Greatest Hitz
Greatest Hitz is a greatest hits compilation album by the American nu metal band Limp Bizkit, released on November 8, 2005, by Geffen Records and Flip Records.[1][2] The album compiles 17 tracks from the band's previous studio albums, spanning their career from 1997's Three Dollar Bill, Y'all to 2003's Results May Vary, along with three new tracks: "Why", "Lean on Me", and a mashup cover of Mötley Crüe's "Home Sweet Home" and The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony".[1][3] Key hits included are "Counterfeit", "Faith" (a cover of George Michael's song), "Nookie", "Break Stuff", "Re-Arranged", "N 2 Gether Now", "Take a Look Around", "My Generation", "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)", "My Way", "Boiler", and "Eat You Alive", as well as the cover of The Who's "Behind Blue Eyes".[1][4] The compilation serves as a retrospective of Limp Bizkit's commercial peak in the late 1990s and early 2000s, capturing their signature blend of rap rock, nu metal, and aggressive energy that propelled them to mainstream success.[5] Upon release, Greatest Hitz debuted at number 47 on the US Billboard 200 chart, reflecting the band's enduring fanbase despite a shift in music trends away from nu metal.[6] Internationally, it achieved gold certifications in Australia (35,000 units), Germany (150,000 units), and New Zealand (7,500 units), underscoring its solid sales performance.[7] The album also includes contributions from frequent collaborators like DJ Lethal, Wes Borland, and guest vocalists such as Method Man on select tracks.[1]Background
Conception
The conception of Greatest Hitz arose from Limp Bizkit's intent to produce a career retrospective amid their commercial zenith in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a time marked by lineup instability and evolving creative priorities. The band, known for nu metal anthems such as "Nookie" and "Rollin'," had achieved massive popularity with albums like Significant Other (1999) and Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000), the latter debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 with over one million first-week U.S. sales. This success positioned the compilation as an opportunity to highlight their hit-driven legacy while the group navigated transitions, including the departure of guitarist Wes Borland in October 2001 due to creative differences and the pressures of fame.[8][9] After Borland's exit, Limp Bizkit recruited guitarist Mike Smith in 2003 to complete Results May Vary, released that September, which shifted toward a more experimental sound but still produced hits like "Behind Blue Eyes."[10] Borland rejoined in August 2004, enabling the experimental EP The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1 in May 2005, though its limited promotion led to underwhelming reception.[11]Discography context
Limp Bizkit's recorded output up to the mid-2000s encompassed a progression from raw, underground experimentation to polished mainstream anthems, beginning with their debut studio album Three Dollar Bill, Y'all, released in 1997 through Flip/Interscope Records. This initial effort captured the band's early fusion of hip-hop rhythms, heavy guitar riffs, and aggressive vocals, drawing from the Jacksonville, Florida, underground scene and establishing their place in the emerging nu metal genre. Subsequent releases built on this foundation, with the 1999 sophomore album Significant Other marking a pivotal shift toward broader accessibility while retaining nu metal's intensity, produced by Ross Robinson, who helped define the genre's sound.[12][13] The band's ascent to commercial prominence accelerated with Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water in 2000, an album that amplified their rap-rock hybrid with high-energy production and collaborations, solidifying Limp Bizkit as a dominant force in late-1990s/early-2000s rock.[14] This era of mainstream success was tempered by internal challenges, notably guitarist Wes Borland's departure in October 2001, which he attributed to creative differences and the pressures of fame following the band's rapid rise.[8] Borland's exit influenced the direction of Results May Vary (2003), where the band incorporated new members and explored more experimental elements amid lineup instability.[15] The EP The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1) followed in 2005, further showcasing a darker, more introspective evolution from their earlier bombast. Greatest Hitz, released in November 2005, serves as a retrospective compilation that encapsulates this trajectory, drawing primarily from the 1997–2003 studio albums to highlight the band's transformation from gritty nu metal origins to arena-filling stardom and subsequent artistic reinvention. By sequencing tracks across these phases, the collection underscores Limp Bizkit's role in popularizing rap-metal's blend of aggression and melody, while nodding to the tensions that arose as they navigated post-mainstream experimentation.[12]Production
