The album features 40 cover versions of classic Number 1 songs by popular bands of the era, though as the NME based it on their own chart,[2] some songs (such as Ultravox's "Vienna" recorded by Vic Reeves)[3] did not reach number one on the British Market Research Bureau/Gallup chart (now branded as the Official Singles Chart).

[4][5] It was released in the following formats: three LPs (NME40LP), three CDs (NME40CD) or two cassettes (NME40MC), all having a total of 40 songs.

The album spawned a double A-side single featuring Manic Street Preachers' version of "Suicide Is Painless", which was listed as "Theme from M.A.S.H.

The 12" and CD versions of the single included an interview with Steve Lamacq about an incident in which Richey Edwards had carved '4 Real' into his arm with a razor blade.

This was entitled "Sleeping with the NME" and credited to the Manic Street Preachers.