Since their first singles compilation ("Pop!"), Erasure have released 15 more singles. Why not follow the "Pop!" blueprint and simply release those 15 in chronological order? Why do we need this new "Hits!" disc? Think about it: Erasure's massive popularity has definitely waned in the past 10 years. Who is still buying their releases? Of course, its those of us who are diehard fans. And we should be presented with better product than this.

"Hits!" contains 20 tracks... 12 of which were already included on 1992's "Pop!" Of the past 15 Erasure singles released since "Pop," "Hits" provides six. SIX. How necessary was it to include three of the four "Abba-esque" tracks on this compilation? Some glaring omissions include the remixed "Who Needs Love Like That" (originally available only on the cassette-version of "Pop!"), the radio mix of "Rock Me Gently" (available only on a Czech single), the remixed version of "Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me" (U.S.-only single mix including an entire verse of the song not included on the "Cowboy" album version). And really, do any of us need another version of "Oh L'amour?" Why mess with an 80's synth classic?

The import version of "Hits!" is available with a second CD containing a "megamix" that is equally as frustrating. It contains 18 tracks and also has some missing gems. Why not replace the ballads and mid-tempo tunes (tracks 1 through 4) and replace them with some better remixes? "In My Arms" was a #2 smash on the Billboard dance chart and is not included, nor is "Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me," another Top 5 Billboard Club hit. A real bonus would have been to include the much sought-after, promo-only Out Of the Blue remix of "Blue Savannah." On top of all this, the song-to-song transitions are sloppy and uninspiring.

Erasure is one of my all-time favorite bands. I've been listening to them religiously since their debut in 1985. I'm one of the lucky few who has had the opportunity and funds to be a completist. Most of the missing tracks I mentioned above I have been able to obtain as import singles. It just would have been nice to be given an Erasure product that was a little more comprehensive and representative of their outstanding output in the past decade. Note to Mute: think of the fans next time. Give us rarities, radio remixes, B-sides and rare club re-workings. We'd be most appreciative.


Hits-less!   December 31, 2003
 18 out of 19 found this review helpful

Erasure first released a greatest hits 11 years ago in 1992 titles Pop 20 Hits. Come 2003, their record company releases their second compilation, but fans may be disappointed cos out of the 20 songs, 12 were available already on Pop 20.

The CD covers the hits from 1986 - 1992 comprehensively but misses a great deal of the later work from 1994 - 2003. I Say I Say I Say is represneted by only Always while Run To The Sun and I Love Saturday are glaringly missing. From Erasure, Rock Me Gently is not included. The biggest travesty is the omission of the excellent Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me from Cowboy.

There is a bonus CD of Erasuremegamix of 18 of the songs from Disc 1. Serves good as an icing on the cake but still, could have been better if this second CD is devoted to the 15 singles released after Pop 20. The record honchos should take a cue from Pet Shop Boy's recent anthology. This compilation just doesnt do much justice to the enegetic disposition of the band.
Buy the DVD instaead...it includes all their videos and much more extra footage.


And the purpose?   July 1, 2004
 12 out of 34 found this review helpful

While Erasure's a handful good songs are already collected in Pop Hits then what's the purpose of this money-steal item? Erasure have never been a high quality band but is rather doomed to be poor man's Pet Shop Boys with those awful lyrics and the same loops and rhythms all over the years. If you really wanna try Erasure go buy Pop and leave it there. If you really want to listen real good pop music, try Pet Shop Boys (Popart or any album of them) the overlooked gods of this kind of music, or New Order...


Great compilation, BUT...   November 12, 2003
 11 out of 19 found this review helpful

...this compilation could have covered ALL of Erasure's singles. Don't get me wrong, the music is excellent and the bonus megamix CD alone is worth the price of this compilation, but here's what I would have put instead:

Disc 1
1. Who Needs Love Like That
2. Heavenly Action
3. Oh L'amour
4. Sometimes
5. It Doesn't Have To Be
6. Victim Of Love
7. The Circus
8. Ship Of Fools
9. Chains Of Love
10. A Little Respect
11. Stop!
12. Knocking On Your Door
13. Drama
14. You Surround Me
15. Blue Savannah
16. Star
17. Chorus
18. Love To Hate You
19. Am I Right?
20. Breath Of Life
21. Who Needs Love Like That (Hamburg mix)
Disc 2
1. Lay All Your Love On Me
2. S.O.S.
3. Take A Chance On Me
4. Voulez-Vous
5. I Love Saturday
6. Run To The Sun
7. Always
8. Stay With Me (single edit)
9. Fingers And Thumbs (single edit)
10. Rock Me Gently (single edit)
11. Rain
12. In My Arms
13. Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me
14. Freedom
15. Moon And The Sky
16. Solsbury Hill
17. Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)
18. Oh L'amour (August mix)


Forget the negative reviews and enjoy   May 16, 2005
 11 out of 15 found this review helpful

I admit I am not a diehard fan of Erasure like some, but I have to admit they have churned out an impressive number of catchy songs in their 20+ year career.

This compilation features all the big hits like 'Oh L'Amour', 'Chains of Love', 'A Little Respect' and their popular ABBA covers. There are some recent songs like their cover of Peter Gabriel's 'Solsbury Hill'.

Even better is a cool megamix CD that is perfect for any party. I enjoyed the mixing, and it's not too overdone so you will still recognize your favorite Erasure songs although they are remixed.

Ignore all the negative reviews. No compilation is going to feature everything each fan wants. I think this is a generous and fun collection of some of pop's finest moments.