The Cardigans prove why ‘Best Of’ albums can actually be worthwhile investments, and not just record company stocking fillers and contract fulfillers.

The Swedish five-piece have been known for notoriously good tunes since their formation back in 1992 with debut album Emmerdale being released in 1994 receiving lukewarm praise. Since then, major film and computer game tie-ins and a collaboration with Welsh singing legend Tom Jones have helped boost some incredibly timeless tracks into the stratosphere.

This makes the Best Of collection something of a treasure. It’s not been plundered in favour of odds and ends ala Morrissey, or had big-name songs taken off at the death because they don’t fit in right, like Oasis. It’s just chronological songs that detail their evolution from an ‘old school’ indie group, through their 60’s tinged period, into dirty rock before moulding into a form of the above, with more than a helping of country too.

Obviously it’s going to be Lovefool, My Favourite Game and Erase/Rewind that grab the eye in the musical sweet store, but peering past the attention-grabbing beasts, there is plenty more to be excited about – even more surprisingly is that some of the best pieces come from their earlier collections, which are often overpowered by their mature, polished counterparts.

Sprightly sounds of Rise & Shine and Sick & Tired (which was a staple bedding track on CBBC back in the day, fact fans) from 1994 are full of promise and an accomplished sound that saw them in good stead for years to come. The instantly recognisable Carnival and Daddy’s Car carried on the progression with a retro vibe into 1995, before Lovefool took them into the top of radio playlists everywhere.

It didn’t stop there, as the wonderfully orchestrated War stands out like a tiger on Grange Hill, as musical patience and craft are stitched together seamlessly, whilst Hanging Around and Higher push subtle electronic experimentation forward as they cling onto their guitar based roots.

Five years on, and 2003’s Long Gone Before Daylight provided a distinctly darker than average sentiment, with the band ditching their mass chart sound for a country-themed effort. For What It’s Worth, You’re The Storm, Live and Learn and Communication all provide country kicks that sound great for Radio 2 (with no disrespect meant), and show a band in evolution. The initial sceptical thoughts are replaced with warm comfort after repeated listens.

The same goes for cowbell and dog command-crazy I Need Some Fine Wine and You, You Need To Be Nicer from 2005’s Super Extra Gravity, and the religious digs on Godspell. They provide a sign that The Cardigans have nearly come full circle, and are now picking elements from their career off the shelf and using them liberally.

These elements can be written off as generic, but one look at the release times prove that, in fact, The Cardigans were often ahead of the pack. Long Gone Before Daylight may seem irksome now thanks to the abundance of singer-songwriter clones, but back in 2003, the world was only just out of a nu-metal hangover.

Concluding with the Talking Heads cover of Burning Down The House, it’s an easy opportunity for celebration. It’s got a guilty pleasure stamp on it, but it’s upon listening to this bonus track that you realise just how illustrious their career has been.

Nina Persson’s vocals and lyrics have always been lovingly recognisable, and the creative elements of Peter Svensson and Magnus Sveningsson have provided the punch the group needed to stand out from the crowd. If you want genuine stars, then look no further.