Released to coincide with Buzzcocks exploratory foray into the US market, Singles Going Steady was originally conceived to bring US fans up-to-date with their back catalogue.  The album includes all the A and B sides off the first eight singles released in the UK on the United Artists label.  Such was the success of this compilation, that it was heavily imported into the UK until it was given a belated home release at the end of 1981.  The album was subsequently released world-wide, and was to later prove to be one of the indispensable chronicles of the late 1970's.

The plain black sleeve - which was common to each release - features a photo of the band taken in Olympic Studios during the recording of their debut LP Another Music In A Different Kitchen.  The US, UK and select European releases also included a colour inner sleeve illustrating the eight 7" picture sleeves.  The rear of the PROMO sleeve includes the standard gold embossed A&M stamp.