Mike + the Mechanics' "Hits" does a great job living up to its name. This disc provides the listener with 64+ minutes of the band's most popular songs from their first four albums (1988-1995). The selection is excellent and includes one song not listed in amazon's track listing above (Track 14 is "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" from 1995's "Beggar On a Beach of Gold").

A few minor complaints are all that keeps this highly enjoyable collection from 5-stars. First of all, the cd booklet (if you can call it that) contains no information at all. In fact, it's solid white on the inside (I mention this so you won't be surprised and irritated like I was upon opening it for the first time). Secondly (and this is really a minor quibble), the songs are not presented in chronological order. Lastly, the price (as currently listed) is rather steep. Since there is only one song (or version of a song) included on this collection not available on the regular cd releases--"All I Need Is A Miracle '96"--and, since it's not even as good as the original version, you'd be better off collecting the individual releases starting with the debut.

This just seems to be a reissue of M+TM's UK best-of from 1996. That means that the version of "All I Need Is A Miracle" here is not the original. When Rhino decided to re-release this, why didn't they include both? As if that wasn't bad enough, this collection doesn't even have all of the group's Top 100 US hits. Usually Rhino does a great job off nailing all the charting singles and adding extra tracks, but in this case they really dropped the ball!

Back in 1996, there actually wasn't that much when it came to conjuring packages of greatest hits. Nevertheless, it is definitely a down to Earth expression. However, for Mike & The Mechanics, that is just another story. Back in the 80's, they were made as a spinoff group with Paul Carrack from Squeeze and solo efforts, and Mike Rutherford from Genesis, and his own arrangements on solo works. The songs that they made were just full of pop life, and the heart and soul that a lot of acts these days really don't have any expression of with manufactured imagery. Now, there is a remarkabel collection of their music all in one.

Mike & The Mechanics 1996 greatest hits album Hits is a very unique reflection of one of the more lesser known acts of the 80's. The songs on the import edition, the original edition have been remastered graciously well, and without almost any missed opportunities of feel good music. The collection includes so many great guilty pleasure classics like The Living Years, Taken In, the deep and dark Silent Running, Over My Shoulder, and Everybody Gets A Second Chance. While the album has been assembled well, there is only one disadvantage with this package, and that does mount with one of their biggest guily pleasure tracks All I Need Is A Miracle. On this package, there is a more recent version of this song here, than the original pop gem from 1985.

Nevertheless, Mike & The Mechanics Hits is a nicely assembled package for any fan of the guilty pleasure act. Thankfully, this edition is not copy-proof, where the recent U. S. editon which just finally made it into america nearly 10 years after this was made is encrypted, and it is a whole lot cheaper too.

Album Cover: B+

Songs: B+

Price: A-

Mastering: B 1/2+

Overall: B 1/2+

Good songs for all you truly nostalgic people who dwell in the music of the '80s. Has all the old favorites that you've heard played on the radio. High marks, magna cum-laude. Definitely recommend.

I looked high and low on Rhapsody and iTunes for Mike and The Mechanics music to no avail. Amazon came through for me as usual. Whenever I have trouble finding something I want to purchase, Amazon is my go to place. CD was in perfect condition and arrived in good time.