For the second time, the compilers of Madonna's greatest hits collection messed with the songs for no reason. Casual fans and pop radio denizens won't notice, but it just makes me upset to know that many of these songs have been edited, much like they were on The Immaculate Collection. Put on the full version of "Ray Of Light" instead of cutting a minute of for no reason. Put on the full "Erotica" and the unedited "Human Nature," would ya?

That said, the music here is still top-notch. Artistically, Madonna had matured a lot in the 90s as a vocalist and songwriter, and GHV2 collects most of the best songs from the four albums she released between 1992 and 2000, as well as two necessary soundtrack contributions, Evita's "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" (which is WAY out of place here) and the decent "Beautiful Stranger" from Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.

But there are two differences between this and the Immaculate Collection. First, this one is not in chronological order, making it sound a bit haphazard. Second, Madonna's albums were no longer a collection of singles once Erotica hit the stands, so taking the hits out of context sort of ruins their impact. Still, I can't argue with the selection -- these were her biggest hits, after all, if not necessarily her best songs.

For casual fans or those who don't care about radio edits and such, this is a good overview of Madonna's work in the 90s. "Erotica" and "Deeper And Deeper" represent their album well, while Bedtime Stories gets "Secret," "Human Nature," "Bedtime Story" and "Take A Bow" out on, and I can't argue with that (though I think "Survival" should have been a bigger hit). "Music" and "What It Feels Like For A Girl" are also here from Music.

From Ray Of Light, the high point of Madonna's career, we get "Drowned World/Substitute For Love," the title track, "Frozen" and "The Power Of Goodbye." Again, hearing these in context of the full album is necessary (and not just because two of those four are edited), so hearing them here takes away a bit of their majesty.

GHV2 is ideal for those who thought Madonna was just a "Material Girl," and it shows her depth and maturity as an artist while retaining enough pop sense and dance hooks to make it enjoyable. Still, I have to dock a grade because the compilers felt the need to tinker with 10 of the 15 songs here, and it just wasn't necessary.