The Hit Factory Volume 3

The Hit Factory Volume 3 is a compilation album collecting the biggest hits of the award-winning British music production trio Stock Aitken Waterman during their most successful era. It was released by PWL Records in association with Fanfare Records in June 1989 and reached #3 in the compilation Top 20, achieving a Gold BPI award.

Some critics highlighted the negative aspects of the release: it contained 2 B Sides ("Made in Heaven" and "Wrap My Arms Around You"), 5 cover versions ("Turn It Into Love", "Help!", "I Only Wanna Be With You", "I Haven't Stopped Dancing Yet" and "Ferry 'Cross the Mersey"), a major flop ("S.S. Paparazzi") and the remaining 3 tracks were considered weak songs ("Take Me To Your Heart", "I'd Rather Jack" and "He Ain't No Competition") although they all reached the UK Top 10. Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan's duet "Especially for You" was however one of the biggest selling singles of the 1980s.[1]

Stock Aitken Watermans' success peaked during 1988 and 1989 and at the time of this album's release, reviewers were quick to highlight any short-comings with any release associated with the trio. Nevertheless, the popularity of this compilation is evident and it is distinct in that it contained a bonus LP/CD megamix of the albums' more dance orientated material.

A notable exclusion from the compilation is "This Time I Know It's For Real" by Donna Summer, a #3 hit for Summer in collaboration with SAW in March 1989, three months before the release of this title.

UK Track listing (2xCD/LP: UK Fanfare/PWL HFCD/LP 8) (Video: VHF8)

Disc one

Disc two

Pumping Party Mix One (17.43)

Pumping Party Mix Two (24.22)

The video compilation included all the above tracks with the exception of Jason Donovan Wrap My Arms Around You, of which no video was made. An exclusive was Kylie Minogue Made in Heaven. Due to be a double A side with Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi but decided against at the last minute.