A history of compilation albums in the ’80s, focusing on the groundbreaking Now That’s What I Call Music series but also taking in its competitors, The Hits Album series and maybe a few others along the way.

Now That's What I Call Music II

Apr122019

Now That’s What I Call Music II

1984 • And Many More • Now • Music • Mixcloud • Now Parlez

There was no doubt that the first Now That’s What I Call Music album had been a success. It took the Christmas number 1 spot, sold over a million copies and had already spawned a competitor, PolyGram’s Formula 30 which spread thirty ’60s, ’70s and early ’80s hits over four sides of vinyl or cassette.

Clearly a follow-up was required, but did EMI and Virgin really have to wait until November to round up another 30 hits of the year? Not necessarily. read more

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Now That’s What I Call Music

Now, That's What I Call Music

Back in the early 1980s, compilation albums were a rum lot. Labels such as K-Tel and Ronco would churn out monstrosities with titles like 20 Super Amazing Hits which would have tracks faded out early and pressed really quietly to … read more

1983 • And Many More • Now • Music • Mixcloud • Now Parlez • • • • • • • • •