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 and shot to number one the following week, remaining there over the Christmas period for a total of five weeks. It ultimately became the biggest selling single to be released in 1981, and the fifth biggest selling single of the entire decade. Its success was repeated six months later in the US, with "Don't You Want Me" hitting No. 1 on the "Billboard" Hot 100 for three weeks. "Billboard" magazine ranked it as the sixth-biggest hit of 1982. The single was certified Gold by the RIAA the same year for sales of a million copies. It is notable as the