The album consists of 40 tracks spread across two discs. Unlike earlier "Best of" albums that focused solely on the punk era or the pop era, this release attempts to balance both.
Disc 1: The Early Years & Punk Classics (1977–1982) This disc focuses on the band's aggressive, keyboard-driven punk and new wave sound.
Disc 2: The Pop Era & Later Years (1981–2006) This disc covers the band's transition into mainstream pop success and their 2000s renaissance.
The 2006 release of The Very Best of the Stranglers is a comprehensive single-disc compilation that bridges the band's career across two major record labels, United Artists and CBS/Sony. Unlike many other collections, this 21-track edition is notable for including "Big Thing Coming" from the 2004 album Norfolk Coast, making it one of the few compilations to feature material from both the classic Hugh Cornwell era and the band's later lineup. Critical Reception
Reviewers generally consider this a strong introduction to the band, though some find the non-chronological tracklist jarring:
AllMusic: Called it "one of the better introductions to the band available". the very best of the stranglers 2006 rar
Classic Rock: Described it as a "consistently accomplished collection," but noted that the "randomized track-listing" creates a "Jekyll and Hyde" effect by placing aggressive punk tracks next to sophisticated 80s pop.
User Consensus: Collectors appreciate the digital remastering and the inclusion of deeper hits like "Nice in Nice" and "96 Tears" alongside essentials. Key Tracks Included
The album covers the band's evolution from aggressive post-punk to melodic new wave:
Early Punk Hits: "Peaches," "No More Heroes," and "(Get A) Grip (On Yourself)."
Melodic New Wave: "Golden Brown," "Strange Little Girl," and "Always the Sun." The album consists of 40 tracks spread across two discs
Pop Era Essentials: "Skin Deep," "European Female," and "Big in America."
Unique Addition: "Big Thing Coming" (from the 2004 Norfolk Coast album). Tracklist (2006 EMI/Sony Edition) No More Heroes Strange Little Girl Something Better Change European Female Golden Brown Big in America Nice 'N' Sleazy Let Me Down Easy Midnight Summer Dream (Get A) Grip (On Yourself) Walk on By Nice in Nice Big Thing Coming Hanging Around Always the Sun All Day & All of the Night
Note: While many "Best Of" titles exist for The Stranglers, this specific 21-track 2006 version is often distinguished by its black cover featuring the band's logo and its inclusion of the 21st track, "96 Tears" or "Big Thing Coming".
Released at a pivotal moment — just after the band’s legal reclamation of their back catalog from EMI — The Very Best of The Stranglers (2006, EMI/Sony BMG) aimed to consolidate the classic 1977–1990 period. However, unlike previous best-ofs (The Collection 1977–1982, Greatest Hits 1977–1990), this two-disc set distinguished itself through its second disc: a treasure trove of B-sides, live cuts, alternate versions, and genuine rarities that had never been compiled before.
While Disc 1 offers the expected hits (“Peaches,” “No More Heroes,” “Golden Brown,” “Always the Sun”), it is Disc 2 that elevates this release from a simple cash-in to an essential document for fans and collectors. Disc 2: The Pop Era & Later Years
It is worth noting that the search term "rar" often leads to confusion between a file format (RAR archive) and a specific release title. In the context of this specific 2006 album, it does not refer to a studio album title. However, in the digital music community, this specific compilation was widely circulated in compressed formats (like .rar or .zip) because it offered a concise, high-quality single-disc alternative to the bulkier box sets. It became a staple for digital collectors wanting a "clean" folder of the band's biggest hits without the filler of deep-cut albums.
The Burt Bacharach cover, but live — and extended to nearly 7 minutes. The studio version was a hit; this live rarity (previously a Japanese B-side) features a ferocious bass solo from Burnel and a keyboard breakdown that anticipates post-punk. The crowd’s roar when Cornwell snarls “walk on by” is spine-tingling.
Even this generous set couldn’t include everything. Absent are:
Nonetheless, for a mainstream best-of, the 2006 Very Best remains a benchmark — a compilation that treats rarities not as filler but as essential chapters in The Stranglers’ story.