Dozens of slightly different Hot Chocolate compilations were released during the '80s, '90s, and 2000s. EMI Germany added to the stack in 2011 with this 18-track disc, not even the first HC comp to use "Essential" in its title. It does contain the long-running group's biggest '70s hits -- "Emma," "You Sexy Thing," and "Every 1's a Winner" -- but leaves out several other significant singles, like "Love Is Life," "I Believe (In Love)," "A Child's Prayer," and "Put Your Love in Me," all of which were Top Ten hits in the U.K. This definitely is not an ideal overview, but the majority of casual fans who know only the big three should be satisfied. ~ Andy Kellman
