MRC / August Day Records (Label)
July 19, 2024 (released)
1 day
It's a special summer album for August Day Records, as they celebrate their 100th release with “Orchestral Eighties.” Commemorating a significant milestone in the label's journey into the pop and classical crossover genre, “Orchestral Eighties” is comprised of 14 genre-defining '80s pop tracks, all accompanied by, you guessed it, an orchestra.
The orchestra's renditions of classical music span a wide range of genres, from Grammy Award-winning songs to cult classics. The album opens with Rick Springfield's 1981 hit “Jessie's Girl.” The original version remains intact, with only faint string sounds heard in this rendition. Compared to “I Ran” from A Flock of Seagulls in 1982, the intro has been completely reworked to create a magical sense of urgency. The tension is fresh, exciting and gripping.
Wang Chung's “Dance Hall Days” (1982) begins the song with no guitar melody at all, and remains impressively vibrant and triumphant by the end. The dramatic Cutting Crew's “(I Just) Died In Your Arms” (1986) features a mix of synths and strings, with even more strings unleashed after Kevin McMichael's guitar solo! Visage's “Fade to Grey” (1980) goes into a darker world altogether, giving the track a bold and majestic sound.
Berlin's acclaimed “Take My Breath Away,” featured on the 1986 soundtrack to the film Top Gun, is gentle and understated. The Bell Stars' 1982 “Sign Of The Times,” which opens with swirling strings, maintains the whimsical style of the original but with minimal orchestral flourishes. Next is Hollywood Beyond's cult classic “What's The Colour Of Money?” (1986), which is much more moving and dynamic than the original version.
The same can be said for “Down To Earth” from 1987's Curiosity Killed The Cat; one of their biggest hits feels more heartfelt and velvety than we remember. The upbeat and raucous Westworld's “Sonic Boom Boy” (1987) is a high-energy, classic rockabilly cacophony with a country fiddler vibe. Taking us into smoother, softer territory, 1988's “The Promise” features Clive Farrington and Andrew Mann of British band When In Rome delivering an uplifting version of their debut single.
Interestingly, legendary singer Candi Staton's “Young Hearts Run Free” is included on this album of classic 80s songs. That being said, this 1976 disco favorite fits perfectly on the album and serves as another reason to get us dancing. The penultimate track, Belouis Sam's “Imagination” (1985), is elevated to sublime levels and gets the party going. The album reaches a high point and smoothly ends with Benny Mardones' 1980 hit “Into The Night”, his last recording and the song he recites on this compilation.
The album highlights the enduring legacy of '80s music. It's a celebration and reimagining of the classics, giving us a reason to reevaluate these tracks and breathe fresh life into them. Singles will be released once per week from May 31st to August 23rd, 2024, including album tracks as well as bonus singles that will let you rediscover old favorites in a whole new light.
The album has an international release date of 19th July 2024 and in the UK on 21st June 2024 and will be available to buy physically and digitally.
Track listing:
1. Rick Springfield – Jessie's Girl
2. A flock of seagulls – I ran (far away)
3. Wang Chong – Dancehall Days
4. Cutting Crew – (I Just) Died In Your Arms
5. Visage – Fade to Grey
6. Berlin – Take My Breath Away
7. Belle Stars – Sign of the Times
8. Hollywood Beyond – What's the Color of Money
9. Curiosity killed the cat – Down to Earth
10. Westworld – Sonic Boom Boy
11. Farrington and Mann – The Promise
12. Candi Staton – Young Hearts Run Free*
13. Beruy Som – Imagination
14. Benny Mardones – Into the Night
*This is the main version, not the orchestral version.