Various Artists - MTV Class of 1983

The double-disc MTV Class of 1983 attempts to distill the essence of early MTV to 30 tracks from the biggest names and most popular one-hit wonders of that year. The approach works remarkably well, as the compilation features many new wave classics that effortlessly evoke 1983. The sheer size of MTV Class of 1983 distinguishes it from other new wave collections, as does the presence of the Pretenders ("Back on the Chain Gang"), David Bowie ("China Girl"), Talking Heads ("Burning Down the House") and Herbie Hancock ("Rockit"). However, most new wave collectors will have this material already, especially if they own the 15-volume Just Can't Get Enough, so it's only appealing to casual fans. Even so, any new wave or early MTV compilation that doesn't include Duran Duran could hardly be called definitive. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Name Credits Adam Ant Performer Big Country Performer Culture Club Performer David Bowie Performer Dexys Midnight Runners Performer Golden Earring Performer Herbie Hancock Performer Human League Performer Jane Wiedlin Performer Kajagoogoo Performer Madness Performer Members Performer Modern English Performer Naked Eyes Performer Planet P Project Performer Scandal Performer Spandau Ballet Performer Sparks Performer Stray Cats Performer Talking Heads Performer The Call Performer The Fixx Performer The Flirts Performer The Pretenders Performer The Psychedelic Furs Performer The Romantics Performer Thomas Dolby Performer Thompson Twins Performer Toto Coelo Performer Ultravox Performer Wall of Voodoo Performer