The Final
Wham! · 1986
71 min · 14 tracks · new wave · blue-eyed soul
A vibrant blend of pop anthems and smooth ballads that encapsulate the essence of 80s dance music.
Why this album works
This album is noteworthy for its commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and solidifying Wham!'s legacy in pop music. Additionally, it features some of their most iconic tracks, including 'Wake Me Up Before You Go Go' and 'Careless Whisper', both of which continue to resonate in popular culture. The album also showcases the band's ability to blend upbeat dance tracks with heartfelt ballads, influencing subsequent pop artists.
- Best for
- dynamic emotional journeys long, immersive listening sessions late-night contemplative moods
- Context
- Released on May 31, 1986, 'The Final' served as Wham!’s farewell album, marking their exit from the music scene after a meteoric rise. This compilation came shortly after their last studio album, 'Make It Big' (1984), which solidified their status in pop history. The duo had already made significant waves with chart-topping hits, establishing themselves as one of the defining acts of the decade.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Lennon· Ringo Starr· Kate Bush· Joe Jackson· Phil Collins· Bonnie Tyler· 10cc· Fleetwood Mac
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do?) 6:42
- 2 Young Guns (Go for It!) 5:12
- 3 Bad Boys 3:19
- 4 Club Tropicana 4:29
- 5 Wake Me Up Before You Go Go Standout 3:51
- 6 Careless Whisper Standout 5:02
- 7 Freedom Standout 5:20
- 8 Last Christmas (Pudding mix) 6:46
- 9 Everything She Wants (remix) 6:30
- 10 I’m Your Man 4:04
- 11 A Different Corner 3:58
- 12 Battlestations 5:30
- 13 Where Did Your Heart Go? 5:43
- 14 The Edge of Heaven 4:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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