There are few decades that understood the art of the summer anthem quite like the 1980s. Everything was bigger, brighter and gloriously less restrained — the hair, the clothes, the synthesisers and, most importantly, the choruses. Now That’s What I Call an 80s Summer arrives as a sun-soaked reminder of exactly why so much of that music has refused to fade.

The real strength of the collection is its ability to capture the sheer variety of the decade. The 80s weren't simply about synthesisers and drum machines. They could be romantic, rebellious, melancholy, ridiculous and euphoric — sometimes within the space of three minutes. The best-known tracks here work because they aren't merely songs from another era; they're time machines, capable of transporting you straight back to a particular summer, holiday, first kiss or night out.

Starting off with the Wham! classic Club Tropicana: the track takes you back to Ibiza in 1983, before the superstar DJ’s and clubs took over the island to a much simpler time.

Bananarama goes back to the summer of 1982 with Cruel Summer, whilst the smooth jazz of Sade with Your Love Is King contrasts with the EuroPop of Ryan Paris with Dolce Vita and Germany’s Modern Talking with Brother Louie.

There are some big names here too, including Elton John with I’m Still Standing, Billy Joel with Uptown Girl, Bruce Springsteen with Glory Days and The Police with Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.

Of course, no summer compilation would not be complete without Dexys Midnight Runners and Come On Eileen and Katrina & The Waves with Walking On Sunshine.

You don't have to have lived through the 80s to enjoy this glorious compilation. You just need to appreciate a great pop song — preferably one with a chorus loud enough to annoy the neighbours.

The album is a good excuse to enjoy these great summer tracks, whatever decade you were born in.