Album Info
| Artist: | Wham! |
| Album: | Fantastic |
| Released: | Europe, 22 Mar 2024 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Bad Boys | 3:21 |
| A2 | A Ray Of Sunshine | 4:40 |
| A3 | Love Machine | 3:23 |
| Written-By - W. Griffin, W. Moore | ||
| A4 | Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do?) | 6:43 |
| Producer - Bob Carter | ||
| B1 | Club Tropicana | 4:30 |
| B2 | Nothing Looks The Same In The Light | 5:57 |
| B3 | Come On! | 4:25 |
| B4 | Young Guns (Go For It!) | 3:57 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir)
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- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
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- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- In stock vinyl is usally shipped next business day, please check the availability field at the top of the product page to see whether the record is currently in stock or if it is available from the supplier as well as estimated shipping times.
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- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
"Fantastic," the debut album by the British pop duo Wham!, was released on July 9, 1983. This album marked the beginning of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley's journey into the pop music scene, and it certainly made a splash. With its catchy tunes and youthful energy, "Fantastic" quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart.
The album is a vibrant mix of pop and dance tracks that capture the essence of the early 80s. It's filled with infectious beats and memorable hooks that make it hard not to tap your feet along. One of the standout tracks is "Young Guns (Go for It!)," which was a hit single and helped establish Wham! as a force to be reckoned with in the pop world. The song's narrative about youthful exuberance and the pressures of settling down resonated with many young listeners at the time.
Another notable track is "Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)," which was one of the first songs by a British group to incorporate rap elements. This track showcases George Michael's early experimentation with different musical styles and his ability to blend them into something uniquely appealing. The song's upbeat tempo and cheeky lyrics about enjoying life and not conforming to societal expectations were a breath of fresh air.
"Club Tropicana" is another fan favorite from the album, with its sunny, carefree vibe and catchy chorus. The song paints a picture of an idyllic holiday escape, complete with cocktails and sunshine, which was a perfect antidote to the dreary British weather. The music video, featuring the duo lounging by a pool, further cemented their image as fun-loving pop stars.
Critically, "Fantastic" received mixed reviews. Some critics praised the album for its energy and catchy tunes, while others felt it was somewhat lightweight and lacking in depth. However, the album's commercial success was undeniable, and it helped pave the way for Wham!'s future endeavors. George Michael's charisma and songwriting talent were already evident, and "Fantastic" served as a solid foundation for his later work.
In terms of production, "Fantastic" was produced by Steve Brown, who helped craft the album's polished sound. The production quality was high for a debut album, which helped Wham! stand out in a crowded music market. The album's sound is quintessentially 80s, with its use of synthesizers and drum machines, but it still holds a certain charm today.
One interesting tidbit about "Fantastic" is that it was released during a time when the music industry was undergoing significant changes, with the rise of MTV and the increasing importance of music videos. Wham! capitalized on this trend, using their good looks and charismatic performances to their advantage in their videos, which helped boost their popularity.
Overall, "Fantastic" is a fun and lively album that captures the spirit of the early 80s pop scene. While it may not be as critically acclaimed as some of Wham!'s later work, it remains an important part of their legacy and a testament to the duo's early potential. For fans of 80s pop music, "Fantastic" is a nostalgic trip back to a time when pop was all about having fun and enjoying life.