Compilation process
The compilation of Greatest Hitz was initiated as a rapid response to the underwhelming reception of Limp Bizkit's 2005 EP The Unquestionable Truth, Pt. 1, which featured the reunited lineup including Wes Borland but received minimal promotion.[5] This effort aimed to reaffirm the band's commercial legacy by assembling a retrospective that emphasized their most impactful work from the classic era.[5] Track selection focused on 14 songs from the band's albums spanning 1997 to 2003, prioritizing commercially successful singles and enduring fan favorites that defined their nu metal sound, such as "Counterfeit" from Three Dollar Bill, Y'all (1997), "Nookie" and "Break Stuff" from Significant Other (1999), and "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)" from Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000).[5] [16] The choices were influenced by recent lineup changes, particularly Borland's earlier departure in 2001, which shifted emphasis toward the original configuration's output to recapture audience nostalgia.[5] To modernize the collection for its 2005 release, several tracks underwent remixing, labeled as "GH Versions" (for Greatest Hitz), including "Faith," "Nookie," "Take a Look Around," and "Boiler." These updates adjusted production elements like beats and mixes to align with contemporary listening standards while preserving the originals' aggressive energy.[16] The album incorporates three newly produced tracks to augment the retrospective: original compositions "Why" and "Lean on Me," recorded as introspective, acoustic-leaning pieces that contrasted the band's typical rap-metal style, and a medley blending Mötley Crüe's "Home Sweet Home" with orchestral samples from The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony."[5] [16] The medley's creation involved navigating sampling clearance for the "Bittersweet Symphony" elements, which stemmed from The Verve's prior legal dispute over unauthorized use of The Rolling Stones' "The Last Time" orchestral arrangement, resulting in shared royalties and heightened scrutiny over rights in the medley.[5] [17]Personnel
The personnel for Greatest Hitz reflect the compilation nature of the album, with credits drawn from the original recordings of each track across Limp Bizkit's discography. Tracks 1–11 feature the band's classic lineup: Fred Durst on vocals, Wes Borland on guitar, Sam Rivers on bass, John Otto on drums, and DJ Lethal on turntables and electronics.[1] For tracks 12–14, sourced from the 2003 album Results May Vary following Borland's departure in 2001, the contributors included Durst on vocals and additional guitar, with Sam Rivers on bass, John Otto on drums, and DJ Lethal on turntables and electronics; Mike Smith provided guitar on "Eat You Alive," while Randy Pereira played guitar on "Behind Blue Eyes."[18][19] Tracks 15 and 16 ("Why" and "Lean on Me") feature Fred Durst on vocals, Sam Rivers on bass, John Otto on drums, and DJ Lethal on electronics, recorded during the Results May Vary sessions. Track 17 ("Home Sweet Home/Bittersweet Symphony") includes similar core personnel with additional orchestral arrangement. Production credits vary by track, with Fred Durst serving as producer on multiple selections, alongside Rick Rubin for tracks 15 and 16; earlier tracks include Ross Robinson as producer for "Counterfeit" and "Faith."[20][21] Brian Welch contributed guitar on "Build a Bridge."[22] Additional production support came from engineers and mixers such as Terry Date on Results May Vary tracks, with the compilation mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound.[23]Release and promotion
Release details
Greatest Hitz was released on November 8, 2005, by Flip Records and Geffen Records, with distribution handled by Universal Music Group.[24][1] The album was issued in multiple formats, including a standard compact disc edition featuring 17 tracks with a total runtime of 71:41, as well as digital download availability.[25] Limited editions included a bonus track titled "The Truth," sourced from the band's 2005 EP The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1). The album was accompanied by a companion DVD, Greatest Videoz, released concurrently, which collected the band's music videos.[26][27] Distribution occurred globally, with the initial pressing targeted at the U.S. market followed by international rollouts; variations included explicit content labeling on certain editions to denote parental advisory warnings.[1][28] The packaging featured a standard jewel case with a 16-page booklet containing credits, lyrics, and artwork emphasizing band imagery alongside motifs from their hit singles; explicit content warnings were prominently displayed on the cover and outer packaging.[16]Marketing efforts
