NOW Yearbook 1985–1989: The Final Chapter Extra Expands the Ultimate 80s Collection with 3CD and 5LP Editions

What distinguishes the Final Chapter – Extra from earlier Yearbook expansions is not scale but curation philosophy. The sequencing leans heavily into late‑80s production aesthetics: gated drums, early digital reverbs, Fairlight- and DX7-era synth textures, and mixes that were clearly optimized for FM radio and vinyl side length rather than modern loudness norms. Several selections here are album or extended-era mixes rather than the most aggressively edited single versions, which should translate into slightly wider dynamic envelopes on CD. For collectors who track mastering lineage closely, this approach aligns with NOW’s recent tendency to favor clean digital transfers over heavy-handed remastering, preserving original tonal balance rather than chasing contemporary brightness.

From a format perspective, discussion around the vinyl counterpart has highlighted an interesting trade-off. The multi‑LP configuration, with one year per disc, suggests shorter sides and potentially improved inner-groove performance compared to traditional hit compilations crammed to capacity. However, because these tracks originate from multiple labels and eras of digital and analog mastering, absolute consistency across the five LPs will likely vary—part of the charm for some, a concern for others. By contrast, the CD set offers uniform playback and avoids the cumulative surface noise that can creep into colour vinyl pressings, making it the more predictable reference listen for system comparisons.

Taken together, this release feels less like a chart recap and more like an archival footnote aimed at listeners who already know the hits and care about how they sound. The presence of densely layered synth-pop alongside arena rock and adult contemporary exposes the divergent production values of the late ’80s in a way that’s surprisingly educational on a resolving system. It closes the Yearbook era not with nostalgia alone, but with a reminder of how transitional—and technically experimental—that period really was.