Kalpana Kalpana (Editor)

Contenders (song)

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Released
  
1986

Length
  
4:28

Format
  
7" single, 12" single

Label
  
Virgin Records

B-side
  
Excerpts From "Diary of a Contender"

Writer(s)
  
Glenn Gregory, Ian Craig Marsh, Martyn Ware

"Contenders" is Heaven 17's last single of 1986 from the album Pleasure One which was released the same year. It was written by all three members. The single was released in late 1986 and peaked at #80 in the UK, spending 4 weeks on the chart. A promotional video was created for the single.

Contents

Allmusic wrote "Some of the Pleasure One songs are among their best, including the wonderful "Trouble" and the opening track, "Contenders."

Formats

7" Single
  1. "Contenders" - 4:28
  2. "Excerpts From "Diary of a Contender" - 5:24
12" Single
  1. "Contenders (Dance version)" - 6:23
  2. "Excerpts From 'Diary of a Contender'" - 5:24
  3. "Contenders (Full length version)" - 5:19
12" Single (America only)
  1. "Contenders (Dance version)" - 7:45
  2. "Contenders (Edited version) " - 3:10
  3. "Contenders (Instrumental version)" - 5:12
  4. "Contenders (Go Go version)" - 6:39
12" Vinyl - Limited Edition Gatefold
  1. "Contenders (Dance version)" - 6:22
  2. "Excerpts From 'Diary of a Contender'" - 5:24
  3. "Penthouse & Pavement" - 6:33
  4. "Megamix (Edit)" - 6:36

Critical reception

Simon Reynolds for Melody Maker wrote "This one practically hurls itself off the ropes at you, solid funk brawn but light on its feet, bobbing and weaving, jabbing and pummeling and always on the attack, but, somehow, failing to deliver that hook to floor you completely. The killer blow never comes."

Personnel

  • Sleeve artwork by - Heaven 17 and Ai
  • Mixed by - Brian Tench and Heaven 17
  • Producer and arranged by - Heaven 17
  • Remixer of "Penthouse & Pavement" - John 'Tokes' Potoker
  • Remixer of "Megamix (Edit)" - Sanny X

    • References

    Contenders (song) Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA