Burning The Ground Exclusive
Before Love & Pride became a defining pop moment of 1985, King were already refining their bright, brassy brand of new wave soul. One of the key stepping stones in that ascent was “Won’t You Hold My Hand Now,” the third single lifted from their debut LP Steps In Time.
Originally released in 1984, the single failed to ignite immediately, reaching only #112 on the UK Singles Chart. At that point, King were still carving out their identity in a crowded mid-’80s pop landscape. Stylish? Absolutely. Catchy? Undeniably. But they hadn’t yet broken through.
Everything changed with the explosive success of “Love & Pride.” After that breakthrough hit stormed the charts, “Won’t You Hold My Hand Now” was re-released in March 1985 and finally connected with a wider audience, climbing to #24 on the UK Singles Chart. It was proof that sometimes the public just needs a nudge — or a hit — to look back and discover what they missed.
Brass, Bounce, and Romantic Urgency
Musically, the track is quintessential King. Paul King’s distinctive vocal delivery balances urgency and vulnerability, while the band propels the song forward with punchy brass stabs, tight rhythm guitar, and polished keyboard textures. The production straddles late new romantic flair and the emerging sophisti-pop sheen that would define much of 1985’s radio sound.
At its core, the song is simple and relatable — a plea for reassurance, connection, and emotional grounding. Wrapped in vibrant instrumentation, that vulnerability becomes something celebratory rather than desperate.
A Treat for 12″ Collectors
For vinyl enthusiasts, the US 12″ single offers something particularly special. The two remixes featured on the B-side are exclusive to the American 12″ release, making it an essential pickup for serious King collectors. These extended versions stretch the groove beautifully, giving the brass and rhythm section more room to breathe while enhancing the track’s dancefloor appeal — a perfect example of how the 12-inch format could elevate an already strong pop single.
It’s details like these that make collecting so rewarding: alternate mixes, regional exclusives, and subtle production differences that tell their own story.
A Second Chance Well Earned
“Won’t You Hold My Hand Now” may not have exploded out of the gate, but its re-release success solidified King’s brief yet brilliant run in the mid-’80s spotlight. Alongside Love & Pride and the rest of Step In Time, it captures a moment when British pop was colorful, ambitious, and unapologetically stylish.
Sometimes all it takes is one big hit to make the world circle back — and realize what was there all along.
SIDE A:
Won’t You Hold My Hand Now (Heavy Times Mix) 7:49
Producer – Liam Henshall*
SIDE B:
Won’t You Hold My Hand Now (85 Reasons To Hold Hands Mix) 5:07
Producer – Richard James Burgess
Won’t You Hold My Hand Now (Dub Mix) 3:22
Producer – Richard James Burgess
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart | Peak Position | Date |
|---|---|---|
| UK Singles Chart | #24 | 1984 |
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | #86 | 1984 |
| Belgium (ultrapop) | #14 | 1984 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Epic – 49 05286
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Stereo, Pitman Pressing
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic
Style: New Wave, Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Photography By – Sheila Rock
- Written-By – J. Lantsbery*, M. Roberts*, P. King*, T. Wall*
NOTES:
Also available King “Steps In Time” on Epic Records and Cassettes
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
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
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
You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.
I was not familiar with this one, putting it on, it started off and suddenly, I had to ask myself, what am I listening to here??? Wait, that’s the guitar riff from “Sex Bomb” from Flipper. I did not expect that. the 80’s never disappoint. Thanks Paul for putting the spotlight on this one.
I am very fortunate – King were a local UK band to me so I had the pleasure of seeing them live many times, both as a support act and as a main act. I never understood why they didn’t make it bigger. Shame, the songs were great – they deserved more success! I’ve still got ticket stubs from some of the venues 🙂 Keep up the great work Paul!
I wish this was a bigger hit! These remixes are on fire, especially the Dub Mix! Thanks so much for one of the lesser known King singles. What a great addition to this weeks theme of ‘Lesser Known Amazing Tracks’ 🙂
JP — I couldn’t agree more! This one definitely deserved a higher chart peak the second time around. The Dub Mix especially just kicks — it really shows how strong the rhythm section and brass arrangement are when you strip the vocal back and let the groove take over. I’ve always loved spotlighting the “almost hits” and hidden gems, and King had more depth than they’re often given credit for. I’m so glad this one fits the Lesser Known Amazing Tracks theme for you — that’s exactly the spirit behind digging these out. Thanks so much for listening and for… Read more »
Oh cool, thank you DJPaul. 🙂
I’m not sure if US folks would know, but after his solo career wound down Paul King became a VJ on MTV Europe (which didn’t launch till 1987). He used to present our version of 120 Minutes every Sunday.
