Search - America :: Definitive America

One of their best America "Greatest Hits" Compilations

Goanna | Australia | 04/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album was released in mid 2001 in Australia & New Zealand, and to rave reveiws. Going platinum in N.Z. and a chart climber in Australia, there's no doubt that hardcore America fans should have this in their collection. A spin off to the U.S. release of the "Complete Greatest Hits" and the 3 CD Box set entitled "Highway 30 years".A fantastic album to have in any collection - one of their best!!!"

Definitely definitive except to die-hard fans

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 04/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Three sons of American servicemen based in Britain formed this group in 1969 (reduced to a duo in 1977) so perhaps that explains the rather grand group name that they chose. Given all the great music that is recorded in the United States, any group that choose the name America has a lot to live up to.



In the event, America did well in America, with two number one hits (A horse with no name, Sister golden hair) and several top ten hits including I need you, Ventura highway, Tin man, Lonely people and You can do magic - this last song was their only significant success after Dan Peek left in 1977. America were less successful in Britain, where they had only three hits, two of which were minor although they made the top three with A horse with no name. Their other notable songs include Muskrat love (also recorded by Captain and Tennille) and Sandman.



Overall, America's style of soft-rock harmony music owed a lot to Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young although they were more successful on the singles chart than that illustrious group (with or without Neil Young).



For most people, this is the definitive collection of their music, containing all the tracks that they are famous for and some other great songs that might encourage some to explore their music in greater depth. If you only ever buy one collection of America's music, this is a good one to choose."

An international greatest hits collection

A Fan | VA | 10/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not to be confused with America's "Definitive Pop Collection" 2 CD set, this collection was released internationally about the same time as America's "Complete Greatest Hits" was released in the US. This collection is intended for the international market, while "Complete Greatest Hits" targets the US market. While both collections are excellent and there is a lot of overlap between the two CDs, this one omits a few songs that were minor hits in the US and adds several songs that failed to chart in the US but were hits in other countries (such as "Survival" and "The Last Unicorn" which were hits in Europe). The sound quality and packaging are great. It includes nice liner notes and the music is great. There is one notable omission from this collection. The song "From a Moving Train" was a number 1 hit in Spain and was a minor hit on the AC charts in the US in 1998 but is not included on any America collection. Apparently Rhino was unable to acquire the rights for the song (those who wish to have the song will just have to purchase America's "Human Nature" CD).



While this is certainly an excellent collection, US fans might be more satisfied with "Complete Greatest Hits" (in addition to saving a few bucks)."