Released January 3, 1987, "Carrie" was the third single from Europe's chart-topping album The Final Countdown. Co-written by singer Joey Tempest and keyboardist Mic Michaeli, this quintessential power ballad struck a chord with audiences worldwide. Its blend of soft rock sensitivity and arena-ready emotion made it a standout track, highlighting the band's versatility beyond their signature song.

"Carrie" remains a defining soft rock love song of the late 80s power ballad era. Europe crafted a timeless track exploring themes of farewell and changing circumstances within a relationship. Its memorable melody, heartfelt lyrics, and polished production contributed significantly to the multi-platinum success of The Final Countdown album, solidifying Europe's place in 1987's rock landscape.

SONG MEANING: "Carrie" is a bittersweet farewell song about a relationship ending. The lyrics express sadness and resignation as the singer says goodbye to Carrie, acknowledging that things aren't the same ("Things they change my friend," "Can't you see it in my eyes"). It reflects on shared memories but accepts the need to part ways, holding onto a faint hope of meeting again someday ("Maybe we'll meet again somewhere").

Released in 1986 as the title track to their breakthrough album, "The Final Countdown" propelled Swedish band Europe to international superstardom. The song perfectly fused the era's popular Glam Metal aesthetic with powerful Hard Rock elements, all driven by one of music's most famous and enduring keyboard riffs. This signature Synth Metal sound created an epic, futuristic rock anthem unlike any other.

"The Final Countdown" achieved staggering worldwide success, topping charts in numerous countries. Its legendary synth riff is universally known, making the song a staple at sporting events, celebrations, and rallies for decades. Its high-energy tempo and driving beat also make it a popular choice for workout playlists (like Workout Music Volume 1), providing intense motivation and power.

SONG MEANING: The lyrics of "The Final Countdown" paint a picture of departure and an uncertain future. Often interpreted as describing astronauts leaving Earth for a space voyage ("We're leaving together... We're heading for Venus"), the lines about farewell ("still it's farewell") and the possibility of never returning ("maybe we'll come back, to Earth, who can tell?") suggest a momentous, perhaps one-way journey. More broadly, it can symbolize embarking on any significant, possibly final, adventure or facing a major life turning point.