What makes The Hits by Lemar notable?

The Hits achieved commercial success by reaching the top of the UK Albums Chart, demonstrating Lemar's enduring popularity. The album features hits like 'Dance (With U)' and 'If There's Any Justice,' which were staples on UK radio and contributed to Lemar's reputation as a leading soul artist in the 2000s. Released in 2010, The Hits is a compilation album that marks Lemar's transition from mainstream success to retrospective recognition. Following his rise to fame with multiple chart-topping singles, this collection highlights his most beloved tracks, encapsulating a pivotal moment in his career as he sought to solidify his legacy in the UK music scene.

The Hits works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove, uplifting sing-along moments and emotional ballads for reflection.

How many songs are on The Hits?

The Hits has 15 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

The Hits

Lemar · 2010

55 min · 15 tracks · soul

A smooth blend of contemporary soul and pop, showcasing heartfelt lyrics over polished production.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dance (With U) — This track exemplifies Lemar's signature sound with its infectious rhythm and romantic themes, becoming one of his most recognized hits.
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If There's Any Justice — A poignant ballad that showcases Lemar's vocal range and emotive storytelling, resonating deeply with fans and critics alike.
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Coming Home — A powerful anthem about longing and reflection, this track highlights Lemar's ability to blend personal experiences with universal emotions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

42 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks strong cohesion as a compilation.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent mid-tempo pace across its tracks, with only a few moments of variation in tempo.
Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, often repeating the chorus multiple times for emphasis.
The production employs polished instrumentation, with smooth vocal harmonies and layered backing vocals throughout.
Several tracks include prominent use of strings and synths, creating a lush soundscape that supports the lead vocals.

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: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 3/10

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 groove
uplifting sing-along moments
emotional ballads for reflection
for casual gatherings
feel-good vibes throughout

Maybe skip if you

seeking intense experimental sounds
prefer fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Compilation of hits that solidified Lemar's mainstream success and recognition.
Career context: Released in 2010, The Hits is a compilation album that marks Lemar's transition from mainstream success to retrospective recognition. Following his rise to fame with multiple chart-topping singles, this collection highlights his most beloved tracks, encapsulating a pivotal moment in his career as he sought to solidify his legacy in the UK music scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Craig David· John Legend· Sam Smith