The Essential is more of a history than a standard hits collection. If anything, the hits take a back seat, with the first big anthem, "Roll With the Changes," not showing up until track 13 and Hi Infidelity not until the second disc. If you just want the hits, the appropriately titled 1988 collection The Hits will serve those up, but Essential digs deeper, hitting nearly all of the key album tracks, concert staples, and fan favorites, drawing a picture of a band that was more muscular and complex than the hits, particularly power ballads like "Can't Fight This Feeling," would suggest. It's not for every listener, but for those fans who want more than the hits but don't want full-length albums, this is the perfect solution.

Label:      Epic – E2K 86015, Legacy – E2K 86015

Series:     The Essential

Format:     2 x CD, Compilation, Remastered

Country:    Canada

Released:   2004

Genre:      Rock

Style:      Hard Rock, Pop Rock, Classic Rock

TRACKLIST:

Disc: 1

1     Sophisticated Lady

2     Music Man

3     Golden Country

4     Son of a Poor Man

5     Lost in a Dream

6     Keep Pushin'

7     (I Believe) Our Time Is Gonna Come

8     Lightning

9     Like You Do

10    Flying Turkey Trot

11    157 Riverside Avenue

12    Ridin' the Storm Out

13    Roll with the Changes

14    Time for Me to Fly

15    Say You Love Me or Say Goodnight

Disc: 2

1     Back on the Road Again

2     Only the Strong Survive

3     Don't Let Him Go

4     Keep on Loving You

5     In Your Letter

6     Take It On the Run

7     Keep the Fire Burnin'

8     The Key

9     One Lonely Night

10    Live Every Moment

11    Can't Fight This Feeling

12    That Ain't Love

13    In My Dreams

14    Variety Tonight

15    Here with Me

16    Love Is a Rock

17    Building The Bridge

18    Just for You