This is the Greatest Hits collection of all (well, most of them) from the dance-era pop queen, Paula Abdul! I adore Paula so I was SO glad that a collection of all the hits (plus some bonus songs) were released! It all began with "Straight Up," which elevated her to pop princess status. One of the greatest perks about this album is all the songs are the radio/video/7" edits, so all the versions we're familiar with from the radio are all in this collection. This collection definitely has its perks and some downsides (which I will get to). Now, here's a song-by-song review of "Greatest Hits"...

Straight Up (5/5) : It's the single that started it all! It's catchy, it's fun, it's everything that a hit single needs. This is the single that almost never happened, as Virgin Records didn't initially push for this song. Backed with great productions and Paula's sassy voice, this song definitely works well. This is without a doubt the first song that comes to mind when you think of Paula. Great pop classic.

Cold Hearted (4/5) : This is another one of Paula's hits from the Forever Your Girl debut album. This is also the version of the song in which Paula's rap is present (which is not on the FYG album). It's a really good song, definitely radio-material.

Forever Your Girl (5/5) : This is one of my favorite Paula songs ever! Some people have complained that Paula's voice on the first album was strained-sounding, which I do agree Paula sounds a little straining in this song in some parts, but for some reason it doesn't seem to take away the likableness of this song. I think it's one of Paula's stronger singles, and it's one of her 6 #1 singles. I also prefer this 7" version to the album version as well.

The Way That You Love Me (5/5) : Another Paula classic. This song was actually released twice, the first time it didn't even crack the top 40, and when it was remixed and re-released, it shot to #3. Definitely a fun, upbeat song, like most of Paula's songs especially from the first record.

Knocked Out (5/5) : While many people may think that "Straight Up" was Paula's first single, it actually wasn't. Virgin Records tried launching Paula with "Knocked Out" first, even before she finished her album. Produced and written by Babyface and LA Reid, this was the first song that Paula recorded for the album. "Knocked Out" was first sent out to radio stations across the nation to basically 'test the waters' to see if Paula could make it as a recording artist. Although it wasn't a huge hit (it didn't crack the top 40), it was successful enough for Paula to complete a full-length album (Forever Your Girl). This is definitely another one of my favorite Paula songs, and one of her more edgier songs, mixing in some R&B flavor. The only reason I think it wasn't as successful as it could've been was because Paula was new at the time, and I don't think it was as publicized as her other hits (it had a boring video). I think this song is one of Paula's best vocal performances, it seems her voice fits this song really well. I also much prefer this version to the album version. This version is more energetic and upbeat, well the album version seems to be a little more flat. But both are still great nonetheless.

Opposites Attract (5/5) : I really love this song! Paula and the Wild Pair recorded this song together, and the infamous video features Paula singing and dancing with an animated cat (known as MC Skat Kat - who actually went on to have an album!). Some people say the video is was what propelled the song to #1, but it is also one of Paula's catchiest! The song and video are definitely one of Paula's most memorable!

Bend Time Back 'Round (2/5) : This song wasn't actually on a Paula album, but was released on the Beverly Hills 90210 Soundtrack in the early 90's. I don't think it's one of Paula's best (probably why it never made it to the follow-up album 'Spellbound').

Rush Rush (5/5) : This song was Paula's first single from the follow-up album Spellbound, which was released in 1991. In between Forever Your Girl and Spellbound, Paula worked hard with a vocal coach and Paula's voice REALLY developed. It's very evident on several tracks on Spellbound. This is definitely one of Paula's greatest vocal performances, showing off Paula's higher vocal range and her control. This is a very sweet and pretty song and was her very first ballad she released. I love this song.

The Promise Of A New Day (4.5/5) : Another strong single from Paula. This song also shot to the #1 spot on Billboard, making it Paula's sixth #1 single! I love the sound of this song, there are more wind instruments sounds and percussion, and it really makes the song sound unique.

Blowing Kisses In The Wind (4.5/5) : Another ballad release from Paula. This song is a little bit more haunting and mysterious sounding compared to Rush, Rush. Paula's voice sounds pretty in this song. Peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Vibeology (4/5) : This song is very unique! It's one of Paula's most original and fun, but the song itself is so weird! It doesn't really follow a specific song format (like verse-bsection-chorus). The lyrics seem to be all over the place! There's ad-libing and really funky choir vocals in this song. It's one of those songs that you just have to hear to understand what I mean. It's hard to review this song! I MUCH prefer the album version to this version. This one is a lot shorter and seems to cut out a lot of Vibeology's best parts.

