Solid Gold Hits

The only collection to span the Beastie Boys' career from 1986 to 2004, SOLID GOLD HITS features songs from each of the New York City rap/rock trio's first six studio albums. Arranged in non-chronological order, this 15-track disc focuses on the pioneering group's most popular tunes, ranging from the infamous anthem "Fight for Your Right" to the ominous, organ-heavy "So What'cha Want" and the thoughtful hometown tribute "An Open Letter to NYC." Somewhat bafflingly, the Beasties' most rewarding records--PAUL'S BOUTIQUE (1989) and CHECK YOUR HEAD (1992)--are represented by only two tracks each, but this is likely due to the cohesive yet eclectic nature of those discs, which concentrate more on overall mood rather than on catchy singles. Hardcore B-Boys fans will lament the absence of classics such as "Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun," "Gratitude," and "Stand Together," but this 2005 compilation, as the title states, is geared toward the hits, and thus functions as a concise, party-ready sampler of the Beasties' groundbreaking and energetic brand of hip-hop.