Make it Big - Wham!
Alright, you want to talk about "Make It Big" by Wham! A pop album so damn good that if someone says they don’t like it, they’re either lying or they have no soul. This album is pure 80s magic, a vibrant explosion of sound and emotion, packed with bangers that make you want to dance like you’re the last person on Earth. Let’s take a journey through this masterpiece, shall we? Strap the fuck in, because we’re about to go all out.
First off, let’s set the stage here. Wham! was the brainchild of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, two British lads who decided to take the pop world by the balls and never let go. They didn't just want to make an album; they wanted to make an impact, and holy hell, did they succeed. "Make It Big" is their second studio album, released in 1984, and it did just that—it made them massive. This isn’t just a collection of songs. It’s a damn pop tsunami that changed the face of 80s music forever. Every track is a goddamn anthem, and if you don’t believe me, you’re about to.
Let’s kick things off with the colossal juggernaut that is "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go." This song is pure energy, a shot of adrenaline straight to the veins. The beat is infectious, the melodies are catchy as hell, and George Michael’s vocals are so smooth, you could spread them on toast. It’s got that feel-good vibe that makes you want to get up and dance, no matter how shitty your day has been. And those lyrics—"You make the sun shine brighter than Doris Day"—are so cheeky and fun that it’s impossible not to smile. This song is an unstoppable force of joy, and it's impossible not to get swept up in it.
Now, let’s talk about "Everything She Wants," a track that proves pop can have depth and grit. George Michael's vocal delivery here is so damn powerful that it’ll knock the wind out of you. The lyrics dive deep into the complexities of relationships and the feeling of being used and unappreciated. The line, "Why do I do the things I do? I'd tell you if I knew" is a gut punch of self-reflection wrapped up in a funky groove that makes you want to dance and cry at the same time. This song is a masterclass in blending pop sensibilities with raw emotional depth, proving that Wham! wasn't just about fun—they had something to say.
And just when you think you’ve got this album figured out, along comes "Careless Whisper" to kick you right in the feels. That saxophone riff alone is legendary—hell, it's iconic. You hear those first few notes, and you know exactly what's coming: a tale of regret and heartbreak so palpable, it feels like George Michael reached into your chest and squeezed your heart with his bare hands. This song isn't just a ballad; it's a full-blown emotional tsunami. "I'm never gonna dance again, guilty feet have got no rhythm"—that line right there is a dagger to the heart, capturing the pain of knowing you’ve messed up beyond repair. This is Wham! at their most vulnerable, laying their souls bare for all to see.
But wait, we're not done yet. Let's crank up the tempo again with "Freedom," a song that’s an absolute banger in every sense of the word. It’s got this upbeat, danceable groove that just makes you feel liberated. It's all about breaking free from whatever's holding you back and living life on your own terms. The chorus—"I don't want your freedom"—is so damn infectious that you’ll be singing it in the shower, in your car, at work, wherever the hell you go. It’s the kind of anthem that makes you want to throw caution to the wind and just go for it, no matter what "it" is.
And let’s not forget "If You Were There," a song that showcases Wham!'s ability to turn even the most straightforward pop tune into something special. It’s got this smooth, soulful vibe that’s impossible to resist, with George Michael’s silky voice leading the charge. The lyrics are about longing and desire, but they’re wrapped up in such an upbeat, toe-tapping package that it never feels too heavy. It's the kind of song you put on when you need a pick-me-up, a reminder that sometimes, life is just a dance waiting to happen.
Then there’s "Credit Card Baby," which is the ultimate earworm with its playful lyrics and funky beat. It's all about the materialistic world we live in, delivered with a cheeky wink and a nod. George Michael's delivery here is so full of swagger and charm that you can’t help but be pulled in. It's a reminder that even when they’re tackling more lighthearted subjects, Wham! brings their A-game every single time.
Finally, we close this epic journey with "Like a Baby," a beautifully tender ballad that brings everything full circle. It’s a quiet, introspective moment after all the high-energy anthems, a song that speaks to the fragility of love and the pain of losing it. "But when you left, you broke my heart," George Michael sings, and you can feel every ounce of his pain in that one line. It's a perfect closer to an album that takes you through every emotion under the sun, leaving you breathless by the time it's over.
So, why is "Make It Big" a 10 out of 10 pop album? Because it’s a fucking masterpiece, that's why. It’s got everything you could ever want: infectious beats, heartfelt lyrics, killer vocals, and a sense of fun and freedom that’s downright contagious. This isn’t just an album; it's a full-blown experience, a rollercoaster of emotion that leaves you craving more. Every track is a hit, every moment is a standout, and every damn time you listen to it, you’re reminded why pop music can be so damn magical.
So do yourself a favor: crank up the volume, let the music take over, and get ready to feel alive. Wham! didn't just make it big—they made it unforgettable.