 1982)
27. Bon Jovi Cross Road (1982-94, r. 1994)
28. Billy Joel Greatest Hits Volume I & II (compilation: 1973-85, r. 1985)
29. David Bowie Changesbowie (1969-1990, r. 1990)
30. Garth Brooks The Hits (1989-93, r. 1994)

31. Al Jolson Songs He Made Famous (1913-46, r. 1946)
32. New Order Substance (1981-87, r. 1987)
33. Bryan Adams So Far So Good (1983-93, r. 1993)
34. The Police Every Breath You Take – The Singles (1978-86, r. 1986)
35. Mariah Carey #1’s (1990-98, r. 1998)
36. Glenn Miller Glenn Miller Glenn Miller (aka “Glenn Miller & His Orchestra”) (1939-42, r. 1945)
37. Fleetwood Mac Greatest Hits (1975-88, r. 1988)
38. Queen Greatest Hits 2 (1981-91, r. 1991)
39. Paul Whiteman Masterpieces (1920-27, r. 2015)
40. Lionel Richie Back to Front (1977-92, r. 1992)

41. Carpenters The Singles 1969-1981 (includes all of The Singles 1969-1973 (1969-81, r. 2000)
42. Eurythmics Greatest Hits (1982-89, r. 1991)
43. Al Green Greatest Hits (1971-73, r. 1975)
44. Celine Dion All the Way…A Decade of Song (1991-99, r. 1999)
45. Bob Dylan Greatest Hits (1962-66, r. 1967)
46. Led Zeppelin Mothership (1969-79, r. 2007)
47. Red Hot Chili Peppers Greatest Hits (1989-2003, r. 2003)
48. Phil Collins Hits (1981-98, r. 1998)
49. Sly & the Family Stone Anthology (includes all of Greatest Hits) (1967-73, r. 1981)
50. Buzzcocks Singles Going Steady (1977-79, r. 1979)

51. R.E.M. In Time: The Best of R.E.M. (1988-2003, r. 2003)
52. Sam Cooke The Man and His Music (1951-65, r. 1986)
53. The Who Meaty, Beaty, Big and Bouncy (1964-70, r. 1971)
54. Bob Seger Greatest Hits (1976-94, r. 1994)
55. Steve Miller Band Greatest Hits 1974-1978 (1973-1978, r. 1978)
56. Charlie Patton Founder of the Delta Blues (1929-34, r. 1995)
57. Aerosmith Greatest Hits (1973-79, r. 1980)
58. The Beach Boys Very Best of (1962-88, r. 2001)
59. Arthur Collins The King of the Ragtime Singers (1902-16, r. 2014)
60. Blondie Best of (1976-80, r. 1981)

61. John Denver Greatest Hits (1969-72, r. 1973)
62. John Lennon The Collection (1969-80 r. 1982)
63. Shania Twain Greatest Hits (1994-2004, r. 2004)
64. Jimi Hendrix The Ultimate Experience (1966-70, r. 1992)
65. Eric Clapton The Cream of Clapton (1966-81, r. 1995)
66. Alabama Greatest Hits (1980-86, r. 1986)
67. Willie Dixon/various artists The Chess Box (1951-69, r. 1988)
68. Sting Fields of Gold – The Best of (1985-94, r. 1994)
69. Nirvana Nirvana (1988-94, r. 2002)
70. Pink Floyd Echoes: The Best of (1967-94, r. 2001)

71. Paul Simon The Ultimate Collection (1965-2002, r. 2015)
72. Barbra Streisand Memories (aka “Love Songs”) (1974-81, r. 1981)
73. Paul McCartney All the Best! (1970-87, r. 1987)
74. Guy Lombardo The Band Played On: 25 Number One Hits! (1927-50, r. 2002)
75. The Byrds Greatest Hits (1965-67, r. 1967)
76. John Mellencamp The Best That I Could Do (1978-88, r. 1997)
77. Bing Crosby The Definitive Collection (1931-57, r. 2006)
78. U2 Best of 1990-2000 (1991-2000, r. 2002)
79. Def Leppard Vault: Greatest Hits (1980-95, r. 1995)
80. Ray Charles Anthology (1955-68, r. 1988)

