The double-disc MTV Class of 1983 attempts to distill the essence of early MTV to 30 tracks from the biggest names and most popular one-hit wonders of that year. The approach works remarkably well, as the compilation features many new wave classics that effortlessly evoke 1983. The sheer size of MTV Class of 1983 distinguishes it from other new wave collections, as does the presence of the Pretenders ("Back on the Chain Gang"), David Bowie ("China Girl"), Talking Heads ("Burning Down the House") and Herbie Hancock ("Rockit"). However, most new wave collectors will have this material already, especially if they own the 15-volume Just Can't Get Enough, so it's only appealing to casual fans. Even so, any new wave or early MTV compilation that doesn't include Duran Duran could hardly be called definitive. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide