Disco de Blondie: “Best of Blondie [Australia]”

If the number of times I listen to it each year means anything, "The Best of Blondie" is the best greatest hits CD in my collection. Yes, the New Wave classics like "Dreaming," "Hanging on the Telephone," "One Way Or Another" and "Call Me" are here, but like with most artists the songs I really seem to enjoy are those great songs that never got a lot of air play, like "Atomic," "Sunday Girl" and my personal favorite, "(I'm Always Touched By Your) Presence Dear." Yes, it would be nice to have a bit more representation from the punk stage of vocalist Debbie Harry and guitarist Chris Stein (e.g., "I'm Not Living in the Real World"), but you do get the proto-rap hit "Rapture." What else can I say, except that pretty much everybody I know has this CD and loves it.

An excellent best-of from one of my all-time fave bands. I kind of wish they'd included more early stuff rather than sticking to just the hits - only because I'm curious to hear it. Still, the tracks here are some of the best new wave pop of the late '70s and early '80s. This album also gave me a chance to hear Blondie singles that either flopped when they were released in America or were not released here. "Sunday Girl," "Dreaming," "Atomic," and especially "In The Flesh" are all great songs that should have been bigger U.S. hits than they were. My fave cuts are "The Tide Is High," "Rapture," "One Way Or Another," "Dreaming," and especially "Rip Her To Shreds," a classic that doesn't get much airplay anymore. But every song is a classic! Their comeback album (No Exit) is excellent too; "Maria" is one of my all-time Blondie faves. Viva Debbie Harry, Chris Stein & Co. - they will continue to rock for years to come!

This album is a great introduction to one of the most innovative groups of musicians ever! Every song is a gem. And you'll get hooked! But No exit at the same time to compare and contrast, and soon you'll buying their whole catalog!

This is a compilation of Blondie's greatest hits from 1978-1981. They prove on every track that they are one of the best new wave bands to make mainstream. Debbie Harry expresses every lyric with the most unique voice heard on radio. Beyond her bleach-blonde hair and her sexy image is one of the most influencial female performers in music. Whether its rock, punk, reggae, pop, dance, or rap, Harry and the rest of Blondie have mastered it. Such variety proves that they have a wide musical range, which makes them more enjoyable to hear. Their tracks that hit number one on the Billboard Top 100 still have that magic spark that catches the listeners: "Heart of Glass", "Call Me", "The Tide Is High", and "Rapture". Their remaining tracks have that as well, though they're not often played on the radio. Every track explains why their influence is heard in many artists who came after them(No Doubt, Sublime, etc.). "The Best of Blondie" is the eccential compilation for all Blondie fans to own. These hits will get every party jumping.

Blondie were definitely cutting edge in the late 70's and early 80's. They burst onto the scene with unique songs that had a dance feel to them, but at the same time, had a new-wave edge. "Heart of Glass" kicks off this greatest hits package with a disco beat and catchy chorus and was a huge hit for them in 1979. Blondie's other huge hits are here also including the very cool #1 hit "Rapture" with its corny, but enjoyable rap by Debbie Harry. "The Tide Is High" is another Blondie staple with a reggae feel and became an 80's classic as did their biggest hit "Call Me." "One Way Or Another" is also instantly recognizable and shows the punk side of Blondie. Other enjoyable tracks include "Dreaming" and "In the Flesh" which has a 50's vibe to it.

Blondie were a very influential band. They helped shape music after the disco craze died. If you like this, I also recommend Pat Benatar's "Greatest Hits."