Micah Miller Miller, 1

ENG COMP II

Prof. Colvin

2/6/2020

An Analysis of the Final Countdown Original and Remix

The Final Countdown, released in 1986 by Europe, is widely considered one of the

greatest rock compositions of its time. The song’s lyrics describe humanity leaving Earth after it

is no longer sustainable for human kind. In the decades since the song’s release, there have been

a few remixes. One in particular, “The Final Countdown Remix”, published in 2012 by the

YouTube channel “Radio Stereo Dance Network”, provides a fresh and ‘dark’ comedic outlook

on the song complete with animations. However, it also takes some creative liberty to the story,

introducing an ‘alien invasion’ plot, among other things. Probably the most notable difference

between the two videos, is that in the original, the video ends right as the ship is taking off,

whereas the remix shows the ship taking off, and then being destroyed along with the earth.

The original music video starts off with footage of electronic launch equipment, a clock,

and some electronic sounds, immediately informing the viewer of a space launch. On one of the

monitors a picture of the lead singer is shown, and then the video cuts of a live stage

performance. The band members walk slowly on the stage, to a cheering crowd, the music builds

to a climax, and the lead singer walks on stage. The first lyrics: “We’re leaving together”, hints

Miller, 2
that the singer is talking to an unobservable person, and confirms that they are leaving

somewhere, presumably Earth. The lyrics also hint that the earth is no longer habitable, and that

humanity must leave in order to survive. The video captures events from both the stage, and the

filmography of a spacecraft launching combined with aerial footage of different cities. The

instrumentation features things typical of portraying a sci-fi vibe, using electronic synths and

pads, as well as a keyboard, and electronic bass and guitar. The end of the music video happens

right as the spacecraft launches, and leaves the listener hanging on what exactly happens next.

However, the song has a slightly hopeful feel to it, the lyrics seem to be looking forward to the

journey to a new world. This gives just a hint at a successful journey - that everything worked

out in the end.

The remix, by “Radio Stereo Dance Network”, features a slightly different interpretation.

The first 40 seconds of the video is advertising the channel and its facebook page (as can be

typical of some channels). The music immediately starts with repeating audio clips of the main

chorus’ phrase. It also introduces the animation seen throughout the rest of the video. The figures

resemble bobble-heads, which hint at the remix being comedic satire. The animation is also quite

wacky and humorous at times. The next scene shows the main plotline of the animation, an

impending alien invasion heading towards earth. Shots of the different characters (various

governmental officials) are shown, both in the city, a spacecraft, and a stage. One of these

characters bears a striking resemblance to George Bush, perhaps marking the animation further

as political satire. At the end of the video, the spaceship takes off, and the

Miller, 3
audience is left hoping that everything will work out. However, things don’t; both the earth and

the spaceship explode, and the video ends on the surprised (and comical) faces of those left.

There are several key differences and similarities to consider between the two different

videos - the most important of these being the message each one tries to send across. It can be

presumed that the original music video was a very serious indirect criticism of the way society

treats the planet it lives on, while also expressing hope that humanity will fix its own mess. The

remix on the other hand, although comical in nature, seems to muse about the futility of it all.

The political satire involved indirectly asserts that the policies that have been put in place since

the original video was released have been ultimately fruitless, and that everyone is doomed. A

second difference was the musical style of both songs. The original was rock, while the remix

was EDM. Furthermore, the original had a much more complex musical structure than the remix.

The original had live vocals, while the remix took vocals from the original and edited them to

create new phrases. Finally, the third difference was in visual style. The Original was very

professionally done, featuring well placed cuts, aerial footage, and footage from a live

performance of the song. Contrastingly, the remix was much less formal in nature due to its style

of animation and seemed to be more of a small group effort due to the low quality models and

render. Some similarities on the other hand were that both the original and the remix used some

of the same vocal clips. The remix also used the chorus of the original. Nevertheless, the

differences drastically outweigh these.

Miller, 4
 In conclusion, both the original and the remix are different outlooks on the result of

humanity’s choices in regards to the Earth. The original provides a serious yet hopeful view,

whereas the remix is comical, but more pessimistic. Both pieces however are very interesting to

listen to and watch, and present unique stories and opinions on their own respective topics.

Bibliography:

eeuropethebandtv. “Europe - The Final Countdown (Official Video).” Youtube, 25 October 2009,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jK-NcRmVcw

Radio Stereo Dance Network, “Europe - The Final Countdown (Nick Cox 2k12 Remix & VDj

Radio Stereo Dance).” Youtube, 27 January 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=CfkgsD45u7I