"Best of Bowie" is a greatest hits album by David Bowie, released in October 2002, following the success of his album Heathen. The compilation features songs spanning from his second album, David Bowie (1969), to Heathen (2002). Alongside the album, a DVD of the same name was also released.
Initially, the album peaked at number 11 on the UK Albums Chart, but in January 2016, after Bowie's death, it entered the top 10 and eventually reached number 1, marking his eleventh UK number-one album. It was notable for being the first album to achieve the top position in the UK due to streaming alone, and it has been certified 4× Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry for sales exceeding 1.2 million copies.
The CD was released with varying track listings across 21 territories, reflecting the most popular songs in each region. Some countries offered single and double-disc versions, with a total of 63 tracks appearing in various releases. Unique edits, such as a previously unreleased version of "Magic Dance," were included in specific regional editions.
The accompanying DVD was touted as the most extensive collection of Bowie videos at that time, featuring restored and remastered footage. It included hidden content accessible through specific navigation methods. Some of the videos featured were the censored versions of the originals.
In November 2003, a US/Canada single-disc version was re-released with a bonus DVD containing new remixes. An "Asian Tour Edition" followed in 2004, coinciding with Bowie's A Reality Tour in the Far East.
Overall, Best of Bowie became a significant release, particularly in the wake of Bowie's passing, reinforcing his lasting impact on music.
