Greatest Misses
Public Enemy · 1992
55 min · 13 tracks · hardcore hip-hop
A dynamic blend of politically charged lyrics and hard-hitting beats, showcasing Public Enemy's innovative take on hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tie Goes to the Runner Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Party for Your Right to Fight — This track encapsulates the group’s ethos, blending anthemic calls for social justice with infectious rhythms, making it a rallying cry for activism.
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Shut Em Down (live in the UK) — The live rendition captures the raw energy of Public Enemy's performances while addressing systemic oppression, illustrating their commitment to activism through music.
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Louder Than a Bomb (JMJ Telephone Tap Groove) — This track exemplifies their lyrical dexterity and sharp social commentary, making it a standout representation of their artistic vision.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This compilation showcases remixed tracks but lacks a cohesive narrative flow typical of original albums.
What we noticed
- The album features remixed versions of previously released tracks, altering their arrangements and production elements.
- Several tracks incorporate samples from various genres, creating a layered sound that enhances the political themes in the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 progression
- thought-provoking lyrical content
- engaging, immersive listening experience
- dynamic rhythmic flow
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A compilation of remixed tracks that showcases the band's influence without being a primary release.
- Career context
- Released in 1992, Greatest Misses came during Public Enemy's peak period following the critical success of their first three albums, particularly Fear of a Black Planet. This compilation serves as a bridge between their groundbreaking work and the evolving landscape of hip-hop, solidifying their status as pioneers in the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- KRS-One· Nas· A Tribe Called Quest
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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How to Kill a Radio Consultant
The narrative shifts from criticism of industry gatekeepers to a direct engagement with listeners, emphasizing artistic autonomy over commercial pressures.
This moment reflects the group's defiance against mainstream constraints, showcasing their desire to maintain control over their message and musical integrity.
Tracklist
- 1 Tie Goes to the Runner Start here 4:17
- 2 Hit da Road Jack 4:01
- 3 Gett Off My Back 4:52
- 4 Gotta Do What I Gotta Do 4:44
- 5 Air Hoodlum 3:44
- 6 Hazy Shade of Criminal 4:54
- 7 Megablast (The Madd Skillz Bass Pipe Gett Off remixx) 3:00
- 8 Louder Than a Bomb (JMJ Telephone Tap Groove) 3:36
- 9 You’re Gonna Get Yours (Reanimated TX Getaway version) 4:10
- 10 How to Kill a Radio Consultant (The DJ Chuck Chillout Mega Murder Boom) 4:03
- 11 Who Stole the Soul? (Sir Jinx Stolen Souled Out Reparation mixx) 3:38
- 12 Party for Your Right to Fight (Blak Wax Metromixx) 5:52
- 13 Shut Em Down (live in the UK) 4:46
What to play next
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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