81. Styx Greatest Hits (1975-90, r. 1995)
82. Van Morrison Best of (1965-89, r. 1990)
83. Henry Burr Anthology: The Original King of Pop (1903-28, r. 2005)
84. Johnny Cash The Legend of… (1955-2003, r. 2005)
85. James Taylor Greatest Hits (1969-76, r. 1976)
86. The Doors Best of the Doors (1966-71, r. 1987)
87. Alan Jackson Greatest Hits Volume 2 and Some Other Stuff (compilation: 1996-2003, released 2003)
88. Janis Joplin Greatest Hits (1967-71, r. 1973)
89. Buddy Holly 20 Golden Greats (1956-58, r. 1978)
90. Roy Orbison For the Lonely - 18 Greatest Hits (1956-65, r. 1989)

91. Neil Young Decade (1966-76, r. 1977)
92. Pet Shop Boys Discography – The Complete Singles Collection (1985-91, r. 1991)
93. The Supremes Anthology (1962-76, r. 1986)
94. The Doobie Brothers Best of the Doobies (1972-76, r. 1976)
95. Bee Gees Timeless: The All-Time Greatest Hits (1966-97, r. 2017)
96. Alan Jackson The Greatest Hits Collection (1989-95, r. 1995)
97. Rod Stewart Greatest Hits (1971-78, r. 1979)
98. Olivia Newton-John Magic: The Best of (1973-90, r. 2001)
99. Prince Very Best of (1979-92, r. 2001)
100. Madonna GHV2 (1991-2000, r. 2001)

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First posted 3/30/2018; last updated 5/12/2024.

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Sunday, April 21, 2024

Laurel Canyon: Top 100 Songs

Laurel Canyon:

Top 100 Songs

Laurel Canyon is a mountainous neighborhood within the Hollywood Hills West district of Los Angeles, California. From the mid-‘60s to the mid-‘70s, it became “a nexus of counterculture activity and attitudes,” WK serving as a mecca for musicians including Jackson Browne, the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Canned Heat, Crosby Stills & Nash, Ned Doheny, members of the Eagles, Carole King, Love, members of the Mamas & the Papas, John Mayall, Joni Mitchell, the Monkees’ Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork, Jim Morrison (of the Doors), Harry Nilsson, Gram Parsons, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Judee Sill, J.D. Souther, James Taylor, Brian Wilson (of the Beach Boys), Neil Young, and Frank Zappa.

18 lists focused on songs from Laurel Canyon were aggregated together. Those songs were narrowed down to those which were released between 1965 and 1975 and appeared on three or more lists. That left 149 songs. The top 50 songs were automatically in. For the next 50, I took the remaining songs and sorted them by overall status in Dave’s Music Database. Those top 50 were then added to the list, sorted by their points on the Laurel Canyon lists.

Check out the Spotify playlist of these songs here..

Click here to see other genre-specific song lists.

1. Buffalo Springfield “For What It’s Worth” (1966)
2. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young “Our House” (1970)
3. The Mamas & the Papas “California Dreamin’” (1965)
4. The Mamas & the Papas “Twelve Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming to the Canyon)” (1967)
5. The Doors “Love Street” (1968)
6. The Turtles “Happy Together” (1967)
7. The Byrds “Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)” (1965)
8. Eagles “Take It Easy” (1972)
9. America “Ventura Highway” (1972)
10. Jackson Browne “Doctor My Eyes” (1972)

11. Joni Mitchell “Big Yellow Taxi” (1970)
12. Stephen Stills “Love the One You’re With” (1970)
13. The Byrds “Mr. Tambourine Man” (1965)
14. Crosby, Stills and Nash “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” (1969)
15. The Mamas & the Papas “Monday Monday” (1966)
16. Linda Ronstadt “You’re No Good” (1974)
17. The Byrds “So You Wanna Be a Rock and Roll Star” (1967)
18. Joni Mitchell “The Circle Game” (1970)
19. Eagles “Witchy Woman” (1972)
20. Poco “Pickin’ Up the Pieces” (1969)

