WAR Announce Greatest Hits 50th Anniversary Reissue

Following the announcement of Rhino's Spirit of '76 campaign, celebrating the albums that defined America's Bicentennial, one release stands as a unifying statement of the era: WAR's Greatest Hits, returning July 31 for its 50th anniversary.

Originally released in 1976, Greatest Hits captured a vision of America that extended far beyond the mainstream narrative, one that was multiracial, genre-defying, and rooted in everyday life. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the album's message of unity and its seamless fusion of funk, soul, rock, jazz, and Latin influences feel as vital as ever.

Featuring landmark tracks like "The World Is A Ghetto," "Why Can't We Be Friends?" "Low Rider," and "Summer" - which was a brand-new song at the time of the original Greatest Hits release - the collection became far more than a compilation. WAR's longtime producer Jerry Goldstein reflected on the 1976 release, sharing: "It marked the first time a new song was included on a Greatest Hits album and went on to become a greatest hit itself. We recorded 'Summer' while assembling the original compilation, which makes this 50th Anniversary edition the most authentic and complete version of our Greatest Hits."

The 50th anniversary edition of Greatest Hits will be available on 180-gram black vinyl, with lacquers cut by renowned mastering engineer Kevin Gray, delivering a definitive audiophile pressing for collectors and longtime fans. Also releasing the same day, a worldwide all-retail CD edition further expands the album's reach, now including their iconic tracks "Spill The Wine," "Don't Let No One Get You Down" "So" and "Galaxy."

In addition to the black vinyl and CD edition of Greatest Hits, exclusive song-driven merchandise will be available via WAR's official website, alongside brand new lyric videos from the Greatest Hits' tracklist, slated for release throughout the Summer via WAR's YouTube here.

WAR's Greatest Hits anchors the broader Spirit of '76 campaign, a 23-title series launching July 17 in weekly waves via Rhino.com and independent retailers. Spanning the full spectrum of 1976's musical output, the campaign reflects a year when American music expanded in every direction. Within that landscape, Greatest Hits stands apart not simply as a retrospective, but as a defining statement of the era's sound and spirit.

Fifty years later, WAR's Greatest Hits still carries the same message: music brings people together across cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, that message feels even more resonant, underscoring the album's impact, capturing the Spirit of '76, and defining WAR's singular contributions to the American Songbook.

In addition to these offerings, WAR is hitting the road for their Greatest Hits Tour, bringing their iconic catalog to audiences across the country. The tour spans the West Coast to the East Coast, giving fans the chance to experience timeless tracks like "Low Rider," "Why Can't We Be Friends?," and "The World Is A Ghetto" performed live. Find a tour date near you here.