Essential Hits
Encyclopedia
Essential Hits is a compilation album released in the United Kingdom on 5 December 2005. The album has 50 tracks on 3 discs. It was from the Hits albums series, and would later turn out to be the penultimate album in the series.
Disc one
- James BluntJames BluntJames Hillier Blount , better known by his stage name James Blunt, is an English singer-songwriter and musician, and former army officer, whose debut album, Back to Bedlam and single releases, including "You're Beautiful" and "Goodbye My Lover", brought him to fame in 2005...
- You're BeautifulYou're Beautiful"You're Beautiful" is a pop rock song co-written by British singer James Blunt, Sacha Skarbek, and Amanda Ghost for Blunt's debut album Back to Bedlam . It was released as the third single from the album in 2005. In the UK and Australia the song reached number one and number two respectively... - WestlifeWestlifeWestlife are an Irish boy band established on 3 July 1998. They are to disband in 2012. The group's line-up was Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, and Brian McFadden . The group are the only act in British and Irish history to have their first seven singles peak at number one...
- You Raise Me UpYou Raise Me Up"You Raise Me Up" was the debut single from Westlife's fifth studio album, Face To Face.This version is considered by many to be the most popular , of all the various versions of the same song. The single peaked at #1 on the UK Singles Chart, making it the band's 13th Number One. It was the first... - Will YoungWill YoungWilliam Robert "Will" Young is a British singer-songwriter and actor who came to prominenceafter winning the 2002 inaugural series of the British music contest Pop Idol, making him the first winner of the now-worldwide Idols-format franchise...
- Switch It OnSwitch It On"Switch It On" is a popular song written by Will Young, Stephen Lipson, Ronnie Peterson, Karen Poole and Steve Wolf, and performed by Will Young. It was released as the first single from Young's third album Keep On, and his eighth single overall. The single reached number five in the UK Singles Chart... - Craig DavidCraig DavidCraig Ashley David is an English singer and songwriter. He has released five studio albums: Born to Do It, Slicker Than Your Average, The Story Goes..., Trust Me, Signed Sealed Delivered and a Greatest Hits album...
- Don't Love You No More (I'm Sorry)Don't Love You No More (I'm Sorry)"Don't Love You No More " is the second single from British R&B artist Craig David's third album The Story Goes.... "Don't Love You No More " gave David his second top ten hit from The Story Goes... and one of his biggest hits to date, tying with #1 single "7 Days" for longest-running single in the... - Backstreet BoysBackstreet BoysThe Backstreet Boys are an American vocal group, formed in Orlando, Florida in 1993. The band originally consisted of A. J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter and Kevin Richardson. They rose to fame with their debut international album, Backstreet Boys...
- IncompleteIncomplete (Backstreet Boys song)"Incomplete" is a song by American vocal group Backstreet Boys from their comeback album, Never Gone. The power ballad was released in April 2005 as the group's first single since they decided to reunite after a three year hiatus. It was written by Dan Muckala, Lindy Robbins, and Jess Cates, and it... - Natalie ImbrugliaNatalie ImbrugliaNatalie Jane Imbruglia is an Australian singer-songwriter, model and actress. In the early 1990s, Imbruglia was known to audiences as Beth Brennan in the popular Australian soap Neighbours. Three years after leaving the programme, Imbruglia launched a singing career with the international hit,...
- Shiver - Lee RyanLee RyanLee Ryan is an English singer-songwriter, actor and member of the British boy band Blue.-Early life:...
- Army of LoversArmy Of LoversArmy of Lovers are a Swedish dance music group formed in 1987.The name of the band alludes to a documentary Armee der Liebenden oder Revolte der Perversen about the German gay rights activist Rosa von Praunheim, the title of which in turn alludes to the Theban Band.-History:The founding members,... - Steve BrooksteinSteve BrooksteinSteve Brookstein is an English jazz and soul singer, who rose to fame in the UK in 2004 after winning the first series of The X Factor...
- Against All OddsAgainst All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)"Against All Odds " is a song by British singer Phil Collins recorded for soundtrack to the 1984 film of the same name. It is a power ballad in which its protagonist implores an ex-lover to "take a look at me now", knowing that reconciliation is "against all odds" while considering it worth trying... - David GrayDavid Gray (musician)David Gray is an English singer-songwriter. He released his first studio album in 1993 and received worldwide attention after the release of White Ladder six years later...
