Don't You Want Me was released in the UK on 27 November 1981. The B side was "Seconds" another track lifted straight from the "Dare" album. Like previous singles, a 12" version was also issued featuring the original version of "Don't You Want Me" and "Seconds" on the A side and an "extended dance mix" lasting seven and a half minutes on the B side. This mix is also features on the "Love and Dancing" album released under the name of The League Unlimited Orchestra in 1982. To the amazement of the band (and especially Oakey), it entered the UK Singles Chart at No.9
Don't You Want Me first song featuring the revolutionary Linn LM-1 drum machine to hit No. 1 on the UK charts and also the first LM-1 track to top the "Billboard" Hot 100. The song was re-released in October 1995 as CD, cassette and 12" single featuring new remixes by Snap! and Red Jerry, peaking at No. 16 on the UK chart. The release coincided with the issue of the group's second "Greatest Hits" compilation album shortly afterwards, which featured the Snap 7" remix. As of November 2012, "Don't You Want Me" is the 23rd best-selling single in the UK with 1.55 million copies