Chart Hits 81 Volume 1

Chart Hits 81 Volume 1

A fascinating snapshot of the British pop charts in 1981, Chart Hits 81 Volume 1 brings together 19 hit singles and popular recordings from one of the most exciting transitional periods in modern popular music. Released by K-Tel, this varied compilation captures the changing musical landscape of the early 1980s, when synthesiser-driven new wave, electronic pop, disco, glam-influenced rock and infectious novelty records were all competing for attention.

The early 1980s marked a significant shift in British popular music. The arrival of affordable synthesisers and increasingly adventurous studio production helped usher in a new generation of electronic and new wave artists, while established performers continued to find success alongside emerging acts. This compilation offers an entertaining cross-section of that musical moment, bringing together some of the biggest names and memorable chart records of the period.

There are several important recordings for fans of the emerging synth-pop movement. The Human League's 'Open Your Heart' showcases the group's increasingly accessible electronic sound, while Depeche Mode's 'Just Can't Get Enough' captures the infectious energy of their early synth-pop period. Ultravox's magnificent 'Vienna' provides a more atmospheric and dramatic contrast, with its cinematic keyboards and Midge Ure's distinctive vocals. Kim Wilde's 'Kids In America' is another essential inclusion, combining new wave attitude with an instantly memorable pop-rock chorus.

The compilation also reflects the enormous variety of the contemporary charts. Dave Stewart with Barbara Gaskin opens the album with their inventive electronic interpretation of 'It's My Party', which reached number one in the UK singles chart in 1981. ABBA contribute the disco-influenced 'Lay All Your Love On Me', while Imagination's 'In And Out Of Love' brings sophisticated soul and dance-floor production. Hi-Gloss add an American disco flavour with 'You'll Never Know', and Ottawan's 'Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)' delivers an irresistible slice of European dance-pop.

Elsewhere, Bill Wyman steps away from his familiar Rolling Stones role with the quirky 'Si Si Je Suis Un Rock Star', while Alvin Stardust's 'Pretend' and Slade's 'Lock Up Your Daughters' represent the continuing appeal of British rock and pop performers. Rachel Sweet and Rex Smith provide a lively interpretation of 'Everlasting Love', while Bucks Fizz, fresh from their Eurovision success, appear with 'Piece Of The Action'.

There are also some wonderfully distinctive inclusions. Bad Manners bring their energetic ska revival sound to 'Can Can', Sheila B. Devotion contribute 'Prisoner', and The Tweets provide the novelty dance favourite 'Birdie Song'. Closing the collection is Louis Clark conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with 'Hooked On Classics', an unusual classical-meets-disco recording that became a major commercial success.

With 19 tracks spanning synth-pop, new wave, disco, soul, rock, ska and mainstream chart pop, Chart Hits 81 Volume 1 is more than just a collection of familiar singles. It is an entertaining musical time capsule documenting the diversity and changing tastes of the British charts in 1981.

An appealing addition for collectors of vintage K-Tel compilations, early 1980s pop, classic synth-pop and new wave, this is a particularly enjoyable snapshot of a year when electronic music was moving rapidly into the mainstream.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Dave Stewart With Barbara Gaskin – It's My Party

2. Human League – Open Your Heart

3. Alvin Stardust – Pretend

4. Abba – Lay All Your Love On Me

5. Hi-Gloss – You'll Never Know

6. Bill Wyman – Si Si Je Suis Un Rock Star

7. Kim Wilde – Kids In America

8. Sheila B. Devotion – Prisoner

9. Rachel Sweet & Rex Smith – Everlasting Love

10. The Tweets – Birdie Song

Side B

1. Ottowan – Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)

2. Imagination – In And Out Of Love

3. Depeche Mode – Just Can't Get Enough

4. Ultravox – Vienna

5. Exile – Heart And Soul

6. Slade – Lock Up Your Daughters

7. Bucks Fizz – Piece Of The Action

8. Bad Manners – Can Can

9. Louis Clark Conducting The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra – Hooked On Classics