Burning The Ground Exclusive
NEW 2026 Transfer
NEW Meticulous Audio Restoration
Original post date: September 23, 2016
British new wave band ABC released “The Look Of Love” in May 1982 as the third single from their debut album “The Lexicon of Love.” Produced by the legendary Trevor Horn, the track became one of the band’s signature songs, peaking at #4 on the UK Singles Chart and reaching #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. With its sophisticated mix of synth-pop, funk grooves, lush orchestration, and sharp lyrical wit, “The Look Of Love” helped define the sound and style of early ‘80s pop music.
The single itself was an ambitious concept divided into four interconnected sections referred to as “Parts One, Two, Three and Four.” Each segment explored different moods and arrangements while maintaining the song’s sleek and cinematic identity. Martin Fry’s cool, detached vocal delivery paired perfectly with Trevor Horn’s polished production techniques, creating a track that sounded unlike anything else on radio at the time.
For American audiences, Mercury Records issued a special 12″ remix in 1982 featuring a completely different take on the song by Trevor Horn. This exclusive U.S. remix became highly sought after by club DJs and collectors due to its extended structure, added instrumental passages, and deeper dub influences. Included on the U.S. 12″ was the rare “U.S.A. Remix Dub,” also known among fans as “Part Five.”
Although the U.S.A. Remix Dub later appeared on the compilations “Absolutely” and “Look Of Love – The Very Best Of ABC,” both versions were edited. The full-length mix also surfaced on the poorly mastered “Remix Collection” CD, leaving vinyl enthusiasts searching for the original 12″ pressing to experience the remix properly.
After its original release, the 1982 U.S. Remix became increasingly difficult to find, and demand for the record grew steadily among DJs and devoted ABC fans. Original copies of the Mercury Records 12″ often commanded high prices on the collector’s market. Recognizing the ongoing demand, Neutron Records, the band’s UK label, eventually issued a limited-edition promotional 12″ repress of the Trevor Horn remix under the title “Special Remix.” While not considered an official re-release of the single, it gave collectors another opportunity to obtain the legendary mix without paying premium import prices.
Today I am revisiting this classic with a NEW 2026 meticulous audio restoration and transfer from my original U.S. Mercury Records 12″ pressing. Every effort has been made to preserve the warmth, dynamics, and punch of the original vinyl while presenting these rare mixes in the best possible quality.
Whether you remember hearing “The Look Of Love” on MTV, in the clubs, or blasting through late-night radio in 1982, this remains one of the defining singles of the decade and a shining example of Trevor Horn’s groundbreaking studio craftsmanship.
SIDE A:
The Look Of Love (USA Remix – Dub Version) 7:39
Remix [Uncredited] – ABC
Remix [Uncredited] – Trevor Horn
SIDE B:
The Look Of Love (Part 3 – Dance Version) 4:17
Remix [Uncredited] –John Luongo
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart (1982) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | 7 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) | 16 |
| Canada Top Singles (RPM) | 1 |
| Finland (Suomen virallinen lista) | 4 |
| Ireland (IRMA) | 12 |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) | 12 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100) | 11 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) | 5 |
| Spain (AFYVE) | 15 |
| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) | 8 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 4 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 18 |
| US Dance/Disco Top 80 (Billboard) | 1 |
| US Rock Top Tracks (Billboard) | 32 |
| US Cash Box Top 100 | 9 |
| West Germany (GfK) | 36 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Mercury – MDS-4023, Mercury – 6400 751
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Stereo, 53
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Synth-pop, New Wave
CREDITS:
- Producer [Produced By] – Trevor Horn
- Written-By – ABC
NOTES:
From the album SRM-1-4059 “The Lexicon Of Love”
Printed in U.S.A.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
Audio Interface: MOTU M4
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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Thanks very much. I played it and realised that I do have it on vinyl, as part of 2 x 7″ pack with the Be Near Me single. It also has the Poison Arrow Jazz version.
