"Contenders" is synthpop trio Heaven 17's last single

Single (music)

In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...

 of 1986 from the album Pleasure One

Pleasure One

Pleasure One is the fourth album by the British synthpop group Heaven 17, released in 1986 by Virgin Records.-Track listing:All tracks written by Gregory/Marsh/Ware.#"Contenders" – 5:24#"Trouble" – 4:14#"Somebody" – 4:30#"If I Were You" – 3:34...

which was released the same year. It was written by all three members. The single was released in late 1986 and peaked at #80 in the UK, spending 4 weeks on the chart. A promotional video was created for the single.

Allmusic wrote "Some of the Pleasure One songs are among their best, including the wonderful "Trouble" and the opening track, "Contenders."

Formats

7" Single

1. "Contenders" - 4:28
2. "Excerpts From "Diary of a Contender" - 5:24

12" Single

1. "Contenders (Dance version)" - 6:23
2. "Excerpts From 'Diary of a Contender'" - 5:24
3. "Contenders (Full length version)" - 5:19

12" Single (America only)

1. "Contenders (Dance version)" - 7:45
2. "Contenders (Edited version) " - 3:10
3. "Contenders (Instrumental version)" - 5:12
4. "Contenders (Go Go version)" - 6:39

12" Vinyl - Limited Edition Gatefold

1. "Contenders (Dance version)" - 6:22
2. "Excerpts From 'Diary of a Contender'" - 10:45
3. "Penthouse & Pavement" - 6:33
4. "Megamix (Edit)" - 6:36

Chart performance

Chart (1986)	Peak position	Total weeks
UK Singles Chart	80	4
US Dance/Club Play Singles	6	10
US Hot Dance Music Sales	23	?

Critical reception

Simon Reynolds for Melody Maker wrote "This one practically hurls itself off the ropes at you, solid funk brawn but light on its feet, bobbing and weaving, jabbing and pummeling and always on the attack, but, somehow, failing to deliver that hook to floor you completely. The killer blow never comes."

Personnel

• Sleeve artwork by - Heaven 17 and Ai
• Mixed by - Brian Tench and Heaven 17
• Producer and arranged by - Heaven 17
• Remixer of "Penthouse & Pavement" - John 'Tokes' Potoker
• Remixer of "Megamix (Edit)" - Sanny X