There are a few Bangles Grestest Hits collections out there. The two other popular collections are "Greatest Hits" and "The Essential"... this beats both for a few reasons. This collection takes the popular hits from "Different Light" and puts them right out in front and puts some of the lesser known album tracks in the back. This makes for a very pleasant listening experience. The album tracks used are all very well picked and hold their own against the hits and they aren't too overly poppy which makes these songs easier to enjoy. If fact some would argue that they are better than the hits. To me the hit "Eternal Flame" hasn't held up well over the years but the way this collection flows that song is much easier to take without hitting the skip button. Especially since all the songs that are similar to it like "I'll Set You Free" are no where to be found on this collection.

Another thing that works very well here is this CD clocks in at a little over 45 minutes. Many best of collections try to max out the CD or even carry over to a second CD. 45 minutes is the right amount of time to enjoy these songs without getting bored. I honestly couldn't sit through 79 minutes of Bangles songs.

If you like the Bangles and like 80s pop/rock check out this collection. This could easily be the only Bangles collection you would need.

NOTE: If you have the "We Are The 80s" Bangles collection you don't need to buy this one. It is the exact same track list and mastering. The only difference is this one has the booklet in PDF form on the disk.

I enjoyed this CD but would not place it in my favourites, although there are friends that enjoyed it and that says something positive about it.

I have always liked the Bangles for their music, particularly for their rendidtion of the Prince-penned "Manic Monday' and for 'Walk Like and Egyptian." Not all of the work selected here has held up so well but much of it can still be listened to with enjoyment and it should find a new generation of listeners through this release. One thing to remember is that this is a 'girl band' from an era where there were great 'girl' vocal groups but few young women who could play, sing and compose some of their own hits. One other oustanding example from the same time is the 'Go-Gos.' As instrumental musicians, the band puts down driving beats and as vocalists, they produce some fine close harmony work. Pop this CD in the car audio system and hit the road.

This is a good Bangles compilation with most of their hits and some good album tracks, most of which are covers but are still good.