21. Linda Ronstadt “When Will I Be Loved” (1974)
22. Buffalo Springfield “Mr. Soul” (1967)
23. The Byrds “Eight Miles High” (1966)
24. Carly Simon “You’re So Vain” (1972)
25. Love “Alone Again Or” (1967)
26. James Taylor “Fire and Rain” (1970)
27. Joni Mitchell “A Case of You” (1971)
28. Carole King “You’ve Got a Friend” (1971)
29. Flying Burrito Brothers “Christine’s Tune (Devil in Disguise)” (1969)
30. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young “Teach Your Children” (1970)

31. Carole King “I Feel the Earth Move” (1971)
32. Linda Ronstadt with the Stone Poneys “Different Drum” (1967)
33. Carole King “So Far Away” (1971)
34. Judee Sill “Crayon Angels” (1971)
35. The Byrds “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” (1968)
36. James Taylor “Sweet Baby James” (1970)
37. The Byrds “My Back Pages” (1967)
38. Carole King “It’s Too Late” (1971)
39. The Monkees “She” (1967)
40. Neil Young “Heart of Gold” (1972)

41. Eagles “Desperado” (1973)
42. Eagles “Tequila Sunrise” (1973)
43. The Mamas & the Papas “Go Where You Wanna Go” (1965)
44. Jackson Brown “Jamaica Say You Will” (1972)
45. Eagles “Peaceful, Easy Feeling” (1972)
46. Eagles “Already Gone” (1974)
47. Poco “A Good Feelin’ to Know” (1972)
48. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young “Helplessly Hoping” (1969)
49. Little Feat “Dixie Chicken” (1973)
50. Mama Cass Elliot (of the Mamas & the Papas) “Dream a Little Dream of Me” (1968)

51. Buffalo Springfield “Expecting to Fly” (1967)
52. Leon Russell “Tight Rope” (1972)
53. The Monkees “I’m a Believer” (1966)
54. The Beach Boys “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” (1966)
55. The Doors “L.A. Woman” (1971)
56. Neil Young “Cinnamon Girl” (1969)
57. The Monkees “Last Train to Clarksville” (1966)
58. Eagles “Lyin’ Eyes” (1975)
59. Crosby, Stills & Nash with Neil Young “Ohio” (1970)
60. The Mamas & the Papas “Creeque Alley” (1967)

61. Eagles “Best of My Love” (1974)
62. Joni Mitchell “River” (1971)
63. The Doors “Touch Me” (1968)
64. Linda Ronstadt “Long Long Time” (1970)
65. Three Dog Night “Mama Told Me Not to Come” (1970)
66. Eagles “Take It to the Limit” (1975)
67. Joni Mitchell “Help Me” (1974)
68. Joni Mitchell “Both Sides Now” (1969)
69. America “Lonely People” (1974)
70. Crosby, Stills & Nash “Marrakesh Express” (1969)

71. The Byrds “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better” (1965)
72. Crosby, Stills & Nash “Wooden Ships” (1969)
73. The Turtles “It Ain’t Me, Babe” (1965)
74. The Byrds “All I Really Want to Do” (1965)
75. The Association “Never My Love” (1967)
76. The Doors “Light My Fire” (1967)
77. The Monkees “Daydream Believer” (1967)
78. James Taylor “You’ve Got a Friend” (1971)
79. The Doors “Hello, I Love You” (1968)
80. Neil Young “Old Man” (1972)

81. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young “Woodstock” (1970)
82. The Doors “Riders on the Storm” (1971)
83. Eagles “One of These Nights” (1975)
84. The Doors “Break on Through” (1967)
85. James Taylor “How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You” (1975)
86. Love “My Little Red Book” (1966)
87. Sonny & Cher “I Got You Babe” (1965)
88. Canned Heat “On the Road Again” (1968)
89. The Doors “People Are Strange” (1967)
90. The Doors “Roadhouse Blues” (1970)

91. Joni Mitchell “Free Man in Paris” (1974)
92. Joni Mitchell “Carey” (1971)
93. The Doors “Love Her Madly” (1971)
94. Canned Heat “Going Up the Country” (1968)
95. The Doors “Love Me Two Times” (1967)
96. The Monkees “Pleasant Valley Sunday” (1967)
97. Neil Young “Southern Man” (1970)
98. Neil Young “The Needle and the Damage Done” (1972)
99. Linda Ronstadt “Heat Wave” (1975)
100. Linda Ronstadt “The Tracks of My Tears” (1975)

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First posted 4/21/2024; last updated 4/28/2024.

