(The Best of) New Order by New Order (CD, Mar-1995, Qwest)

I really enjoy the tracks by New Order - they are one of those bands that will never be a big favorite of mine...but at the same time, as soon as their tracks start playing you cannot help getting into the music and thinking - they really did put out some good music!
This Best of album is a great tribute to their work....a generous 17 hits are featured on this album, and it was one of those albums where I sat there and said "they did this - wow". I also like this, because unlike a lot of best of albums which really are a mix of hits and new stuff that really cannot be considered a true 'best of', this highlights their best and most commercial work which I really enjoy! I also have to point out that this album was tailored to the market in which it was released and my review is based on my copy which is the UK pressing so forgive me, if some of my track listings are different!
Of course, perhaps the true standout of this release has to be "Blue Monday", the catchy anthem that was almost ahead of itself in terms of the electronic style and is still highly contemporary today! Regret is another favorite of mine - the music is fantastic and there is just something so interesting about the melody, particularly in the opening moments.
World has a highly electric pitch with the keyboard effects while Ruined in a Day takes on a darker sound. True Faith has to be named another standout of this album and indeed work, Round and Round has such an 80s sound though the vocals are a little weak - the same can be said for Age of Consent! My version also has the interesting "World in Motion" written for the 1990 World Cup featuring the England Football team including a rap segment by Footie Star - John Barnes...I'll always love this as it takes me right back to this time!!
My only criticism of this album is the fact that it is actually missing some fine tracks...like why was the fantastic Temptation not included in this compilation? This is one of my favorite tracks but is sorely missing as is a lot of the earlier, great music this band produced!
A great album which chronicals the Unique Sound of this band....but couple be better if it truely included ALL their greatest hits!