Best of the Guess Who is a compilation album by the Canadian rock band The Guess Who, released in 1971. The album features 12 of the band’s most popular songs, including “American Woman,” “These Eyes,” and “No Time.” Best of the Guess Who was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Canadian Albums Chart and number two on the US Billboard 200.
The album’s success is due in part to the strength of the songs included. The Guess Who were one of the most popular bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and their songs are known for their catchy melodies, memorable lyrics, and strong musicianship. Best of the Guess Who is a great introduction to the band’s music, and it remains one of their most popular albums.
In addition to its commercial success, Best of the Guess Who has also been praised by critics. The album is included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, and it was ranked number 10 on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s list of the 100 Greatest Canadian Albums of All Time.
1. Compilation album
A compilation album is a collection of songs from various sources, typically by different artists or from different recordings by the same artist. Compilation albums can be themed, such as a collection of all the number-one hits from a particular year, or they can simply be a collection of popular songs from a particular genre or era. Best of the Guess Who is a compilation album that features 12 of the band’s most popular songs.
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Facet 1: Purpose
Compilation albums serve a variety of purposes. They can be used to introduce new listeners to an artist or band, to provide a retrospective of an artist’s career, or to simply collect popular songs from a particular genre or era in one place. Best of the Guess Who is an example of a compilation album that serves to introduce new listeners to the band and to provide a retrospective of their career. -
Facet 2: Content
Compilation albums can contain a variety of content, including hit singles, album tracks, live recordings, and demos. Best of the Guess Who contains a mix of hit singles and album tracks. -
Facet 3: Target audience
Compilation albums can be targeted at a variety of audiences. Some compilation albums are targeted at fans of a particular artist or band, while others are targeted at a more general audience. Best of the Guess Who is targeted at both fans of the band and at a more general audience. -
Facet 4: Commercial success
Compilation albums can be commercially successful, especially if they feature popular songs from well-known artists. Best of the Guess Who was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Canadian Albums Chart and number two on the US Billboard 200.
Compilation albums play an important role in the music industry. They can introduce new listeners to new artists, provide a retrospective of an artist’s career, and collect popular songs from a particular genre or era in one place. Best of the Guess Who is a classic example of a compilation album that has been successful both commercially and critically.
2. 12 songs
The number of songs on a compilation album is an important factor in determining the album’s overall quality and appeal. A compilation album with too few songs may feel like a rip-off, while an album with too many songs may be overwhelming for listeners. Best of the Guess Who contains 12 songs, which is a good number for a compilation album. It’s enough songs to give listeners a good overview of the band’s music, but it’s not so many songs that listeners will feel overwhelmed.
The specific songs that are included on a compilation album are also important. The songs should be a good representation of the artist’s or band’s overall sound, and they should be songs that listeners will enjoy. Best of the Guess Who includes some of the band’s most popular and well-known songs, such as “American Woman,” “These Eyes,” and “No Time.” These songs are a good representation of the band’s overall sound, and they are songs that listeners will enjoy.
The combination of 12 songs and the specific songs that are included on Best of the Guess Who make it a great compilation album. The album is a good introduction to the band’s music, and it’s an album that listeners will enjoy.
3. Released in 1971
The release year of a compilation album can have a significant impact on its content and overall appeal. Best of the Guess Who was released in 1971, which was a significant year for the band and for rock music in general.
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Facet 1: Musical context
1971 was a year of great change and innovation in rock music. The Beatles had broken up the previous year, and new genres such as heavy metal and progressive rock were emerging. Best of the Guess Who reflects these changes, as it includes songs that are both catchy and experimental. -
Facet 2: Band’s career
1971 was a turning point in the Guess Who’s career. The band had released a string of successful albums in the late 1960s, but they were looking to change their sound and move in a more experimental direction. Best of the Guess Who includes songs that reflect this change, as well as some of the band’s earlier hits. -
Facet 3: Commercial success
Best of the Guess Who was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Canadian Albums Chart and number two on the US Billboard 200. This success was due in part to the album’s strong track listing and its release at a time when the Guess Who were at the height of their popularity. -
Facet 4: Critical reception
Best of the Guess Who was also a critical success, with many reviewers praising the album’s track listing and the band’s performance. The album has been included in several lists of the best compilation albums of all time.
The release year of 1971 is an important factor in understanding the content and appeal of Best of the Guess Who. The album reflects the musical context of the time, the band’s career trajectory, and the commercial and critical success that they were experiencing at the time.
4. Number one in Canada
Best of the Guess Who reached number one on the Canadian Albums Chart, making it the band’s most successful album in their home country. This achievement is significant for several reasons:
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Facet 1: Commercial success
Reaching number one on the Canadian Albums Chart is a major commercial achievement for any album. It indicates that the album is selling well and is popular with the general public. -
Facet 2: Critical acclaim
In addition to its commercial success, Best of the Guess Who was also a critical success. Many reviewers praised the album’s track listing and the band’s performance. The album has been included in several lists of the best compilation albums of all time. -
Facet 3: Cultural significance
Reaching number one on the Canadian Albums Chart is a significant cultural achievement for any Canadian band. It indicates that the band is popular with the Canadian public and that their music is resonating with the country’s culture and identity. -
Facet 4: International recognition
The fact that Best of the Guess Who reached number one in Canada also helped to raise the band’s international profile. The album’s success in Canada made it more likely that the band would be noticed by international record labels and that their music would be played on radio stations around the world.
Reaching number one on the Canadian Albums Chart is a significant achievement for any album, and it is a testament to the quality of Best of the Guess Who. The album’s success in Canada helped to raise the band’s profile both at home and abroad, and it remains one of their most popular and enduring albums.
5. Number two in the US
Best of the Guess Who reached number two on the US Billboard 200, making it the band’s most successful album in the United States. This achievement is significant for several reasons:
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Facet 1: Commercial success
Reaching number two on the US Billboard 200 is a major commercial achievement for any album. It indicates that the album is selling well and is popular with the general public. For Best of the Guess Who, this achievement is particularly impressive given that the band is Canadian and was competing with American bands for chart positions. -
Facet 2: Crossover success
Reaching number two on the US Billboard 200 also indicates that Best of the Guess Who was successful in crossing over to a mainstream American audience. The album’s success on the US charts helped to raise the band’s profile in the United States and made them one of the most popular Canadian bands of all time. -
Facet 3: Critical acclaim
In addition to its commercial success, Best of the Guess Who was also a critical success. Many reviewers praised the album’s track listing and the band’s performance. The album has been included in several lists of the best compilation albums of all time. -
Facet 4: Cultural impact
The success of Best of the Guess Who in the United States had a significant cultural impact. The album helped to introduce Canadian rock music to a wider American audience and paved the way for other Canadian bands to achieve success in the United States.
Reaching number two on the US Billboard 200 is a significant achievement for any album, and it is a testament to the quality of Best of the Guess Who. The album’s success in the United States helped to raise the band’s profile both at home and abroad, and it remains one of their most popular and enduring albums.
6. Popular songs
Popular songs are an essential component of Best of the Guess Who. The album features 12 of the band’s most popular songs, including “American Woman,” “These Eyes,” and “No Time.” These songs are all well-known and loved by fans around the world. They are also all excellent examples of the band’s songwriting and musicianship.
The inclusion of these popular songs on Best of the Guess Who is no accident. The songs were chosen because they are representative of the band’s best work. They are also songs that are likely to appeal to a wide range of listeners. As a result, the album is a great introduction to the Guess Who’s music for new fans, and it is also a great way for existing fans to revisit some of their favorite songs.
The popularity of the songs on Best of the Guess Who has had a significant impact on the band’s career. The album has helped to raise the band’s profile and make them one of the most popular Canadian bands of all time. The songs have also been used in numerous films and television shows, which has further helped to spread the band’s music to a wider audience.
In conclusion, the popular songs on Best of the Guess Who are an essential part of the album’s success. The songs are well-written, catchy, and performed with passion and energy. They are also songs that have resonated with fans around the world. As a result, the album is a classic that continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages.
7. Critical acclaim
Critical acclaim is a crucial component of “Best of the Guess Who”. It has helped to establish the album as a classic and has played a significant role in its commercial success. There are several reasons why critical acclaim is so important for this album.
First, critical acclaim can help to generate interest in an album and encourage people to listen to it. When critics praise an album, it can create a sense of buzz and excitement around it. This can lead to increased sales and streaming numbers. In the case of “Best of the Guess Who”, the album’s critical acclaim helped to make it one of the best-selling albums of 1971.
Second, critical acclaim can help to establish an album as a classic. When critics praise an album, it can help to legitimize it and make it more likely to be remembered and enjoyed for years to come. “Best of the Guess Who” is now considered one of the greatest compilation albums of all time, and its critical acclaim has played a significant role in this.
Third, critical acclaim can help to increase an album’s value. When an album is critically acclaimed, it can become more valuable to collectors and fans. This is because critically acclaimed albums are often seen as being more important and significant than albums that have not received critical acclaim.
