Greatest Hits

Pat Benatar was a major force in pop rock in the '80s. She started her career as a lioness, sporting a sexually aggressive campaign that gave her a powerful voice and an even greater persona to live up to. When she tired of that game, she subdued her image and performed songs that were subtler on the ears. But she never lost her knack for spotting a catchy melody, and these songs—just about every hit a fan would want—are jammed with hooks that permanently stain your brain. "Heartbreaker" was the monster FM-radio staple that established her career, while "Hit Me with Your Best Shot," "Treat Me Right," "Promises in the Dark," and "Hell Is for Children" continued her streak with songs that perfectly balanced rock and pop, with plenty of room for her guitarist (and future husband) Neil Giraldo to guide the band. She embraced the '80s and added a subtle grace to hits such as "We Belong," "Shadows of the Night," and "Love Is a Battlefield." A very good career overview.