Almost Unplugged - CD Music

Europe is a Swedish rock band that rose to prominence worldwide during the 1980s, especially with the resounding success of the song "The Final Countdown." Formed in 1979 in the town of Upplands Väsby, just outside Stockholm, the band is known for its sound that mixes hard rock and glam metal, and for its powerful ballads. The band's classic line-up includes Joey Tempest (vocals), John Norum (guitar), John Levén (bassist), Mic Michaeli (keyboards) and Ian Haugland (drums).

The band was originally formed under the name Force, but moved to Europe in 1982 after winning a talent competition in Sweden, which secured them a recording contract. Their eponymous debut album, Europe (1983), was released shortly after, showing a sound heavily influenced by the hard rock of the 1970s. The album did not have great international success, but launched the band in Sweden and on the European music scene.

The band's second album, Wings of Tomorrow (1984), began to gain wider attention outside of Sweden, especially in Japan. The album highlighted the talent of guitarist John Norum and showed a band poised for international success. Songs like "Stormwind" and "Open Your Heart" showed Europe's potential to create powerful and melodic rock anthems.

The great international success came with the release of the third album, The Final Countdown (1986). The album was a massive success, especially thanks to the title track, "The Final Countdown," which became one of the biggest rock anthems of the '80s. With its unforgettable keyboard riff and epic chorus, the song topped the charts in 25 countries and became a timeless rock classic. Other hits on the album included "Rock the Night," "Carrie," and "Cherokee," which cemented Europe as one of the biggest rock bands of the era.

The Final Countdown sold millions of copies worldwide and catapulted Europe to the top of the international charts, making the band one of Sweden's top musical exports. The combination of catchy melodies, virtuoso guitar solos, and Joey Tempest's powerful voice has made the band an icon of glam metal and hard rock.

In 1988, the band released Out of This World, which continued the success of The Final Countdown, although without achieving the same level of commercial impact. The album included hits such as "Superstitious" and "Open Your Heart," and showcased a band that was still at the peak of their musical abilities.

In 1991, Europe released Prisoners in Paradise, an album that marked the end of the band's highly successful era of the 1980s. Although the album included some popular tracks, such as "I'll Cry for You" and "Prisoners in Paradise," it failed to replicate the success of previous albums, in part due to changes in the music landscape, with grunge and alternative rock beginning to dominate the charts.

After Prisoners in Paradise, Europe went on an extended hiatus, with the band members focusing on solo projects and other activities. Joey Tempest and John Norum, in particular, have had successful solo careers, but fans have always been waiting for a possible band reunion.

That reunion finally happened in 2003, when Europe returned with the classic lineup and released the album Start from the Dark (2004). This album marked a significant change in the band's sound, which adopted a more modern and heavy style, moving away from the glam sound of the 80s. The reunion was well received by fans, and Europe continued to release new albums, including Secret Society (2006), Last Look at Eden (2009), and Bag of Bones (2012).

In 2015, Europe released War of Kings, an album that was widely acclaimed by critics for its musical maturity and return to hard rock roots. The album showed that the band still had a lot to offer, with strong songwriting and vigorous performances.

Europe is one of the most enduring and respected bands in Swedish rock, with a career that spans more than four decades. They are remembered not only for the overwhelming success of "The Final Countdown," but also for their ability to evolve musically and stay relevant over the years. The band continues to tour and record music, while maintaining a loyal fan base around the world.

With a combination of musical talent, charisma, and the ability to create some of rock's most memorable anthems, Europe has left an indelible mark on music history. They are living proof that rock music, in all its forms, continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.