Album Review: “Greatest Hits” By The Doors

Psychedelic greatness compiled into one album, Greatest Hits by The Doors offers a glimpse into the band’s peak era compressed into one concise record. First released in 1980, Greatest Hits was a gateway to an age not far away, introducing the Morrison-fronted band to a whole new demographic – which was totally the point, as hardcore Doors fans have already embedded these songs deep into their souls.

Starting off the list is “Hello, I Love You”, which is a standard pop-love anthem showered with great keys and guitars all around. “Light My Fire” is next, a big Doors classic is another testament to Morrison’s superb poetry, but Ray Manzarek’s keys stand out in this one. “People Are Strange” is eccentric in its own right, while “Love Me Two Times” is another pop cut that worked well with those needing a commercialized swig from the band. Closing out the first side is the quintessential “Riders Of The Storm” in all of its restrained glory.

The second side opens with “Break On Through”, scathing and seething with rock-infused energy from the get-go. It is followed by “Roadhouse Blues”, one of the band’s best attempts at making a blues-influenced track with its gritty edge. “Not To Touch the Earth” is probably only the weakest link in the album, which might have been the reason for its removal in the 1995 reissue. “Touch Me” is a little too laid back, but still a great love song overall. Closing the entire record is “LA Woman”, another Doors classic that has the band at full throttle.

The Doors’ Greatest Hits was a timely release that rejuvenated the public’s interest in the band, even long after Jim Morrison’s death, netting them a refreshed status in the rock scene.