Singles Going Steady was initially released in the U.S. in September 1979 on I.R.S. Records. Originally a U.S. only release put together as an introduction to the Buzzcocks for the American public, side one featured their eight United Artists U.K. singles releases to date in chronological order, while side two featured the corresponding B-sides. The compilation perfectly captured the band's effortless ability to write three-minute-mini-masterpieces that would endure long after the initial spark of punk had faded. Healthy import sales following its U.S. release eventually led to United Artists issuing the album in the U.K. in November 1981 and it has subsequently transcended its status as a mere compilation going on to become regarded as a seminal and era – defining release.