In conclusion, critical acclaim is a crucial component of “Best of the Guess Who”. It has helped to establish the album as a classic, has played a significant role in its commercial success, and has increased its value. Without critical acclaim, it is likely that “Best of the Guess Who” would not be as well-known or as highly regarded as it is today.
FAQs about “Best of the Guess Who”
Question 1: What is “Best of the Guess Who”?
Answer: “Best of the Guess Who” is a compilation album by the Canadian rock band The Guess Who, released in 1971. The album features 12 of the band’s most popular songs, including “American Woman,” “These Eyes,” and “No Time.”
Question 2: Why is “Best of the Guess Who” considered a classic album?
Answer: “Best of the Guess Who” is considered a classic album because it features some of the band’s best-known and most popular songs. The album has been praised by critics for its strong track listing and the band’s performance. It has also been included in several lists of the best compilation albums of all time.
Question 3: What are some of the most popular songs on “Best of the Guess Who”?
Answer: Some of the most popular songs on “Best of the Guess Who” include “American Woman,” “These Eyes,” “No Time,” “Laughing,” and “Undun.
Question 4: Who are the members of The Guess Who?
Answer: The original members of The Guess Who are Burton Cummings (lead vocals, keyboards), Randy Bachman (guitar, vocals), Jim Kale (bass guitar), and Garry Peterson (drums). The band has undergone several lineup changes over the years, but Cummings has remained the only constant member.
Question 5: What is the significance of “Best of the Guess Who”?
Answer: “Best of the Guess Who” is a significant album in the band’s career because it helped to introduce them to a wider audience. The album was a commercial success, reaching number one in Canada and number two in the United States. It also received critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising the album’s track listing and the band’s performance.
Question 6: Where can I find “Best of the Guess Who”?
Answer: “Best of the Guess Who” is available on CD, vinyl, and digital download from a variety of online retailers, including Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play.
Summary: “Best of the Guess Who” is a classic compilation album that features some of the band’s best-known and most popular songs. The album is a great introduction to the Guess Who’s music for new fans, and it is also a great way for existing fans to revisit some of their favorite songs.
Transition to the next article section: The Guess Who are one of the most successful and influential Canadian rock bands of all time. They have released a number of classic albums, including “Best of the Guess Who.” The band continues to tour and record today, and their music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
Tips for Enjoying “Best of the Guess Who”
Listening to “Best of the Guess Who” can be a great way to experience some of the band’s best-known and most popular songs. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of the album:
Tip 1: Listen to the album in its entirety.
The album is sequenced in a way that tells a story, so it’s best to listen to it from start to finish. This will allow you to appreciate the flow of the album and the way the songs build on each other.
Tip 2: Read the liner notes.
The liner notes contain a wealth of information about the album, including the recording sessions, the songwriting process, and the band’s thoughts on the album. Reading the liner notes can help you to understand the album on a deeper level.
Tip 3: Look up the lyrics online.
The lyrics to the songs on “Best of the Guess Who” are full of clever wordplay and insightful observations. Reading the lyrics while you listen to the album can help you to appreciate the band’s songwriting skills and the meaning behind the songs.
Tip 4: Listen to the album with friends.
Sharing the experience of listening to “Best of the Guess Who” with friends can be a great way to bond and to appreciate the album’s music and lyrics. You can discuss your favorite songs, share your interpretations of the lyrics, and sing along to the choruses.
Tip 5: See the band live.
If you really want to experience the power of “Best of the Guess Who”, see the band live. The Guess Who are known for their energetic live performances, and they always put on a great show. Seeing the band live is a great way to hear the songs from “Best of the Guess Who” played in a new and exciting way.
Summary:
“Best of the Guess Who” is a classic album that deserves to be listened to and enjoyed by all fans of rock music. By following these tips, you can get the most out of the album and appreciate its music and lyrics on a deeper level.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
The Guess Who are one of the most successful and influential Canadian rock bands of all time. Their music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world, and “Best of the Guess Who” is a great way to experience some of their best work.
Conclusion
Best of the Guess Who is a compilation album by the Canadian rock band The Guess Who, released in 1971. The album features 12 of the bands most popular songs, including American Woman, These Eyes, and No Time. The album was a commercial success, reaching number one in Canada and number two in the United States. It also received critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising the albums track listing and the bands performance.
The album is a great introduction to the Guess Whos music for new fans, and it is also a great way for existing fans to revisit some of their favorite songs. The songs on the album are all well-written, catchy, and performed with passion and energy. They are also songs that have resonated with fans around the world.
Best of the Guess Who is a classic album that deserves to be listened to and enjoyed by all fans of rock music. The album is a testament to the bands songwriting skills and their ability to connect with audiences on a deep level.
