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At the end of the '70s, to cap an incredible run as one of disco's biggest divas, Donna Summer issued On the Radio: Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II, a double album collecting more than a dozen of her biggest singles to date. This fall, Summer's reissue label Driven by the Music will revisit that set in a whole new way, creating a career-spanning, radio-ready overview of her complete career.
On the Radio: Greatest Hits (Expanded), due out November 15, is a 2CD set offering 40 of Summer's biggest singles issued between 1975 and 2008 - all in their original single edits and mixes. Featuring almost everything from the original On the Radio set (the long version of the title track is omitted, as are Bad Girls tracks "Our Love" and "Sunset People"), the first disc adds seven songs from the period covered by that original set, including a cover of Barry Manilow's "Could It Be Magic," cuts from the thematic Four Seasons of Love and even "Down Deep Inside," Summer's theme song from the 1977 underwater thriller The Deep.
From there, On the Radio brings another disc of 20 tracks from the remainder of Summer's Casablanca era, along with tracks from her tenures on Geffen, Atlantic and Epic, along with the closing cut "I'm a Fire," heard on her final album Crayons (2008). Hits like "The Wanderer," "Love is in Control (Finger on the Trigger)," "She Works Hard for the Money," and "This Time I Know It's for Real" are all included. It's a collection that looks like it'll serve both hardcore fans (with all those single versions in one place) as well as casual listeners (offering a great curation of the best known hits and a few more beneath the surface).
You can pre-order the rewired On the Radio below. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
On the Radio: Greatest Hits (Expanded) (originally released as Casablanca NBLP-2-7191, 1979 - reissued Driven by the Music/Crimson DBTMCD215 (U.K.), 2024) (Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada)
Disc 1
- Love to Love You Baby (Single Edit)
- Could It Be Magic (7" Version) +
- Try Me, I Know We Can Make It (7" Version)
- Spring Affair (7" Version) +
- Winter Melody (7" Version) +
- I Feel Love (Edit)
- Theme from The Deep (Down Deep Inside) (7" Version) +
- I Remember Yesterday
- Love's Unkind (7" Version) +
- I Love You (Single Version)
- Rumour Has It (Single Version) +
- Back in Love Again (7" Version) +
- Last Dance (7" Version)
- MacArthur Park (Single Version)
- Heaven Knows (7" Version) - Donna Summer with Brooklyn Dreams
- Hot Stuff (Single Version)
- Bad Girls (Single Version Edit)
- Dim All the Lights (7" Single Version)
- No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) (7" Version) - Donna Summer & Barbra Streisand
- On the Radio (7" Version)
Disc 2 +
- The Wanderer (7" Version)
- Who Do You Think You're Foolin' (Edit)
- Love is in Control (Finger on the Trigger) (7" Version)
- State of Independence (7" Version)
- The Woman in Me (7" Version)
- Romeo
- She Works Hard for the Money (7" Version)
- Unconditional Love (Edit)
- Eyes (7" Remix Edit)
- Dinner with Gershwin (Edit)
- All Systems Go (Edit)
- This Time I Know It's for Real (7" Mix)
- I Don't Wanna Get Hurt (7" Remix)
- Love's About to Change My Heart (PWL 7" Mix)
- When Love Takes Over You (Mixmaster Dave Ford 7")
- Breakaway (Remix Edit)
- Melody of Love (Wanna Be Loved) (West End 7" Radio Edit)
- I Will Go with You (Con Te Partirò)
- Love is the Healer (Eric Kupper's I Feel Healed 7" Mix)
- I'm a Fire (Solitaire Club Mix)
Original version of Disc 1, Track 1 from Love to Love You Baby (Casablanca, 1975)
Original versions of Disc 1, Tracks 2-3 from A Love Trilogy (Casablanca, 1976)
Original versions of Disc 1, Tracks 4-5 from Four Seasons of Love (Casablanca, 1976)
Original versions of Disc 1, Tracks 6, 8-9 and 12 from I Remember Yesterday (Casablanca, 1977)
Original versions of Disc 1, Track 7 from The Deep (Music from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Casablanca, 1977)
Original versions of Disc 1, Tracks 10-11 from Once Upon a Time (Casablanca, 1977)
Original version of Disc 1, Track 13 from Thank God It's Friday (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Casablanca, 1978)
Original versions of Disc 1, Tracks 14-15 from Live and More (Casablanca, 1978)
Original versions of Disc 1, Tracks 16-18 from Bad Girls (Casablanca, 1979)
Original versions of Disc 1, Tracks 19-20 from On the Radio: Greatest Hits Volume I & Volume II (Casablanca, 1979)
Original versions of Disc 2, Tracks 1-2 from The Wanderer (Geffen, 1980)
Original versions of Disc 2, Tracks 3-5 from Donna Summer (Geffen, 1982)
Original version of Disc 2, Track 6 from Flashdance (Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture) (Casablanca, 1983)
Original version of Disc 2, Track 7-8 from She Works Hard for the Money (Mercury, 1983)
Original version of Disc 2, Track 9 from Cats Without Claws (Geffen, 1984)
Original versions of Disc 2, Tracks 10-11 from All Systems Go (Geffen, 1987)
Original versions of Disc 2, Tracks 12-16 from Another Place and Time (Atlantic (U.S.)/Warner Bros. (U.K.), 1989)
Original version of Disc 2, Track 17 from Endless Summer: Donna Summer's Greatest Hits (Mercury/PolyGram, 1994)
Original versions of Disc 2, Tracks 18-19 from VH-1 Presents Live & More Encore (Epic, 1999)
Original version of Disc 2, Track 20 from Crayons (Burgundy, 2008)
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Now this is exciting. All of the hit songs in single edits/mixes. I'm all in. Thank you for this information.
If it's the "single edits" they've issued on "The Donna Summer Collection", "Donna Summer Gold" and "The Ultimate Collection", then no thank you. If it's the single edits that were on the ACTUAL 45s, then I might be interested. But no info as such is given.
Any real Donna Summer / disco fan knows that 7” / radio edits of these songs are totally unwanted annd useless. The only reason fans bought the original On The Radio compilation is that the songs were seamlessly mixed together and segued from one track to the next on each side. Apparently the new compilation is not. Driven By The Music shouldn’t have wasted their time or money. No ones going to buy this.
I would probably buy this ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I’m a casual fan and I would buy this.
I am going to buy it too!
I bought my copy. It arrived today. I'm a big Donna fan. I like it but it is not my favorite collection. My favorite collections are the Donna Summer Anthology from 1993 and the other double CD I Feel Love Collection 2013 import.
They do need the segue effect. That’s what was genius about the set back on the day.
I concur.
YES! the segue was brilliant 🥰
Wow‼️🌚☕
I totally agree, Jay. The uniqueness of the original ON THE RADIO comp were the seamless seques that seamlessly linked the songs together for one continuous party groove. Real special for that time, and I can't hear this particular package any other way.
At last! A true disco fan who agrees with me. Disco record producers: please don’t call it “disco” or “greatest hits” if you’re putting out 7” or radio edits and not the full-length disco/dance versions. True disco fans are size queens. Give us the full-length long versions or else no can do.
Well I'm going to buy this and I consider myself a fan of Donna Summer. I think this is a great way to promote her music from the 70s. So far Driven has only had access to her 80s music. Maybe this is a test to see if people are interested then we might get remastered 70s music. Also this will for sure be on streaming so for someone who uses streaming (as well as physical) I can finally have some of these songs in better quality and can add them to playlist without thinking I might want to skip the song because I don't feel like listening to the 12 minute version at that time.
Sorry, Apollo. You’re obviously not a true disco fan otherwise you would never be satisfied with the edited versions. I suspect you weren’t even born in time to enjoy the late 70s-80s disco/dance music. I’m so glad I was. It was a great time to be alive and I relive those days often by listening to that music.
I don't see how not being "born in time" for the disco era precludes someone from actually enjoying it, as someone who was born long after its peak and seems to enjoy it without sprouting horns or fangs (or worse, suffering a bender in the bathroom at Studio 54). Let's not forget that there's no one true way to enjoy music!
What I meant of course was born in time to actually dance in a disco in the disco days. Obviously dancing in a booming club tightly surrounded by other dancers is a totally different experience than dancing all alone in your room — or even dancing to it in a modern club (if they ever play classic disco, which I suspect they do not). Still, listening to disco today isn’t the same experience it was when it was fresh and new and exciting. Today it’s nostalgic. The music is nearly 50 years old now. I would liken to listening to 1920’s songs when in the 70s. Music makes up the soundtrack of our lives. Popular music though evergreen can never be experienced the same way after its time has come and passed. It can still be enjoyed but it can never be what it once was. Only those of us lucky enough to experience it in its time can immerse themselves in it, closing our eyes, and remembering the golden age of disco.
Oh, come on Jay. Knock it off. Fans have equalling being clamoring for Summer's true single versions, many of which, still remain elusive. And while I agree with the majority of opinions here, that the original release remains unique and irreplaceable, there's no reason why the two can't co-exist. I think it's a brilliant idea!
That said, let's see if this collection actually (and finally) includes the original 7", 3:15 version of "Could It Be Magic", in place of the widely used edit that has been recirculating since 1993's "Donna Summer Anthology".
