They're advertising this on TV and of all the songs played, only 1 isn't from their first album (Hot Fuss). I personally thought this album was great and having got Spotify, been through all subsequent albums to conclude they're nowhere near as good.

I can only think of 2 songs since, "Human" and "When You Were Young" that I like. Having said that, all their albums have achieved #1 spot in the UK but sales are reduced on each (which may just be a sign of the times). Going by single success, "Hot Fuss" had the most hits.

It's seems quite common for a band/acts first album to be full of hits but subsequent not. My theory is that they've had X years and no pressure to create their first album and everything after that has been knocked up when they had spare time between touring etc.

Be interested to know what others feelings are on this.

K wrote:
It's seems quite common for a band/acts first album to be full of hits but subsequent not. My theory is that they've had X years and no pressure to create their first album and everything after that has been knocked up when they had spare time between touring etc.

Agree entirely.

Often a band's first album consisted mainly of their stage act - honed over many years touring - and road tested on audiences.

When that wealth of material had been used-up subsequent albums like you said were written, recorded and released without much "road test" and usually did not stand up in the long run.

Do people bother with Greatest Hits and Best Of these days ?

Albums always work for me then singles and EP's.