NOW Music has announced the release of the NOW Yearbook 1991 collection. This new compilation features 78 tracks across four CDs. It also offers a 3LP yellow vinyl edition with 43 songs. The collection will be available starting October 31, 2025.
Key Takeaways
- NOW Yearbook 1991 will be released on October 31, 2025.
- The collection includes 78 tracks on a 4CD deluxe edition.
- A 3LP yellow vinyl version features 43 songs.
- Artists like George Michael, Elton John, Seal, and R.E.M. are featured.
- The deluxe CD edition comes with a hardback book and a 28-page booklet.
NOW Yearbook Series Expands to 1991
The NOW Yearbook series continues its chronological journey with the addition of 1991. This collection aims to capture the diverse soundscape of the year. It includes major pop hits, dance anthems, and rock tracks.
Fans can choose from several formats. The main offering is a four-CD set. A deluxe version of this set comes with special packaging.
Collection Formats
- 4CD Deluxe Edition: Features 78 tracks, a hardback book, and a 28-page booklet with track-by-track notes.
- 4CD Standard Edition: Includes 78 tracks in a standard card sleeve.
- 3LP Yellow Vinyl Edition: Contains 43 songs pressed on distinctive yellow vinyl.
Highlights from the First Disc
The first CD opens with a notable collaboration between George Michael and Elton John. Their duet, "Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me," sets the tone for the compilation. Other significant tracks on this disc include Chesney Hawkes' "The One And Only." This song was a massive hit in 1991.
Seal's iconic track "Crazy" is also present. R.E.M. contributes their popular song "Shiny Happy People." Simply Red's "Stars" and Cathy Dennis' "Touch Me (All Night Long)" further showcase the pop variety of the era. The Pet Shop Boys make their first of two appearances on this collection with "Jealousy."
"The inclusion of hits from artists like George Michael, Seal, and R.E.M. highlights the diverse musical landscape of 1991," a music historian noted.
Dance and Crossover Hits on Disc Two
Disc Two shifts focus to the burgeoning dance and club scene of 1991. It features The KLF's influential track "3AM Eternal (Live At The S.S.L.)." Seal returns on this disc with his rendition of "Killer."
The compilation includes several crossover club hits. Artists such as C+C Music Factory with "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)," Rozalla with "Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good)," and K-Klass with "Rhythm Is A Mystery" are all featured. Utah Saints, Oceanic, and Brothers In Rhythm also contribute to this energetic disc.
The Rise of Dance Music
The early 1990s saw a significant increase in dance music's popularity. Club tracks began to achieve mainstream success, influencing pop charts globally. Compilations like NOW Yearbook 1991 reflect this cultural shift, showcasing how electronic sounds integrated with popular music.
Crystal Waters' "Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless) (La Da Dee La Da Da)" is another notable track on Disc Two. A Tribe Called Quest's "Can I Kick It?" represents the hip-hop genre. The disc concludes with Color Me Badd's "I Wanna Sex You Up."
Rock, Pop, and Ballads on Disc Three
Disc Three presents a mix of rock, pop, and powerful ballads. Sting's "All This Time" is a key track. Robert Palmer's medley of Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me/I Want You" offers a unique interpretation. The Waterboys' "The Whole Of The Moon" adds a touch of folk-rock. The Stone Roses' "I Wanna Be Adored" represents the indie rock scene.
Crowded House contributes "Fall At Your Feet." The disc features a strong pairing of ballads: Extreme's "More Than Words" and Scorpions' "Wind Of Change." These songs were major hits, known for their emotional depth and widespread appeal.
Chart Success in 1991
- "The One And Only" by Chesney Hawkes reached number 1 in the UK.
- "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" by Bryan Adams, though not on this compilation, was the biggest selling single of 1991 in the UK, spending 16 weeks at number 1.
- "Wind Of Change" by Scorpions became an anthem for political change, particularly in Eastern Europe.
Diverse Sounds and Unexpected Classics on Disc Four
The final CD, Disc Four, brings a mix of genres and memorable tracks. The Pet Shop Boys return with their distinctive mash-up, "Where The Streets Have No Name (I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You)." The KLF also make another appearance, this time with Tammy Wynette on "Justified And Ancient."
Boy George, under the moniker Jesus Loves You, features with "Bow Down Mister." While remembered as a significant hit, official charts show it peaked at number 27 in the UK. Amy Grant's "Baby Baby" is included, alongside Kylie Minogue's "Shocked" and Dannii Minogue's "Jump To The Beat."
Lisa Stansfield's "Change" adds another R&B-influenced track. An interesting historical artifact is "The Grease Megamix." This track combines hits from the movie "Grease," released 12 years after the film itself. The collection concludes with Patsy Cline's rendition of Willie Nelson's classic "Crazy," providing a timeless end to the 1991 musical journey.
Pre-Order Information and Release Date
NOW Yearbook 1991 is scheduled for release on October 31, 2025. Pre-orders are currently available through various retailers. Prices vary depending on the format chosen.
- 4CD Hardcover Deluxe Book: Approximately £15.99 - £17.99 GBP.
- 3LP Yellow Vinyl: Approximately £32.99 - £35.99 GBP.
- 4CD Standard Card Sleeve: Approximately £11.99 GBP.
These prices are subject to change and may vary by region and retailer. Enthusiasts of 1990s music can secure their copies now.
The NOW Yearbook Series
The NOW Yearbook series aims to provide a comprehensive musical snapshot of specific years, primarily focusing on the 1980s and 1990s. Each release compiles popular tracks and hidden gems, often including detailed liner notes and special packaging for deluxe editions. This series has become popular among music collectors and those nostalgic for past decades.
The collection offers a thorough look back at the music that defined 1991. It brings together a wide range of artists and genres that captivated audiences during that year. The detailed tracklist provides a comprehensive overview for music lovers.