Anthology essentially replicates the previous collection
Greatest Hits and adds singles from
There's a Riot Goin' On and
Fresh to the end of the album. Where
Greatest Hits didn't follow chronological order,
Anthology presents every single in the order it was released -- and, with the exception of the latter-day singles and the inclusion of "Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey," that is the major difference between the two collections.
Anthology goes for a sweeping, definitive overview, while
Greatest Hits is a brief blast of 12 of the finest singles of the rock & roll era. Either compilation functions as an excellent introduction, but
Anthology is more comprehensive, giving it the edge as a first purchase. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide