The A-side of this 1980 single, "Start!", was directly inspired by the Temptations' "(Just My) Imagination (Running Away with Me)". It became The Jam's fourth UK number one hit.
- The single was released on 15 August 1980 on the band's own Miura Jam label. Photographer Peter Ashworth shot the iconic cover image of Paul Weller. The B-side, "Every Little Bit Counts", was written by bassist Bruce Foxton.
- The single reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in September 1980. It was later included on the band's 1982 compilation album *Snap!*. Despite its chart success, Paul Weller later expressed dissatisfaction with the track.
- The "Start!" video featured the band performing in a stark, empty warehouse, a visual style that influenced subsequent music videos. The song's intro directly samples the opening of The Temptations' 1971 hit. This single marked a shift towards a more experimental sound for the band.
The Jam were a mod revival band from Woking, England, who combined R&B, punk, and new wave influences. The band's 1980 single "Start!" was released during a period of intense creativity and commercial success, following the acclaimed album *Sound Affects*.
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