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/
Ready Or Not
Europe Lyrics
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I'm headin' out with some friends of mine
Holdin' on to what we've got
Oh even if we're ready or not
Ready or not but they're back in town
The word is out that this time around
They'll be lettin' go with all they've got
Rock me til I hit that floor
Rock me til I take no more
Rock this hungry heart of mine
Rock me down right to the ground
Rock me like you never done before
Then rock me just a little more
Ready or not but for all I know
We'll be hangin' on til it's time to go
We're always there with all we've got
Oh even if we're ready or not
Ready or not but I waste no time...
Rock me til I hit that floor...
The song "Ready or Not" by Europe is a classic rock anthem that speaks of living life to the fullest with no inhibitions or reservations. The lyrics are a testament to the band's desire to have a good time and enjoy the moment. The opening lines, "Ready or not but I waste no time, I'm headin' out with some friends of mine" set the tone for the rest of the song. It's a declaration of independence and a call to action for the listener to follow their heart and live life on their own terms.
The chorus of the song is a plea for the listener to let go and embrace the energy of the music. The words, "Rock me til I hit that floor, Rock me til I take no more" are a call to action, urging the audience to dance and let the rhythm move their bodies. The message is clear: don't hold back, let the music take you away.
The lyrics also speak to the band's dedication to their fans, "Rock me like you never done before, Then rock me just a little more". They want to give their fans a show and create an unforgettable experience for them. Ready or Not expresses the band's readiness to play and entertain their audience, no matter what challenges may come their way.
Line by Line Meaning
Ready or not but I waste no time
I am not going to waste any time, and regardless of whether I am prepared or not, I am going to head out with my companions.
I'm headin' out with some friends of mine
I am leaving with my friends towards our destination.
Holdin' on to what we've got
We are holding on to what we currently have or possess.
Oh even if we're ready or not
Even if we are not prepared, we are still going to pursue our goals.
Ready or not but they're back in town
The others have returned to town, prompting us to get prepared for whatever they have planned.
The word is out that this time around
Everyone knows that this time things will be different.
They'll be lettin' go with all they've got
They are going to give it their all.
Oh even if we're ready or not
Even if we are not prepared, we will still face the challenge.
Rock me til I hit that floor
I want to dance so hard until I collapse.
Rock me til I take no more
Keep rocking me until I cannot handle anymore.
Rock this hungry heart of mine
Please get my energetic and eager feelings dancing.
Rock me down right to the ground
Please rock me until I can no longer stand on my feet.
Rock me like you never done before
Please dance with me as if you have never danced with anyone previously.
Then rock me just a little more
After everything is done, please give me one more dance.
Ready or not but for all I know
As far as I know, regardless of whether I am prepared or not, I am still going to be present.
We're always there with all we've got
We will always be present giving it our all.
Oh even if we're ready or not
We will face the challenges regardless of whether we are prepared or not.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOEY TEMPEST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind