Roxy Music - Greatest Hits cover

Roxy Music - Greatest Hits

Roxy Music · 1977

45 min · 11 tracks · new wave

A vibrant fusion of glam rock and art pop that captures the essence of 1970s experimentalism and romanticism.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Virginia Plain Start here — This track is often credited with pioneering the glam rock sound, featuring infectious hooks and vibrant instrumentation that became a template for future artists.
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    Love Is the Drug — With its sultry groove and catchy chorus, this song highlights Roxy Music's ability to blend art rock with mainstream appeal, becoming one of their signature hits.
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    Mother of Pearl — This track showcases complex lyrical themes and sophisticated arrangements, reflecting the band's artistic ambitions while maintaining emotional resonance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

62 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

This compilation highlights Roxy Music's diverse sound while maintaining a strong sense of identity.

What we noticed

  • Several songs employ complex arrangements with layered instrumentation, particularly evident in 'Love Is the Drug' and 'Mother of Pearl'.
  • The sequencing begins with high-energy tracks and gradually transitions to more reflective pieces, creating a dynamic flow.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • sing-along anthems with friends
  • wave-like pacing for dancing
  • nostalgic vibes of the era
  • dynamic collection of favorites
  • ideal for lively gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking deep, introspective tracks
  • prefer continuous, long-form pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Roxy Music's status with a collection of their most beloved tracks.
Career context
By the time 'Greatest Hits' was released in January 1977, Roxy Music had already established themselves as pioneers of glam rock with their self-titled debut in 1972 and the critically acclaimed 'Stranded' in 1973. This compilation came shortly after their commercial peak, encapsulating their diverse sound and influence on the burgeoning New Romantic scene.
Stylistic neighbors
David Bowie· Brian Eno· Talking Heads

Tracklist

  • 1 Virginia Plain Start here 2:55
  • 2 Do the Strand 4:00
  • 3 All I Want Is You 2:53
  • 4 Out of the Blue 4:42
  • 5 Pyjamarama 2:50
  • 6 Editions of You 3:45
  • 7 Love Is the Drug 4:05
  • 8 Mother of Pearl 6:45
  • 9 A Song for Europe 5:42
  • 10 The Thrill of It All 4:20
  • 11 Street Life 3:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata