Gold - Greatest Hits

This is quite simply the best album ever - and I can't see anything coming that would disturb its position (except perhaps a Da Buzz Best of!). When you make a compilation out of three albums with grades 8, 10 and 10, there's not much question what the result will be like. The only flaw I can find is the lack of Since You Took Your Love Away, which is understandable since it wasn't a single but When I Said Goodbye was, easily the weakest track on this album.

#1 Tragedy 10

Their biggest hit and for a reason. Amazingly catchy choreography and also a great song in terms of cover versions. The video is of course also amazing.

#2 One for Sorrow 10

The first song I ever heard from Steps, finally recovering from overuse during the old times. Another marvellous choreography and a melody that is more ABBA than ABBA themselves. This is what all music should be like.

#3 Stomp 8½

The other #1 chart hit, though never one of my favourites, nowadays permanently connected to the dancing game.

#4 Better Best Forgotten 9

They themselves named this as one of their least favourites, though it was a great success. In the beginning I didn't quite get it because of the controversialities in the chords but it grew onto me and the choreography is one of my favourites.

#5 Love's Got a Hold on My Heart 10

My first thought of this was "very good but not as good as LToMM" and that's my view still. Hearing this still feels a bit strange due to the massive amounts of listenings before getting my hands onto the whole Steptacular album.

#6 Deeper Shade of Blue 10

Not quite a typical Steps track, which is understandable considering it was originally written for Tina Cousins, who I'm glad didn't get it after all.

#7 Last Thing on My Mind 10

Can't I give an 11? This is undoubtedly the best cover ever. The Bananarama original is so weak but in this one all its potential is unleashed. Certainly it also has quite a meaning as their first non-5,6,7,8 single :] This is probably the most important song of all songs to me.

#8 Better the Devil You Know 8½

A distinctively less understandable cover, though good anyway.

#9 Summer of Love 8½

Another single in the vein of Stomp: not one I'd have chosen but apparently not a bad choice after all. My favourite is the accelerating washing machine sound just before each chorus.

#10 5, 6, 7, 8 8

Oh good old 5,6,7,8... A funny exception on the album, being honest to their roots. Or should I say "root" as there's only this one of this kind?

#11 Chain Reaction 8½

One more cover, interesting chords, good rhythm, but still not the tops. But after two of the best covers in the world, how demanding can you be?

#12 Baby Don't Dance 9

A funny little track with a different atmosphere and good ideas in the beat.

#13 It's the Way You Make Me Feel 10

My number two on the album, also in my all time top 5. A perfect, "kaihea" song in just the right chords, powerful arrangement, definitely one for dreaming.

#14 After the Love Has Gone 10

Right now I'm not quite sure if this is my number three or is it One for Sorrow. One of the very best anyway, with my favourite choreography. Could this be where I've learned my affection for long instrumental endings?

#15 Here And Now 9½

The version on Buzz has one of the best D parts ever, unfortunately they changed its beat for this and the single version. With it this would be really close to a 10.

#16 Say You'll Be Mine 8

One of the weakest singles, quite repetitive and unimaginative, though pleasant.

#17 Only in My Dreams 10

The real hidden treasure, a new track that was never released as a single. Written by Steps themselves, this is a song with a great melody and chords, as well as structure and arrangement. I can't understand why they chose the trite Words Are Not Enough as their last single instead of this...

#18 Words Are Not Enough 7½

Uninteresting track much more suitable as a filler than a single...

#19 When I Said Goodbye 6

Speaking of uninteresting... Clearly their weakest single. Why include this in the collection but leave out the much better You'll Be Sorry? Shouldn't all singles have been included? Or alternately we could've done quite well without the boring WANE...

#20 Heartbeat 7½

A sympathetic though watered song with a comic video, only remarkable for being Tragedy's companion.