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/
Farewell
Europe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There was a time, when everything felt right
But now´s the time for me to decide
And I´ve only got one solution in sight
Don´t know where I´m going
But I know it feels right
And though my feelings are showing
So long, farewell
I´ve got to go
Be strong, be well
I want you to know
That maybe we´ll meet someday
Should I stay or should I go
It was not easy to decide
But you told me; "I already know"
I guess you wondered why I lied
In Europe's song Farewell, the singer is reflecting on a time when they were satisfied with their life and everything felt right. However, now it's time for them to make a decision and they only have one solution in sight. While they don't know where they're going, they know it feels right and they're not afraid to take the leap. The chorus serves as a goodbye to the people they're leaving behind, with a hopeful message that they may meet again someday.
The song is a powerful introspection on the theme of leaving behind the known and venturing into the unknown. The singer is grappling with a tough decision, a choice that requires them to step out of their comfort zone and follow their intuition. The opening verses illustrate this inner conflict and the chorus becomes the cathartic release of emotions.
Farewell is a classic example of Europe's ability to create impactful emotional themes with a timeless quality that has helped it endure. The song showcases their signature sound with its catchy melody and the soaring vocals of lead singer Joey Tempest. It's a superb representation of the band's music, as well as the '80s rock sound in general. Perhaps what makes the song so powerful is the sense of vulnerability it evokes through its relatable lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
There was a time, when I was satisfied
There was a moment in the past when things were going well for me
There was a time, when everything felt right
There was a period when everything in my life felt perfect
But now´s the time for me to decide
It's time for me to make a choice
And I´ve only got one solution in sight
I've only got one solution to deal with the situation
Don´t know where I´m going
I'm unsure about where my path leads
But I know it feels right
Although I don't know the destination, the feeling assures me that it's the right direction
And though my feelings are showing
My emotions are crystal clear
I´m not afraid, it´s alright
I'm not scared, I'm confident
So long, farewell
Goodbye
I´ve got to go
I must leave
Be strong, be well
Stay strong and healthy
I want you to know
I need you to understand
That maybe we´ll meet someday
Perhaps, fate will reunite us
Should I stay or should I go
I'm conflicted, whether to leave or stay
It was not easy to decide
It was a tough call to make
But you told me; "I already know"
But you reassured me, saying that you already knew
I guess you wondered why I lied
I'm sure you are wondering why I wasn't upfront with you earlier
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOEY TEMPEST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alexis Gonzalez
tienen muy buenas canciones y todavía están juntos.
Willian Silva
essa banda é foda d+....
minha predileta
Items Dream
The self-titled album and the following one, Wings Of Tomorrow, contain some traces of pure heavy metal here and there. Just listen to the guitar tone, the palm muting and the power chords...
nigel
Swedish 🇸🇪 Heavy Metal 🤘🏻
Jamie Warrior Warlord McCallum
love this one what a killer riff from europe, love this one. i just can't believe their debut album this came from was only released in sweden. just wow it is better then that.
vickyfanEurope fabiani
I love this song!! I♥europe is the best
Lynny Cookster
memories gone but awesome 1st album and the best 1
Alexis Gonzalez
tienen muy buenas canciones y todavía están juntos.
MSGDK
YES JAYSEN, all of them were super inspired to create this masterpiece.
jaysean1989
John Norum 18 other group members when they make this album at the age of 19 ...others born in 1963, John Norum was born in 1964...children at an early age became famous, very talented, I love them all ... features John Norum and Tony Reno ,Joey Tempest