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Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Dave’s Music Database book: Music of the 1970s

Dave’s Music Database book:

Music of the 1970s

Abba, the Beatles, the Bee Gees, Black Sabbath, Blondie, David Bowie, Carpenters, Eagles, Al Green, Billy Joel, Led Zeppelin, Dolly Parton, Pink Floyd, Queen, Kenny Rogers, the Sex Pistols, Simon & Garfunkel, Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart, Barbra Streisand, Donna Summer, Village People, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young. All of them and more are in this handy guide to the decade which:

  • Explores disco, glam, punk, folk rock, heavy metal, pop, country, R&B, and more
  • Highlights songs and albums which won awards each year from 1970 to 1979
  • Lists the decade’s biggest songs, albums, and acts, overall and in different genres
  • Spotlights 50+ songs and 30+ albums

Songs Featured in the Book:

Albums Featured in the Book:

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First posted 2/27/2024; last updated 2/28/2024.

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Sunday, November 12, 2023

Dave's Faves: My Top 100 Country Songs

Dave’s Faves:

My Top 100 Country Songs

Here are my personal top 100 favorite country songs. Note: year of release is when song was first released, whether it be as a single or part of an album. Links on songs will take you to a DMDB page dedicated to that song.

To qualify as a country song, the song had to reach the Billboard country chart, rank on the DMDB list of the top 200 country songs, or be by an artist who achieved one or both of those feats. I excluded Christmas songs and a lot of the crossover hits of the 1950s which were also successful on the pop and R&B charts.

Click here to see other Dave’s Faves song lists.

1. Lyle Lovett “Step Inside This House” (1998)
2. Eagles “Seven Bridges Road” (live, 1980)
3. Kenny Rogers “Coward of the County” (1979)
4. Eagles “Desperado” (1973)
5. Willie Nelson with Lukas Nelson “Just Breathe” (2012)
6. Alan Jackson “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning” (2001)
7. Johnny Cash “Hurt” (2002)
8. Alabama “Mountain Music” (1982)
9. Kenny Rogers “The Gambler” (1978)
10. Eagles “Take It Easy” (1972)

11. Woody Guthrie “This Land Is Your Land” (1944)
12. Sturgill Simpson “In Bloom” (2016)
13. Charlie Daniels Band “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” (1979)
14. Sturgill Simpson “The Promise” (2014)
15. Hank Williams “Your Cheatin’ Heart” (1953)
16. Lyle Lovett “Nobody Knows Me” (1989)
17. Patsy Cline “Crazy” (1961)
18. Tammy Wynette “Stand by Your Man” (1968)
19. Johnny Cash “Ring of Fire” (1963)
20. Dolly Parton “9 to 5” (1980)

21. John Denver “Rocky Mountain High” (1972)
22. John Denver “Sunshine on My Shoulders” (1971)
23. Johnny Cash “I Walk the Line” (1956)
24. Lyle Lovett “Friend of the Devil” (1991)
25. Kenny Rogers “Lady” (1980)
26. Waylon Jennings “Just the Good Ol’ Boys (Theme from The Dukes of Hazzard)” (1980)
27. Lyle Lovett “Pontiac” (1988)
28. Willie Nelson “On the Road Again” (1980)
29. John Denver “Take Me Home, Country Roads” (1971)
30. Johnny Paycheck “Take This Job and Shove It” (1977)