“Radio Edits” or “Single Versions” are completely unwanted by true fans of disco. They’re an abomination. There ought to be a law against such butchering. 😉
Totally not true. In addition to being club music, some disco music was also POP music, i.e., it was played on top 40 radio, in the top 40 charts, and bought in the millions of copies of 7-inch vinyl singles by people all over the world who didn't hear it in nightclubs. People who loved disco in the 1970s when they heard it on the radio or on records and not in nightclubs--whether because they were too young or perhaps lived in a rural area--aren't any less disco fans.
I will definitelly buy this collection "because" of the 7"/Radio Edits! And I'm real Donna Summer fan!
Oh, I'll buy it. I love the single edits (except I do prefer the long version of "MacArthur Park."
This is true. What I like from the original (which is not included in this new release) is the long version of On the Radio. What sucks most is that both this and the original both have the short 3:18 version of Last Dance.
I love that it's single mixes (can you hear us, Madonna?). The first disc is perfect, with just the right combination of songs including UK Top 40 hits. But disc two, with 5 tracks from "Another Place And Time," and no "Cold Love" or "There Goes My Baby" is disappointing.
Agreed about the inclusion of FIVE songs from that album. Especially given the exclusion of “Sunset People” and “Our Love”, arguably superior tracks from Donna’s classic “Bad Girls” set.
It's not mixed continuously, though, like the original release, and has songs missing to boot...so, why go with the same/similar title and artwork if it's a completely different album?
It is wonderful to have all of these single mixes in one collection. Agree with Charles’ comment that disc two should have included the top 40 Cold Love and There Goes My Baby.
Another comp. of hits was not what I was hoping for from Donna's catalog this Fall. I was really crossing my fingers for an in-depth 40th anniversary edition of Cats Without Claws. Oh well, the year isn't over yet. As far as this update of On The Radio...I'll probably pass, but have nothing bad to say about it, other than, really, another comp?
This is just another greatest hits collection, and it has nothing to do with the original 1979 segued and remixed 'On The Radio' compilation. So I think Driven should not have used the album title and 1979 cover for this new compilation, because it's a totally different release. This will only lead to confusion in the Donna Summer catalogue.
Don't think it will confuse at all; it says 'Greatest Hits Expanded' with a greater total number of tracks on the original to the new version; 40 vs 16 and vinyl 24 vs 16. Not all songs were continuously mixed for daytime radio stations and not everyone wants tracks mixed; it's not just about the Donna's fans it's also reaching a new young audience, so being presented in a different way. Obviously permission and licenses were required or it wouldn't have happened...and to finish off, all the tracks were played on the radio, so why shouldn't they be included 'On Th Radio'?
Thank y'all for reporting this‼️ As a long-term audiophile, this is beyond exciting! Donna Summer; you are SORELY missed.🌚☕
Real fans have this all on the 2020 boxset Encore 🙂
Jay Pascucci nailed it for me. No need to suggest that Driven By The Music is at the "rinse and repeat" phase- it's obvious. But my gosh it doesnt HAVE to be this. Those first Donna lps can still be presented as albums with newer, appropriate remixes. Cant find all the multitrack? You dont have to. Work with whatever Musicland Studios has in storage. Remixes are designed to be "built-around" or assembled whole from what pieces you have. I recall when the "no tapes exist" phrase was the mantra....sure enough tapes popped up. They almost always do. This project would be fine- but dont sully it by calling it an expanded edition of "On The Radio" IT. IS. CLEARLY. NOT. THAT. I get it though, when in "rinse and repeat" mode (which is all about reusing older ideas and I.P. without doing something fresh, daring, and creative). Driven By The Music HAS been Daring. Fresh. Creative. Respectful. I'm sure they will be again. Just not this time.
We've all been there, friend - one set for the casual fans/to keep the lights on and trains running, then hopefully another one to spark some new ideas...heaven knows there are plenty of legends no longer with us who could stand to move in this way!
Thanks, Donald! Speaking of multi tracks (stems), have you heard Mike Maurro’s new Donna Summer remixes (available on Bandcamp)? They’re amazing! Bad Girls, Hot Stuff, Love To Love You Baby, Heaven Knows, Last Dance, MacArthur Park…Mauro breathes exciting new life into these classic tracks and everything he does. Highly recommended!
Since this is a UK release, I suppose I shouldn't be too upset that so many of her US singles were omitted:
* Cold Love
* Love Has A Mind Of Its Own
* There Goes My Baby
* Supernatural Love
* Only The Fool Survives
* Fascination
* When Love Cries
* Work That Magic
* Any Way At All
* Whenever There Is Love
Ironically, when I purchased the 2 LP set eons ago, I was miffed it was not a true singles collection and could have done without the segueing between songs. There have been so many compilations released since and it seems like each one misses too many singles, includes too many album tracks or is inconsistent in edits/mixes/versions included. And who can forget the disastrous edit that tried to re-create the 45 length version of "No More Tears?" Like this collection, you can't even blame label politics as there have been collections released featuring songs from the many labels Donna recorded for through the years. Great concept trying to expand Donna's most successful hits collection, but very, very disappointing track list on Disc 2.
