Customer Reviews

The Ballad Hits

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This album does exactly what a greatest hits package should do -- showcase a group at its best. Roxette fans already know the material here, so seeing the songs that ended up on this collection of ballads will come as no surprise. If for some reason you were on Mars for the past 15 years or so (or maybe you weren't old enough) and missed out on even the relatively brief U.S. infatuation with Sweden's dynamic duo, here's a great chance to see what Europe has loved for more than a decade.

The earlier stuff is classic, of course -- name someone over the age of 30 who doesn't remember "It Must Have Been Love" or "Listen to Your Heart" -- and the later tunes reveal that Marie and Per didn't lose their touch. "Milk and Toast and Honey" sounds like a lame title, but then you hear the song and it's a perfect piece of mellow pop.

The two new cuts -- "A Thing About You" and "Breathe" are perfect bookends to this collection, with the latter being perfectly American radio-worthy for when this collection came out in 2002.

Of course, there's always something missing in a compilation like this. My one vote goes to the song "The Rain" (not to be confused with "Watercolours in the Rain," "Waiting for the Rain" or "Queen of Rain") from "Tourism." If not for its repetitiveness, the song could be a top 30 U.S. hit for them today.

The other hope is for an "Essential Collection" or ultimate hits package where they combine this album with "The Pop Hits." Guess we'll have to wait a few years...but the wait should be worth it.

"Yet another compilation!" Many a Roxette fan have said that kind of sentence about the Hits collections in the past year or so, but personally I don't mind. This is truly a tremendous album.

Thirteen of their finest ballads from 1988 to 2001, two new songs made for this release, and on some versions (for a limited time) including a bonus 4-track EP with some B-sides and previously unreleased songs. The first song, "A Thing About You" was the only single released from the album. Regardless how successful it was, many Roxette fans seem to prefer the idea of its second new song, "Breathe" as a single instead. A great song it is, but it won't be a single (sorry guys - Per said so himself).

I was very pleased to see "Queen of Rain" on this compilation, as it wasn't on their 1995 album, "Don't Bore Us - Get to the Chorus!" This album is a true favourite of mine, and I think it will surely be one of yours too. Get your credit card out and go nuts! :)

i cant think of another band that has consistenly released so many beautiful ballads. one after the other.now they're all here in one collection. unfortunatly roxette doesn't have the success they used to in america. but can you think of anyone that doesn't love "listen to your heart" or "it must have been love"?

Roxette writes songs for us, that's what happens dammit!!! As a proud wearer of two tattoos of broken hearts(damn scoundrels!!!); I can attest that this cd is perfect for making you feel melancholy. It's Roxette at it's best; moody, dark, and also just the right amount of tenderness. This is something you want to listen to alone for the first few times; alone in a darkened room, cd playing, glass of wine or beer nearby, and the memories of the good or bad relationships you've had. Then you'll be able to share it with your current significant other.

i love Roxette the way it is. they create GOOD music. per and marie dont limit themselves to what ppl want to hear. they are creative and ingenous. i love thier music. i love their ballads especially. they have made some of the catchiest tunes. i have always hoped for this collection. ive always dreamed that they might make a cd that would contain only the best ballads. alas, God heard my prayer. a great cd for all its worth. maries voice is flawless and affecting as usual and per croons a couple of new singles too. its a definitive roxette collection for anyone who loves good heart-wrenching music.

I Recently just heard some of Roxette's other songs other then their hit "It Must Have Been Love" and i have to tell you, they are the most beautiful songs. I love ballads, and their ballads have catchy lyrics and not to mention Marie has a beautiful voice. I just recently purchsed this cd and i was absolutely astonished to find myself listening to the cd all the way through. It's a rare occurance to find a cd that you like all of the songs and don't skip at least one song. I highly recommend this album to anyone that enjoys decent music.

I am a Roxette fan, so my rating may be a little biased! =) But seriously, I know most of these ballads are enjoyed by many people, as most of them were on the charts.

If you're a Roxette fan, you've probably already bought their previous greatest hits album "Don't Bore Us, Get To The Chorus", which had some of their ballad and pop hits. So, the ballad songs that were on their previous greatest hits album, are on this Ballad Hits album as well.

However, the addition of two new songs, and the bonus tracks are really great. I really like the new song "Breathe", it sounds like a classic Roxette ballad that should get them back (hopefully) on the charts.

I know this is an import right now, but it is supposed to be released in the US on Valentine's Day (Feb. 14th) of 2003. Releasing the Ballad Hits album in the US on Valentine's Day should be a good release date, as most of us know Valentine's Day as a day for love (and ballads go with that!). It was already released here in Canada on Tuesday, November 5th, but without much promotion. Hopefully the release in the US will be better promoted (fingers crossed).

Thanks for your time.
Eugene.

Roxette are experts in love songs that creates a love hypnosis.

Favorite songs are:
It Must Have Been Love
Queen of Rain
Spending My Time
Vulnerable
Fading Like a Flower
Listen to Your Heart_________
Well every song is great but those are my favorites.

Here's a little list of great scandinavian
bands if that is something you seek:

Him / Ace of base / The Sounds / Jens Lekman / Bjork / Aha /
Elin Sigvardsson / Nightwish / The Hives / Hellacopters / Abba /
/ The Ark / Secret garden / Lene Marlin / Sahara hotnights
Little chris ( only availible in sweden,i think )

I purchased this CD as a gift. I'm currently dealing with the supplier for a replacement or refund due to a problem with the CD. I'm sure it'll work out well.

UPDATE 10/28/2011
THIS REVIEW WAS WRITTEN SOME TIME AGO.... AND I STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED MAIL FROM THE SUPPLIER INDICATING WHAT HE WILL/WONT DO IN ORDER TO MAKE THIS PURCHASE GOOD. AT THIS POINT, I WOULD RECOMMEND THAT NO ONE PURCHASE FROM THIS SUPPLIER WHO IS IN GERMANY AND WILL NOT EVEN REPLY TO REQUESTS AFTER HE HAS RECEIVED PAYMENT.

I TAKE BACK THE 3 STARS RECOMMEND.

CHARLIE

After the appearing of Simon & Garefunkel and the Carpenters - between the middle sixties and the middle seventies - exception apart of other not less remarkable duos like Zagger & Evans (In the year 2525) on the international stages, the musical world had to wait (fortunately not so long) for three duos that literally cornered the last two decades due its imposing personality every one of them from a different perspective. Hall & Oates, Air Supply and obviously Roxette, who knew impress a set of diverse innovative proposals through their singular charisma and undeniable talent.

They are part of the musical history that is still expecting for a risky biographer, capable to face the huge challenge and display the project to resume the musical evolution in the second half of the XX Century.

Your invaluable collection will be unfinished unless you acquire this remarkable CD.