My Love Is For Real (R&B Remix) (5/5) : Paula took 3 years off, and returned to the spotlight with this first single (which Paula co-wrote) from Head Over Heels, Paula's 3rd studio album. First of all, I have to say, I HATE this version! The original version is very Middle-Eastern influenced, bass-driven, very unique and original, and features background vocals from the late Israeli singer Ofra Haza. The original version is supreme, and this remixed version really takes away that special influence that the original had. This version makes My Love Is For Real sound really bland and boring, while the original is really amazing. I don't know why this version was put on the album. I still rate the song 5/5 because it's one of my favorite Paula songs. This is a song that should've been a #1 hit, but still remains one of her most underrated songs.

Crazy Cool (5/5) : Another Head Over Heels single. Not as successful as Paula's previous hits, but still another very underrated song. One of Paula's best. This song really brings Paula up-to-date musically, with more R&B sound, kind of like TLC and Janet Jackson had at the time, and it really works for her! This song is one of Head Over Heels most stand-out songs.

If I Were Your Girl (4/5) : This song wasn't actually a single, but it was going to be. Since Head Over Heels sold poorly (compared to previous albums), Virgin Records decided not to promote HOH any further, and dropped Paula from the label. Although the song is really good, it has some downsides. First of all, I think Rhett Lawrence is a GREAT producer, but I don't like his production of this song. Also, in the bridge right before Paula goes into the chorus for the last time, the vocals and melody should have been arranged to be stronger, so it could've really given more power to the song. I still love it though, and Paula's voice sounds great.

Megamix Medley (1/5) : I'm not a fan of medleys and this one isn't an exception. It's paced very fast, and some of the songs just don't work in this medley (Rush Rush especially). Not even the uptempos sound good in this megamix. Could've added 10 minutes more of other songs instead of this.

Crazy Love (5/5) : This song was on the Japanese version of Head Over Heels, but I can't see why it was included on the US version of Head Over Heels. I think this song could've been a single! Recorded, again, with the Wild Pair, this song is very catchy and fun! Well, at least it was added to this album!

Overall - Great album!! Although there are some things missing. The beautiful song "Will You Marry Me?," which was a top 40 hit, is not included in this collection. Maybe Paula was fed up with marriages and didn't want to include this painful song, which possibly could've reminded her of her previous affairs?! Who knows?? Another song that was forgotten was "Ain't Never Gonna Give You Up" which was Paula's last single to date. Even though it wasn't much of a hit, it still should've been included. It's one of my favorite Paula songs.

All I have to say about this extraordinary release is: FINALLY! I speak on behalf of all Paula Abdul fans when I proclaim the wait was long enough. I also want to give a big fat "thank you" to Virgin Records. All right, folks. The album opens with "Straight Up," Paula's first number one single. Then slithers "Cold Hearted," complete with the rap and all! "Forever Your Girl," "The Way That You Love Me," and "Opposites Attract" all fit perfectly into this top-notch collection. "Bend Time Back 'Round" may be new to some, but it was originally an early 90's recording for Paula that appeared in several places. The SPELLBOUND singles following, brushing off "Will You Marry Me?" all together. HEAD OVER HEELS hits "My Love Is For Real" and "Crazy Cool" (remix CITY!) sneak in, too. The oddball out this time around is "If I Were Your Girl." Never released, but no complaints here since I've always liked the song anyway. A special "Megamix Medley" and "Crazy Love" close the CD and puts a satisfying touch to the tip of the brand-spanking-new Paula Abdul iceburg. Thank you God! I love this CD and any Paula fan who doesn't might need a checkup.

I just received this Greatest Hits CD for my birthday and after I opened it, some of my friends laughed and remarked that Paula didn't even have enough songs to fill a "Greatest Hits" CD. Of course, I have to disagree. I was a teenager in the late 80's and early 90's and Paula was everywhere. She recorded some of the most perfect pop songs of that time. The first song I remember hearing from her on the radio was "Straight Up" which was her first #1 song. That was quickly followed by three other chart-toppers "Forever Your Girl", "Cold Hearted", and "Opposites Attract". Then there was also "The Way You Love Me" which was also a top-ten hit and "Knocked Out" which was a minor hit. That's six great songs from her debut album! And the versions on this CD are the versions that you would hear on the radio and on MTV back then -- and are much different from her album versions. Then she released her second album and had 2 more #1 hits "Rush, Rush" and "The Promise of a New Day" along with the Top Ten "Blowing Kisses in the Wind". "Vibeology" and "Will You Marry Me?" (which is not on this CD) were also Top Twenty hits for her, but in my opinion those songs were not nearly as good as her earlier releases. By the time her "Head Over Heels" album came out in 1995 she couldn't buy a hit. I saw the video for "My Love is for Real" on MTV a few times but it certainly didn't excite me as much as her other songs had. I don't know why she has never been able to recapture some of the magic from her first two albums (three if you count her remix album "Shut Up and Dance"), but one reason has to be that she took so long in between releasing albums after her second one. I also think that she was never able to pick songs as good as she did for her debut album. I hope that people will really enjoy this Greatest Hits CD and remember how great her songs were. Granted, we all knew her voice wasn't the best, but that really wasn't the point. The songs were great and most have really held up well. Now I will admit that I usually skip over "Bend Time Back 'Round" (never heard of it) and I have yet to really listen to any of the songs from her last album because none of them really caught my ear. I hope that Paula will someday be able to release a new album full of great songs and recapture some of the magic that made her a big star back in the day, but if not at least she gave us some memorable songs and videos.