Yes, somehow I recall 1982 and I recall this tune, but do not remember hearing these mixes as I was only 10. I look fwd to enjoying them now and I’m very appreciative of you sharing them. Thank you, Paul. xo
ABC is one of my very favorites from my impressionable youth. When I was a wee lad. Before I took to streaking in parks 😉
Thanks, PaulT!
This is the weirdest thing. The last 2 posts with 24bit Flacs are refusing to d/l from transfernow, saying “fie not found” on whatever browser I use on my laptop.
I was able to d/l them on my iphone, but only after copy and pasting the link into a new browser tab on the phone. Going straight to the link on iphone Safari threw up the same error.
Maybe drop transfernow Paul? I notice it contains A LOT of trackers once visited.
What a voice!
Another iconic single of the early 80s so representative of 1982! ABC really did help usher in sophista-pop for the remainder of the decade, and I think their influence is underrated… and under appreciated. Big thank you for this new transfer Paul, and I’m excited to have the B-side, The Look Of Love (Part 3 – Dance Version) on 12 inch vinyl to compliment the Japan 7 inch you posted in February. Have a great weekend, you too Jeff and everyone else here!!
Thanks for the great post, Paul! I very, very fondly remember this remix and know it all by heart. I wore out my copy of it from the compilation “Number One On The Streets” https://www.discogs.com/master/251161-Various-Number-One-On-The-Streets ! It was a great compilation of the day, in fact. As far as the song itself, my favorite part is from 6:35 to the end…it just sounds so angelic. Thanks again for the great trip back and enjoy the weekend!
That it was Fred! I couldn’t believe all these great tracks on a two-record compilation set. And most were the dance mixes! Ah, thanks for the memory nudge!
Jeff
Paul! Thank you for this glorious share. The USA Remix is really one-of-a-kind. I agree that it sounds ahead of its time. There is so much to appreciate in this remix. This mix really has room to breathe, which I appreciate. So much creativity. Thank you for this one!!!
I said it before and I will say it again, still my favorite ABC track. The USA Remix really was ahead of its time. You can totally hear a lot of the hallmark sounds that so many freestyle tracks would embody later on. Trevor Horn really did something pioneering with this remix, though having excellent source material always helps. Listening to it now, I don’t think most would peg this as 1982. This remix really has a timeless appeal that transcends the sounds of the era. Hey, there’s the Part 3 dance remix on the B side again! Always enjoyable.… Read more »
What a classic, what a week, Paul! This song just does not age. As timeless as the whole album. I bought the Superdeluxeedition audio blu ray last year which contains fantastic surround mixes. The main reason for me for being this edition, though, are the bonus instrumental mixes. Those make you really concentrate on the out-of-this-world production by that genius Trevor Horn.
Thank you for an awesome week, Paul.
Thank you, Paul! I remember a radio DJ playing all 4 parts in a row one time, after which everyone kept calling the station to request this awesome remix, until he finally clarified that he simply played all 4 parts in a row. Trevor Horn was (and is) a genius when it comes to production and remixing! I wish he would releases a box set with ALL HIS REMIXES! Can you imagine?!
Thanks, Axel.
That is such a great radio memory. Playing all four parts back-to-back must have sounded like some mysterious long-form ABC megamix at the time. I can totally understand why people kept calling in for it.
And yes, a Trevor Horn remix box set would be incredible. There is so much out there, and some of it still feels scattered across old vinyl, promos, imports, and edited CD appearances. I would buy that set in a heartbeat!
Thank you Paul. What a fantastic upload to start the weekend. So we had Marilyn,Eurythmics,Grace Jones and ABC this week. As a DJ, I always preferred the US remix,I don’t even know how many different versions and edits I have. That synth bass alone, the orchestral hit paired with the vocal edits. And then, of course, Martin Fry’s fantastic voice. Luckily, I still own every single ABC record. One of my absolute favorite bands of the 80s. Have a great weekend, everyone here on board.
