Wham! (Make It Big)

The Album

Wham! (Make It Big) was released in 1984. It was an instant hit. Four singles from the album, and the album itself topped the charts in the UK and USA. It was the group’s second studio album and was released on 5 November 1984.

Christopher Connelly wrote in Rolling Stone:

Wham! (Make It Big) is an almost flawless pop record, a record that does exactly what it wants to and has a great deal of fun doing it.”

“Make It Big” is a pop masterpiece that solidified the duo’s place in music history. George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley crafted an album filled with infectious hooks, catchy melodies, and irresistible charm, catapulting them to international stardom and leaving an indelible mark on the pop music landscape.

The album opens with the iconic hit single, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.” From the very first notes, the track exudes an electrifying energy that is impossible to resist. Its lively rhythm, bouncy synthesizers, and memorable sing-along chorus make it an instant classic. This track perfectly embodies the fun-loving spirit of Wham! and sets the tone for the entire album.

Another standout track is the timeless ballad, “Careless Whisper.” George Michael’s smooth and soulful vocals shine on this emotionally charged song. The heartfelt lyrics combined with a haunting saxophone melody create a truly captivating experience. “Careless Whisper” showcases the duo’s ability to balance energetic pop tunes with heartfelt ballads, displaying their versatility as musicians.

“Freedom” is yet another gem on the album. It boasts an infectious groove, catchy hooks, and an empowering message of liberation and self-expression. The track’s irresistible chorus and dynamic instrumentation make it a quintessential pop anthem that still resonates with audiences today.

While “Make It Big” is known for its upbeat hits, it also features deeper tracks that highlight the duo’s songwriting skills and musical maturity. “Everything She Wants” is a prime example, with its introspective lyrics and introspective examination of materialism and relationship dynamics. The song’s blend of soulful vocals, intricate production, and compelling storytelling demonstrates Wham!’s ability to go beyond the surface of pop music.

Production

The album’s production is polished and timeless, reflecting the pop sensibilities of the era while remaining fresh and enjoyable. The sleek synthesizers, catchy guitar riffs, and rhythmic percussion create a vibrant and cohesive sonic landscape that perfectly complements the duo’s charismatic performances.

Track Listing

Wake Me Up Before You Go Go
Everything She Wants
Heartbeat
Like A Baby
Freedom
If You Were There
Credit card Baby
Careless Whispers

North American Cover

Conclusion

“Make It Big” is a testament to Wham!’s ability to capture the spirit of the 1980s while crafting songs that transcend the era. It is an album that exudes joy, youthful exuberance, and a sense of escapism. Whether you’re dancing to the infectious beats or reflecting on the more introspective tracks, the album offers a well-rounded listening experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, Wham!’s “Make It Big” is a pop classic that showcases the duo’s undeniable talent, infectious energy, and songwriting prowess. From the exuberant hits to the introspective tracks, the album is a testament to their ability to create music that resonates with audiences of all generations. “Make It Big” remains a must-listen for pop music enthusiasts and serves as a reminder of the duo’s enduring influence on the genre.

Careless Whisper

Youtube

Lyrics

I feel so unsure
As I take your hand and lead you to the dance floor
As the music dies, something in your eyes
Calls to mind a silver screen and all its sad goodbyes

I’m never gonna dance again, guilty feet have got no rhythm
Though it’s easy to pretend, I know you’re not a fool
I should have known better than to cheat a friend
And waste a chance that I’d been given
So I’m never gonna dance again the way I danced with you

Time can never mend
The careless whispers of a good friend
To the heart and mind, ignorance is kind
There’s no comfort in the truth, pain is all that you’ll find

Never without your love

Tonight the music seems so loud
I wish that we could lose this crowd
Maybe it’s better this way
We’d hurt each other with the things we want to say
We could have been so good together
We could have lived this dance forever
But now who’s gonna dance with me?
Please, stay

And I’m never gonna dance again, guilty feet have got no rhythm
Though it’s easy to pretend, I know you’re not a fool
I should have known better than to cheat a friend
And waste a chance that I’d been given
So I’m never gonna dance again the way I danced with you

Now that you’re gone
Now, that you’re gone

Now that you’re gone
Was what I did so wrong, so wrong
That you had to leave me alone?

Wake Me Up Before you go Go

Lyrics

Jitterbug
Jitterbug
Jitterbug
Jitterbug

You put the boom-boom into my heart (ooh-ooh)
You send my soul sky-high
When your lovin’ starts
Jitterbug into my brain (yeah-yeah)
Goes a bang-bang-bang
‘Til my feet do the same

But something’s bugging me
Something ain’t right
My best friend told me
What you did last night
You left me sleeping in my bed
I was dreaming
But I should’ve been with you instead

Wake me up before you go-go
Don’t leave me hanging on like a yo-yo
Wake me up before you go-go
I don’t wanna miss it when you hit that high
Wake me up before you go-go
‘Cause I’m not planning on going solo
Wake me up before you go-go, ah
Take me dancing tonight
I wanna hit that high, yeah, yeah

You take the grey skies outta my way (ooh-ooh)
You make the sun shine brighter than Doris Day
You turned a bright spark into a flame (yeah-yeah)
My beats per minute never been the same

‘Cause you’re my lady
I’m your fool
It makes me crazy when you act so cruel
Come on, baby
Let’s not fight
We’ll go dancing
Everything will be alright

Jitterbug
Jitterbug

Cuddle up, baby
Move in tight
We’ll go dancing tomorrow night
It’s cold out there
But it’s warm in bed
They can dance
We’ll stay home instead

(Jitterbug)

Take me dancing
A boom-boom-boom-boom, oh!
A boom-boom-boom-boom (yeah, yeah, yeah)
(Take me dancing tonight) ooh-aah
Yeah, yeah

Reference

Make It Big – Wikipedia