Which song by the band Europe became a famous New Year's Eve countdown anthem after its 1986 release?

Europe's “The Final Countdown” became a famous New Year's Eve countdown anthem after its 1986 release.

The song was written by Europe vocalist Joey Tempest and built around a prominent synthesizer melody. It was released as the title track of the band's third studio album, The Final Countdown, in 1986. The single reached number one in several countries and became Europe's best-known international hit.

Despite its frequent use at celebrations, the lyrics are not specifically about New Year's Eve. They describe a dramatic departure from Earth, with the song's “final countdown” referring to a science-fiction-like voyage to Venus. Its theatrical opening and repeated countdown phrase made it easy to associate with sporting events, television montages, fireworks, and midnight parties. The song should not be confused with “Auld Lang Syne,” the traditional New Year song most closely linked with the English-speaking world.