VA - Now 12" 80s: 1983 (Part One) (2024)

NOW Music proudly presents the next electrifying chapter in the ‘NOW 12” 80s’ series – NOW 12” 80s: 1983 – Part 1, out 19th July 2024.

With 46 extended, full-length, or remixed versions that encapsulate the vibrant evolution of 80s music, this collection spans the dynamic spectrum of the year, featuring Synth-Pop and New-Wave hits alongside the catchy grooves of Pop-Dance and Disco. This essential compilation is perfect for both dancefloors and collectors.

CD1 opens with two of 1983’s biggest artists with Wham!’s "Bad Boys”, followed by Eurythmics’ (over 12 minutes remix of) "Right By Your Side”. Revel in the huge tracks from Duran Duran with "Union Of The Snake (The Monkey Mix)", and the extended “Communication” by Spandau Ballet. The Human League keeps the momentum with their massive hit "(Keep Feeling) Fascination", while Howard Jones and Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark keep the Synth-Pop strong with "New Song" and "Genetic Engineering" respectively. Extended versions from Blancmange, Ultravox, and Tears For Fears are also featured on the stunning first disc.

CD2 celebrates Pop Gold with Adam Ant’s "Puss 'N Boots", Bananarama’s "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye", plus The Belle Stars, and Bucks Fizz. Pop and New Wave fused on fabulous tracks from Haysi Fantayzee, and Altered Images, and hits from a huge chart year for Kajagoogoo and Paul Young. The disc closes with more Synth-Pop from Heaven 17, Soft Cell and a huge U.S. hit for Taco with an unexpected cover choice in “Puttin’ On The Ritz”.

CD3’s first run of stellar cuts is all about the dancefloor and kicks off with the iconic "Flashdance…What A Feeling", from Irene Cara, and the stunning Electropop work-out in extended form on Freeez’s "I.O.U. (Megamix)". The legendary Arthur Baker produced “Confusion” for New Order, and “The Harder They Come” for Rockers Revenge, and Forrest enjoyed a smash covering “Rock The Boat”. Modern Romance and Level 42 bought Pop and Funk crossover to the charts, and Disc 3 works towards its finale with four UK acts who all enjoyed great success in ’83 with these 12” versions enhancing already great tracks – Madness, Fun Boy Three, The Style Council, and Nick Heyward who’s “Whistle Down The Wind” was his first solo hit.

CD4 offers a star-studded line-up opening with 12” and remixed versions of Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson’s "Say Say Say" and Billy Joel’s "Tell Her About It". The Fixx are up next with their huge US hit “One Thing Leads To Another”, followed by Debbie Harry, and Laura Branigan who achieved a global success with “Gloria”. Hi-Energy floor-fillers from Miquel Brown and Divine, are next alongside Ryan Paris’ pan-European smash “Dolce Vita”. The collection still has room for classic dance hits from Lydia Murdock and Phil Fearon & Galaxy and a great collaboration between the legendary Donna Summer and Musical Youth.

NOW 12” 80s: 1983 – Part 1 – An extended celebration of the incredible year that was 1983! …and coming soon, the second part of one of Pop music’s greatest ever years – as our journey through the decades’ essential 12” singles continues to rejoice in the musical magic of 1983!