Best of Scorpions cover

Released 47 years ago this November

Best of Scorpions

Scorpions · 1979

39 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

A powerful blend of hard rock and heavy metal, capturing the electrifying energy of late 70s German rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Steamrock Fever Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    He's a Woman - She's a Man — This track epitomizes the band's hard rock sound, featuring catchy riffs and a gender-bending narrative that reflects the band's willingness to challenge norms.
  • →
    In Trance — The title track captures a hypnotic blend of melodies and harmonies, showcasing the band's musical maturity and depth during this era.
  • →
    The Sails of Charon — This song stands out for its intricate guitar work and thematic depth, serving as an early indicator of the band's ability to weave storytelling into their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 6% of albums we've rated

This compilation highlights key tracks but lacks a cohesive narrative or flow typical of studio albums.

What we noticed

  • Each song maintains a consistent mid-tempo energy, with guitar riffs driving the melodies throughout.
  • The sequencing places the most popular tracks toward the beginning, creating an immediate impact for listeners.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo listening experience
  • earworm melodies for sing-alongs
  • for energetic gatherings
  • nostalgic vibes of classic

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slower, introspective music
  • seek experimental or avant-garde sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This compilation helped introduce Scorpions to a wider audience, showcasing their hits.
Themes
European heavy metal· provocative gender themes· intricate guitar work
Career context
Released on November 17, 1979, 'Best of Scorpions' came during a crucial period for the band as they transitioned from their earlier sound towards international recognition. This compilation showcased their evolving style and solidified their presence in the heavy metal scene following the success of albums like 'Virgin Killer' and 'In Trance'.
Stylistic neighbors
Judas Priest· Accept· Iron Maiden

Tracklist

  • 1 Steamrock Fever Start here 3:38
  • 2 Pictured Life 3:26
  • 3 Robot Man 2:47
  • 4 Backstage Queen 3:13
  • 5 Speedy’s Coming 3:39
  • 6 Hell-Cat 2:59
  • 7 He’s a Woman - She’s a Man 3:19
  • 8 In Trance 4:46
  • 9 Dark Lady 3:31
  • 10 The Sails of Charon 4:25
  • 11 Virgin Killer 3:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata