Surely a lot of fans were expecting Europe’s new studio work with anticipation. After their comeback in 2004… it’s true that they surprised us (nicely or badly it doesn’t matter) with their new music style. Balancing between classic rock and hard rock with various modern elements, the three previous albums have caused quite a few arguments among the loyal 80s fans of the band. So, everyone was eager for “Bag of Bones”…
Europe have changed league… they were among the leaders of melodic hard rock music in the 80s… but in the 00s… they jumped to another league… and honestly, if this is what pleases them more, then it’s OK with me and everyone else… I think. With “Bag of Bones” they made it clear… they wanna play in UFO, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Thunder’s, among others, league… as this album is far too classic rock with lots of rock & roll and 70s/80s hard rock references and some few bluesy passages. It may sound weird to some of you but Europe have delivered a new album that has lots of influences from the aforementioned bands. Moreover, Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, Joe Bonamassa, Black Country Communion, Black Stone Cherry, Journey etc.) who has produced the album, expect for having done a hell of a job, it also gave it a Black Country Communion touch.
John Norum has found a lot of space to express himself… as he is a great guitarist… and Joey (although he doesn’t remind of the 80s Joey at all) is giving some wonderful performances. The other guys, Mic Michaeli (keys), John Levén (bass) & Ian Haugland (drums), are playing their hearts out… and they all seem to enjoy it. There’s a very positive and energetic vibe throughout the album. Another good thing with this album is that every time you listen to it… you will get something more. There’s guest appearances on the album by Joe Bonamassa, who plays the slide guitar on the self-titled song, and by Anton Fig (Kiss, Spider, Ace Frehley etc.) on percussion.
No one can deny that “Bag of Bones” is a well-performed, well-produced and rockin’ album. Believe me, there are lots of great rockin’ songs to listen to… while “Not Supposed to Sing the Blues”, “Firebox”, “Bag of Bones”, “My Woman My Friend, “Mercy You Mercy Me” and “Bring It All Home” are assuredly among the best of the album. I’m quite sure that the 80s days have long gone… but that wasn’t a reason for Europe to stop delivering tasteful rockin’ music… and so they do. If you’re into rock music then this album won’t leave you cold in any way. Additionally, “Bag of Bones” is surely the band’s best album since their comeback…
Europe have changed league… they were among the leaders of melodic hard rock music in the 80s… but in the 00s… they jumped to another league… and honestly, if this is what pleases them more, then it’s OK with me and everyone else… I think. With “Bag of Bones” they made it clear… they wanna play in UFO, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Thunder’s, among others, league… as this album is far too classic rock with lots of rock & roll and 70s/80s hard rock references and some few bluesy passages. It may sound weird to some of you but Europe have delivered a new album that has lots of influences from the aforementioned bands. Moreover, Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, Joe Bonamassa, Black Country Communion, Black Stone Cherry, Journey etc.) who has produced the album, expect for having done a hell of a job, it also gave it a Black Country Communion touch.
John Norum has found a lot of space to express himself… as he is a great guitarist… and Joey (although he doesn’t remind of the 80s Joey at all) is giving some wonderful performances. The other guys, Mic Michaeli (keys), John Levén (bass) & Ian Haugland (drums), are playing their hearts out… and they all seem to enjoy it. There’s a very positive and energetic vibe throughout the album. Another good thing with this album is that every time you listen to it… you will get something more. There’s guest appearances on the album by Joe Bonamassa, who plays the slide guitar on the self-titled song, and by Anton Fig (Kiss, Spider, Ace Frehley etc.) on percussion.
No one can deny that “Bag of Bones” is a well-performed, well-produced and rockin’ album. Believe me, there are lots of great rockin’ songs to listen to… while “Not Supposed to Sing the Blues”, “Firebox”, “Bag of Bones”, “My Woman My Friend, “Mercy You Mercy Me” and “Bring It All Home” are assuredly among the best of the album. I’m quite sure that the 80s days have long gone… but that wasn’t a reason for Europe to stop delivering tasteful rockin’ music… and so they do. If you’re into rock music then this album won’t leave you cold in any way. Additionally, “Bag of Bones” is surely the band’s best album since their comeback…
