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/
Ninja
Europe Lyrics
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Tell me the tales of war
Tell me just one time,
What it was like before
Bring me the feeling, right in that moment
When a heart for battle cries
Find me the treasure where the legend lies.
I'd stand by jour side to rule and fight
It will always feel the same
When I call out your name.
Ninja survive, in dreams I walk by your side
Ninja survive, with you there's no need to hide.
A handful of sayings are more than a reason
For me to feel this way
I'd like to be near you
Maybe for just one day
So tell me the legend, tell me the story
Tell me the tales of war
Tell me just one time
What it was like before.
The lyrics of Europe's song "Ninja" express a desire to learn about a time of ancient warriors and battles. The listener is called to bring the storyteller into the feeling of the moment when a warrior's heart cries out for battle. The storyteller asks to find the treasure where the legend lies. The second verse is personal, as the storyteller imagines being an ancient knight and standing by someone's side to rule and fight. The chorus talks about a ninja, someone who survives and walks beside the storyteller in dreams. With the ninja, there is no need to hide.
Overall, the song expresses a fascination with a time long gone, and a desire to relive the experiences of ancient warriors. There is also a sense of longing and loneliness, as the storyteller calls out for someone to come and teach them about the past. The ninja represents a kind of solace, someone who is always there to walk with the storyteller and help them face the challenges of the present.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me the story, tell me the legend
Please share with me the historical, mythical account.
Tell me the tales of war
Enlighten me with narratives of battles fought in the past.
Tell me just one time, What it was like before
Kindly describe the era preceding the current.
Bring me the feeling, right in that moment
Show me the emotions displayed in that instance.
When a heart for battle cries
When determination for warfare is evident in the heart.
Find me the treasure where the legend lies.
Discover for me the priceless artifact in the resting place of the myth.
If I were a noble ancient knight
In the event that I existed as a heroic warrior of antiquity.
I'd stand by your side to rule and fight
I would battle beside and with you as we seek to govern.
It will always feel the same
My sentiments for you endure unchanged.
When I call out your name.
During times of need, when I seek your aid.
Ninja survive, in dreams I walk by your side
Ninjas persevere, in my subconscious, I am with you.
Ninja survive, with you there's no need to hide.
Ninjas endure through unity, there is no reason for concealment.
A handful of sayings are more than a reason
A few proverbs suffice as a catalyst.
For me to feel this way
Allowing me to have the emotions I possess for you.
I'd like to be near you
I yearn to be close in proximity to you.
Maybe for just one day
Even if it were for a brief moment in time.
So tell me the legend, tell me the story
I implore you to articulate the mythology and history.
Tell me the tales of war
Recite to me the chronicles of battles past.
Tell me just one time, What it was like before.
Share with me the single occurrence of what life was like devoid of current circumstances.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOEY TEMPEST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind