20 Mega Boxed Sets for Music Fans: The Ultimate Selection
Who doesn’t appreciate a grand, substantial boxed set filled with music? Here, we present a list of 20 extraordinary anthologies in popular music, each containing 10 or more discs, arranged alphabetically by artist.
Chuck Berry’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll Music—Any Old Way You Choose It” is a monumental collection released in 2014 spanning a total of 16 CDs. While Berry’s hits can be found on the single CD “The Great 28,” this box set delves much deeper. With an impressive 396 tracks and a playing time of approximately 21 hours, it includes virtually everything Berry ever recorded, including all surviving alternate takes. The collection may seem overwhelming at times, especially with multiple versions of tracks like “My Ding-a-Ling,” but it also offers hidden gems such as diverse musical influences ranging from ballads to Hawaiian-inspired instrumentals.
Another remarkable boxed set is David Bowie’s “Five Years (1969-1973)” from 2015, which covers his musical journey to stardom during this period. Consisting of 12 CDs, it features essential albums like “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” and “Alladin Sane,” as well as two full concerts. Bowie’s later career phases are also documented in posthumous collections that showcase his ongoing evolution as an artist.
Leonard Cohen’s “The Complete Studio Albums Collection” from 2011 is a treasure trove of his work across 11 CDs. Despite a minor disappointment with the Phil Spector-produced “Death of a Ladies’ Man,” this comprehensive package offers over eight hours of Cohen’s timeless classics, demonstrating the depth of his lyrical and musical genius.
For Bob Dylan enthusiasts, “The 1966 Live Recordings” released in 2016 comprises an astounding 36 CDs capturing Dylan during his 1966 tour with the Band. This box set preserves a pivotal moment in Dylan’s career when he performed classics from several iconic albums. Although the abundance of live renditions may seem excessive, the price point makes it a worthwhile investment for fans of this legendary artist.
The Eagles’ “Legacy,” released in 2018, presents a comprehensive retrospective of the band’s discography across 12 CDs, 1 DVD, and 1 Blu-ray. This extensive collection showcases their studio and live albums, singles, and B-sides, illustrating the evolution of the Eagles into one of the best-selling bands in music history.
Lefty Frizzell’s “An Article from Life: The Complete Recordings,” introduced in 2018, features a whopping 20 CDs containing over 350 remastered tracks. Celebrated by peers like Merle Haggard for embodying the essence of country music legends, this collection includes every album, single, and previously unreleased recording by Frizzell. It also includes a detailed audio biography by his brother David Frizzell, underscoring the profound impact of this influential artist.
In conclusion, boxed sets offer a comprehensive and immersive experience for music enthusiasts, allowing them to delve deeper into an artist’s creative journey and musical legacy. Each of these collections provides a unique perspective on the diverse and influential careers of these iconic musicians.