Only Hits!

Released in August 1973, Only Hits! serves as a comprehensive document of The Ventures' transition into the 'Easy Listening' and 'Soft Rock' markets. By this point in their career, the band had moved away from the raw, aggressive surf sound that defined their early 60s output, opting instead for a highly polished studio sound that catered to the adult contemporary charts. The album is notable for its sheer breadth, covering 23 tracks that dominated the Billboard charts in the early 70s. Sonically, it features the clean, melodic lead guitar work of Bob Bogle and Don Wilson, often supported by subtle synthesizers and percussion that reflect the burgeoning disco and funk influences of the time. While some purists may miss the 'wipeout' energy of their youth, Only Hits! demonstrates the band's remarkable versatility and their ability to translate complex vocal hits into accessible, guitar-driven instrumentals. It remains a staple of their prolific 1970s discography, showcasing their status as the ultimate 'cover band' of the instrumental world.