Is The Best of '94–'99 a good place to start with Bush?

Yes, The Best of '94–'99 is recommended as a starting point for new Bush listeners. A collection of anthemic post-grunge tracks blending melancholy lyrics with powerful guitar riffs and immersive soundscapes. Released in 2005, 'The Best of '94–'99' marks a retrospective point in Bush's career, compiling their most significant hits from their first four albums. This compilation came after the band's initial peak in the late '90s, when they achieved widespread popularity with tracks like 'Glycerine' and 'Machinehead'. The album served both as a celebration of their previous success and a reintroduction to fans as the band navigated changing musical landscapes.

Who is The Best of '94–'99 for?

The Best of '94–'99 works well if you're into nostalgic sing-alongs with friends, brooding melodies for introspection and dynamic collection of anthems.

How many songs are on The Best of '94–'99?

The Best of '94–'99 has 22 tracks, running approximately 113 minutes.

The Best of '94–'99

Bush · 2005

113 min · 22 tracks · alternative rock

A collection of anthemic post-grunge tracks blending melancholy lyrics with powerful guitar riffs and immersive soundscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Everything Zen Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Glycerine — This haunting ballad showcases Gavin Rossdale's emotive vocals and introspective lyrics, becoming one of Bush's signature songs that exemplifies their sound.
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Machinehead — With its driving guitar riff and energetic chorus, this track represents Bush’s post-grunge appeal and remains a staple in their live performances.
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Comedown — A quintessential example of the band's blend of grunge and pop sensibilities, this track captures themes of disillusionment and longing that resonated widely during its release.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

This compilation captures Bush's key hits but lacks cohesion due to repeated tracks and mixed versions.

What we noticed

Several tracks are repeated in different mixes, which creates a sense of redundancy in the collection.
The album features a consistent mid-tempo pace throughout the first half, with a slight increase in energy towards the end.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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

nostalgic sing-alongs with friends
brooding melodies for introspection
dynamic collection of anthems
wave-like pacing for reflection
late-night drives with intensity

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
dislike emotional depth and weight

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Starting Point — Compiles key hits, making it accessible for new listeners to Bush's music.
Themes: 1990s post-grunge disillusionment· Glycerine’s breakup aftermath· Machinehead’s restless momentum
Career context: Released in 2005, 'The Best of '94–'99' marks a retrospective point in Bush's career, compiling their most significant hits from their first four albums. This compilation came after the band's initial peak in the late '90s, when they achieved widespread popularity with tracks like 'Glycerine' and 'Machinehead'. The album served both as a celebration of their previous success and a reintroduction to fans as the band navigated changing musical landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors: Stone Temple Pilots· Alice in Chains· Soundgarden