Pat Benatar: Ultimate Collection

I have to give credit to Capitol Records: they realize the selling-power of Pat Benatar's 80's catalog of hits. It doesn't come as a shocker that they've released yet another greatest hits compilation of the diminutive singer's biggest hits and rare album tracks called Pat Benatar: Ultimate Collection. What this 2-disc, 40 track collection doesn't offer is anything new, other than a newly recorded acoustic version of the 1993 single "Every Time I Fall Back."

Coming on the heels of 2005's gold-selling (500,000 units) "Greatest Hits", "Ultimate Collection" has all the female belter's power hits such as "Heartbreaker", "Hit Me With Your Best Shot", "Shadows of the Night", and "Love Is a Battlefield". Benatar's early 90's blues era is also included, which may surprise casual fans. Sorely missing is material from 1997's "Innamorata" and 2003's "Go" CD's. Both were released independently of Capitol Records.

There is definitely a re-mastered sound to these songs, but unfortunately some of the tracks sound overblown. The good news is that Benatar's powerhouse voice is pushed to the front of most of the tracks. It's also nice to hear obscure songs such as "The Victim" and "Diamond Field" receive the re-master treatment.

But ultimately, "Pat Benatar's Ultimate Collection" is un-necessary. If this was the first greatest hits compilation, I'd recommend it. The best option to check out Benatar's catalog is the more comprehensive "Best Shots" from 1989. Or for a more extensive overview, there's "Synchronistic Wanderings" from 1999.

"Ultimate Collection" coincides with Benatar's and musical partner/husband Neil Giraldo's summer 2008 Fired Up tour. Tour dates can be found on the artist's fan site www.benatarfanclub.com.