Thanks, Toxicaudio. You nailed exactly why the U.S. remix stands out so much. Trevor Horn really pushed it into another dimension with those huge synth bass lines, the dramatic orchestral stabs, and all the razor-sharp vocal edits. It feels cinematic and club-driven at the same time. ABC had such a classy sound. Martin Fry’s voice and image gave them a sophistication that few bands could pull off in that era. “The Lexicon Of Love” still sounds fresh today, which says a lot about how well those records were crafted. Sounds like you have an amazing ABC collection too. Definitely one… Read more »
I still play your 2016 transfer and already know this will sound improved, for obvious reasons with your current set-up.
Steve Anderson did a cool remix during the 90’s for a DMC release.
Cheers Paul
Thanks, Mark.
It’s kind of wild to look back at some of those earlier transfers now. I was proud of them at the time, but the current setup really lets me pull so much more detail and warmth out of the grooves while keeping the dynamics intact.
And yes, the Steve Anderson remix is fantastic. He always had a great touch when reworking classic tracks, especially for DMC. Those 90s remixes managed to modernize songs without stripping away what made the originals special in the first place.
Cheers, my friend.
You gotta say these ABC releases were the prototype for ZZT’s releases!!!
This is exciting, but no version of this is on my Absolutely/best of, but it does look like it’s in the remix collection… time to compare!
Love me some ABC, especially the first album, obviously it’s a desert island disc for sure and an enduring classic that transcends time.
Thanks for this rarity or should I say rareighty 😆
Thanks, ING. You’re absolutely right. Those early ABC productions really do feel like a blueprint for a lot of what Trevor Horn and ZTT would expand on later. You can hear the seeds of that huge theatrical production style already forming here, especially with all the layered arrangements, sound effects, edits, and dramatic dynamics. And definitely compare the versions because some of those CD appearances are confusing. A lot of releases use edits or alternate versions without making it very clear on the packaging. The full U.S. remix really breathes on vinyl. “The Lexicon Of Love” is absolutely a desert… Read more »
What a fabulous week on BTG!! Thank you Paul!! <3
Thanks, Jermajesty!
I’m really glad you enjoyed this week’s lineup. It was a fun one to put together, and I love mixing the obvious classics with some deeper cuts and special versions along the way.
Always appreciate you being part of the BTG family.
Hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Oooh, thank you for this one! ABC is one of my favorite bands from the ’80s, helping to establish the category of sophisti-pop. My best friend in college and I used to listen to ABC all the time. Hearing this one brings back memories of sitting in my dorm room, playing ABC on my way-too-big-for-a-dorm-room stereo system. “The Look of Love” was one of their best tracks, too, which I’d play on my Walkman while walking to classes in order to help me pick up my pace a bit as I tried to walk in step with the beat. The… Read more »
Thanks, David. I love stories like this because music really does lock us into specific moments in life. I can totally picture that oversized dorm room stereo blasting ABC across the hallway. “The Look Of Love” definitely has that perfect walking rhythm too, especially with the energy and groove Trevor Horn built into it. And what a trio of albums to soundtrack freshman year: “The Lexicon Of Love,” “Dare,” and Olivia Newton-John’s catalog. That’s a seriously solid mix of sophistication, synth-pop brilliance, and pure melodic pop perfection. “The Lexicon Of Love” really helped define sophisti-pop before people even had a… Read more »
Oh Paul! This is another reason I worship you and your many talents! This was my favorite record because, this remix, was so wild and different. I grew up on New York City radio in the 1980’s, and the dance radio station, 92 WKTU, went from a Disco station to a more progressive dance music entity. It played a lot of New Wave selections which stimulated me ever so much. On 12-inches, I would see the word “Dub” come up. First on Soft Cell’s monumental, “Tainted Love” which left me speechless. Then, enter ABC, along with this Trevor Horn dub.… Read more »
Well said, Jeff. Here in LA, our disco station KUTE 103 would only play this version over the common version & I remember it blowing my mind as well. 1982 was an amazing year for Synthpop/New Wave.
Hey A H,
Thanks for sharing!!
Have a great day and week ahead!!!
Jeff
Jeff, your comments are always an event all their own. What you described about hearing those early dub mixes for the first time is exactly what made this era so exciting. Suddenly songs weren’t just extended anymore, they were being deconstructed, rebuilt, chopped apart, and turned into something almost experimental. Trevor Horn absolutely treated the studio like an instrument, and this ABC remix is one of the clearest early examples of that approach exploding into pop music. And yes, you can absolutely hear the bridge between this and what would later happen with Malcolm McLaren, Art of Noise, and all… Read more »
Thanks Jeff, I hope you’re having a great weekend too. Hugs.
I am and I hope you are too!
Hugs,
Jeff
ABC – The Look of Love: The Anatomy of Pop Romance. The Production: Trevor Horn’s Midas Touch If this song sounds “expensive,” it’s because it was (in terms of production). Trevor Horn used the studio as another instrument, creating a flawless wall of sound that blended: Bright synthesizers: Giving it that futuristic and elegant feel Cinematic string arrangements: Courtesy of Anne Dudley, elevating the song to something almost operatic. An impeccable funk bassline: Maintaining the danceable rhythm without losing its class. Martin Fry’s Performance Martin Fry presents himself here as the crooner of the modern era. In his gold lamé… Read more »
Rubén, this is brilliantly written. You perfectly captured why “The Look Of Love” still feels so striking decades later. Trevor Horn really was building pop records like massive cinematic productions at that point, and Anne Dudley’s arrangements added that layer of sophistication that elevated ABC beyond standard New Wave fare. And you’re absolutely right about Martin Fry. He wasn’t singing these songs like a traditional pop frontman. He was performing them almost like a stylish actor delivering sharp romantic dialogue. That mix of glamour, heartbreak, wit, and emotional distance became such a huge part of ABC’s identity. I also love… Read more »
Thank you for your kind words, and the same to you, Paul. I hope you’re having a fantastic weekend, my friend. Hugs.
Excellent that you’ve dusted off this hard to find remix. ABC were really hitting their stride at this moment for sure. They continued to innovate with their sound to match the latest in dance and club music up to 1989 even if their latter releases in the UK at least weren’t that commercial.
Thanks, DJ Robski. This remix definitely deserved another spotlight. It’s one of those mixes that became almost mythical among collectors because for years, the full version was so difficult to track down in decent quality. And I agree about ABC’s evolution. They never seemed content to just repeat the formula from “The Lexicon Of Love.” Even when the commercial success slowed down in the UK, they kept adapting their sound to fit changing club trends, dance production styles, and emerging electronic influences throughout the decade. That willingness to evolve is probably one reason their catalog still feels so interesting to… Read more »
It’s funny how, once a song or a version gets embedded as rare or obscure, it seems (to me) like I am listening to treasure every time I play it. This is no exception, falling out of the mainstream ABC cannon, this always seems like a fresh alternative reserved for DJ’s. About a year ago I purchased a lot of 12″ singles on Ebay from a dealer in the UK who was selling off an incredibly cool collection of new wave era records, I think due to some global shipping issues, nobody really bid on them and I won, all… Read more »
Joey, this is such a fantastic comment because it perfectly captures the emotional side of record collecting that non-collectors rarely understand. You’re absolutely right, once something becomes “rare,” “obscure,” or difficult to find, it changes the way you experience it. It stops being just a song and starts feeling like a discovered artifact, almost a secret passed between collectors and DJs. This U.S. remix of “The Look Of Love” definitely falls into that category. And your Ebay story honestly sounds magical. Getting a carefully preserved collection from someone who clearly loved and respected the music is like inheriting a little… Read more »
Thank you, you’ve made my day with this remix – I’m far from a huge ABC fan but even I was aware of the many parts on different CDs but this mix must have bypassed me. Can’t wait to get home and put this through some proper speakers! Have a good one:)
Thanks, Paul.
That’s exactly why I wanted to revisit this one. Even people very familiar with ABC often missed this particular remix because it slipped through the cracks for years outside of the original U.S. 12″. The edited CD appearances never really gave the full mix room to breathe the way the vinyl does.
Definitely crank this one up on proper speakers when you get home. The low end, vocal edits, and all those Trevor Horn production details really come alive when you can hear the full dynamics.
Hope you enjoy it, and have a great weekend!
Paul, you really pick all my favourite 12 inches from the 80s this week. Are you reading my mind?
I love ‘The Look Of Love’ in all its versions made available at the time (except for part 5). Outstanding production, top-notch soundscape, perfect composition, Trevor Horn all over the place, what else is there to say?
Thanks for this new rip Paul!
Curious which one will be the next. But because you can read my mind, I already know which 12 inch it will be 😀
Thanks, Stefano. Maybe BTG has finally evolved into a psychic hotline for 80s 12-inch addicts. You really summed up why this record is so enduring. Everything about it feels meticulously assembled, from the songwriting to the arrangements to Trevor Horn’s studio wizardry. “The Look Of Love” is one of those tracks where every little sound seems placed with purpose. Interesting that “Part 5” never clicked with you though. That dub mix tends to really divide people. Some absolutely worship its weirdness while others prefer the more structured versions. And now I’m curious what you think is coming next. Don’t say… Read more »
Paul, I made a mistake. I meant the 1990 remix which I don’t like. Part 5 is the edited ‘USA Remix – Dub Version’ (1:55 minute shorter) that was released on the single ‘The Real Thing’, and received the new official tag Part 5. In 1990 the track got an updated production by Paul O’Duffy, and received the tag ‘1990 Remix’. ABC was not involved, and didn’t approve this remix at all. Martin Fry asked his fans to discard this version, but Universal still chose to include the 1990 Remix on a few ABC compilations. It’s a post period remix… Read more »
Hey Paul Holy Shtt !! You Dug Deep For This Master Piece!! This Jamm Here Separated All The Sound Back In The Early 80’s . Just Me I think This Might Have Been The Start Of Freestyle! I took This Record To The Club And Mixxed It With Freakazoid!!! Back In The Day!! Thanks Paul For This Jammm!!!
Thanks, Mark! Now THAT sounds like an incredible club mix. I can totally hear “The Look Of Love” sliding into Freak-A-Zoid with those electronic grooves and sharp edits colliding together on a dance floor. And honestly, I can see where you’re coming from about freestyle. Maybe not directly, but these early Trevor Horn productions definitely helped push dance music toward more layered electronic textures, dramatic edits, and club-oriented experimentation. A lot of those sounds and production ideas ended up influencing what came later in electro and freestyle. This record really did sound futuristic in the early 80s. Even now it… Read more »
I know I say this about a lot of 80s new wave songs, but this is definitely one of my all-time favorites. It is so catchy and poppy, but the lyrics really hit home. As with Sweet Dreams I never get tired of hearing this tune. You have definitely scratched the MTV early eighties itch this week my friend!
As always thanks Paul and have a great weekend everyone!
Thanks, Mikey-D. I know exactly what you mean. Some songs never lose their magic no matter how many times you hear them, and “The Look Of Love” is definitely one of those records. It has that perfect balance of catchy pop hooks, emotional tension, sophistication, and dance energy that keeps pulling you back in. And lyrically it’s much sharper and more bittersweet than people sometimes realize at first listen. That contrast between the glossy production and the emotional sting underneath is part of what makes ABC so special. Glad I could help scratch that early MTV itch this week. There’s… Read more »