The marketing for Greatest Hitz centered on leveraging the band's established catalog to appeal to longtime fans, with a key component being the simultaneous release of the companion DVD Greatest Videoz on November 8, 2005, through Geffen Records. This DVD compiled edited versions of 12 music videos, including prominent hits like "Nookie" from Significant Other (1999) and "Break Stuff" from Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000), providing a visual retrospective that complemented the album's audio tracks.[29][27][30] Promotional campaigns included television advertising, such as a dedicated commercial aired in Brazil that highlighted both the CD and DVD formats to drive international sales. Print promotions featured magazine ads, including a full-page promotional insert in Japanese rock publications from December 2005, emphasizing the compilation's tracklist and new inclusions. These efforts focused on the album's retrospective value rather than pushing the new tracks as standalone singles, though the previously unreleased material served as a hook to encourage purchases.[31][32][16] To build buzz, the band participated in media appearances around the release, including a radio interview with frontman Fred Durst on November 9, 2005—the day after the album's launch—where he discussed the compilation as a career milestone and reflected on Limp Bizkit's evolution. These interviews aired on platforms like Ultimate Guitar, tying into broader radio and TV spots that underscored the album's role in summarizing the band's nu metal legacy without major concert tie-ins specific to the rollout.[33]Content
Musical overview
Greatest Hitz serves as a retrospective compilation that encapsulates Limp Bizkit's signature nu metal sound, blending rap-rock aggression with turntablism and occasional covers to highlight the band's evolution from their raw, early material to more melodic expressions in later years.[34] The album draws from the group's core style, featuring heavy guitar riffs and Fred Durst's rapid-fire rap delivery alongside DJ Lethal's scratching and sampling, as evident in tracks like "N 2 Gether Now."[34] This genre fusion evolves across the collection, starting with the high-octane, confrontational energy of debut-era songs such as "Counterfeit" and progressing to smoother, radio-friendly melodies in selections from Results May Vary, like "Behind Blue Eyes."[34][5] Thematically, the compilation explores recurring motifs of anger and rebellion, exemplified by "Break Stuff," where Durst channels frustration into anthemic outbursts like "I'll break your fucking face tonight," reflecting the band's provocative edge.[34] Interpersonal dynamics and relationships feature prominently, as in "Nookie," with its confessional lyrics about desire and regret: "I did it all for the nookie."[34] Later inclusions introduce introspection, such as the unreleased "Why," which delves into personal reflection, marking a shift toward vulnerability in Limp Bizkit's lyrical approach.[34] Organized chronologically to trace the band's trajectory from 1997 to 2005, Greatest Hitz balances high-energy singles with reinterpretations like the George Michael cover "Faith" and The Who's "Behind Blue Eyes," alongside a medley of "Home Sweet Home" and "Bittersweet Symphony" for added variety.[34] Spanning 17 tracks with a total runtime of 71:41, the album emphasizes career-defining hits while omitting deeper album cuts to maintain focus on commercial peaks.[5] Its unique inclusion of three previously unreleased tracks—"Why," "Lean on Me," and the aforementioned medley—refreshes the retrospective, effectively bridging Limp Bizkit's aggressive origins with their maturing sound.[34]Track listing
Greatest Hitz comprises 17 tracks compiled from Limp Bizkit's previous albums, along with newly recorded material, totaling 71:41 in length.[16] Select tracks appear in "GH" (Greatest Hitz) versions, which are edited or remastered specifically for this compilation.[35]| No. | Title | Duration | Original album | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Counterfeit" | 4:48 | Three Dollar Bill, Y'all$ (1997) | |
| 2 | "Faith" | 2:26 | Three Dollar Bill, Y'all$ (1997) | George Michael cover; GH version |
| 3 | "Nookie" | 4:26 | Significant Other (1999) | GH version |
| 4 | "Break Stuff" | 2:46 | Significant Other (1999) | |
| 5 | "Re-Arranged" | 5:54 | Significant Other (1999) | |
| 6 | "N 2 Gether Now" | 3:55 | Significant Other (1999) | Featuring Method Man |
| 7 | "Take a Look Around" | 5:19 | Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000) | |
| 8 | "My Generation" | 3:41 | Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000) | |
| 9 | "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)" | 3:33 | Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000) | |
| 10 | "My Way" | 4:33 | Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000) | |
| 11 | "Boiler" | 5:44 | Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000) | |
