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Greatest Hits (Bruce Springsteen album)

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Greatest Hits
Greatest hits album by
Bruce Springsteen
ReleasedFebruary 27, 1995
Recorded1974–1995
GenreRock
Length76:35
LabelColumbia
Producer
Bruce Springsteen chronology
In Concert/MTV Plugged
(1993) 		Greatest Hits
(1995) 		The Ghost of Tom Joad
(1995)
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band chronology
Chimes of Freedom
(1988) 		Greatest Hits
(1995) 		Blood Brothers
(1996)
Singles from Greatest Hits
  1. "Murder Incorporated"
    Released: February 24, 1995 (EU)[1]
  2. "Secret Garden"
    Released: April 11, 1995
  3. "Hungry Heart '95"
    Released: October 1995[2]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[3]
Entertainment WeeklyB+[4]
NME6/10[5]
Rolling Stone[6]

Greatest Hits is the first compilation album by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen, released February 27, 1995, on Columbia Records. It is a collection of some of Springsteen's hit singles and popular album tracks through the years along with four new songs at the end, mostly recorded with the E Street Band in 1995. The latter constituted Springsteen's first (albeit very partial) release with his backing band since the late 1980s. Some of the songs are shorter versions of the original album releases.

The incorporation of the "new" tracks was portrayed in the 1996 documentary Blood Brothers. "Murder Incorporated" and "This Hard Land" were, in fact, unused 1982 songs from the Born in the U.S.A. sessions, with the latter being re-recorded here more than a decade later, and both subsequently became Springsteen concert staples.[7][8][9] "Blood Brothers", on the other hand, was played only as the final closing song of both the 1999–2000 Reunion Tour and 2002–2003 Rising Tour, both times with an extra verse added. "Secret Garden" achieved notoriety via the soundtrack of the 1996 film Jerry Maguire. Alternate versions of several of these new tracks were released on the 1996 Blood Brothers EP.

The compilation was commercially successful, hitting number one on the Billboard 200 and UK Albums Chart, and sold six million copies in the U.S.[10]

Critical reception

[edit]

The reception by music critics of Greatest Hits was rather negative upon the album's release, as are more contemporary reviews. David Browne of Entertainment Weekly felt that the album was released when it was because the Grammy Awards were coming up and "Streets of Philadelphia" was up for five awards and that the songs on the album were selected because of charting success, which means that several important songs were overlooked. He also felt that "Murder Incorporated" (in reference to the 1930s Murder, Inc.) was the only good new song on the album and that overall the album felt as if Bruce did not believe in himself any more.[4]

The Rolling Stone review of the album by Parke Puterbaugh is rather unfavorable. Parke felt that the songs on the collection belonged on their original LP releases, that songs from before Born to Run should have been included and that the new songs weren't that good.[6]

Commercial performance

[edit]

The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 the week of March 18, 1995, with more than 250,000 copies sold, it remained on the chart for 43 weeks.[11][12] As of March, 2009 it has sold over 4,092,000 copies in the United States according to Nielsen SoundScan.[13] It was certified six times platinum by the RIAA on May 25, 2022, for shipments of 6,000,000.[14]

In the United Kingdom the album entered at number one on March 11, 1995, and topped the chart for two non consecutive weeks.[15] It was present on the chart for 134 weeks.[15] It was certified four times platinum by the BPI on March 21, 2014, denoting shipments of 1,200,000 units.[16]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Bruce Springsteen

