Album Review

Europe - Bag of BonesEurope – Bag of Bones

One of the most influential and without a doubt one of the most overlooked classic rock act Europe are back with their 9th studio album, doesn’t seem a lot when the band has been kicking around since 1979 but even if you don’t think that you do, you know at least 1 of this Swedish super-group’s tracks, “The Final Countdown” and that right there is one of the most famous songs of all time. They did however take a massive hiatus from 1992 til 2003 which is a whopping 11 years. Their previous effort in 2009’s “Last Look At Eden” was met with a mixed reception, given a good 3 years what have they brewed up for us this time around?

Well I must say it’s great to hear Joey Tempest’s vocals again, it really is as he is definitely in possession of some extremely dynamic, ranged and distinctive vocal chords. He flaunts that trademark style all over opener “Riches to Rags” pushing its raw power to further heights! Also a driving force in this band is the ridiculously talented guitarist John Norum who blasts out some of the biggest riffs you’ve ever known; “Not Supposed To Sing The Blues” was their first single and Tempest, Norum and Kevin Shirley production are a combination not to be reckoned with. Everything just fuses together so gracefully, the vocals, guitar work, production and Mic Michaeli’s keyboard input , all of this and on the title track “Bag of Bones” Joe Bonamassa provides some guest guitars which provides a great blues invasion.

Stunning, infectious, beautifully crafted, masterfully produced, what more could you ask for from any musical release? Maybe for it to give you a massage, open you a beer and do all your work for you but living in the real world this is the best you can expect, the bar has been raised, step up world this is the standard we want from every album!

5/5

Review by James Webb

 Band Members

Mic Michaeli
John Levén
Joey Tempest
John Norum
Ian Haugland
 Track Listing

1. Riches To Rags
2. Not Supposed To Sing The Blues
3. Firebox
4. Bag Of Bones
5. Requiem
6. My Woman My Friend
7. Demon Head
8. Drink And A Smile
9. Doghouse
10. Mercy You Mercy Me
11. Bring It All Home

 Band Related Links
Europe Facebook
 Review Score Code
- Top Cheese
- Brilliant
- Pretty damn good
- Ok I guess
- What Was That?