The Final Countdown – Europe

Europe took this track to the top of the UK singles chart for two weeks in 1986.

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The final countdown by Europe replaced Take my breath away by Berlin at the top of the UK singles chart thirty years ago this week. It had entered the top 40 four weeks previously at number 35 an broke into the top 10 two weeks later.

The song spent two weeks at number 1 and then made way for Caravan of love by the Housemartins. After falling from the top spot, the song stayed in the top 10 for another four weeks, all of them in the top 5, and then spent another two weeks in the lower top 40 before leaving the chart.

The final countdown was released on the Epic record label and was the only number 1 hit for Europe in the UK. It was taken from a gold-selling album of the same name that peaked at number 9 in the UK albums chart. The single was also certified gold.

The song returned to the chart in 1999 when it was re-issued. The single spent two weeks in the top 40 and peaked at number 36.

More music from Europe

 

More number ones from 1986

 

UK singles chart for the week ending 6 December 1986

1. The final countdown – Europe

2. Take my breath away – Berlin

3. Sometimes – Erasure

4. Livin’ on a prayer – Bon Jovi

5. Each time you break my heart – Nick Kamen

6. Breakout – Swing Out Sister

7. You keep me hangin’ on – Kim Wilde

8. French kissin’ in the USA – Debbie Harry

9. Showing out (get fresh at the weekend) – Mel & Kim

10. The Skye boat song – Roger Whittaker and Des O’Connor

 

18. War – Bruce Springsteen