Great compilation.
J. Hernandez | san antonio, texas United States | 07/18/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It is sad that Roxette is one of the great European bands that will never see recognition in The States. This is an excellent compilation of their ballads. I am glad that they decided to release 2 greatest hits cd's instead of mixing up-beat songs with the slow ones. It is wery well worth getting both releases The Ballad hits as well as The POP hits."
Ballad Brilliance
Tony Epifania | 05/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Pity Roxette has faded from the public eye so much over the years since the mid-nineties, they've still got the knack.
A new album would have been preferable of course, but at least we get a few new songs.
I'm appreciating Roxette's ballads more then ever these days, and this CD is chock full of great ones.
My opinion on each of the songs:1. A Thing About You:
Fairly low-key compared to most of the other tracks here, but an enjoyable return to the classic harmonies that made us fall in love with Roxette in the first place. 7.5/102. It Must Have Been Love
Impossible to dislike this classic ballad, but it's not my favourite Rox song despite what the booklet says.
My favourite part is definatly during the fade-out actually, when Gessle joins in the vocals. 8/103. Listen to Your Heart.
One of the most successful Roxette songs, but it's never inspired me as much as it does other fans.
It's a pretty good song, but overlong, and starting to sound dated. 7/104. Fading Like a Flower
Slam-bam rocking ballad that could easily fit on the pop hits compliation. Great guitars, and very catchy. 8/105. Spending my Time
Superb ballad, that hasn't aged much at all- should've been an even bigger hit then it was. 9/106. Queen of Rain
Elegant and atmospheric, this is a VERY underrated track. 8.5/107. Almost Unreal
The highlight for me in this song is the middle-8 with Per's 'It's a crazy world out there' vocals. 7.5/108. Crash! Boom! Bang!
A song of epic proportions, one that gets better with each listen. 9/109. Vulnerable
Mellow and sweet, there's a lot of people who aren't keen on this one - but I'm not one of them.
8/1010. You Don't Understand Me
Goodish song, but not one of my favourites. 7/1011. Wish I Could Fly
Epitome of a sweeping ballad, this glorious return should have brought Roxette back to superstardom. 10/1012. Anyone
Unfortunely no one much cared for this song on it's original release however, and though according to the booklet it's 'gaining momentum,' it's not often on my play list. 5/1013. Salvation
Back to form with a vengeance, this is one of my all-time favourites. 10/1014. Milk and Toast and Honey
Pretty, Breezy track from the 'Room Service' album. 7.5/1015. BreatheThis album closer is the second new song, and is very worthy to be on the same CD as all the other greats.
Ambient and indeed 'irresistable,' as Gessle tells us. 8/10Bonus Trax:1. The Weight of the World
I just start to get into this song when it finishes right out of the blue... Wierd, it's like Gessle got sick of it, and just stopped it half-way through, it clocks in at under three minutes. Oh well. 7/102. It Hurts
Sounds very much like a demo, but it's very listenable. 7/103. See Me
Wonderful ambient song in the vein of 'Breathe.'
It's often compared to Enya's work, but the melody is very Gessle (which is why I was a little surprised to find the music was written my Marie, the first of which on this 2 disk set). 8/104. Every Day
The second Marie composed track is an OK, but somewhat unremarkable way to end the disc. 7/10I hope we do eventually see another Roxette album, but if not, then this and the 'Pop Hits' compilation aren't a bad way to call an end to the Joyride."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1