31. Eagles “Lyin’ Eyes” (1975)
32. Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson “Mammas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” (1978)
33. John Denver “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” (1974)
34. Willie Nelson “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” (1980)
35. Jimmie Davis “You Are My Sunshine” (1940)
36. Lyle Lovett “She’s Hot to Go” (1988)
37. Olivia Newton-John “I Honestly Love You” (1974)
38. Roger Miller “King of the Road” (1965)
39. Lyle Lovett “She’s No Lady” (1988)
40. Kacey Musgraves “Follow Your Arrow” (2013)

41. Lyle Lovett “12th of June” (2022)
42. Lil Nas X with Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road” (2018)
43. Willie Nelson “Live Forever” (2022)
44. Dolly Parton “Jolene” (1973)
45. Dixie Chicks “Travelin’ Soldier” (2002)
46. Johnny Cash “Folsom Prison Blues” (live, 1968)
47. Flatt & Scruggs “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” (1962)
48. Lee Ann Womack with Sons of the Desert “I Hope You Dance” (2000)
49. Garth Brooks “Friends in Low Places” (1990)
50. Eagles “Tequila Sunrise” (1973)

51. The Dirt Band with Linda Ronstadt “An American Dream” (1979)
52. Glen Campbell “Rhinestone Cowboy” (1975)
53. George Jones “He Stopped Loving Her Today” (1980)
54. George Strait “Love Without End, Amen” (1990)
55. Jimmy Dean “Big Bad John” (1961)
56. Hank Snow “I’m Movin’ On” (1950)
57. Glen Campbell “Wichita Lineman” (1968)
58. Pure Prairie League “Falling in and Out of Love” / “Amie” (1975)
59. The Highwaymen (Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, & Kris Kristofferson) “The Highwayman” (1985)
60. Patti Page “Tennessee Waltz” (1950)

61. Marty Robbins “El Paso” (1959)
62. Kenny Rogers “Lucille” (1977)
63. Eddie Rabbitt “I Love a Rainy Night” (1980)
64. Mac Davis “It’s Hard to Be Humble” (1980)
65. Alabama “Love in the First Degree” (1981)
66. Ray Charles “I Can’t Stop Loving You” (1962)
67. Olivia Newton-John “Hopelessly Devoted to You” (1978)
68. Mary Chapin Carpenter “It Don’t Bring You” (1989)
69. Merle Haggard “Okie from Muskogee” (1969)
70. Tim McGraw “Live Like You Were Dying” (2004)

71. Alabama “Take Me Down” (1982)
72. Johnny Cash “A Boy Named Sue” (live, 1969)
73. Juice Newton “Queen of Hearts’ (1981)
74. Kenny Rogers & the First Edition “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town” (1969)
75. Randy Travis “Forever and Ever, Amen” (1987)
76. Willie Nelson “Always on My Mind” (1982)
77. Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton “Islands in the Stream” (1983)
78. Hank Williams “Hey Good Lookin’” (1951)
79. Alabama “Dixieland Delight” (1983)
80. Billy Ray Cyrus “Achy Breaky Heart” (1992)

81. The Artists of Then, Now & Forever “Forever Country” (2016)
82. Tennessee Ernie Ford “Sixteen Tons” (1955)
83. Hank Williams “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (1949)
84. The Oak Ridge Boys “Elvira” (1981)
85. Conway Twitty “Hello Darlin’” (1970)
86. Lyle Lovett “L.A. County” (1988)
87. Kenny Rogers & Sheena Easton “We’ve Got Tonight” (1983)
88. Elvis Presley “Blue Moon of Kentucky” (1954)
89. Patsy Cline “I Fall to Pieces” (1961)
90. Dixie Chicks “Silent House” (2006)

91. Ronnie Milsap “Smokey Mountain Rain” (1980)
92. Collin Raye “Love, Me” (1991)
93. Jeannie C. Riley “Harper Valley P.T.A.” (1968)
94. Lady Antebellum “Need You Now” (2009)
95. Hank Williams “Move It on Over” (1947)
96. Lyle Lovett “Here I Am” (1989)
97. Alabama “My Home’s in Alabama” (1980)
98. John Anderson “Swingin’” (1983)
99. Juice Newton “Angel of the Morning” (1981)
100. Alabama “Forty Hour Week for a Livin’” (1985)

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First posted 11/11/2023; last updated 11/12/2023.
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