Jermajesty — oh absolutely! That’s such a great bit of King trivia. You’re right — many US fans probably don’t realize that after his chart run, Paul King went on to become a VJ on MTV Europe when it launched in 1987. And hosting the European version of 120 Minutes? That’s pretty iconic in its own right. It’s funny how he went from being featured on MTV as an artist to introducing the next wave of alternative and indie acts. A pretty seamless transition, really — he always had that charismatic, camera-friendly presence. Thanks for bringing that up — I… Read more »
Cool to see another King 12″ single. I know you have showcased some of their singles over the years.
I still play your transfers of “Taste Of Your Tears” by them.
Cheers Paul
Mark — that means a lot, thank you! 😊
I’ve always had a soft spot for King — they had such a sharp visual style, but the music really holds up too. I’m thrilled to hear you’re still spinning my transfer of “Taste Of Your Tears.” That’s another one that deserved more attention at the time.
It’s funny how revisiting these 12″ singles years later really highlights how strong their catalog was beyond just the big hit. Glad this new one earns a spot in your rotation as well!
Cheers,
Paul
I liked the story that went with this single, Paul. I love to hear that some songs get a second spin, so to speak. It shows the faith that a label has in a song’s performance. A lot of the times you post something; I’m always crossing my fingers that it may develop interest within the listening/buying public to become a hit all over again! I really love King’s records and their sound. Thanks, Paul, for this 12-inch!!
Jeff
Jeff — I really love that perspective. You’re absolutely right — a re-release says a lot about the faith a label (and the band) had in a song. Sometimes it’s not about the track itself; it’s about timing, exposure, and momentum. When the stars align, a song gets that second life it always deserved. And I have to admit, I feel the same way you do. Every time I post one of these 12-inch gems, there’s a little part of me hoping someone hears it for the first time and thinks, “How was this not bigger?” That’s part of the… Read more »
King definitely had a unique sound and Love & Pride is a long time favorite. Cool to see some other tracks get the remix attention! Thanks for featuring them Paul.
Mikey-D — absolutely!
“Love & Pride” is such a classic — it really set the template for that sharp, brassy King sound. But I’ve always felt their catalog had more depth than most people remember, so it’s fun to shine a light on the tracks that didn’t get quite the same spotlight.
And you’re right — hearing these other songs stretched out in 12″ form really lets the groove and arrangement take center stage. That’s where a lot of the magic lives.
Thanks for listening and for always bringing the good vibes!
Wow, King! When CDs first came out, we would go to Tower Records Downtown in NYC on Tuesdays, and the uptown store on Thursdays, just to get the latest CDs available, there were not many at that time. Ultimately, I would just buy ANYTHING new, whether I had heard it or not. Love and Pride was one of those purchases, still love it. Thanks!! By the way, David & David’s “Boomtown” as also on of those purchases, a very overlooked rock gem…. still listen to that one too!
Raymond — I love that memory. Those early CD days really felt like an adventure, didn’t they? Making the Tuesday/Thursday rounds at Tower Records Downtown and the uptown store just to see what had arrived… and half the time buying something purely because it was new and on CD. That was such a moment in music history. I can totally see Love & Pride being one of those blind-buy discoveries. Thankfully, that one paid off! King’s sound translated beautifully to CD too — bright, punchy, and polished. And wow — great call on Boomtown by David + David. That record… Read more »
On the 4th of July in 1984, I saw King in concert opening for Nona Hendryx (in London).They were a dynamite live band, one of the best opening acts I’ve ever seen. Good to know they’re still remembered.
VanceMan — wow, what a lineup that must have been! Seeing King open for Nona Hendryx in London on the 4th of July 1984 sounds unforgettable. I’ve heard from quite a few people over the years that King were a fantastic live band — tight, energetic, and full of personality. That brassy punch and Paul’s charisma must have really translated on stage. Sometimes opening acts have to work twice as hard to win over a crowd, and it sounds like they absolutely delivered. Stories like yours are exactly why I love revisiting these records. They weren’t just chart positions —… Read more »