I believe there were space for a 3rd CD with 20 more songs like,
Once upon a time
With your love
One of a kind
Walk away
Cold love
Supernatural love
There goes my baby
Carry on
The power of one
And more...
I have the Icon box, I don't need this...but for what it is, Disc 1 is fine but Disc 2 is a disaster...also a remaster of the original OTR is in Icon, so this is even more unnecessary...nothing against those who want it though...
Another recommendation: Groovefunkel’s remixes (available on YouTube). Some great stuff including Donna Summer.
As a long time and loyal Donna Summer fan I am beginning to feel somewhat ripped off now. I recently purchased the ‘Donna Summer Japanese Singles Collection - Greatest Hits’ as it was titled. It was almost £70.00 as a pre-order price on a very well known market place. It came and it was OK, unfortunately though everything written on it, including the booklet is in Japanese. Plus the DVD part of the 2 disc CD has nothing new to offer either.
Anyway, I have ordered this ‘new’ edition of Donna Summer ‘On The Radio - Greatest Hits’ and having read the comments from all of you, I am disappointed as well to learn the tracks will not be segued as the were on the original album. I get the hits are all going to be together over 2 CD’s but how many more times is this going to continue???
I, like many more of you I imagine, paid a fortune for ‘Donna Summer The Encore’ box set, which again completely ignored the fabulous ‘Love On And On’ which she originally recorded for the film soundtrack of the movie ‘Stdio 54’, which unfortunately wasn’t included on the CD pressing but is widely available via streaming, so why has this never been available to us as a CD recording I ask?
I am seriously beginning to wonder who we are really being mugged off by here - is it either by the company Driven By The Music, or the Sudano Estate itself????
i hate to be pedantic
but
i've already been remaking her 'single edits' in lossless
and - so far [!]
i've found 6 Edits of I Remember Yesterday
or 5 if you don't include the video one
so there NOT all in their "original single versions"
as each had several
and her HQ still ignores that
or hasn't even noticed
plus
i expect there to be Something Wrong with this set
as there usually is
they are drip feeding these edits
slowly but surely = we hope from the tracklist
but
it's still
Nothing New
!
The problem we have here with a release such as this (and it is a true problematic reality) is that driven by the music are taking an original historically recognised release and changing it so that is tampered into being totally 'something else'
It is no longer the original recording or release as it was meant to be but is 'another product' that should not not be released in the way they are about to do.
It is a revisement of a historical absolute, meaning it will no longer be the expected original known artifact in original context if it is changed to be a derivative untrue rendering of this 1980 compilation..
If you release the 'On the radio' album, I feel very strongly that it Must and should be! in it's actual known historical form, otherwise it just is not what it was as previously released And That Does Matter!!
Whilst i do agree that it is lovely to be getting donna's mid to late 70's shorter versions put out with some trks rarer than others (back in love again) and it could be the start of an exciting new phase of recognising the many 70's wonders of donna summer again, and given that more 70's DS music in single format is needed by the music listening world as her 70's output was top notch.
I shall not purchase this revised copy of a distorted original work by casablanca as it would serve to be value-less in context to me personally! as the original is truly wonderous and an exciting and very different aural treat of that in-recreatable tyime sonically, that i have on lp and cd.
If i purchasecd a rembrandt or matisse i would not accept added on pieces of paint or distorted parts from the historical point of view.
I feel this should be repackaged in context to what it really is.
I will however sit in earnest exited that ds's 70's singles and albums 12's etc will be forthcoming in new remasters and packages we hope.
But casual cloth eared listeners will surely delight in this distorted 1980-2024 compilation and long may they enjoy that.
It's very strange, this seems to only be available on CD and vinyl. I'd prefer to purchase the lossless digital version, but it doesn't seem to exist. I can't find it streaming anywhere, either.
This collection involves multiple repertoire owners, hence the absence of a digital release.
If they promoted donna's albums and hit collections a bit more, they might even find the charts. The publicity is totally lacking.
What would've been infinitely more effective (and DEFINITELY would've got my dollars because I won't pay one red cent for what they've offered) is if they'd given us a solid remaster of the original and then disc 2 would've been every other single from that era. A proper salute to her "imperial era".
This is rubbish. Demon have failed miserably yet again on a Donna compilation. As abysmal as Ultimate.