This set is not authorized by Sony, Universal, or the Now! brand. It appeals to fans who want an affordable, single-package snapshot of the extended 80s club experience without hunting down original 12" singles or expensive official compilations like 12" 80s: Original Extended Mixes (Universal).
Record Collector (Issue #518) gave the 2022 edition 4 out of 5 stars, noting: "Finally, a compilation that respects the art of the extended mix. The bass on 'Blue Monday' is properly present—not neutered for radio."
DJ Mag praised the set for its historical breadth: "The 4CD 'Now 12" 80s' is not just nostalgia; it's a textbook on how dance production evolved from 1980 to 1990. Hearing Grandmaster Flash next to Black Box reveals the direct lineage from electro to house."
User reviews on Amazon UK and Discogs frequently highlight the mastering quality—specifically that the tracks are not subjected to modern "loudness war" compression. The dynamic range (DR) scores often exceed DR12, which is excellent for pop reissues. VA - Now That-s What I Call 12-- 80s -4CD- -202...
For many casual listeners, the 1980s are remembered for big hair, shoulder pads, and MTV. But for audiophiles and club culture historians, the decade belongs to the 12-inch single. Before the CD single and digital streaming, the 12-inch vinyl (45RPM or 33 ⅓) was the format of choice for extended mixes, dub versions, and dancefloor dynamite.
Enter the compilation series Now That’s What I Call Music!—a brand that began in the UK in 1983. While the flagship Now albums captured the pop chart of the moment, the 2020s saw a brilliant sub-series emerge: Now That’s What I Call 12" 80s. The specific iteration referenced in the keyword—VA - Now That's What I Call 12" 80s -4CD- -202...—represents a deluxe, four-disc box set that collectors have been clamoring for.
Although the trailing "202..." suggests a 2021, 2022, or 2024 release (Sony Music / Universal Music have been rolling these out cyclically), this article explores the complete package, tracklist expectations, sound quality, and why this set is essential for any serious 80s music enthusiast. This set is not authorized by Sony, Universal, or the Now
Now That's What I Call 12" 80s is a definitive collection for two types of listeners: those who lived through the era and want the versions they heard in the clubs, and younger listeners curious about the origins of modern remix culture.
While many 80s compilations feel repetitive, the focus on the "12-inch" format here provides a fresh angle. It transforms familiar 3-minute pop songs into 6-minute journeys, proving that the 80s wasn't just about the look—it was about the groove.
Highlights:
Rating: ★★★★☆ (Essential for 80s completists and dance music fans)
It looks like you're trying to draft an article title or outline for a compilation album: "VA - Now That's What I Call The 80s – 4CD – 202..." (likely referring to a 2020s reissue or an upcoming release).
Below is a ready-to-publish article based on that theme, written in an engaging music blog/review style. You can fill in the exact release year (e.g., 2024, 2025) as needed. For many casual listeners, the 1980s are remembered
Absolutely—if you are a DJ, a vinyl collector who doesn't want to wear out your rare 12" singles, or a casual fan who only knows "The Reflex" as a three-minute radio hit.
The "Now" brand is often dismissed as mainstream schlock, but Now That’s What I Call 12" – 80s is a curatorial triumph. It respects the DJ, the dancer, and the dreamer who stayed up late to tape the Top of the Pops extended special off the TV.