Contemporary artists covering classic 80’s hits include Sam Smith Ed Sheeran, London Grammar, Kaiser Chiefs, Kylie Minogue and Olly Murs. Only available on this album.

13 October 2014 – Radio 2 and Warner Music today announce a brand new album, ‘Sounds of the 80s’, a unique collection celebrating music’s biggest, diverse and flamboyant decade recorded by some of todays most popular contemporary acts. Artists including Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, London Grammar, Olly Murs and Kylie Minogue make up this sensational album which is out on November 10.

Every single one of the 37 tracks is exclusive to this album and is previously unreleased. All songs have been carefully chosen by each artist and truly made their own. Highlights include Sam Smith singing Whitney Houston’s ‘How Will I Know’, Ed Sheeran’s take on Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Atlantic City’, London Grammar with Chris Issac’s ‘Wicked Game’ and Kylie Minogue’s version of Kim Carnes ‘Bette Davis Eyes’.

Kylie Minogue says: “I have always loved ‘Bette Davis Eyes’, by Kim Carnes. It marks a point in time for me as a young teenager in Australia, crazy about pop music. What a thrill to cover this amazing and seminal song.”

The album takes its name from Sara Cox’s popular show on Radio 2 which will exclusively air tracks over the coming weeks.

Sara Cox says: “On Saturday nights we bring you a big 80s disco – all the best music from the best decade and with this album we do that but with a big exciting twist – all your favourite artists putting their own spin on 80s classics. I mean, Sam Smith covering Whitney? It was meant to be.”

Radio 2 remains the biggest UK radio station pulling in over 16 million weekly listeners, this album is their equivalent to Radio 1’s successful Live Lounge series.

80's

Full tracklisting for Sounds of the 80’s as follows:

CD 1

Sam Smith- How Will I Know (Whitney Houston)

Ed Sheeran -Atlantic City (Bruce Springsteen)

The Script- Drive (The Cars)

Christina Perri- If I Could Turn Back Time (Cher)

Passenger- Romeo & Juliet (Dire Straits)

Birdy-Lucky Star (Madonna)

Rumer -Arthur’s Theme (The Best That I Can Do) (Christopher Cross)

Chrissie Hynde-Every Day Is Like Sunday (Morrissey)

Dido- Smalltown Boy (Bronski Beat)

Katie Melua -Wonderful Life (Black)

Amy MacDonald- Waiting For A Star To Fall (Boy Meets Girl)

Caro Emerald -Walk Like An Egyptian (The Bangles)

Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott -Caravan of Love (Isley Jasper Isley/ The Housemartins)

The Shires- Islands In the Stream (Kenny Rodgers & Dolly Parton)

Train -Holding Back the Years (Simply Red)

Level 42-Need You Tonight (INXS)

Kaiser Chiefs-Should I Stay Or Should I Go (The Clash)

Manic Street Preachers -Start Me Up (Rolling Stones)

 

CD 2

Olly Murs-Lets Groove (Earth Wind & Fire)

Kylie Minogue- Bette Davis Eyes (Kim Carnes)

Dolly Parton Feat Richie Sambora Lay Your Hands (Bon Jovi)

James Blunt- I Guess That’s Why they Call It the Blues (Elton John)

London Grammar-Wicked Game (Chris Isaak)

Will Young- Teardrops (Womack & Womack)

Shane Filan-True Colours (Cyndi Lauper)

Texas- Don’t Talk To Me About Love (Altered Images)

Millers Daughter- Head Over Heels (Tears For Fears)

The Pierces- Don’t Give Up (Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush)

Ward Thomas -Man In The Mirror(Michael Jackson)

Boyzone -The Whole of the Moon (The Waterboys)

Kian Egan- Run To You (Bryan Adams)

Jermaine Jackmon- I Wanna Know What Love Is (Foreigner)

Si Cranstoun -Tell Her About It (Billy Joel)

Overtones -Wake Me Up Before You Go Go (Wham!)

Lisa Stansfield -You’re the Best Thing (The Style Council)

Gabrielle Aplin-That’s All (Genesis)

Sophie Ellis-Bextor-True Faith (New Order)