Greatest hits

BRYAN ADAMS; "Anthology" (A&M) *** 1/2

Bryan Adams said in every interview during the 1980s that he was a "rocker." But his biggest hits have been ballads. His highest-charting singles are "Straight From the Heart," "Heaven," "Please Forgive Me," "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" from the movie "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman" from "Don Juan DeMarco," and "All For Love" (with Sting and Rod Stewart) from "The Three Musketeers." But to his credit, he did have some nice FM rockers. "Run to You," "Somebody," "Cuts Like a Knife" and "It's Only Love" (with Tina Turner) are samples of his blues-based rock. All are included on this double CD. — Scott Iwasaki

ANTHRAX; "Anthrology: No Hit Wonders" (1985-1991) ***

The French version of "Antisocial" is a crack-up. New York head-banger Anthrax re-recorded this metal anthem for release in Europe and Japan in 1989. And it's just as frantic and mosh-friendly as the English version. But that's not the only shining moment on this two-CD career rundown. Anthrax, which formed in 1984, hand-picked the 30 songs in this collection: "Madhouse," "I Am the Law," "Among the Living," "Caught in a Mosh," "Indians," the metal-rap fusion of "I'm the Man" and "Who Cares Wins," etc. ("Anthrology" is actually a companion CD to the live album, "Alive 2.") — S.I.

HARRY BELAFONTE; "The Essential Harry Belafonte" (RCA/Legacy) ****

Flawless. Harry Belafonte is an entertainer. He's a singer, an actor and a comedian. The man has a string of hits dating back to 1956. This two-CD collection includes a live version of his trademark "Banana Boat Song (Day O)," "Mary's Boy Child," "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)," "Jamaica Farewell," "Matilda," "On Top of Old Smokey," "(There's a) Hole in the Bucket," "Hold 'em "Joe," "Cocoanut Woman," "Danny Boy," "Angelina," etc." — S.I.

BETTER THAN EZRA; "Greatest Hits" (Elektra/Rhino)** 1/2

Better Than Ezra was an underrated band from New Orleans. The band was composed of band members from another band called Ezra, thus the new title. In 1995, BTE released its platinum-selling debut album "Deluxe." What followed was a long road of recording, touring and nabbing a bunch of fans who were drawn to the band's trademark club-rock sound. Songs include the Top 40 hits "Good" and "Rosealia," as well as other charting singles "All the Stars" and "Desperately Wanting." Previously unreleased works, a French radio version of "This Time of Year" and a voodoo mix of "Porcelain" give this one a bang. — S.I.

BOND; "The Best of Bond" (Decca) ** 1/2