The biggest charting hit that was exclusive to a Greatest Hits type compilation?

Plenty of tracks that were added to Greatest Hits albums, that *weren't* previously on any other album (or that *hadn't* been previously released as a non-LP single).

So what "new song" added to a Greatest Hit compilation of any sort -- LP or CD era -- was the BIGGEST HIT (highest charting, or 'most well-known', however else you want to measure it).

Basically, were there ever any massive, massive hits where their first release was exclusive to a "Best of..." type album??

 

Pet Shop Boys-Miracles, 2003 'Popart'
1 UK Dance
10 UK Singles
OMD-Dreaming, 1988 'The Best of OMD'
16 US Billboard

 

Tom Petty - never one to happily play along with record company strategy - wasn't convinced by the idea of the obligatory "previously unreleased tracks" being included on the Greatest Hits album, but acknowledged that Mary Jane's Last Dance ended up being a sizeable hit, which justified its inclusion. Reaching #14 on the Billboard chart, only four Petty singles had charted higher in the US up to that point. It's obviously by no means Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' biggest hit, but - in terms of new tracks being used to prompt completists to fork out for such compilations - it's a standout.

 

I thought that one was much bigger. At the very least it looms very large in his legend.

 

Depeche Mode-Only When I Lose Myself, 1998 'Singles 86>98
1-Spain
Charted worldwide

 

Released on Rock 'n' Soul: Part 1 and reached #2 in the US.

 

The Canadian version of Queens Greatest Hits in 1981 included their collaboration with David Bowie "Under Pressure", not released on a studio album until 1982.

 

Kate Bush - Experiment IV off "The Whole Story"

Ireland #12
UK #23

 

Stevie Wonder's Original Musiquarium I, had a few singles, biggest I think was That Girl

 

One interesting case: the Grass Roots already had two greatest hits albums by 1971, but scored a top ten hit with "Sooner or Later." They must not have had enough songs for a new studio album, so ABC put out another greatest hits album including "Sooner or Later" plus songs from the previous two hits albums.

 

Cliff Richard's 'Private Collection 1979-1988', contained one new track, the new single MISTLETOE AND WINE, a UK number one, and the year's best selling single.

 

Lady - Kenny Rogers
#1 USA

From his Greatest Hits (1980)

 

"Tonight She Comes" by the Cars hit #7 on the Billboard Top 40.

 

"A Beautiful Morning" from The Rascals "Time / Peace The Rascals Greatest Hits".

 

Madonna's "Justify My Love", from "The Immaculate Collection", hit #1.

 

“You’re Only Human (Second Wind)” by Billy Joel went Top Ten in the US. Don’t think it’s remembered particularly well - does he play it in concert?

 

Sly and the Family Stone- Thank You...
maybe include this. It was a single, hit number 1 and then appeared on Greatest Hits. I think of it as coming from the GH album but I could be wrong.

 

If it was a single first, and charted from that -- I don't think that counts.

I was thinking of songs that were exclusive to the Greatest Hits -- unless, I suppose, the single was the single-release in conjunction with the Greatest Hits package. Subtle distinction, I realize.

But some huge non-LP single running up the charts, and then 2 years later it appears on a Greatest Hits album -- that's not what I'm looking for here.

 

Olivia Newton-John ‘Heart Attack’ from Olivia’s Greatest Hits Vol. 2 - US Pop No. 3

Also featured another new track ‘Tied Up’ that went to No. 38

 

Always by Bon Jovi charted to No3 on the Comp Cross Road charted #4 US and #2 UK. They had several No1 hits but this was a major domestic and International Hits selling in the millions.

 

Yes I see what you mean. Thank You hit no. 1 in February and Greatest Hits came out in November. Wiki says it’s from the album “Greatest Hits”. But it’s still questionable whether it fits your original query. Was it a single from a GH, or was it a single that got included. 9 months gap makes it questionable.

 

This is the best answer so far. I mean Lady is practically a signature song. Good catch.

 

ABBA - 'Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)' from 'Greatest Hits Volume 2' (1979)
top 3 all over Europe including #3 in the UK & Germany, #1 in France, Belgium, Switzerland
top 10 in Australia
sampled in Madonna's worldwide smash 'Hung Up'

 

Elvis - "A Little Less Conversation" from the album ELV1S.

 

"September" was new to "The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1" and it got to #8.

Arguably their most popular song now, though - I get the impression it's better remembered than any of their other tracks...