Celebration-All Time Best

A proper Greatest hits package from Madonna would probarbly be just about contained in 4 CD's (yes she's had that many! 68 top 40 hits to be precise, 65 of those top 20)...this new set has 2 CD's, so, wether we like it or not we better get used to the fact that many of her beloved and not so beloved hits are missing from this collection, hits like True Blue, Gambler, Causing A Commotion, The Look Of Love, Deeper And Deepr, Fever, Rain, American Pie, Nothing Really Matters, The Power Of Goodbye, American Life, Jump, Get Together and Give It 2 Me. Still its comforting to know that most of the tracks were voted for by fans AND Madonna herself as aposed to music label big wigs with no idea what the fans actually like. As with the Immaculate collection and rather underwhelming GHV2, this collection includes pretty much all her number ones (14 of them) and most of her iconic singles like Material Girl, Dress You Up, Everybody, Burning Up, Into The Groove, Hung Up, 4 Minutes, Like A Prayer, Live To Tell and Vogue. And that is reason enough alone to buy this collection, apparently they are all unmixed, original versions that have been digitally re-mastered, unlike The Immaculate Collection where all of those tracks were remixed and heavily edited (much to the fans disgust). Back to the music though, this collection will no doubt sale up the charts, its the first time in nearly 30 years someone has tried to put together many of Madonna's songs, some of which shocked, shook and shattered the music world either culturally, comercially, visually or sonically. Her songs have created some of the best memories to many a persons life, be it through the aching sorrow of Live To tell or the joyous gay abandon of hits like Vogue, Deeper and Deeper or Like A Virgin. Love her or loath her there is no denying she is probarbly one of the most visually and charismatic entertainers of the last 3 decades, never afraid to take a gamble, never afraid to experiment, shes the lady all the others have looked up to for the last 30 years, and after 30 years its a perfect time to celebrate this one of a kind entertainer, one feels this is not an ending though, just a reflection phase where she and her fans are allowed a brief moment to take stock and look back at how far she has come...a rollercoaster ride that at present, isnt quite near its end. Heres to the next phase, many thanks Madonna for the best 30 years anyone could ever wish for!.

Madonna is an icon. She has produced great music over 40 years. This SHMCD edition of the 18 track compilation showcases a large number of her best works. The music is of course great but the mastering on this disc is horrific. There is a wide open sound stage which is ruined once the bass kicks in. The bass has been boosted beyond belief and spoils the listening experience. The bass dominates in an annoying way and often sound distorted. It's impossible to listen to this disc at any volume due to the bass. I can't see me ever listening to this again.Madonna deserved better than this.