This is the hardest thing i'm going to be reviewing for quite some time so i'm going to keep it simple.
The Singles collection contains ten disks. Nine released singles and one unreleased. In total there are 44 songs. Many of which are bonus tracks and don't appear on albums. I'm going to list the songs in sections of which single they are on and write a bit about each single to save you reading a 50 000 word review.
Gone with the Sin
1. Gone with the Sin (Radio edit) 2. Gone with the Sin (O.D Version) 3. For You (Accoustic Version) 4. Bury me Deep inside Your Heart (Live) 5. Gone with the Sin (Album version)
The highlight of this album is the Radio edit of "Gone with the Sin". I think that it would be the album version but i'v heard it a lot on the album. The acoustic version of "For You" is also a good song. I didn't think that track 4 was as good but it was louder than i expected it to be.
It's all Tears
1. It's all Tears (Drown in This Love) 2. The Heartless (Club-Remix)
This is the unreleased single. "It's all Tears (Drown in This Love)" is a louder song than most of HIM's. It is taken over by an electric guitar riff that i feel is too loud for the vocals. Another problem is that the song cuts out suddenly.
I'm not sure if it was intentional or not. However i still like the song. The Club-Remix of "The Heartless" is great. The fact i think this may have something to do with my new found liking of Dance music but i don't know. It's a slow song and works well.
Poison Girl
1. Poison Girl 2. Right here in my arms (Live) 3. It's all tears (Live) 4. Poison Girl (Live)
"Poison Girl" is a great song. It's one of my personal favourites. It has some speed in it but not so it's overpowering. Th live version of "Right here in my arms" is great. You can hear the music over the crowd and it has a cool introduction. The song is different to the album version but it is fun to listen to. "It's all tears" works well live and is a good song. "Poison Girl" isn't as good live as it is on the album.
When Love and Death Embrace
1. When Love and Death Embrace (Radio Edit) 2. When Love and Death Embrace (AOR-Radio Mix) 3. When Love and Death Embrace (Original single-Edit) 4. When Love and Death Embrace (Album version)
This single is called "When Love and Death Embrace" for a reason. I like the song but four versions of it gets a bit too much. The Radio Edit is really good. It's becoming one of my favourites. The AOR-Radio edit is even better again. It is slower and quieter. The thing is they all sound a bit too alike for me.
Wicked Game
1. Wicked Game 2. For You 3. Our Diabolical Rapture 4. Wicked Game (666-Remix)
"Wicked Game" is another of my favourite HIM Songs. It has a rockier side to it that i love. "For you" is also a good song. Not one of my favourites though. Track 3 also has a rockier side to it. It's great! Track 4 is a slightly heavier version of "Wicked Game" . It has a cool acoustic piece in it. The vocals don't sound quite right however but i can't work out why.
Right Here In My Arms
1. Right Here In My Arms (Radio Edit) 2. Join me in Death (Razorblade Mix) 3. The Heartless (Space Jazz Dubmen Mix) 4. I've Crossed Oceans of Wine To Find You
"Right here In My Arms" is a great song. It has a good chorus that is amazing to sing to. The Remix of "Join me in Death" sounds the same to me and although the song is great the remix does nothing for me. The other songs are all good. I think track 3 is a highlight because it Sounds so cool when remixed this way. It has a atmosphere to it that i love.
In Joy and Sorrow
1. In Joy and Sorrow (Radio Edit) 2. Again 3. In Joy and Sorrow (String Version) 4. Salt in Our Wounds (Thulsa Doom version) 5. Beautiful (Third Seal)
"In Joy and Sorrow" is another Classic. The string version also working well. The other songs are also good. Track five being another highlight of the single.
Pretending
1. Pretending 2. Pretending (Alternative mix) 3. Please don't let it go (Acoustic version) 4. Loose you tonight (Caravan Version)
"Pretending" isn't my favourite HIM song but it's growing on me. The alternative mix helps because it sounds similar but there are differences that in my opinion really make it a highlight of the single. The Acoustic version of "Please don't let it go" is beautiful.
Join Me
1. Join Me 2. It's all Tears 3. Rebel Yell (Live) 4. Dark Sekret Love
This isn't the best single in the collection but it's still good. "Join me" and "Rebel Yell" are the two best songs on the single. There is a good atmosphere for the Live version which makes a big difference to the song. It helps to create a good atmosphere.
Heartache every Moment & Close to The Flame
1. Heartache every Moment 2. Close to the Flame 3. Salt in Our Wounds (Acoustic Version) 4. In Joy and Sorrow (Acoustic version) 5. Pretending (Acoustic Version) 6. Heartache every moment (Acoustic Version) 7. Close to the Flame (Acoustic Version)
Tracks one and two are great songs. They are Classic HIM. The acoustic versions of the other songs all work really well, particularly tracks four and six. This could be released as an album in my opinion or at least an E.P
The Packaging
The box's artwork is well deisgned as are the individual single covers. The box flips open to reveal the CD's. Each CD is in an individual cardboard sleeve. These work better than plastic cases because they all fit together well without coming in a massive case.
Summary
This is a great thing to have. If you are a fan of HIM then it is a must have. However it also works as an introduction to the music. One thing i must say is don't do as i just did and listen to all 44 songs. You can have too much of a good thing and it starts to get annoying. To conclude i would say that it is worth buying for fans or soon to be fans. I'm sure you will come back to it time and time again.
You can buy this on Amazon for only £23.49 although i got mine in a second hand shop for £5 so shop around. Thanks For Reading Joe 2008 =]
Pictures of Single Collection, The (Singles Set) - HIM
Box
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