Europe is a band that has been tied down by it’s massive hit “The Final Countdown”in my opinion. That time is also considered the classic line-up of the band. Shortly after the success of that album, lead guitarist John Norum up and left the band. It was a shock to many. He spent time working on solo material and with Don Dokken. The band would go on to make a couple more albums and then disappeared for the rest of the 90’s. In 2003, the so-called classic line-up got back together and John Norum was along for the ride. Joey Tempest, John Norum, Jon Leven, Mic Michaeli and Ian Haugland were back and in a big way.
Why do focus on John Norum so much, well, it his guitar playing that is so amazing. Yes, Joey Tempest is the voice and the principal song writer, but the two albums after ‘The Final Countdown’, though great, were missing something. Norum has a way with the guitar. It can be extremely heavy, but there is always a great melody to it and a style all his own. For me, it was the missing piece in this band being the best they can be.
In 2004, the band released their comeback album, ‘Start from the Dark’ and it was a reinvention of the band. It was a more modern, more raw sound than anyone was used to hearing from them. And it was great. But great wasn’t good enough for Europe. They had to outdo that album and they did that and then some. In 2006, the band released ‘Secret Society’ and probably delivered their best album…EVER! I finally picked up the CD and I haven’t put it down. It has been on constant rotation for about a month now and it gets better and better with every listen. There are no skippable tracks, no weak spots and the guitar playing? Well, John Norum will make you stop and take notice. In fact, the whole band is on fire with this one.
The opening track, “Secret Society” comes out of the gate swinging. The heavy bass lines, the down-tuned guitars and a pounding drum beat all exploding at you with full force. Joey still sounds amazing, such a distinct voice and so melodic. The riffs by Norum flow magically from his fingers. And the keyboards, so well done by Michaeli. Understated, yet so effective.
“Always the Pretenders”, the albums only single, is another rip roaring rocker. Joey is so aggressive with the lyrics and Ian’s drums are destructively intense. The chorus is big and very radio friendly, so a single makes sense. The band seems to have a lot to say with this song and the album as a whole. Norum’s solo is played for the song and carries such a great musicality to it.
Next up is “The Getaway Plan” which seems to mix the old with the new very well. There are elements of classic Europe then it is twisted and turned upside down with the modern production and sound. The band is delivering one heavy punch after another so far. The guitar work has so much going on. So many different styles and sounds and it all blends well together perfectly. The solo by Norum is almost speed metal and so angry, I love it. More aggression from Joey and the boys is always welcome for me.
“Wish I Could Believe” slows the tempo down ever so slightly and gets back to being more melodic. Joey’s vocals are more front and center for you to enjoy, and damn, what a voice. He’s still got it. Another huge chorus and it is so dark and foreboding as Joey questions his belief in God.
One of the many outstanding moments of the album is “Let The Children Play”. A song telling us to stop stressing out our kids with such high expectations and let the kids just be kids. The song is a rocker, with some gritty riffs, a killer solo and a driving rhythm section with the bass and drum. t is such a powerful, catchy chorus that it sucks you right in. The coolest moment is towards the end when the children’s choir comes in with the chorus. It really ties it all together and leaves you wanting more.
“Human After All” starts off really soft and then explodes with a whole Velvet Revolver sound to the guitar. Is Slash playing on this one? No, but he could be. What we get this time is more magic from everyone else as the rhythm section is really driving things here. I love the drums, the bass and they keyboards as everything accentuates and already great song.
Another rocker is thrown at us with “Love is Not The Enemy”. The tempo is lightning fast as our the riffs and the drum fills and Joey’s lyric delivery. The chorus isn’t as huge or catchy as the other tracks, but the verses is where it is at with this one. The speed on the music is nuts and so engaging. The Norum riffs throughout add something to it that makes it all connect.
The only so-called ballad on the album is “A Mother’s Son”. A shining point for Mic on the piano as he kicks it off. Some acoustic guitars come in as well, but it is Joey’s delivery that sets this one apart. The lyrics are dark and morose and so is Joey’s emotion he puts into the lyrics. If you are expecting something like “Carrie”, those days are long gone and thank God for that. There seems like there is a little orchestration to this one that makes it sound even better.
“Forever Travelling” is more like the old Europe you grew up with and that is a welcome sound as you don’t want them to completely forget their past. Like the old days, they had really big choruses and they disappoint here. The way the words flow are so catchy. A slower paced song with elements there to make you think it could still rock out at any moment.
The band gets back to rocking out with “Brave And Beautiful Soul”. The guitar tone is nice during the verses, a little higher pitched. Then the chorus kicks in and Norum gets a little darker on the riffs. He has nice fills throughout to keep things interesting. Joey hasn’t wavered as he never disappoints. That voice is magical even 20 years later.
It all comes to end with “Devil Sings the Blues” and that is what we get. Some great blues guitar from Norum and a different sounding song then the rest of the album. Joey’s vocals are a little strained to get him in this bluesy vibe. Norum’s playing here though is the winner for me along with Mic’s keyboards with the synth orchestration. I like the change of pace and I think a solid way to go out for an album that simply keeps getting better.
There is nothing on there that should be skipped. It is all worth hearing and in the order it is intended. The flow of the songs is so important to making a good album great and that is what thus album is, Great. Joey Tempest probably sounds better than ever and he has always sounded good. John Norum is a monster on this album. The distorted riffs at times, the melodies, the solos, all perfection and for me the biggest draw to the album. We need more guitar albums. I can’t say enough about the music on the album. The drums sound great, the keyboards are understated and only add emphasis while the bass is the lifeblood of it all. The album is melodic, the album rocks and it is a band that sounds refreshed and has a lot more to say. Not many bands come back from their heyday and none come back better. I think Europe has done that. This might be the best album they have ever done…period. My Overall Score is 5.0 out of 5.0 Stars!!
