Volume 17 of this massively successful compilation album is, as its predecessors, packed with songs from the biggest names in music at the moment; every song culled from their latest albums. Compilation albums are normally the best of each performer, but there are always a few that does stand out and deserves some extra recognition.

One of those is John Legend, a name we heard in SA a lot recently. The five-time Grammy winner delivered a stellar performance, headlining the Positive Rocks concert, even meeting with patients from the Tapologo Hospice and calling for global action on the Aids issue. So he deserves to be first on the album with the single Save Room, also the first single from his second album. The song is cool and reminiscent of the joy of love, with the omission of his trademark piano playing highlighting John’s abilities as a singer.

Gnarls Barkley’s Gone Daddy Gone is an energetic cover of the original Violent Femmes classic, by the same name. Gone Daddy Gone was the third single of Gnarls Barkley’s debut album, St Elsewhere, and debuted #60 on the UK Singles Chart. Jessica Simpson’s contribution, A Public Affair, reminds me of the 80s Kylie Minogue songs, with what I like to refer to as those “yesteryear bubblegum beats”. Simpson’s sound is sweet and innocent and all I can say is: “Ladies, break out the side-ponies, bob those heads and come out for a public affair… aaaah aah aaaah.”

Another female artist which shines on this album is Shakira who teams up with former Fugees member, Wyclef Jean, for the lively Hips Don’t Lie. The song is a remake of an earlier Wyclef song, titled Dance Like This. The song is bouncy and full of life; and quite exceptional with Shakira’s Latino rhythms infused with Wyclef’s reggae beats.

A song that I originally wrote off and which seriously surprised me with a second listen was Bob Sinclar’s Tennessee, if for no other reason than that it is a lekker song to “langarm” to. However not the only reason why I am mentioning it, the man has a haunting voice, which he combines with a lighthearted tune in a funky, fun song with strong vocals.

What makes The Hits a good collection for me is the combination of international and local talent. But don’t think for a second our local guys are outshined. Danny K demonstrates a matured talent that is world class with his melodic ballad Unfrozen, from his latest album It’s My Time.

And I have left the best for last. Thabo Mduli’s Wonderful Life is sheer brilliance. The song’s beautiful lyrics are gently supported by soft guitar rhythms, which makes it a song I can listen to over and over. And the very, very best (at least in my opinion): Josie Field’s 10 Years! I have seen her name on the SA music scene before, but never really cared much for her music. 10 Years made me sit up and listen. The clever and sharp lyrical content made the song for me. This is a stunning song we can proudly label South African and Josie is an artist I am very excited about hearing more from.

It is a brave move; combining such a variety of genres from international and local performers on one album, but with their 17th offering, The Hits are yet to disappoint. It is good drive-and-sing-along album, but also great to whip out for braais, house parties or for an evening in.