Since their formation, Europe has released eleven studio albums, three live albums, three compilations and nineteen music videos.
Europe rose to international fame in the 1980s with their third album, 1986's The Final Countdown, which has sold over 3 million copies in the United States and 15 million copies worldwide (including album and single). Europe has sold over 25 million records worldwide. The band has had two top 20 albums on the Billboard 200 chart (The Final Countdown and Out of This World) and two top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart ("The Final Countdown" and "Carrie").
Europe went on hiatus in 1992, reunited temporarily for a one-off performance in Stockholm on New Year's Eve 1999 and announced an official reunion in 2003. Since then the band has released six albums, Start from the Dark (2004), Secret Society (2006), Last Look at Eden (2009), Bag of Bones (2012), War of Kings (2015) and Walk The Earth (2017). They continue to have popular tours.
Europe has achieved new attention in the US due to being featured in a GEICO Insurance cable television commercial campaign viewed for many months across the US in 2015-16.
The band is mainly influenced by Whitesnake, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, UFO and Michael Schenker Group.
Born in 1979 from the underground rock music scene in the outskirts of Stockholm, Sweden, a young band called 'Force' sprung from the suburbs to win national acclaim in the early 80s, emerging victorious in a nationwide talent contest. Their main influences were arena-ready British hard rock bands of the 70s such as UFO, Thin Lizzy, and Led Zeppelin. Winning a recording contract, core members Joey Tempest (vocals), John Norum (guitar) and John Leven (bass) re-named themselves 'Europe'.
They went on to record and release two spirited albums, 'Europe' and 'Wings of Tomorrow'. They broke through the musical mainstream in both Scandinavia and Japan. The band toured widely on the strengths of these two records, and, in 1984, they recruited new members Mic Michaeli (keyboards) and drummer Ian Haugland. The success these albums generated on their home soil as well as in the Far East landed them an international record deal with Epic Records in New York.
In 1986, Europe went on to release their third album, 'The Final Countdown', which was produced by Kevin Elson (who had notably worked with Journey and Mr Big). Upon its release, gaining major momentum from Moscow to Manhattan and Stockholm to Sydney and elsewhere, that album conquered the airwaves and the epic arena rock anthem that was its title track succeeded in penetrating the global psyche. The prominent (and now arguably legendary) keyboard riff and memorable melodies catapulted "The Final Countdown" into the top ten charts in the U.K and U.S., and it ended up reaching number one in 24 countries. Selling in excess of six million units and resulting in an extensive world tour, 'The Final Countdown' became a global phenomenon.
It was at this time that John Norum chose to leave Europe to pursue a solo career, and he was replaced by another well-known Swedish guitarist, Kee Marcello. About two years later, Europe emerged again with their fourth album, titled 'Out of This World'. Produced by Ron Nevison (who had worked with UFO, Thin Lizzy, and Heart), this album delivered what had become the trademark Europe melodies and inspiring musical arrangements. Also a remarkable success, Europe embarked on a second world tour, and they notably were the first international rock-act to perform behind the 'Bamboo Curtain' in Bombay, India in front of a 60,000-strong audience.
The follow-up to 'Out of This World' approximately came two years later. That album, titled 'Prisoners in Paradise', was inspired by the band's time residing in Los Angeles, California. Upon completion of yet another world tour in 1993, the members of Europe decided to take time out to pursue personal projects and record solo albums.
After an extended hiatus, the band came together again in 1999 (including original guitarist John Norum) on new year's eve in Stockholm Sweden to perform "Rock the Night" and "The Final Countdown", helping to usher in the new millennium. The performance not only marked Europe's first public appearance in almost a decade but also inspired a permanent reunion. Still, the band's members had difficulties getting their plans to come together.
In 2004, with John Norum firmly back in the band, the original Europe lineup returned to the world stage with "Start From the Dark" - a raw, cutting-edge rock album that delivered a brand new style of melodic rock. The release saw the band's welcome return to the road as they embarked on an extensive tour in Europe, the United States, and the Far East. Shortly thereafter, the band returned to the studio to record their 7th studio album titled "Secret Society" which was released in October 2006. Marking the most daring and innovative Europe album to date, "Secret Society" is both a return to their roots as well as a celebration of their collective musical experience and willingness to explore brand new territories. Followed by another world tour, the band continues to work hard to establish themselves yet again. It can be said that there are few bands from the 80's that still remain creative and relevant today with an edgy and modern sound.
