PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
ROXETTE

AMAZON
Rarely has a "best-of" package been so aptly (or so admirably) named. While never quite able to shake off the inevitable ABBA comparisons, Sweden's Roxette have, indeed, worked to a fairly simple blueprint over the course of their 13-year career: simple, workmanlike songs with insistent hooks; occasionally daft lyrics--sounding, at times, like a cruel parody of Europop--and slick, radio-friendly production. In terms of commercial success, the result--over 40 million records sold--speaks for itself. Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson first came to international attention with two singles, "The Look" and "Dressed For Success"--the latter, perhaps the most naked declaration of intent since the Pet Shop Boys' "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)". The careful placement of "It Must Have Been Love" in the Pretty Woman soundtrack didn't exactly hurt their careers either, and from that point on their fame was assured. Later efforts ("June Afternoon", one of four new tracks included here) have hinted at the influence of Prince, but why change a winning formula? --Andrew McGuire