- The One I LoveThe One I Love (David Gray song)"The One I Love" is a song by David Gray. It was released in August 2005 as the first single from Life in Slow Motion. The song was produced by famed producer Marius de Vries and is Gray's second-highest achievement on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at #8... - RoosterRooster (band)Rooster were an English indie rock band that formed in London in 2002. Comprising singer-songwriter Nick Atkinson, guitarist and songwriter Luke Potashnick, backing guitarist and vocalist Ben Smyth, bassist Nick Howell and drummer Dave Neale, the band released two studio albums and five UK top-40...
- Staring at the SunStaring at the Sun (Rooster song)"Staring at the Sun" is a song by English indie rock band Rooster, featured on their 2005 debut self-titled album. Written by vocalist Nick Atkinson, guitarist Luke Potashnick and producer Steve Robson, the song was released as the second single from the album on 15 January 2005, reaching number... - Charlotte ChurchCharlotte ChurchCharlotte Maria Church is a Welsh singer-songwriter, actress and television presenter. She rose to fame in childhood as a classical singer before branching into pop music in 2005. By 2007, she had sold more than 10 million records worldwide including over 5 million in the United States...
- Crazy ChickCrazy Chick"Crazy Chick" is a pop song written by Sarah Buras, Wirlie Morris, Fitzgerald Scott, produced by Tore Johannson for Charlotte Church's fifth studio album Tissues and Issues . It was released as the album's first single in the United Kingdom on 27 June 2005 as a CD single. The song reached number... - Britney SpearsBritney SpearsBritney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
- Do Somethin'Do Somethin'"Do Somethin" is a song by American recording artist Britney Spears from her first greatest hits compilation, Greatest Hits: My Prerogative. It was released on February 14, 2005 by Jive Records as the second single from the album worldwide except North America... - Daniel PowterDaniel PowterDaniel Richard Powter is a Canadian recording artist. He is known for his hit "Bad Day", which spent five weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. Powter became the only act to register the #1 hit of the year but chart no other Hot 100 hit.- Life and career :Powter grew up in Vernon, in the...
- Bad DayBad Day (Daniel Powter song)"Bad Day" is a song written and performed by Canadian singer-songwriter Daniel Powter. It was released as the first single from his second album Daniel Powter and achieved the #1 spot in the U.S. and Ireland. In the U.S... - HansonHanson (band)Hanson are an American pop rock band formed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by brothers Isaac , Taylor , and Zac Hanson . They are best known for the 1997 hit song "MMMBop" from their major label debut album Middle of Nowhere, which earned three Grammy nominations...
- Penny and Me - Brian McFaddenBrian McFaddenBrian Nicholas McFadden , is an Irish singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1990s as a member of the Irish boyband Westlife...
ft. Delta GoodremDelta GoodremDelta Lea Goodrem is an Australian singer-songwriter, pianist, and actress. Signed to Sony at the age of 15, Goodrem rose to prominence in 2002, starring in the Australian soap opera Neighbours as Nina Tucker. Goodrem has achieved eight number-one singles and three number-one albums in her home...
- Almost HereAlmost Here (song)"Almost Here" is a pop ballad by Irish singer Brian McFadden and Australian singer Delta Goodrem. Written by McFadden, Paul Barry and Mark Taylor, and produced by Taylor, the song appears on McFadden's debut album, Irish Son, and on Goodrem's second studio album, Mistaken Identity... - Katie MeluaKatie MeluaKetevan "Katie" Melua is a British-Georgian singer, songwriter and musician. She moved to Northern Ireland at the age of eight and then to England at fourteen. Melua is signed to the small Dramatico record label, under the management of composer Mike Batt, and made her musical debut in 2003...
- Nine Million BicyclesNine Million Bicycles"Nine Million Bicycles" is a song written and produced by Mike Batt for the singer Katie Melua's second album, Piece by Piece. It was released as the album's first single in September 2005 and reached number five on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Melua's first top five hit as a solo artist...
Disc two
- Sean PaulSean PaulSean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques , who performs under stage name Sean Paul, is a Jamaican pop rap and reggae singer.-1973–1996: Early life:...
- We Be Burnin'We Be Burnin'"We Be Burnin" is the first single from Sean Paul's third studio album The Trinity. It achieved success worldwide, becoming a top ten hit on almost ten major charts.-Background and release:... - UsherUsher (entertainer)Usher Terry Raymond IV , who performs under the mononym Usher, is an American singer-songwriter, and actor. He is considered around the world to be the reigning King of R&B. Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way, which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100...
