The Very Best of Supertramp cover

The Very Best of Supertramp

Supertramp · 1990

78 min · 15 tracks · progressive rock

A melodic fusion of progressive rock and pop brilliance, showcasing intricate arrangements and thoughtful lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Logical Song — This track exemplifies Supertramp's knack for blending poignant lyrics with catchy melodies, addressing themes of identity and disillusionment in a rapidly changing world.
  • →
    Goodbye Stranger — With its infectious chorus and seamless transitions between sections, this song captures the essence of Supertramp's storytelling ability while remaining radio-friendly.
  • →
    Breakfast in America — This iconic single combines upbeat instrumentation with witty lyrics, embodying the band's signature style and cementing its place in pop culture.
  • →
    Dreamer — This track showcases Supertramp's melodic charm and lyrical depth, offering a reflective perspective that resonates with listeners across generations.

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 highlights Supertramp's range but lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio album.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks include intricate arrangements with layered instrumentation, particularly in songs like 'Crime of the Century' and 'The Logical Song'.
  • The final track, 'Cannonball', serves as a more contemporary addition, contrasting with the earlier material.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

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

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • reflective moments for quiet contemplation
  • nostalgic sing-alongs with friends
  • melodic richness for focused listening
  • balance of upbeat and introspective

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer short, standalone singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — A compilation that showcases the band's most popular tracks for new listeners.
Career context
By 1990, Supertramp was at a pivotal point in their career, having already achieved significant commercial success with albums like 'Breakfast in America' (1979). This compilation, released after the band's peak years, serves as a retrospective of their best work, encapsulating their unique sound and evolution over the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Stylistic neighbors
Yes· Genesis· Camel

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 School 5:35
  • 2 Goodbye Stranger 5:47
  • 3 The Logical Song 4:09
  • 4 Bloody Well Right 4:33
  • 5 Breakfast in America 2:40
  • 6 Rudy 7:17
  • 7 Take the Long Way Home 5:04
  • 8 Crime of the Century 5:31
  • 9 Dreamer 3:31
  • 10 Ain’t Nobody but Me 5:07
  • 11 Hide in Your Shell 6:48
  • 12 From Now On 6:17
  • 13 Give a Little Bit 4:08
  • 14 It’s Raining Again 4:22
  • 15 Cannonball 7:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata