Compiling the ‘Yearbook’ series is a true labour of love, but given that between 1980 and 1984 there were more than 1500 new entries on the UK Top 40 – and on the ‘Yearbooks’ and their ‘Extras’ for the period we have presented 726 tracks – which means there are a number of brilliant songs that we didn’t get to feature… yet. We proudly present Now - Yearbook 1980 - 1984: The Final Chapter – 81 tracks celebrating more Pop magic from an exceptional time in the UK charts.
A huge number 1 from Wham!, with era-defining hits from Eurythmics, Kate Bush, The Smiths, Scritti Politti and the unique brilliance of ‘O Superman’ from Laurie Anderson open disc one – joined by the stunning ‘War Baby’ from Tom Robinson and ‘Shipbuilding’ from Robert Wyatt alongside Sade, Spandau Ballet, Roxy Music, The Police and ‘Nelson Mandela’ from The Specials, before closing with classics, Neil Diamond’s ‘Love On The Rocks’ – and ‘We All Stand Together’ from Paul McCartney.
Pure-Pop brilliance from Bananarama kicks off Disc 2 and includes Kim Wilde, Toyah, and Culture Club along with Synth-Pop gems from Gary Numan, Ultravox, Blancmange, The Human League, Howard Jones, and Nik Kershaw.
Iron Maiden’s massive rock smash ‘Run To The Hills’ opens the third disc, that also celebrates radio rock from Chicago, Tina Turner and Pretenders before a stellar run of New-Wave inspired hits including U2, New Order, The Jam, The Creatures and Hazel O’Connor.
The final disc finds its feet with huge floor-fillers from Lionel Richie, Donna Summer, Flash and The Pan, Patrice Rushen, and Shalamar before club hits from Linx and Animal Nightlife and a closing selection of Pop gold including Stars On 45, F.R. David, Sheena Easton – and three #1s from Kenny Rogers, Goombay Dance Band and the unforgettable 1982 year-end chart topper ‘Save Your Love’ from Renée and Renato.
Now - Yearbook 1980 - 1984: The Final Chapter. A celebration of the diversity and creative magic of the time in Pop.