"Anthology" is a greatest hits album by the American rock band Garbage, released on October 28, 2022, through Stunvolume and BMG. This marks the band's third greatest hits collection, following Absolute Garbage (2007) and The Absolute Collection (2012). The album features remastered versions of 35 tracks, including hit singles, fan favorites, and the rare track "Witness to Your Love," recorded in 2008 for a charity compilation.
Garbage's partnership with BMG began in conjunction with their album No Gods No Masters. BMG expressed interest in the band’s back catalog, leading to the reissue of their first two albums on vinyl in 2021 and the 20th anniversary edition of Beautiful Garbage. After 15 years since their last greatest hits album, the band agreed to compile Anthology. The announcement came in September 2022, celebrating three decades of their music.
The album organizes its 35 tracks chronologically and omits some singles, such as "Supervixen" and tracks from their recent album No Gods No Masters. "You Look So Fine" is included as a "Single Version," which was rare before this release. All songs were remastered in 2022, but no new material was added. The vinyl edition features a shorter tracklist of 20 songs, including "Witness to Your Love."
Shirley Manson, the band’s lead singer, expressed that the process for Anthology was a much more positive experience than that of Absolute Garbage, emphasizing their active involvement in its creation. The album cover was designed by Chilean artist Javi Mi Amor, featuring Japanese text that translates to "A masterpiece produced by a band known all over the world."
The album was announced via social media, with pre-orders for physical formats becoming available shortly after. However, it faced availability issues in North America due to rights complications with the band's catalog. The digital release was delayed but eventually launched on major streaming platforms.
Promotional activities included the release of "The World Is Not Enough," a digital single, and a performance at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, celebrating the Bond franchise's 60th anniversary. A music video for "Witness to Your Love" premiered alongside the album's release.
Overall, Anthology serves not only as a celebration of Garbage's enduring career but also as a statement of resilience in the face of past criticisms, showcasing their evolution and impact over three decades.
