In the not-so-distant past, the release of a Greatest Hits album was significant as it represented a milestone for an artist or band; one that featured a curated collection of their most successful and beloved songs. While some would naturally lament the track selection, as it didn’t meet their subjective expectations, the compilation album was one of the most successful endeavours in all of recorded music history for not only were the outlay costs minimal for record labels, but it also had the potential to appeal to casual and new listeners, as well as existing fans. In today’s streaming-dominated landscape, where playlists reign supreme, the relevance of a curated Best Of release seems trivial, perhaps, but don’t go anywhere for we’ll explore the pros and cons of compilation releases in the modern era.

A Brief History Of Greatest Hits Albums

Greatest Hits albums have long been a staple of the music industry, gaining mainstream popularity in the 1960s and 1970s when record labels recognised the potential of repackaging an artist’s most successful singles into an album-length release. These albums were a win-win for both the artist and the label as they generated additional revenue without the need for new material and offered fans a convenient way to own all of an artist’s biggest hits in one place, such as Johnny Mathis’ Johnny’s Greatest Hits; purportedly the very first Greatest Hits compilation.

Over the years, Greatest Hits albums became an industry standard, with nearly every major artist releasing one (or more) at some point in their career. These albums often included previously unreleased tracks, alternate versions, or remixes that entice die-hard fans to pick up a release comprised, predominantly of, previously released material. However, for many listeners, Greatest Hits albums were a gateway to familiarise themselves with an artist’s most popular work before diving deeper into their catalogue. They were also a great gift for the casual fan or emerging music-lover.

Yes, dear reader, despite the popularity of playlists, these humble releases are still being made and are available at your local record store. Granted, the fanfare surrounding these releases are not the event they once were, but that shouldn’t diminish their cultural importance for there are numerous cases where Greatest Hits releases were more successful than the artist’s individual records. Compilations such as the Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975), The Beatles’ 1, and Bob Marley And The Wailers’ Legend – The Best of Bob Marley & The Wailers, outsold any of their respective studio albums. In some cases, particularly as it pertains to Bob Marley And The Wailers Legend, the release is so good that unless you’re a dedicated fan, this single collective work is all, most people, would ever need.

The Impact Of The Digital Revolution And Playlists

Despite Greatest Hits releases weathering the changing tide of music format shifts, the arrival of the Internet-driven digital age, in the late 90s and early 2000s forever changed the musical landscape and the way people listened to music shifted dramatically during this time. By this stage, Vinyl had all but disappeared, and the Compact Cassette was similarly waning. CDs were still popular but would begin to yield to digital downloads, and eventually streaming services, as music lovers began to realise they were no longer bound by the constraints of physical media.

With platforms like iTunes, listeners could cherry-pick individual songs rather than purchase an entire album. This freedom diminished the appeal of Greatest Hits collections, as consumers could now create personalised playlists, effectively rendering these albums obsolete. Fast forward to the modern streaming era and services such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, dominate the record industry, allowing for unprecedented access to music that interests you. With access to millions of songs, and albums, along with the convenience and affordability of streaming, there is little doubt as to why it has become the preferred method of music consumption, for most people, with physical media and digital downloads now occupying a niche market.

One of the core features streaming services offer is the ability to curate personalised playlists. Whether it’s a playlist of an artist’s most popular songs, a genre-specific mix, or a mood-based selection, streaming services have made it easier than ever for listeners to discover and enjoy music. Going beyond songs alone, it’s even possible to use Apple Music’s playlist and associated folders feature to create a playlist of albums for each calendar year. Who wouldn’t be drawn to such flexibility?

In essence, the playlist has replaced the Greatest Hits release. Much of this shift in popularity is due to the ability of the individual to curate a selection of what they, subjectively, feel to be great, versus a curated static collection of songs that may, or may not, appeal to the individual music lover.  Purists will, undoubtedly, question this logic and I can certainly understand both sides of the argument, but a collection of songs that can be updated in real-time to reflect current trends and adapt to the evolving tastes of music lovers is an extremely compelling proposition.

Of course, curated playlists remain prevalent on streaming platforms, such as Apple Music’s Essentials, Deep Cuts, and Live; all of which are a compilation of sorts. They’re dynamic versus the static releases of old. Imagine, if you will, you enjoy a curated playlist so much that it becomes a beloved selection of songs that you simply can’t live without. Come Monday morning, you play the playlist only to find that it has been updated. Perhaps a live track has been slipped in. Or a Christmas tune for that merriment time of year. What would you do if your favourite song had been omitted? In the age of the curated playlist, unlike the traditional static Greatest Hits release, the playlist is dynamic and can be added to and changed as an artist or record label sees fit. Even if a song is suddenly deemed offensive, it can be cancelled in our overly sensitive modern era. Hopefully, you can see, that there is still a need for a static Greatest Hits release, despite the possibility that it can quickly become outdated, and has limited appeal in the modern era.

