"Greatest Hits" is a compilation album by English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams, released on October 18, 2004. This collection features two new tracks, "Radio" and "Misunderstood," both of which were released as singles. It marked Williams' seventh release in the UK.
Upon its release, Greatest Hits quickly became one of the fastest-selling albums in UK history, debuting at number one with over 320,000 copies sold in its first week. The album's cover art garnered attention, featuring an image of Williams in a provocative pose, complemented by a tongue-in-cheek Latin phrase that translates to "if it has tits or wheels, it makes life difficult." A special edition box set containing all of Williams' singles was also launched on the same day.
Williams expressed initial confusion about the need for a greatest hits compilation, stating he seldom reflects on his past work. However, he took the opportunity to showcase his new collaborations with Stephen Duffy. "Radio," the first single, debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart and became his sixth chart-topping hit. It also found success in Denmark and Portugal, reaching the top ten globally. The second single, "Misunderstood," featured on the soundtrack for Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and also charted well internationally.
Greatest Hits not only debuted at number one but also became the fastest-selling greatest-hits album in the UK, reaching the top spot in 18 countries, including France, Italy, and Australia. It was the best-selling album of 2004 in the UK, achieving 8× Platinum certification with sales of 2 million copies, making it the 61st best-selling album in UK history.
Globally, the album sold around 8.5 million copies, securing its place as one of Williams' top-selling releases. In Germany, it achieved significant success, debuting at number one and spending a total of nine weeks at the top. It sold 900,000 copies in Germany alone, earning a 9× Gold certification and ranking as the 20th best-selling album of the 2000–2009 decade in the country.
Greatest Hits solidified Robbie Williams' status as a leading figure in pop music, showcasing his range and appeal to a wide audience.
