While the exact tracklist for "Now That's What I Call 12" 80s -4CD" varies by region (UK vs. EU vs. Australia), the following is a representative reconstruction based on similar releases in the series. Each disc typically follows a thematic or chronological arc.
Review: VA – NOW That’s What I Call 12” 80s (4CD) The NOW That’s What I Call Music series continues its deep dive into the archives with the 2024 additions to its popular NOW 12” 80s collection. Designed for collectors and fans of the "extended mix" era, these quadruple-CD sets focus on the decade when the 12-inch single became an essential part of pop culture, offering longer, remixed, and often radical reinterpretations of chart-topping hits. The 2024 Expansion: 1983, 1985, and 1986
The year 2024 saw the release of several key installments in this ongoing chronological series, specifically focusing on the mid-80s "Part One" editions:
NOW 12” 80s: 1983 – Part 1: Released in July 2024, this set features 46 extended versions. Disc 3 and 4 are particularly star-studded, including the 12” and remixed versions of Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson's "Say Say Say," Billy Joel’s "Tell Her About It," and Laura Branigan’s global smash "Gloria". You can find this collection at retailers like Amazon UK.
NOW 12” 80s: 1985 – Part 1: This installment arrived later in the year, continuing the series with 46 tracks. It includes rare-to-CD versions like Laura Branigan's "Spanish Eddie".
NOW 12” 80s: 1986 – Part 1: Released in early 2026 but part of the continuous rollout established in 2024, this set captures the sound of 1986's clubs and charts with 46 full-length 12” versions. It is available on the official NOW Music store. Series Overview and Highlights
The "12” 80s" series is distinct from standard "Best Of" compilations because it prioritizes the original 12-inch versions that represent the era's dancefloor evolution. NOW 12" 80s: 1980 (4CD) - NOW MUSIC Official Store
Now That's What I Call 80s: A Timeless Collection of Hits
Get ready to take a nostalgic trip back to the iconic 80s with the "Now That's What I Call 12... 80s" compilation, a 4-CD set that promises to deliver the most unforgettable hits of the decade. This extensive collection, denoted as VA - Now That-s What I Call 12-- 80s -4CD- -202..., is a must-have for any 80s music enthusiast.
A Diverse Range of 80s Classics
Spanning four CDs, this anthology brings together an eclectic mix of chart-topping hits, synth-pop anthems, rock staples, and everything in between. From the moonwalking king of pop to the princess of pop, and from hair metal to new wave, this collection covers it all. Whether you're a fan of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, or Duran Duran, there's something for everyone in this carefully curated playlist.
Key Highlights of the Collection
Why This Collection Stands Out
Conclusion
"VA - Now That-s What I Call 12-- 80s -4CD- -202..." is more than just a music compilation; it's a time capsule of an era that defined the music industry. With its wide-ranging selection of hits, this 4-CD set is an essential addition to any music lover's library, offering hours of entertainment and a deep dive into the sounds that shaped a generation. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or discovering these classics for the first time, this collection promises to deliver the best of 80s music in one unforgettable package.
For any child of the 1980s, the "NOW" brand is synonymous with the definitive hits of the decade. But in 2021, the curators at NOW Music took a specialized detour with the NOW That’s What I Call 12” 80s series—a treasure trove for collectors of extended mixes and dancefloor rarities. The 2021 Double-Whammy
Music fans were treated to two major 4CD installments in 2021:
NOW That's What I Call 12" 80s (Released April 16, 2021): The first volume features 47 tracks, including icons like Queen ("Radio Ga Ga" Extended Remix) and New Order ("Blue Monday," the best-selling 12" of all time).
NOW That's What I Call 12" 80s: Extended (Released August 27, 2021): This follow-up expanded the library with 45 more tracks, highlighted by a rare CD appearance of the Jellybean 12" version of "Say Say Say" by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson. Why Collectors Love It
Unlike standard "Best of the 80s" discs, this series focuses on original 12-inch and extended versions that were often vinyl-only or hard to find on digital formats.