Pros And Cons Of Greatest Hits Albums In The Streaming Era

Pros Of Greatest Hits Albums

1. Cultural Significance: Greatest Hits albums have a long history and cultural significance as they represent an artist’s achievements, often serving as a time capsule of their storied career.

2. Accessibility For New And Casual Fans: For new listeners unfamiliar with an artist’s work, a Greatest Hits album can still serve as a convenient entry point. Similarly, many casual fans will find the conciseness of a curated compilation to be an appealing attribute.

3. Physical Collectibles: Greatest Hits releases, via physical media, offer a tangible connection to an artist’s work. Vinyl records, CDs, and even limited edition box sets of Greatest Hits collections are still popular among collectors and enthusiasts and, perhaps most importantly, can be gifted to music-loving individuals; an arguably more personal gift than a gift card.

4. Marketing And Sales: Greatest Hits albums are still a valuable marketing tool for artists and record labels as they generate additional hype and revenue, especially during milestone anniversaries, reunions, or when an artist is preparing for a new release or tour.

5. Artistic Integrity: Some artists take great care in curating their Greatest Hits releases, ensuring that the collection represents their body of work in a meaningful way. This artistic integrity can elevate a Greatest Hits compilation beyond just a commercial product, making it a valuable piece of an artist’s legacy.

Cons Of Greatest Hits Albums

1. Redundant In The Streaming Era: With the rise of streaming services and playlists, the need for a Greatest Hits album is greatly diminished. Music lovers can now easily create their own playlists, or find curated ones that offer a similar experience, making the static Greatest Hits album feel like a relic from a bygone era.

2. Outdated Collections: Greatest Hits albums often don’t reflect an artist’s evolving career, particularly if they’re still actively recording new material. As new music is released, these compilations can quickly become outdated, lacking the customisation and relevance that playlists can offer. Of course, that isn’t to suggest that an artist’s new works are Greatest Hits worthy, but a static Best Of release gives no options for expanding post-acquisition. Additionally, when Greatest Hits albums are released on streaming platforms, they can be missing songs, so check out Why Songs On Apple Music Are Greyed Out And How To Fix It for alternative options.

3. Lack Of Personalisation: Greatest Hits albums are one-size-fits-all collections that may not resonate with every listener. In contrast, playlists can be personalised to match an individual’s tastes, offering a more tailored listening experience.

4. Limited Discovery: Greatest Hits releases typically focus on an artist’s most popular tunes, which can limit the discovery of lesser-known gems within their catalogue. Playlists, on the other hand, can introduce listeners to a broader range of an artist’s work, including deep cuts and live performances that would normally be omitted. Plus, if you stream a Greatest Hits compilation, you can instantly go and listen to the artist’s studio albums if you so wish. Convenience, in this instance, reigns supreme.

So, Are Greatest Hits Albums Still Necessary In The Modern Era?

Yes, but it’s not a clear-cut argument.

As already discussed, the case against the importance of Greatest Hits albums, in the modern era, is considerable as it lacks the personalisation and flexibility offered by streaming services. Yet, it’s imperative to not dismiss the importance of the Greatest Hits album, even from a modernistic perspective, as many of us, myself included, appreciate a well-curated release that requires no thought from the listener’s perspective. We can simply sit back and enjoy. Additionally, new listeners will likely appreciate a Greatest Hits release as it’s an accessible entry point into an artist’s catalogue.

It should also be remembered that the flexibility that is offered by the modern-day playlist will not appeal to all music lovers; especially those who don’t want to be bothered putting together playlists or waking up one day to find their favourite song is no longer streaming on their chosen platform. Some people naturally won’t care, but many do. For those people, the static compilation remains essential. Add to that the bonus artwork and written reflections that accompany physical releases and you have a value-added proposition that streaming services simply can’t replicate.

The Future Of Greatest Hits Albums

As the music industry continues to evolve, so too must the concept of the Greatest Hits album and it need not remain in its static state; let me explain. By embracing a hybrid model, artists and record labels could appease both types of music lovers. The static releases would remain in the physical realm, as well as being made available to digital download stores. The streamed edition could be dynamic and subject to change as an artist or their label sees fit. This duel model has already been explored with artists such as Guns N’ Roses (with their 2020 reissue of Greatest Hits; now including the Shadow Of Your Love) and The Rollings Stones (with their 2019 release Honk; now including the song Living In A Ghost Town); examples that prove that both the traditional and modern worlds can coexist in harmony.

In the end, whether or not Greatest Hits albums are still necessary may depend on how artists and labels choose to prioritise them. Granted, they have to resonate with audiences, but if the compilation release is to survive, artists and record labels need to continue to support these albums, otherwise, the career perspective release will be relegated to a relic of the past.