David Essex (October 6, 1978) – "Brave New World" b/w "Streetfight" Single UK: 7"

Oct 5, 1978

3 min read

Released on October 6, 1978 on CBS Records, "Brave New World" was issued as the single taken from Jeff Wayne's landmark musical production The War Of The Worlds. Featuring lead vocals by David Essex, the song became one of the most recognizable singles associated with the project. Written by Jeff Wayne and Gary Osborne, it presented one of the narrative themes from the album in a concise commercial format suitable for radio play.

The single was backed with "Streetfight", a David Essex composition, and represented another collaboration between Essex and Jeff Wayne during the late 1970s.

"Brave New World" was written by Jeff Wayne and Gary Osborne.

"Streetfight" was written by David Essex.

Both tracks were produced, arranged, conducted and orchestrated by Jeff Wayne.

The recordings were produced for JWM Productions and Ollie Record Productions and licensed to CBS Records.

STYLE & THEMES

"Brave New World" combines rock and orchestral pop elements and forms part of the wider musical narrative of The War Of The Worlds.

"Streetfight" offers a more straightforward rock-oriented performance, providing a contrast to the large-scale production of the A-side.

TRACK-BY-TRACK NOTES

• Brave New World (5:24) — David Essex's contribution to Jeff Wayne's The War Of The Worlds project.

• Streetfight (3:50) — Original David Essex composition selected as the B-side.

RELEASE HISTORY

The single was released in the United Kingdom on October 6, 1978 through CBS Records under catalogue number S CBS 6705.

It was also issued in several international markets including Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands.

The release reached No. 55 on the UK Singles Chart.

CHARTS & CERTIFICATIONS

Chart	Peak Position
UK Singles Chart	55

PERSONNEL

David Essex — vocals

Jeff Wayne — writer, producer, arranger, conductor, executive producer

Gary Osborne — songwriter ("Brave New World")

PRODUCTION

Label: CBS Records

Produced by: Jeff Wayne

Arranged by: Jeff Wayne

Conducted by: Jeff Wayne

Executive Producer: Jeff Wayne

From: The War Of The Worlds

NOTES

• Released on October 6, 1978.

• Issued as a single from Jeff Wayne's The War Of The Worlds.

• Reached No. 55 on the UK Singles Chart.

• "Brave New World" was written by Jeff Wayne and Gary Osborne.

• "Streetfight" was written by David Essex.

• Both tracks were produced and arranged by Jeff Wayne.

• The release was licensed to CBS Records.

• The single was produced for JWM Productions and Ollie Record Productions.

• Original UK copies were issued under catalogue number S CBS 6705.

• UK run-out inscriptions read: • Side A: CBS-S-6705-A-1 ALLEN • Side B: CBS-S-6705-B-1 ALLEN

• The single formed part of the extensive promotional campaign surrounding The War Of The Worlds, one of the most successful concept albums of the era.

• David Essex was one of several featured vocalists appearing on the album project.

RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE

Artist	Title	Label	Country	Catalogue	Date	Format
David Essex	Brave New World	CBS	UK	S CBS 6705	October 6, 1978	7" Single
David Essex	Brave New World	CBS	UK	S CBS 6705	1978	7" Promo
David Essex	Brave New World	CBS	Netherlands	CBS 6705	1978	7" Single
David Essex	Brave New World	CBS	Australia	BA 222475	1978	7" Single
David Essex	Brave New World	CBS	Australia	BA 222475	1978	Limited Edition 7" Single
David Essex	Brave New World	CBS	New Zealand	BA 461919	1978	7" Single

TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)

Format	Catalogue	Tracklisting
7" Single	S CBS 6705	Side 1: Brave New World (5:24) Side 2: Streetfight (3:50)

SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts.

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