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Va - Now That-s What I Call 12-- 80s -4cd- -202...

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

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: VA - Now That-s What I Call 12-- 80s -4CD- -202...

  1. Guns N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
  2. Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
  3. The Cure - Just Like Heaven
  4. Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want to Have Fun
  5. AC/DC - You Shook Me All Night Long
  6. Prince - When Doves Cry
  7. Journey - Don't Stop Believin'
  8. Madonna - Like a Virgin
  9. Duran Duran - Hungry Like the Wolf
  10. Tina Turner - What's Love Got to Do with It

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.

It looks like you're asking for a write-up on a specific compilation set: "VA - Now That's What I Call 12" 80s - 4CD" (likely released around 202…).

However, I need to point out a few things before providing the write-up: Review: VA – NOW That’s What I Call

  1. The exact title is incomplete – You have "12-- 80s -4CD- -202..." which may refer to:

    • Now That’s What I Call 12" – 80s (a 4CD set)
    • A 2020 or 2022 reissue/repress of that set
    • Or possibly Now That’s What I Call the 80s (another series)

  2. No such official release appears in the main Now! discography – The official Now That’s What I Call Music! series (UK) has many spin-offs like Now That’s What I Call 12" 70s, 80s, 90s, but a 4CD set titled Now That’s What I Call 12" – 80s with that exact numbering may be a bootleg, fan-made, or unofficial release often found on sites like Discogs, eBay, or torrent trackers.

Assuming you are referring to an unofficial 4CD compilation circulating online (c. 2020–2024) focusing on extended 12" remixes of 80s hits, here’s a sample write-up:

Criticisms: What’s Missing?

No compilation is perfect. Hardcore collectors will note the absence of a few key tracks due to licensing hell:

Furthermore, disc 4 suffers slightly from "compilation fatigue"—the final three tracks are softer ballads extended (e.g., "China in Your Hand" by T'Pau) that stop the club momentum.

Why Buy This in 202…?

  1. Sound Quality: Modern 4CD box sets are usually remastered, ditching the tinny sound of 90s budget compilations for punchy, loud, modern masters.
  2. Track Depth: Unlike a 1CD "Best of the 80s," the 4CD set includes almost everything. It features the "one hit wonders" (like Tarzan Boy by Baltimora) alongside the superstars.
  3. The Physical Object: Now compilations are famous for their bold, blocky typography and neon artwork. A 4CD digipak or clamshell box looks fantastic on a shelf next to your vinyl collection.

The Concept

During the 1980s, the 12-inch single was king. Freed from the time constraints of the 7-inch vinyl, artists and producers expanded their radio hits into sprawling sonic landscapes. This compilation captures that specific energy, moving away from the standard radio edits found on typical "Best of the 80s" compilations and presenting the full-length, floor-filling versions.

Tracklist Breakdown: The 4CD Journey

Here is a critical look at what fills these four shiny discs. CD 1 kicks off with a bang, featuring

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