The records in the pack were all produced on blue vinyl in picture covers with specially adapted labels which featured an overhead picture of the heads of the band (originally used on the back cover of the Reggatta de Blanc LP), rather than the original "A&M" logo. Each single was also accompanied by a special picture card (3 group shots and 3 solo shots), with the lyrics of each single printed on the reverse.
The release reached number 17 in the UK Singles Chart in June 1980.[3] Due to changes in chart rules, this set would have been classified as an album after 1983, when Gallup took over compilation of the chart[4] and a Michael Jackson singles pack became the first set of 7-inch singles to chart as an album.[5]
The chart classification of the release caused the British Market Research Bureau (BMRB) – compilers of the official chart – frustration. As Record Mirror reported just after its release, "If they do just decide it is one single it could become the most expensive single ever to chart",[6] a comment they echoed in their review of the set, saying it would become the most expensive ever charting single "by about £3".[2] A BMRB spokesperson said before their final decision: "We're still trying to decide what to do if it does sell in significant quantities. The decision will be a conceptual one, and nothing to do with the price, as to which chart we could place it in", adding that they were undecided whether to include it in any chart.[6]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Sting, except where noted
