Collection of Roxette Hits: Their 20 Greatest
Imagine a poppier Pat Benatar fronting a more dance-oriented Berlin—big vocals, big beats, big guitars--and you're just about there. Like fellow Swedes ABBA in the 1970s and A-Ha in the 1980s, platinum pixie Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle generate a bright, glossy sound that transcends borders. In 20 years, they've sold 45 million albums and 25 million singles, including four number ones.A Collection of Roxette Hitsoverlooks their 1986 debutPearls of Passionand 1997'sBaladas en Españolin favor of their biggest international triumphs. All told: 12 album cuts, four singles, two remixes ("Dressed for Success" and "It Must Have Been Love"), and two new tracks ("One Wish" and "Reveal"). There are no real surprises, but Roxette has a few tricks up their shiny sleeves, like the harmonica solo in "Dangerous" (1988'sLook Sharp!) and the children's chorus on "Stars" (1999'sHave a Nice Day). This hook-filled collection is a fine overview for both old and new fans alike.--Kathleen C. Fennessy