One of the most fascinating and iconic elements of Jem and the Holograms was always the music. Across 65 truly outrageous episodes, the series delivered 151 unforgettable tracks—introducing an entire generation of ’80s babies to the magic of music. But these weren’t just simple cartoon jingles. They were full-fledged, expertly crafted pop-rock anthems—catchy, polished, and powerful enough to stand alongside the real radio hits of the era.
White 48 of those songs made it onto cassette release, the bulk of the songs were only ever available on DVD releases – which have not aged well.
In 2013, 23 master tape tracks were discovered by a long-time Jem fan who digitized, remastered,and put them up for free on Youtube along with 25 Digital Audio Tape (DAT) tracks.
Another Jem fan then used those tapes to create special cut / half-masters of some of the cassette releases to give Jem fans even more to enjoy.
For free.
Then in 2023, along came Italian record label Tivulandia with a glittering, eight-disc deluxe box set, claiming it was sourced from Hasbro’s original masters. On paper, it sounded like the holy grail: 439 tracks spanning the Jem universe, including songs by Jem and the Holograms, The Misfits, The Stingers, background music, foreign-language versions, instrumentals, and a cappellas.
According to a representative from the label, the set was officially authorized by Hasbro Italy and the Italian Society of Authors and Publishers (SIAE).
It also included a 168 book by Ivan Bersanetti that detailed the history of the property (in Italian).
According to commenters on Discogs, the set was a small promotional edition, authorised by Hasbro Italy and the Society of Authors and Publishers (SIAE). It also included a 168 book by Ivan Bersanetti that detailed the history of the property (in Italian) – exploring the music, the animated series, and the iconic doll line in detail. Not available in stores, the set was released as a limited-edition promotional-only release and has sold on sites like ebay and discogs from anywhere between $67.00 and $115.00.
Disc One
Contains all 42 songs by Jem and the Holograms from Season 1, along with several television jingles, the opening and closing themes, and a handful of non-English versions of songs, including:
- Gettin’ Down to Business (Extended)
- Opening Theme (French)
- Who Is He Kissing? (French)
- Jealousy (French)
- Opening Theme (Spanish)
Disc Two
Features the remaining 51 Jem and the Holograms songs from Seasons 2 and 3, including an extended version of Take the Time.
Disc Three
Includes 36 songs by The Misfits and 10 songs by The Stingers, also featuring:
- Gimmie a Gimmick (Extended)
- Universal Appeal (French)
Disc Four
Presents 16 collaborations and songs from other in-universe singers, including:
- Starlight by Jaquie Benton (Jerrica and Kimber’s mother)
Also included are a cappella and karaoke versions of selected tracks, for a total of 48 songs.
Disc Five
Contains 67 a cappella versions of songs by Jem and the Holograms.
Disc Six
Features the remaining a cappella versions from Jem and the Holograms, along with The Misfits and The Stingers, totaling 70 tracks.
Disc Seven
Includes 43 instrumental tracks by Jem and the Holograms.
Disc Eight
Contains 22 instrumental tracks by The Misfits and The Stingers, plus 27 additional backing tracks from the series.
There’s only one problem. This set is a bootleg. A very well packaged, pretty-to-look at, incredibly expensive bootleg.
I purchased my copy on eBay (from Italy) and with shipping paid about $102. What ‘master tape’ versions are included are those stolen from the previously mentioned Jem fans – along with some extended versions and instrumentals ripped from the YouTube of an Italian Jem fan / producer.
However, most of the tracks were merely ripped from the DVD sets, including sound effects and other aspects that can make even something as enjoyable as Jem difficult to listen to.
What’s most disheartening is that the set didn’t just recycle fan efforts—it crossed the line into outright theft. Three tracks recorded by Britta Phillips, the original singing voice of Jem, were included. These weren’t even rare finds; they’re still legally available today through her husband’s website. Adding insult to injury, the lavish booklet featured fan-made artwork from a friend of mine—used without his knowledge, credit, or a penny of compensation.
By the time I slogged my way to disc four, the truth was impossible to ignore. The supposed “a cappella” and “instrumental” tracks weren’t just disappointing—they were unlistenable, slapped together with none of the polish the show’s music deserves. At that point, I simply couldn’t stomach any more.
And that’s the cruel irony: on the surface, the box set looks stunning, with glossy packaging and a sense of grandeur worthy of Jem. But beneath that sparkling exterior lies a hollow experience. In theory, it could have been the definitive celebration of Jem’s musical legacy. In practice, it’s nothing more than a beautiful shell stuffed with lackluster, stolen content.
If you want to legally support the artists and songwriters involved with Jem and the Holograms. You can purchase the official 40th anniversary EP and Audio Queues released through Hasbro Pulse earlier this summer. But if you truly are craving the nostalgia, feel free to also check out Hasbro’s official YouTube.
There will be more Jem and the Holograms soon so…
Stay Tuned!
Life In Cartoon Motion 