No.TitleOriginal albumLength
1."Born to Run"Born to Run (1975)4:30
2."Thunder Road"Born to Run4:48
3."Badlands"Darkness on the Edge of Town (1978)4:03
4."The River"The River (1980)5:00
5."Hungry Heart"The River3:20
6."Atlantic City"Nebraska (1982)3:56
7."Dancing in the Dark"Born in the U.S.A. (1984)4:03
8."Born in the U.S.A."Born in the U.S.A.4:41
9."My Hometown" (edit)Born in the U.S.A.4:12
10."Glory Days" (edit)Born in the U.S.A.3:49
11."Brilliant Disguise"Tunnel of Love (1987)4:15
12."Human Touch" (radio version)Human Touch (1992)5:10
13."Better Days" (edit)Lucky Town (1992)3:44
14."Streets of Philadelphia" (single edit)Philadelphia soundtrack (1993)3:16
15."Secret Garden"New song: Recorded in January 1995 at The Hit Factory, New York City[17]4:27
16."Murder Incorporated"New song: Recorded at The Power Station in April/May 19823:57
17."Blood Brothers"New song: Recorded in January 1995 at The Hit Factory, New York City4:34
18."This Hard Land"New song: Recorded in January 1995 at The Hit Factory, New York City4:50

Personnel

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Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Greatest Hits.[18]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Certifications and sales for Greatest Hits
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[47] 10× Platinum 700,000‡
Austria (IFPI Austria)[48] 2× Platinum 100,000*
Belgium (BEA)[49] Platinum 50,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[50] 4× Platinum 400,000^
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[51] 5× Platinum 100,000‡
Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[52] Platinum 76,419[52]
France (SNEP)[53] Platinum 300,000*
Germany (BVMI)[54] 2× Platinum 1,000,000^
Ireland (IRMA)[55] Platinum 15,000^
Italy
1995-1996 sales 		— 350,000[56]
Italy (FIMI)[57]
sales since 2009 		Platinum 50,000‡
Japan (RIAJ)[58] Platinum 200,000^
Netherlands (NVPI)[59] 2× Platinum 200,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[60] 4× Platinum 60,000‡
Norway (IFPI Norway)[61] 2× Platinum 100,000*
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[62] 2× Platinum 200,000^
Sweden (GLF)[63]
digipack 		Platinum 100,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[64] Platinum 50,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[65] 5× Platinum 1,500,000‡
United States (RIAA)[14] 6× Platinum 4,092,000[13]
Summaries
Europe (IFPI)[66] 5× Platinum 5,000,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Murder Incorporated". Archived from the original on September 6, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2018 – via Amazon.
  2. ^ "Great Rock Discography". p. 773.
  3. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Review: Greatest Hits by Bruce Springsteen". United States: AllMusic. Archived from the original on September 6, 2023. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  4. ^ a b Browne, David (March 10, 1995). "Music Review: Bruce Springsteen: Greatest Hits (1995)". Entertainment Weekly. No. 265. ISSN 1049-0434. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  5. ^ Fadele, Dele (March 11, 1995). "Long Play". NME. p. 52. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Puterbaugh, Parke (April 6, 1995). "Album Review: Greatest Hits by Bruce Springsteen". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on November 25, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  7. ^ "Bruce Springsteen to re-release landmark box set of rare material – Uncut". August 12, 2013. Archived from the original on October 19, 2018. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  8. ^ Spiegel, Ben (August 15, 2014). "10 Amazing Songs Springsteen Cut From 'Born in the U.S.A.'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on October 24, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  9. ^ Collins, Roger. "Springstreet staples". Iomusic. Archived from the original on February 4, 2009. Retrieved December 9, 2008.
  10. ^ Grein, Paul. "Week Ending Oct. 19, 2008: Battle Of The Hat Acts" Archived October 26, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Yahoo! Music. October 22, 2008.
  11. ^ "Top 200 Albums". Billboard. March 18, 1995. Archived from the original on February 19, 2018. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  12. ^ Mayfield, Geoff (March 18, 1995). "Between The Bullets". Billboard. Vol. 107, no. 12. p. 88. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  13. ^ a b Trust, Gary (March 27, 2009). "Ask Billboard: Basia, Bon Jovi and The Boss". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 6, 2013. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  14. ^ a b "American album certifications – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits". Recording Industry Association of America.
  15. ^ a b "Bruce Springsteen | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Archived from the original on October 15, 2017. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  16. ^ "British album certifications – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits". British Phonographic Industry. March 21, 2014. Archived from the original on July 16, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  17. ^ Kirkpatrick, Rob (December 2006). The Words and Music of Bruce Springsteen. Westport, Connecticut: Praeger. p. 131. ISBN 978-0-275-99245-3.
  18. ^ Greatest Hits (liner notes). Bruce Springsteen. Columbia Records. 1995.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  20. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  21. ^ "Ultratop.be – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
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  23. ^ "Top RPM Albums: Issue 9077". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  24. ^ "Hits of the World – Ireland". Billboard. Vol. 107, no. 14. April 8, 1995. p. 61. ISSN 0006-2510.