- Caught Up - Jennifer LopezJennifer LopezJennifer Lynn Lopez is an American actress, singer, record producer, dancer, television personality, and fashion designer. Lopez began her career as a dancer on the television comedy program In Living Color. Subsequently venturing into acting, she gained recognition in the 1995 action-thriller...
- Get RightGet Right"Get Right" is a song recorded by American recording artist and actress Jennifer Lopez, taken from her fourth studio album, Rebirth... - MarioMario (singer)Mario Dewar Barrett , who performs under the mononym Mario, is an American R&B singer-songwriter, actor, dancer and model. He is best known for his hit singles "Just a Friend 2002" and "Let Me Love You" , which won him two Billboard awards, as well as for appearing in the films Step Up and...
- Here I Go AgainHere I Go Again (Mario song)"Here I Go Again" is a R&B single by Mario. It is the third single from his second studio album Turning Point. The single was released on May 2005. It was produced by Drama Family Ent. and Ron "Neff-U" Feemster. The single debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 11... - LemarLemarLemar Obika , professionally known simply as Lemar, is an English recording artist. Obika has had a run of chart success in the UK, Europe and Australia...
- Time To GrowTime To GrowTime to Grow is the second studio album by English soul/R&B singer Lemar. The album has been certified double platinum by the BPI.-Track listing:#"Soulman" - 3:18#"Better Than This" - 3:22#"I Don't Mind That" - 3:34#"What If?" - 4:28... - Ciara ft. Petey PabloPetey PabloMoses Mortimer Barrett III , known by the stage name Petey Pablo, is an American rapper from Greenville, North Carolina.-Biography:...
- GoodiesGoodies (song)"Goodies" is the debut single by American recording artist Ciara. Written by herself, Sean Garrett, LeMarquis Jefferson, and Craig Love, the song is produced by Lil Jon and features label-mate Petey Pablo. It was released worldwide from June 2004 as the lead single from her debut album of the same... - Missy Elliot ft. Ciara & Fatman ScoopFatman ScoopIsaac Freeman III, better known by his stage name Fatman Scoop is a hip hop promoter and radio personality famed for his on-stage rough, raw, loud voice....
- Lose Control - MyloMyloMyles MacInnes , better known by the stage name Mylo, is a Scottish electronic musician and record producer.-Career:...
vs. Miami Sound Machine - Doctor PressureDoctor Pressure"Doctor Pressure" is a mash-up between the songs "Drop the Pressure" from Mylo and Miami Sound Machine's "Dr. Beat". Originally created in October 2004 by mashup duo Phil n' Dog. The song was released as a single and peaked at #3 at UK singles Chart, #5 at the Irish Singles chart and #12 on the... - Basement JaxxBasement JaxxBasement Jaxx are a British electronic dance music duo from London, England consisting of Felix Buxton born 1971 and Simon Ratcliffe born 1 December 1969. They first rose to popularity in the late 1990s...
- Oh My GoshOh My Gosh"Oh My Gosh" is a song by British electronic dance music duo Basement Jaxx. It was released in 2005 as a single from the band's greatest hits album, The Singles. The song peaked in the UK charts at number eight. The female vocals on the track were performed by Vula Malinga... - Soul CentralSoul CentralSoul Central are a British music production duo consisting of Andy Ward and Paul Timothy, who had a number 6 hit with "String Of Life " on the UK Singles Chart, and it also reached number 1 on the UK Dance Chart. The track featured vocals from house veteran, Kathy Brown...
ft. Kathy BrownKathy BrownKathy Brown is an American R&B Dance/House singer from South Carolina.-Career:Brown began singing in her local Gospel choir. After joining the contemporary R&B group Sweet Cinnamon...
- Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own) - DJ SammyDJ SammySamuel Bouriah , professionally known as DJ Sammy Is a DJ and producer. He has released five albums and has had five Top 10 hits with "Heaven" reaching number one in the UK in 2002. His career started with former spouse Marie José in the making of his first singles, under the stage name of DJ Sammy...
- WhyWhy (Annie Lennox song)"Why" is the first solo single by the Scottish singer Annie Lennox, released in 1992. It was taken from her debut solo album Diva and reached no.5 in the United Kingdom and number thirty-four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The single also reached no.6 on the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart... - Sunset StrippersSunset StrippersSunset Strippers are an electronic music group from the UK. They are known for their 2005 song "Falling Stars", which is a remix of the 1988 hit song "Waiting For a Star to Fall" by Boy Meets Girl, and was involved in a sampling battle with Cabin Crew...