Rarity Hunters: Reviewers on Discogs have praised the inclusion of obscure mixes like Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know" (Dance Remix) and Eurythmics' "Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty-Four)" (Extended Mix).
Sound Quality: While some audiophiles have noted inconsistent mastering—citing occasional "vinyl rips" or compression—many consider the sets an exceptional collection due to the sheer volume of "no filler" tracks. Essential Track Highlights Across the 8 discs released in 2021, you'll find:
Synth-Pop Staples: Soft Cell's "Tainted Love / Where Did Our Love Go" (12" Mix) and The Human League's "(Keep Feeling) Fascination" (Extended Version).
Club Classics: Chaka Khan's "I Feel For You" (Remix) and The Communards’ "Don’t Leave Me This Way" (12” Extended Version).
Rock Extensions: Duran Duran’s "The Wild Boys" (Wilder Than Wild Boys Extended Mix) and Spandau Ballet’s "Gold" (Extended Version).
The series continued into 2022 with a third volume, NOW 12” 80s: Remixed, further cementing this as the definitive physical archive for the extended 80s experience. NOW That's What I Call 80s: Extended - Amazon UK
The compilation NOW That's What I Call 12" 80s: Extended is a deluxe 4-CD box set released by NOW Music on August 27, 2021. As the second installment in the popular NOW 12" 80s
series, it features 45 extended tracks, many of which are appearing on CD for the first time. Key Album Information : 4 x CD Compilation. : EMI / Sony Music. : Available for approximately £9.99 from the NOW Music Store and similar retailers. Series Context : This set follows the original NOW That's What I Call 12" 80s (released April 2021) and was followed by NOW 12" 80s: Remixed in early 2022. NOW MUSIC Official Store Tracklist Highlights
The collection spans pop, synth-pop, and dance-rock, focusing on full-length 12-inch versions. Notable Featured Tracks : "A Kind Of Magic" (Extended Version), Duran Duran : "The Wild Boys" (Wilder Than Wild Boys Extended Mix), and : "Take On Me" (Extended Version). Whitney Houston : "How Will I Know" (Dance Remix), Donna Summer
: "She Works Hard For The Money" (Special Long Version), and Womack & Womack : "Teardrops" (Extended Remix). : "You Think You're A Man" (12" Mix), Laura Branigan : "Self Control" (Extended Version), and Dead Or Alive : "My Heart Goes Bang" (American 'Wipe-Out' Mix). Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson : "Say Say Say" (Remix), : "True Faith" (Shep Pettibone Remix), and : "Rapture" (Special Disco Mix). Why Collectors Buy It Reviewers from
highlight the set's value for finding rare mixes. Unlike many 80s compilations that use standard single edits, this set prioritizes: Authenticity
: Uses the original 12" masters that defined 80s club culture. Rare Tracks : Includes "harder-to-find" versions of hits by Malcolm McLaren Strawberry Switchblade that are often absent from digital streaming platforms. Further Exploration Check the full, verified 47-track list on the Now Music Wiki Read detailed user reviews and community feedback on Explore more entries in the NOW 12" series including year-specific collections like 1985 and 1986. included in this specific 4-CD set? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Now That's What I Call 12 in '80s by Various Artists (CD, 2021)
The compilation you're looking for is Now That's What I Call 12" 80s
, a massive 4-CD collection that celebrates the golden age of the extended remix. This specific set was released in April 2021
. It is a treasure trove for fans of synth-pop, new wave, and dancefloor anthems, featuring original 12-inch versions that are rarely found on modern compilations. Amazon.com.au Guide to the Collection
This 47-track anthology is organized by vibe and genre across four discs: Disc 1: New Wave & Synth-Pop Giants Features iconic opening tracks like "Radio Ga Ga (Extended Remix)" and Duran Duran’s "The Reflex (Dance Mix)". Includes the legendary "Two Tribes (Carnage Mix)" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
