GREATEST HITS

This compilation represents a fairly comprehensive report of Queensryche's discography from their first EP (1983) to their weakest effort until this moment, 'Hear in the Now Frontier' (1997). The selection of songs is very representative of the band's history until 1997. There goes:

'Queen of the Reich' and 'The Lady Wore Black' from their first powerful EP. I don't believe that a fan would have asked more than these two tracks, the best of their EP, to be included in a 'best of' compilation. Excellent choice, very representative. For those unfamiliar, the tracks reflect an American Power metal sound, a sound that many claim that Queensryche have invented in the US... A great voice is introduced to heavy metal, this of Mr. Geoff Tate...

'Warning' and 'Take Hold of the Flame' from their first album 'Warning'. Still a very good selection of tracks that reflects the album's feeling and energy. There are omissions like 'Roads to Madness' (fellow reviewers have also mentioned this) but you can't have everything in a compilation. The sound continues to be in the path of power metal, a bit more 'sophisticated' this time, with great vocals and melodies that separate Queensryche from the rest in the power metal scene...

'Walk in the Shadows' and 'I Dream in Infrared' from Rage for Order. Well, in 1986 we have a great change of their sound, introducing some progressive elements and a quite unique sound that make this album Queensryche's most innovative effort. The tracks are yet again reflecting the atmosphere of the album and are a great introduction to their new sound...

'I Don't Believe in Love' and 'Eyes of a Stranger' from their most known album and masterpiece Operation:Mindcrime. Still many will argue that the selection of songs is not the best, while epics like 'The Mission' and 'Suite Sister Mary' are missing, but I consider these a fairly good effort to reflect the album's sound. Powerful 'hit' tracks that do their bit to represent the more mature and solid heavy metal sound of this album (comparing to its predecessor), meant to be one of the most important concept albums of the genre...

'Jet City Woman', 'Empire' and 'Silent Lucidity' from their most 'popular' album, Empire. My only objection is the inclusion of 'Silent Lucidity', which while is a pleasant ballad, it fails to impress me. The selection is very good, in particular the title track is a 'must listen' of this album. The sound for those unfamiliar, takes a more 'popular' metal direction, making this their weakest effort until 1990, but still an enjoyable record with some breathtaking moments.

'I am I' and 'Bridge' from The Promised Land. There could have been a better selection of tracks from the album. Tracks like 'Damaged' and 'Out of Mind' could have been included instead. Not bad choices though, representing the turn to a more 'sophisticated' (yet again) sound that tries to escape from the 'popular' paths of Empire. Again, progressive elements appear and show that the band is on the right track again...

...but not for long. 'Sign of the Times' represents Hear in the Now Frontier, an album that is definitely a step down for the band's progress. The song reflects the general 'weak' sound of the album, with uninspired lyrics and music. Still, it may be the best (!) from the album... 'Chasing Blue Sky' is a 'b' side track that could easily be included in the album. Again, a pleasant ballad (just pleasant though), probably better than any song in the record...

The compilation ends with a nice surprise: 'Someone Else?' performed by the band is an excellent emotional track (and personal favourite) that originally closes Promised Land. Very interesting version that concludes in an excellent way this compilation.

Overall, a worthy effort to produce a comprehensive compilation of Queensryche's history up to 1997. In terms of music, there is a variety from (very few) uninteresting tracks (Sign of the times) to (several) masterpieces (Walk in the shadows). In terms of selection, an observable effort has been put to make this compilation inclusive. In my opinion, it could have been a bit better, but still it's an excellent choice.

Highly recommended for first time listeners of Queensryche, this compilation won't let you down!

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