- Falling StarFalling starFalling star or shooting star is the common name for the visible path of a meteoroid as it enters the atmosphere to become a meteor. If a falling star survives impact with the Earth's surface, then it is called a meteorite.It may also refer to:... - Max GrahamMax GrahamMax Graham is a Canadian DJ, composer and producer who manages to transcend genres while producing international hits in the dance music scene. He is most famous for his hits “Sun in the Winter” and “Nothing Else Matters”, His Cycles CD Series/Radio show as well as his remix of the classic song...
vs. YesYes (band)Yes are an English rock band who achieved worldwide success with their progressive, art, and symphonic style of rock music. Regarded as one of the pioneers of the progressive genre, Yes are known for their lengthy songs, mystical lyrics, elaborate album art, and live stage sets...
- Owner of a Lonely HeartOwner of a Lonely Heart"Owner of a Lonely Heart" is a song by the progressive rock band Yes. It is the opening track of their 1983 album 90125. Written primarily by Trevor Rabin, the song reached number one on the United States Billboard Hot 100 — to date Yes's biggest chart success... - Crazy FrogCrazy FrogCrazy Frog, originally known as Adam King, is a computer-animated character created in 2003 by Erik Wernquist. Marketed by the ringtone provider Jamba!, the animation was originally created to accompany a sound effect produced by Daniel Malmedahl in 1997 while attempting to imitate the sound of a...
- Axel FAxel F"Axel F" is the electronic instrumental theme from the 1984 film Beverly Hills Cop performed by Harold Faltermeyer. The title comes from the main character's name, Axel Foley , in the film. It topped musical charts in 1985 and remains a popular remix track. Mixes of "Axel F" topped European pop... - Kelly OsbourneKelly OsbourneKelly Michelle Lee Osbourne is an English media personality, television personality, host, judge, fashion designer, singer, and actress, best known for being the daughter of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne...
- One Word - New OrderNew OrderNew Order are an English rock band formed in 1980 by Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris...
- KraftyKrafty"Krafty" is a song by New Order, released as the first single from the band's 2005 album, Waiting for the Sirens' Call.It marks the first new release by New Order for Warner Bros... - JemJem (singer)Jemma Griffiths , better known as Jem, is a Welsh singer-songwriter. Her debut album, Finally Woken, includes elements of rock, new wave-styled electronica and trip-hop...
- TheyThey (song)"They" is the first single released by Jem from her debut album Finally Woken. It includes a sample of the Swingle Singers' 1963 adaptation of Johann Sebastian Bach's Prelude in F minor from Book II of Well-Tempered Clavier from their album Jazz Sebastian Bach.The song became her most popular...
Disc three
- Elvis PresleyElvis PresleyElvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
- Jailhouse RockJailhouse Rock (song)"Jailhouse Rock" is a song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller that first became a hit for Elvis Presley. The song was released as a 45rpm single on September 24, 1957, to coincide with the release of Presley's motion picture, Jailhouse Rock... - Take ThatTake ThatTake That are a British five-piece vocal pop group comprising Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams. Barlow acts as the lead singer and primary songwriter...
ft. LuluLulu (singer)Lulu Kennedy-Cairns, OBE , best known by her stage name Lulu, is a Scottish singer, actress, and television personality who has been successful in the entertainment business from the 1960s through to the present day...
- Relight My FireRelight My Fire"Relight My Fire" is a popular song which was written and released by Dan Hartman in 1979, when it topped the U.S. dance-music charts for six weeks... - Hard-FiHARD-FiHard-Fi are an English indie rock band formed in Staines, Surrey in 2003. The band's members are Richard Archer , Ross Phillips , Kai Stephens and Steve Kemp .They achieved chart success with their third single, "Hard to Beat" and then followed by other successful singles such as...
- Hard to BeatHard to Beat"Hard to Beat" is the third single from indie band Hard-Fi, from their album Stars of CCTV. Despite being released as third single it was Hard-Fi's first top ten single, reaching #9 in the UK, and was released on 20 June 2005... - JamiroquaiJamiroquaiJamiroquai is a British jazz funk and acid jazz band formed in 1992. Jamiroquai were initially the most prominent component in the early-1990s London-based acid jazz movement, alongside groups such as Incognito, the James Taylor Quartet, and the Brand New Heavies. Other Acid Jazz artists such as...
- Feels Just Like It Should - Franz Ferdinand - Do You Want ToDo You Want To"Do You Want To" is the lead single for Franz Ferdinand's second album, You Could Have It So Much Better. It was released 19 September 2005 and charted at number four in the UK Singles Chart . The video, directed by Diane Martel, was released on August 23 and was played every hour on MTV2 on the...