and the high-energy "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) (Murder Mix)" by Dead Or Alive Disc 2: Club Classics & Darker Beats Anchored by the world's biggest-selling 12-inch, New Order’s "Blue Monday". Contains moody synth masterpieces like Visage’s "Fade To Grey" and the US Remix of Tears For Fears’ Disc 3: Soul, Funk & Global Anthems Moves toward soulful dancefloor fillers like Whitney Houston’s
"I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) (12" Remix)" and Lionel Richie’s "All Night Long (All Night)". Features the timeless "Lost In Music (1984 Remix)" by Sister Sledge Disc 4: Pop Rarities & Movie Hits Includes massive soundtrack hits like Ray Parker Jr.’s "Ghostbusters (Extended Version)" and Deniece Williams’ "Let's Hear It For The Boy". Closes with fan favorites such as Kim Wilde’s Shep Pettibone mix of "You Came" and Mike Oldfield’s "Moonlight Shadow". Series Expansion If you enjoy this set, the Now Music Series released subsequent "12" 80s" installments: Now That's What I Call 12" 80s: Extended
(Released Oct 2021) – Includes rare tracks like Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson’s "Say Say Say". Now That's What I Call 12" 80s: Remixed
(Released Feb 2022) – Focuses on unique remixes like the Latin Rascals mix of "Notorious" by Duran Duran. NOW MUSIC Official Store Quick Tip: If you're hunting for a physical copy, retailers like Now Music Shop
often stock the 4-CD sets, which are preferred by collectors for the high-quality liner notes and unedited audio. NOW MUSIC Official Store full tracklist for one of the specific discs, or are you looking for where to buy this collection currently? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more NOW That's What I Call 12” 80s: Remixed (4CD)
VA - Now That's What I Call 12-- 80s - 4CD - ...
Compilation Description:
Get ready to take a nostalgic trip back to the iconic 80s with the "Now That's What I Call 12-- 80s" 4CD compilation. This extensive collection brings together 80 of the most unforgettable hits from the decade that defined the music industry. Spanning four CDs, this set is a treasure trove for both casual listeners and die-hard fans of 80s music.
Disc 1: Rock & Pop Essentials
Disc 2: Synth & Dance Anthems
Disc 3: Rock Ballads & Power Ballads
Disc 4: Hidden Gems & Surprises
Tracklist (Sample):
While the full tracklist is extensive, here are a few highlights across the four CDs:
And many more...
Special Features:
Perfect for:
Release Details:
Whether you're a die-hard fan of 80s music or just discovering the era's charm, "VA - Now That's What I Call 12-- 80s - 4CD" is an essential collection that promises to bring back memories and introduce you to timeless hits.
Yes—more than ever. While a digital download of the Now 12" 80s exists (usually MP3 320kbps or FLAC on Qobuz), the 4CD box offers:
Furthermore, many of the extended 12" mixes included in this set have never been officially streamed due to sample clearance issues. The CD box often contains exclusive tracks that appear on no streaming platform.
The final disc bridges the gap between 80s maximalism and 90s rave culture.
The Rarity: Deee-Lite – "Groove Is in the Heart" (Meeting of the Minds Mix). This is technically 1990, but it retains the 80s spirit. Bootsy Collins’ bass slide hits harder with the extended intro.
How does this stack up against other 12" compilations?
⭐ 3.5/5 – For die-hard 80s fans and collectors of unofficial compilations, this is a fun time capsule. Purists should seek official releases (e.g., Now That’s What I Call 12" 80s – if ever officially issued, or 12"/80s/Original Extended Mixes box sets).
“VA - Now That’s What I Call 12” 80s - 4CD - 202...” – likely the 2020s reissue of Now That’s What I Call the 80s (or a similar compilation), possibly part of the Now 12" 80s sub-series focusing on extended/12" mixes.
If you're looking for a deep paper (academic analysis) on this release, here’s a structured outline of what such a paper could explore:
