The Final [25th Anniversary Edition]

The Wham! collection The Final stands as the most accurate compilation of the duo's hits, even including the correct single versions of hits that were not available on their respective albums. From the early bubblegum silliness of "Bad Boys," "Wham! Rap," and "Young Guns" to the singles that made them an international pop phenomenon ("Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," "Everything She Wants," "Careless Whisper," and "I'm Your Man"), the hits are all here. "Everything She Wants" and "Freedom" are included in their single versions which did not appear on the multimillion-selling Make It Big. Also included is George Michael's first true solo hit, "A Different Corner," which, along with "Careless Whisper," hints at the later, more sophisticated styles of music that would further propel him into international superstar status. To round out the collection are other hits including their last U.S. Top Ten, "The Edge of Heaven," their yearly resurrected Christmas single "Last Christmas," and the overlooked "Where Did Your Heart Go." For fans of their brief but very successful reign at the top of the pop charts, this hard-to-find collection packs the most bang (or Wham!) for its buck. ~ Jose F. Promis