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'The Best of 1980-1990' by U2 -

U2 released a lot of great songs in one decade, and you can find the best ones on this album. From 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' to 'I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,' and everything in between, you'll find hit after hit in 'The Best of 1980-1990.'

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'The Immaculate Collection' by Madonna -

This compilation was released in 1990, at a time when Madonna was the undisputed Queen of Pop. From 'Like a Virgin' to 'Material Girl' and 'Justify My Love,' the album captures all of her greatest hits until that year.

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'Best of Bowie' by David Bowie -

'Best of Bowie' was released in 2002 and contains all the classics one would expect from Bowie's back catalogue, including 'Life on Mars', 'Changes,' and 'Heroes,' among many others.

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'Echoes: The Best of Pink Floyd' by Pink Floyd -

Pink Floyd released a number of "best of" compilation albums, but this one from 2001 is their best. Not only is the song selection great, but the cover artwork by Storm Thorgerson is also amazing. Thorgerson designed the band's classic covers for 'Dark Side of the Moon' (1973) and 'Wish You Were Here' (1975).

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'1962 -1966' and '1967-70' by The Beatles -

These compilation albums are the perfect introduction to the Fab Four. These are known as 'The Red Album,' which features the band's early tunes, and 'The Blue Album,' which covers the more psychedelic experimental years of The Beatles.

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'Legend' by Bob Marley and the Wailers -

This 1984 classic reggae album features Bob Marley's greatest hits. 'Legend' was such a hit that it spent 465 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 200.

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'Greatest Hits II' by Queen -

The previous 'Greatest Hits' album contained the band's hits until 1980, so it's also worth listening to. This one, though, was released in 1991, so it features many unmissable tunes, including 'Radio Ga Ga' and 'Under Pressure.'

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'Atomic: The Very Best of Blondie' by Blondie -

'Atomic: The Very Best of Blondie' contains all the band's classics, including the disco-inspired 'Heart of Glass' and the cool 'One Way or Another.'

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'International Superhits!' by Green Day -

'International Superhits!' contains all the band's big hits from the '90s. Sure, 'American Idiot' was released three years after this album, in 2004, so many great songs are left out. Still, this sums up the early years of the band perfectly.

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'The Sound of The Smiths' by The Smiths -

The Manchester outfit always liked compilations (they released three in between studio albums), but this one from 2008 sums up their career pretty well.

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'The Essential' by Bruce Springsteen -

The Boss has a plethora of hit singles, and most of them are included in this 2003 compilation. But there's more! The album also features a number of rarities.

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'The Whole Story' by Kate Bush -

Kate Bush recently regained a lot of popularity, thanks to the Netflix show 'Stranger Things.' If you're new to her work, give 'The Whole Story' a listen. And yes, 'Running Up That Hill' is there too.

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'20 Golden Greats' by The Beach Boys -

The band is no stranger to compilation albums, but this one from 1976 features all their surf-pop hits of the '60s. '20 Golden Greats' is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

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'Nirvana' by Nirvana -

The self-titled compilation album was released in 2002. And not only does it feature the band's greatest hits, but it also features a previously unreleased song called 'You Know You’re Right.'

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'Greatest Hits' by Aerosmith -

Released in 1980, this is the perfect album for new fans who got into band in their later years. It features all the big songs that built Aerosmith's career over the previous two decades, including classics such as 'Sweet Emotion,' 'Walk This Way,' and 'Dream On.'

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'Greatest Hits & More' by The Who -

Released in 2009, 'Greatest Hits & More' contains the British band's much-loved classics on disc 1. Disc 2 contains live versions of some of their tracks. The band is best known for their live performances, so this album really makes a lot of sense.

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'The Best Of' by Leonard Cohen -

Released in 1975, you won't find songs such as 'I'm Your Man' or 'Hallelujah' in 'The Best Of.' Still, the album is the perfect introduction to Cohen's first years.

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'The Best Of' by Radiohead -

EMI released this compilation after the band left the label. And while Thom Yorke and his bandmates weren't too happy about it, it does contain the greatest hits from their back catalogue, so you can't go wrong with it, really.

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'Best of the Beast' by Iron Maiden -

The band's first "best of" album was released in 1996, at a time when Blaze Bayley was fronting Iron Maiden. The compilation includes fan favorites such as 'The Trooper' and 'The Number of the Beast,' but also a new song called 'Virus.' The album is a perfect introduction for new listeners.

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'Hey Ho Let’s Go: Greatest Hits' by Ramones -

The New York punk rockers released this album in 2006. It revisits their career brilliantly, and contains all the fan-favorites you'd expect, including 'Blitzkrieg Bop,' 'I Wanna Be Sedated,' and 'Pet Sematary,' among many others.

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'Decade' by Neil Young -

Neil Young's career has been a long one. 'Decade' was released in 1975 and it captures an important era for the singer-songwriter. It's definitely worth a listen.

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'In Time' by R.E.M. -

The 2003 compilation could have included more tunes from the bands college rock years. In fact, there are no songs at all from 1983's 'Murmur' or 1986's 'Life’s Rich Pageant.' Still, it does contain the band's most famous hits, and that alone makes it a great album.

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'Stop the Clocks' by Oasis -

Fans had to wait until 2006 for this album to be released, but the band eventually did so after they split up and their deal with Sony BMG ended. From 'Rock 'n' Roll Star' to ‘Wonderwall,' the album captures the best tunes of the Manchester band.

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'Greatest Hits' by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers -

This 1993 "best of" album features many classics, including 'Free Fallin'.' It did, however, come out one year before the album 'Wildflowers,' so tunes such as 'Time to Move On' and 'Crawling Back to You' are missing.

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'Greatest Hits' by Björk -

The Icelandic singer-songwriter released her 'Greatest Hits' album in 2002, so it arguably contains her best work. Perhaps more tunes from her 2001 album 'Vespertine' wouldn't hurt, though.

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'Greatest Hits' by Al Green -

The soul music extraordinaire has released multiple compilations, but this album from 1975 has all his best tracks. From 'Love and Happiness' to 'Let’s Stay Together,' it really is a joy to listen to.

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'The Best Of' by Blur -

This album by the Britpop fourpiece not only contains great artwork, designed by Julian Opie, but it also has all the big hits the band released in the '90s. Songs such as 'Girls and Boys' and 'Song 2' will surely put a smile on fans' faces.

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'Substance' by New Order -

If 'Blue Monday' is the only New Order song you know, and you want to discover what they were all about, listen to this album. Released in 1987, you'll find songs such as 'Ceremony' and 'Confusion,' among many others.

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'Hits' by Pulp -

From 'Common People' to 'Disco 2000' and 'This Is Hardcore,' Pulp's 'Hits' really delivers. The 2002 compilation certainly deserves a spot on this list.

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'Singles Going Steady' by Buzzc***s -

This 1979 "best of" album by the English punk rockers features their best tunes, including 'What Do I Get?' and 'Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've,' among many others.

See also: Inspiring songs about peace

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