- The FutureheadsThe FutureheadsThe Futureheads are an English post-punk band from Sunderland. consisting of Ross Millard , Barry Hyde and David "Jaff" Craig...
- Hounds of LoveHounds of LoveHounds of Love is a 1985 album by the British singer Kate Bush. It was Bush's fifth studio album, and her second no. 1. It has since been certified Double Platinum in the UK... - HIM - Wings of a ButterflyWings of a Butterfly"Wings of a Butterfly", also released as "Rip Out the Wings of a Butterfly", is a song by the Finnish metal band HIM. It is the second track on the 2005 album Dark Light and was released as the album's first single that year. The song reached #1 on the Finnish charts, #10 in Germany and the UK, and...
- OasisOasis (band)Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher , Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs , Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan and Tony McCarroll , who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher...
- Lyla - British WhaleBritish WhaleBritish Whale is the solo alias of the singer/guitarist/keyboardist Justin Hawkins.-History:To date British Whale has released two singles. The first, in 2005, was a cover of Sparks' 1974 UK hit, "This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us". British Whale's version reached #6 in the UK Singles Chart...
- This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of UsThis Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us"This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us" is a song written by Ron Mael of the American pop group Sparks. It is the opening track on their 1974 album Kimono My House, and was the lead single from the album, reaching number two in the UK singles chart.... - Kasabian - Cutt OffCutt Off"Cutt Off" is the fourth single from Kasabian's eponymous album. It is Kasabian's second highest chart entry at #8. The single version was a re-working of the album version, featuring a new drum track, a different mix and slightly changed lyrics...
- Bloc PartyBloc PartyBloc Party are a British Indie rock band, composed of Kele Okereke , Russell Lissack , Gordon Moakes , and Matt Tong...
- So Here We Are - Manic Street PreachersManic Street PreachersManic Street Preachers are a Welsh alternative rock band, formed in 1986. They are James Dean Bradfield, Nicky Wire, Richey Edwards and Sean Moore. The band are part of the Cardiff music scene, and were at their most prominent during the 1990s...
- Empty SoulsEmpty Souls"Empty Souls" is a song by Manic Street Preachers, and was the second single taken from their album Lifeblood.The single edit features a lyric that was changed from the album version. The chorus line on the album version runs 'collapsing like the twin towers', but for the single it was changed to... - The TearsThe TearsThe Tears were an English rock band, formed in 2004 by ex-Suede bandmates Brett Anderson and Bernard Butler. The band was a much anticipated reunion of an acclaimed songwriting couple, and music critics praised their first concerts and their debut album, Here Come The Tears...
- RefugeesRefugees (song)"Refugees" is the debut single by The Tears, released on April 25, 2005 on Independiente Records. It charted at number 9 on the UK singles chart, which was relatively good considering the lack of success done by the previous Suede album, as well as the fact that it was the band's first single... - Paul WellerPaul WellerPaul Weller is an English singer-songwriter. Starting with the band The Jam , Weller then went on to branch out musically to a more soulful style with The Style Council...
- From the Floorboards Up - StereophonicsStereophonicsThe Stereophonics are a Welsh rock band now living in turners x that formed in 1992 in the village of Cwmaman in Cynon Valley, Wales. The band currently comprises lead vocalist and guitarist Kelly Jones, bassist and backing vocalist Richard Jones, drummer Javier Weyler, guitarist and backing...
- DakotaDakota (song)"Dakota" is a song by the Welsh band Stereophonics. It was the first single from their fifth studio album Language. Sex. Violence. Other? and was released on February 28, 2005. It was the first Stereophonics single to reach number 1 on the UK Singles Chart or to chart on the US Modern Rock Tracks... - The PoguesThe PoguesThe Pogues are a Celtic punk band, formed in 1982 and fronted by Shane MacGowan. The band reached international prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. MacGowan left the band in 1991 due to drinking problems but the band continued first with Joe Strummer and then with Spider Stacy on vocals before...
ft. Kirsty MacCollKirsty MacCollKirsty Anna MacColl was an English singer-songwriter.MacColl scored several pop hits from the early 1980s to the early 1990s...
- Fairytale of New YorkFairytale of New York"Fairytale of New York" is a song by the Irish rock group The Pogues, released in 1987 and featuring the British singer Kirsty MacColl. The song is an Irish folk style ballad, written by Jem Finer and Shane MacGowan, and featured on The Pogues' album If I Should Fall from Grace with God...