Exclusions of Iconic Songs from Greatest Hits Albums

Have you ever wondered why certain songs never made it onto a greatest hits album despite their immense popularity and cultural significance? This phenomenon is not uncommon in the music industry, where the decision to include or exclude a track often comes down to the artist's or record label's vision. Let's dive into a few notable examples and the reasons behind these exclusions.

The Case of Peter Gabriel: 'In Your Eyes'

Peter Gabriel's album Shaking the Tree is subtitled "Sixteen Golden Hits," but it notably excludes the fan-favorite song "In Your Eyes." This exclusion is puzzling given the song's enduring popularity and the emotional impact it has on listeners. Despite its charm and wide appeal, it seems "In Your Eyes" was deemed less worthy for a greatest hits collection.

Santana's 'Ultimate Santana' Discography Dilemma

A similar scenario occurred with the album Ultimate Santana. Despite the song "Well All Right" being a hit in Australia, its absence from the greatest hits compilation is noteworthy. This exclusion might be attributed to its lower chart performance in the United States, which is a likely factor in deciding album inclusions.

The Rolling Stones' '40 Licks' and 'Waiting On a Friend'

Distance also played a role in song exclusions, as seen with the Rolling Stones' album 40 Licks, which notably omits the song "Waiting On a Friend." This track, while beloved by fans, wasn't included in the box set. Similarly, Blur left "Chemical World" off their Best Of compilation, and the Manic Street Preachers deliberately omitted two of their tracks from their greatest hits album.

Motley Crue's Greatest Hits Controversies

Motley Crue, known for their controversial and heavy rock sound, is guilty of leaving quite a few incredible tracks off their greatest hits albums. For instance, songs like "All In The Name Of," "Anarchy In The U.K.," and "Hell On High Heels" are missing. The band's creative control and the desire to showcase a specific narrative might explain why these tracks were omitted.

My Personal Choices for Iconic Omissions

Here are some tracks that I believe should have made it onto their respective greatest hits compilations:

Tiny Dancer - Elton John Good Vibrations - Beach Boys (left off the original release of Endless Summer; included in the later CD reissue) Baba O'Reilly - The Who Home At Last - Steely Dan How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) - Marvin Gaye

Even Elton John, known for his prolific output, was guilty of leaving out the beloved "Tiny Dancer." Similarly, the Beach Boys excluded a key track from the original release of their album Endless Summer, which was later included in a CD reissue.

Conclusion

The decision to include or exclude a song from a greatest hits compilation is as much about artistic control and commercial strategy as it is about the music itself. Many of these exclusions can be seen as incomplete second chances for artists to showcase their full range and depth. It also allows for the creation of an album with a specific narrative or a particular vision, which might not always align with the fans' expectations.

Though these omissions can be frustrating for fans, they also provide a unique opportunity to explore the discographies of artists in a fresh light. Next time you listen to a greatest hits album, take a moment to think about the songs that were left out and the stories behind their exclusions.