I have always loved Paula Abdul since the very very start (I guess I'm showing my age). She has the coolest songs and her dancing in her videos was always great because she was/is such a good choreographer. While I love each and every song on here, I really wish that she'd make more music and add to this cd. I'd love to know what her music would be like now in the 2000's. The best on here is If I Were Your Girl, Blowing Kisses In The Wind, Cold Hearted and Crazy Cool. Please please make more music. She's too much of a great talent to only be judging American Idol and writing a book. We want to see more dancing and singing.

Thank God for small mercies. I never thought Virgin would get off their behinds and release this CD, but expectedly, there isn't any new material here (except one unreleased track from 1995). But it is SOLID, and the perfect Paula Abdul CD to carry around. I can't get enough of it, especially since I'm a Paula Abdul trivia buff and cant help remembering the years and peak positions each track managed. Lets step through the CD:

1. Straight Up - (single version) : Paula's first US No. 1 is VERY different from the album version. If you never heard this on the radio when it first came out, this is your chance. Remember the black and white video with Arsenio Hall?

2. Cold Hearted - From 'Forever Your Girl'. This is an amazing dance track and sounds even better 13 years after the original release date. (7" edit version)

3. Forever Your Girl - The title track from her debut album is not a very good song, but it does make you nostalgic. Note that this is the single version.

4. Way That You Love Me - Paula brought this song to life during an amazing live performance at the 1990 American Music Awards (she opened the show). It re-entered the Hot 100 after the performance, which was an achievement of sorts for a single that had had its' time on the charts. (single version)

5. Knocked Out - (single version)- The music video had Paula as a boxer, and the song was track 2 on the original album. It was never a big hit, and the only reason its here is because it was released as a single.

6. Opposites Attract - (with The Wild Pair, 7" edit) - I dont like this song, never have, never will. It sounds silly and theres too much music instrumentation.

7. Bend Time Back Around - (single version) - Never heard of this one? Well, thats because it was specially commissioned for the first season of 'Beverly Hills 90210' and also featured on the show's soundtrack. It has never appeared anywhere else.

8. Rush, Rush - (7" edit)- The first No. 1 hit from 'Spellbound' is a charming little ballad with violins and everything. The video also featured Keanu Reeves. This song toppled Michael Jackson's 'Black or White' from the No. 1 spot when it was released.

9. Promise Of A New Day, The - (7" edit) - The seond No. 1 from the 'Spellbound' video is also a wonderful track. The video was shot in a tropical rainforest with lots of aerobic dancing going on. Great dance beat.

10. Blowing Kisses In The Wind - (edit) - Paula as a ballet dancer is NOT a nice thought. This song was her last Top 10 single ever, so I note it for historic value. Other than that, its just a soppy ballad.

11. Vibeology - (video edit) - This is a great funk song. Paula returns to her dance roots, but it wasn't enough to save her failing career.

12. My Love Is For Real - (R&B remix, featuring Ofra Haza) - The first single from 'Head Over Heels' was not a big hit, but it was the best song on the album. You'll love this one.

13. Crazy Cool - (single version) -nPaula's sexy cowgirl image didn't win her new fans, and eroded her old fan base. This track was the last big single release Paula has had till now. Sob.

14. If I Were Your Girl - (single version) - Released as a limited edition single, it was pulled back from stores when sales were low and no one bought it. No wonder. The song itself is soppy and boring, and very unoriginal.

15. Megamix Medley - This is a very unneccessary track. I hated it. Why string along all the songs in this fashion? I skip this everytime.

16. Crazy Love - (single version) - This song was also released to radio as a single, and you won't find a CD Version that easily. Pity, because it could have been a great hit if they marketed it well. But as a closer, its a great song and keeps the spirit of Paula alive.

If you like Paula, you'll love this album. Its really very good! The packaging however is disappointing as Paula looks rather terrible. But get it for the music. You'll love it.