About this album
Where they were
When 'Ultimate Collection' was released in January 2008, Pat Benatar was enjoying a legacy as a pioneer for female rock artists in the 1980s. This compilation came after her commercial peak in the late 70s and early 80s, encapsulating her significant contributions to rock music over decades and introducing her classic hits to a new generation.
Why it matters
This album is notable not only for its comprehensive selection of Benatar's hits but also for its role in emphasizing her status as one of the best-selling female rock artists. The collection brought renewed attention during a time when classic rock nostalgia was rising, helping to maintain her influence in popular culture.
Essential tracks
- "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" — This track epitomizes Benatar's empowering rock ethos and became an anthem for resilience, cementing her status in rock history.
- "Love Is a Battlefield" — With its iconic chorus and themes of love and struggle, this song showcases her ability to blend rock with relatable storytelling.
- "We Belong" — This track highlights Benatar's softer side while still maintaining a powerful message, illustrating her versatility as an artist.
- "Hell Is for Children" — Addressing serious social issues with poignant lyrics, this song reflects her willingness to tackle difficult subjects through music.
Release Date
January 1, 2008
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Heartbreaker 3:27
- 2 I Need a Lover 3:27
- 3 In the Heat of the Night 5:22
- 4 We Live for Love 3:34
- 5 Treat Me Right 3:12
- 6 You Better Run 3:03
- 7 Never Wanna Leave You 3:10
- 8 Hit Me With Your Best Shot 2:50
- 9 Hell Is for Children 4:50
- 10 Promises in the Dark 4:11
- 11 Fire and Ice 3:18
- 12 Just Like Me 3:30
- 13 It's a Tuff Life 3:16
- 14 Precious Time 6:02
- 15 Shadows of the Night 3:41
- 16 Looking for a Stranger 3:25
- 17 Anxiety (Get Nervous) 3:41
- 18 Little Too Late 3:25
- 19 The Victim 4:41
- 20 Lipstick Lies 3:32
- 21 Love Is a Battlefield 4:09
Disc 2
- 1 Diamond Field 3:21
- 2 We Belong 3:41
- 3 Ooh Ooh Song 4:08
- 4 Outlaw Blues 3:46
- 5 Painted Desert 5:23
- 6 Invincible (vocal edit) 4:08
- 7 Sex as a Weapon 4:19
- 8 Le Bel Age (edit) 4:18
- 9 All Fired Up (single version) 4:10
- 10 Don't Walk Away (radio edit) 4:08
- 11 One Love (Song of the Lion) (edit) 4:30
- 12 Let's Stay Together (edit) 3:43
- 13 Payin' the Cost to Be Boss 3:13
- 14 True Love 4:41
- 15 I Feel Lucky 4:29
- 16 The Good Life 4:10
- 17 Everybody Lay Down (edit) 3:56
- 18 Somebody's Baby (edit) 3:49
- 19 Every Time I Fall Back 4:59
