While going through Udo Lindenberg since his sensational comeback with "Stark wie Zwei" (2008) is currently the most commercially successful phase of his now ending over 40 years, marked by ups and downs career, although this should not deceive over the fact that his " big time "for decades is back. In the period from 1972 ("thumb in the wind") to 1981 ("Udopia") created and developed Udo his "singing" (yes, the nightingale), lyrically and musically idiosyncratic style, this in an impressive variety and versatility, sometimes rocky , sometimes gentle. The albums of this period are - in a purely objective point of view - all classics of German rock. They convince with innovation, creativity, irony, wit, depth and musical quality. Since the album "club" (1982) was Udo looking for further musical development and of expression, which sometimes in a "dead end" ended, what was the first time in "leg" of the case. The Hard Rock genre was a sensitive artist like Udo not necessarily the right choice, he probably himself also remarked that it remained at this unique excursion. The album "Odyssey" (1983) acts as compared to earlier works also only partly convincing, it also changes the well-known "special train to Pankow" little. This more or less pronounced chronic identity and creative crisis, which was characterized by at least some "highlights", was in 2008 definitely overcome. The aforementioned album "Stark wie Zwei" succeeded Udo - as decades earlier - again to reach a wider audience. However, it lacks the aura of initial and novel! Though lyrically and musically quite convincing to the work but rejects much of his 70s albums. The compositions and arrangements adhere unerringly the "stuffiness" of bygone times on - they lack the innovative element. Udo's just unmistakably embossed with his now 66 years is no longer the youngest and of his musical past. This is precisely the problem: Udo is a - albeit timeless - veteran. On the compilation "Udo Lindenberg - Best with and without a hat", 1st collection (red), to songs find from his most innovative, creative and lyrically / musically impressive creative period in the 70s, as Udo stood at Telefunken under contract. Here can be found - for purely objective criteria evaluated - truly the best of Udo, this remastered and in perfect quality. Buy recommendation!