What makes The Best of The Smithereens by The Smithereens notable?

This compilation serves as a definitive collection showcasing The Smithereens' impact on alternative rock during the late '80s and early '90s, highlighting hits that reached significant chart positions. Critical reception was strong, with publications acknowledging their catchy melodies and lyrical depth, cementing their status as influential figures in the genre. Released in 1995, The Best of The Smithereens compiles the band's most significant tracks from their late '80s and early '90s releases. At this point in their career, they were experiencing a transition after the commercial success of albums like 1988's Green Thoughts, aiming to solidify their legacy while navigating changes in the music industry landscape.

Who is The Best of The Smithereens for?

The Best of The Smithereens works well if you're into steady melodic journey throughout, nostalgic reflections on love and heartfelt storytelling with hooks.

How many songs are on The Best of The Smithereens?

The Best of The Smithereens has 10 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

The Best of The Smithereens

The Smithereens

38 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

Melodies infused with a jangle pop sensibility intertwine with poignant storytelling and dynamic instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A Girl Like You — This track exemplifies the band's knack for crafting irresistible hooks combined with heartfelt lyrics about longing and desire, making it one of their signature songs.
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Blood and Roses — With its driving rhythm and poignant themes of love and loss, this song captures The Smithereens' signature sound and emotional resonance.
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Only a Memory — The introspective lyrics paired with jangly guitars create a vivid image of nostalgia, showcasing the band’s ability to blend melancholy with catchy melodies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

This compilation showcases The Smithereens' notable hits but lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio album.

What we noticed

The album features ten tracks, all of which are previously released songs that highlight the band's most commercially successful material.
Each track maintains a consistent jangle pop sound characterized by bright guitar melodies and layered harmonies.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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

steady melodic journey throughout
nostalgic reflections on love
heartfelt storytelling with hooks
for afternoon drives

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced excitement
seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Starting Point — This compilation serves as an accessible entry point for new listeners.
Career context: Released in 1995, The Best of The Smithereens compiles the band's most significant tracks from their late '80s and early '90s releases. At this point in their career, they were experiencing a transition after the commercial success of albums like 1988's Green Thoughts, aiming to solidify their legacy while navigating changes in the music industry landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Soul Asylum· Big Star· R.E.M.