| 12 | "Eat You Alive" | 3:57 | Results May Vary (2003) | |
| 13 | "Behind Blue Eyes" | 4:29 | Results May Vary (2003) | The Who cover |
| 14 | "Build a Bridge" | 3:56 | Results May Vary (2003) | Featuring Lene from Atomic Kitten |
| 15 | "Why" | 4:05 | Previously unreleased | New track |
| 16 | "Lean on Me" | 4:27 | Previously unreleased | New track |
| 17 | "Home Sweet Home/Bittersweet Symphony" | 3:42 | Previously unreleased | New medley of Mötley Crüe and The Verve songs |
Critical reception
Reviews
Critics offered mixed opinions on Greatest Hitz, with praise centered on its role as a solid retrospective of Limp Bizkit's commercial peak in nu metal, while detractors highlighted its lack of fresh material and the band's enduringly divisive persona. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic commended the compilation for "doing its job well as a greatest-hits collection," particularly for its curation of key tracks that balance the band's early aggressive rap-rock era with later efforts, providing a coherent overview without unnecessary filler.[5] Similarly, The Encyclopedia of Popular Music awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, describing it as an effective retrospective that captures the essence of Limp Bizkit's influence on the genre during its late-1990s and early-2000s dominance. On the mixed side, IGN reviewer Spence D. acknowledged the album's fun, high-energy vibe but criticized its dated production, which reflected the nu metal sound's waning relevance by 2005, though he appreciated the chronological flow that maintained momentum through the hits.[37] Common themes across reviews included acclaim for encapsulating Limp Bizkit's nu metal zenith—through staples like "Nookie" and "Break Stuff"—but frequent complaints about the absence of new creative risks. Overall, the reception remained polarized, mirroring the band's image as both nu metal trailblazers and symbols of the genre's excesses, with Erlewine noting the collection's success in "balancing eras" to appeal to nostalgic fans.[5]Ratings
The ratings for Greatest Hitz reflect a mixed critical consensus, with scores varying based on appreciation for the album's curation of the band's signature hits versus criticism of its timing amid the waning popularity of nu metal in the mid-2000s. The Encyclopedia of Popular Music rated it 4 out of 5, noting its value as a retrospective for fans. The Essential Rock Discography assigned 7 out of 10. IGN scored it 6.9 out of 10, describing it as a straightforward hits collection that delivers expected energy but lacks innovation.[37]| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | 4/5 |
| The Essential Rock Discography | 7/10 |
| IGN | 6.9/10 |
Commercial performance
Chart performance
Greatest Hitz debuted and peaked at No. 47 on the US Billboard 200 chart in 2005, marking the band's seventh top-50 album on that ranking.[6] In Canada, the album re-entered the Billboard Canadian Albums chart at No. 85 in 2025, reflecting renewed interest amid the band's recent chart resurgence.[38] Internationally, the compilation achieved moderate success across several European and Oceanic markets upon its initial release. It reached No. 29 on the ARIA Albums Chart in Australia, No. 27 on the Ö3 Austria Top 40, No. 68 in Flanders and No. 84 in Wallonia on Belgium's Ultratop charts, No. 25 on Germany's Offizielle Deutsche Charts (where it spent 7 weeks in total), No. 41 on the Swiss Hitparade, No. 78 on the UK Official Albums Chart, and No. 67 on Ireland's IRMA chart during a 2025 re-entry.[39][40][41][42][43] These positions were bolstered by initial sales driven by a bundled DVD featuring music videos and live footage, which enhanced its appeal to fans.[20] Chart durations varied by territory, with longer runs in rock-oriented markets like Germany due to sustained physical and digital sales. The 2025 re-entries, particularly in Canada, Ireland, and the UK, were attributed to streaming revivals sparked by Limp Bizkit's nostalgia-fueled activities, including viral social media moments and new releases that spotlighted their catalog.[42][44]| Country | Chart | Peak Position | Year | Weeks on Chart | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Billboard 200 | 47 | 2005 | 12 | Music Charts Archive |
| Canada | Billboard Canadian Albums | 85 | 2025 (re-entry) | 4 | Billboard Canada |
| Australia | ARIA Albums | 29 | 2005 | N/A | Wikipedia (chart data) |
| Austria | Ö3 Austria Top 40 | 27 | 2005 | 3 | AustrianCharts.at |
| Belgium (Flanders) | Ultratop | 68 | 2005 | 3 | Ultratop |
| Belgium (Wallonia) | Ultratop | 84 | 2005 | 1 | Ultratop |
| Germany | Offizielle Deutsche Charts | 25 | 2005 | 7 | Offizielle Charts; TSort.info |
| Switzerland | Swiss Hitparade | 41 | 2005 | 3 | Hitparade.ch |
| United Kingdom | Official Albums Chart | 78 | 2005 | 1 (plus 2025 re-entries) | Official Charts |
| Ireland | IRMA | 67 | 2025 (re-entry) | 1 | UKMIX Forums (IRMA data) |