Listen Now is the only studio album by 801, whose live debut was released in November 1976.

In 1977, hoping to capitalise on the success of 801 Live, a revised version of 801 (now known as Phil Manzanera/801) recorded and released a studio album with additional collaborating musicians including Kevin Godley and Lol Creme of 10cc, and Tim Finn and Eddie Rayner of Split Enz.

The album is mainly the work of Phil Manzanera and Bill MacCormick, with contributions from Francis Monkman, Simon Phillips and Eno.

The "Flight 19" b-side "Car Rhumba" was rereleased on the CD version of Phil Manzanera's Diamond Head as "Carhumba".

The Globe and Mail wrote that "'Flight 19' and 'Initial Speed' are two highlights, the first for its lyrics and the second for Manzanera's quick, fluid guitar work over a charging but light jazz beat.