Following their summer 2008 European tour, Europe returned to the studio to record and then release their eighth studio effort, " the Last Look at Eden." The band's latest work is "Bag of Bones," which they released in April 2012. Vocalist Joey Tempest remarked that he thought he'd "made a hardcore classic rock record with the blues knocking on the door." Showing that the group has still got it, the album debuted at #2 on Sweden's top album chart and has been certified Gold in Sweden while also receiving strong sales throughout Europe and in the U.K.
www.europetheband.com/
The Final Countdown
Europe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Eight, seven, six, five)
(Four, three, two, one)
We're leavin' together
But still it's farewell
And maybe we'll come back
To Earth, who can tell?
I guess there is no one to blame
We're leaving ground (leaving ground)
Will things ever be the same again?
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
Oh
We're headin' for Venus (Venus)
And still we stand tall
'Cause maybe they've seen us
And welcome us all, yeah
With so many light years to go
And things to be found (to be found)
I'm sure that we all miss her so
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
The final countdown (final countdown)
(Oh)
Oh
The final countdown, oh
It's the final countdown
The final countdown
The final countdown (final countdown)
(Oh)
It's the final countdown
We're leavin' together
(The final countdown)
We'll all miss her so
It's the final countdown (final countdown)
(Oh)
It's the final countdown
Yeah
The song "The Final Countdown" by Europe is one of the most recognizable and iconic rock songs of the 80s. It was released in 1986 as a single and later became the title track of the band's third album. The song begins with a countdown, and then the lyrics describe a group leaving Earth to explore Venus.
The lyrics also express a sense of uncertainty about whether they will ever return and if things will be the same when they do. There is a sense of nostalgia and longing for what they are leaving behind, yet a sense of excitement for what lies ahead. The song's chorus, "It's the final countdown," is a fitting representation of the tension and excitement in the lyrics.
The song's anthemic melody, powerful guitar riffs, and soaring vocals are what make it so memorable. It became a massive hit in many countries, topping the charts in over 25 countries. Its iconic synth riff was used in numerous movies, TV shows, and advertisements. The song is still played today in sports events, rallies, and concerts.
Line by Line Meaning
Ten, nine
The beginning of the countdown to an imminent event.
Eight, seven, six, five
A continuation of the countdown, with increasing urgency.
Four, three, two, one
The final moments before the event occurs.
We're leavin' together
We are departing as a group, united in our shared experience.
But still it's farewell
Despite our togetherness, we are saying goodbye to something important to us.
And maybe we'll come back
There is a possibility that we will return at some point in the future.
To Earth, who can tell?
The timing and conditions of our return are uncertain and unknown.
I guess there is no one to blame
This departure is not a result of anyone's wrongdoing, and we cannot assign blame for our situation.
We're leaving ground (leaving ground)
We are physically departing from the Earth, taking off into the sky as we transition to a new environment.
Will things ever be the same again?
The singer questions whether life will ever return to the way it was before this moment.
It's the final countdown
The event we have been counting down to is about to happen.
Oh
An interjection expressing strong emotion or emphasis.
We're headin' for Venus (Venus)
The group is embarking on a journey to Venus, one of Earth's neighboring planets.
And still we stand tall
Despite the challenge ahead, the group remains confident and steadfast.
'Cause maybe they've seen us
The group speculates that other beings may have already noticed their approach.
And welcome us all, yeah
The group hopes that they will be received warmly and hospitably upon their arrival.
With so many light years to go
The journey to Venus is a long and difficult one, spanning many years of time.
And things to be found (to be found)
During the journey, the group is eager to make discoveries and see new things.
I'm sure that we all miss her so
The group fondly remembers Earth and the life they left behind.
It's the final countdown (final countdown)
Repeating the title phrase, emphasizing the gravity of the moment.
(Oh)
An interjection expressing strong emotion or emphasis.
We'll all miss her so
The group collectively feels a sense of loss and longing for what they have left behind.
Yeah
An interjection expressing agreement or confirmation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Joey Tempest
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind