"The Definitive Collection" is a comprehensive 2001 compilation album by ABBA, featuring all their singles released from 1972 to 1982 across two discs. The first disc includes tracks from "People Need Love" to "Does Your Mother Know," while the second disc covers "Voulez-Vous" to "Under Attack." Notably, "Thank You for the Music," although recorded in 1977, appears on the second disc due to its release as a single in 1983 after the band's split.
The album includes special remixes, such as the 1974 UK single remix of "Ring Ring" and the 1979 US promo extended remix of "Voulez-Vous." The Australian version adds two more tracks, "Rock Me" and "Hasta Mañana." This compilation is unique as it features all of ABBA's UK single releases from 1973 to 1983, including four "unofficial" singles not released by Polar Music in Scandinavia.
A DVD version was released in 2002, showcasing all of ABBA's music videos and additional content. The 2-CD set was bundled with the DVD in the US.
The Definitive Collection has been well-received, ranking number 179 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time in 2003 and maintaining its position in later revisions. In 2012, a similar compilation titled The Essential Collection was released, featuring a different track listing and artwork.
