Vinyl pressings
by Kenny Loggins · 1985
Forever was first pressed on vinyl in 1985. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
16 pressings came out in 1985, the album's first year, in 8 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
ZSS-173441-2B (AP) GI Precision SMRun out groove side A version 1
ZSS-173442-1B (AP) GI Precision SMRun out groove side B version 1
ZSS-173441- ̶2̶D̶ 2D (AP) GI Precision SM A3Run out groove side A version 2
ZSS 173442-1E (AP) GI Precision SM ARun out groove side B version 2
ZSS-173441-3D 2D (AP) GI Precision SMA side runout groove hand-etched [3D is crossed out]
ZSS-173442-1E (AP) GI Precision SMB side runout groove hand-etched
ZSS 173441A side label
ZSS 173442B side label
P ZSS-173441-2B Precision SMSide A, Etched
P ZSS-173442-1B Precision SMSide B, Etched
ZSS 173441Side A, Label
ZSS 173442Side B, Label
XSS-173451-2A Precision SM P-APRunout Side A Etched, variant 1
XSS-173451-2B Precision SM P-APRunout Side B Etched, variant 1
XSS-173451-1B Precision SM P-APRunout Side A Etched, variant 2
XSS-173451-1B Precision SM P-APRunout Side B Etched, variant 2
ZSS 173441Label Side A
A6369 A1Runout (Etched) Side A
A6369 B1Runout (Etched) Side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Australia | CBS BA 3304First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Australia | CBS BA 3304First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Canada | Columbia 38-04931First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Canada | Columbia 38 04931First year7", Single, 45 RPM | 7", Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Costa Rica | CBS 7012979First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Europe | CBS CBSA 6369 / CBS A 6369First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | Europe | CBS CBSA 12-6369First year12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM | 12", Maxi-Single, 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Japan | CBS/Sony 07SP 902First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | Japan | CBS/Sony 07SP 902First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | Philippines | CBS CS-10077First year7", 45 RPM | 7", 45 RPM |
| 1985 | UK | CBS A6369First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1985 | US | Columbia 38-04931First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo |
| 1985 | US | Columbia CAS-2093First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | US | Columbia 38-04931First year7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1985 | US | Columbia 38-04931First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Styrene, Stereo |
16 vinyl pressings of Forever are listed here, from 8 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1985, in US, UK, Australia, Canada and more. One of them is Columbia 38-04931.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 38-04931, CAS-2093, A6369, BA 3304) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, ZSS-173441-2B (AP) GI Precision SM and ZSS-173442-1B (AP) GI Precision SM. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