  25. ^ "Dutchcharts.nl – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  26. ^ "Hits of the World – Eurochart". Billboard. Vol. 107, no. 15. April 15, 1995. p. 61. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
  27. ^ "Hits of the World – Finland". Billboard. Vol. 107, no. 15. April 15, 1995. p. 61. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
  28. ^ "Les "Charts Runs" de chaque Album Classé". InfoDisc (in French). Archived from the original (PHP) on February 18, 2010. Search for "Bruce SPRINGSTEEN" on the drop-down menu to see results.
  29. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  30. ^ "Archivum: Top 40 Album". MAHASZ (in Hungarian). Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  31. ^ "Hits of the World – Ireland". Billboard. Vol. 107, no. 15. April 15, 1995. p. 61. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
  32. ^ "History" (in Italian). FIMI. Archived from the original on May 5, 2019. Retrieved May 31, 2022. Search "Bruce Springsteen" as a "Artista" then click "Classifiche".
  33. ^ "Charts.nz – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  34. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  35. ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. March 25, 1995. p. 17. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 1, 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2021.
  36. ^ "Hits of the World – Portugal". Billboard. Vol. 107, no. 14. April 8, 1995. p. 60. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on March 5, 2024. Retrieved October 11, 2012.
  37. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  38. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  39. ^ "Bruce Springsteen | Artist | Official Charts". UK Albums Chart. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  40. ^ "Bruce Springsteen Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  41. ^ "Top 200 Albums – Billboard 200 chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 19, 2018. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  42. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 28, 2018.
  43. ^ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  44. ^ White, Jack (January 9, 2020). "Ireland's Official Top 50 biggest albums of 2019". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on January 11, 2020. Retrieved January 11, 2020.
  45. ^ White, Jack (January 10, 2021). "Ireland's Official Top 50 biggest albums of 2020". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on January 12, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  46. ^ Griffiths, George (January 9, 2022). "Ireland's official biggest albums of 2021". Official Charts Company. Archived from the original on January 9, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
  47. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2022 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  48. ^ "Austrian album certifications – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits" (in German). IFPI Austria.
  49. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 2000". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  50. ^ "Canadian album certifications – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits". Music Canada.
  51. ^ "Danish album certifications – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits". IFPI Danmark. Scroll through the page-list below until year 2018 to obtain certification.
  52. ^ a b "Bruce Springsteen" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland.
  53. ^ "French compilation certifications – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique.
  54. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Bruce Springsteen; 'Greatest Hits')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie.
  55. ^ "The Irish Charts - 2009 Certification Awards - Platinum". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved October 15, 2021.
  56. ^ Marinella Venegoni (January 4, 1996). "L'hit parade canta italiano Il blues napoletano alle stelle mentre Giorgia resta al palo". La Stampa (in Italian). Archived from the original on July 1, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2013.
  57. ^ "Italian album certifications – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved October 15, 2021. Select "2019" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Type "Greatest Hits" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Album e Compilation" under "Sezione".
  58. ^ "Japanese album certifications – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved February 10, 2020. Select 1996年1月 on the drop-down menu
  59. ^ "Dutch album certifications – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Retrieved October 22, 2020. Enter Greatest Hits in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 1996 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
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  61. ^ "Norwegian album certifications – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway.
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  63. ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2009" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 17, 2011. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  64. ^ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Greatest Hits')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien.
  65. ^ "British album certifications – Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
  66. ^ "IFPI Platinum Europe Awards – 2003". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.
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