Artist: Europe Album: Bag of Bones

Year: 2012
Duration: 44:55

Europe's Bag of Bones: A Critical Review

There are certain artists within the music industry – those who leave a lasting impression, those who carve their names into the history of music and their genre. One such artist is Europe, a Swedish rock band known for their hits The Final Countdown and Carrie, whose latest album Bag of Bones met with critical acclaim upon its release in 2012. In this blog post, we'll give our take on the album – a critical review that's sure to get you thinking.

Bag of Bones marks a return to the roots of blues rock for Europe, a departure from the keyboard-laden sound of their previous albums. It's a bold move that reminds listeners of the musical prowess of the band, allowing the guitar riffs and vocal performances to shine through in a way that's not been heard before on their releases. The album is a bittersweet mix of fast, hard-hitting tracks like Not Supposed to Sing the Blues and slow, soulful ones such as Bring It All Home, showcasing the band's musical versatility.

One of the most innovative parts of this album is the focus on the lyrics, which rely heavily on storytelling and personal experiences, and it brings a new sense of depth to the band's overall sound. Doghouse, for instance, tells the story of someone who's stuck in a rut, lyrically weaving an almost cinematic narrative of a person's life. This focus on storytelling is something that has not been present in the band's earlier works, but it's a refreshing and welcome addition to Bag of Bones.

The strength of Bag of Bones lies in the synergy between the band members, as they each have their moment to shine throughout the record. The vocal range of lead singer Joey Tempest is something to marvel at, while the guitar work of John Norum is at once complex and melodic. The band's rhythm section, made up of drummer Ian Haugland and bassist John Levén, solidifies the album's sound, creating a cohesive musical experience.

As for the best tracks on the album, there are few that stand out. Not Supposed to Sing the Blues is a track that's sure to get you moving, while Riches to Rags and Demon Head showcase the electrifying guitar riffs that make Europe such a beloved rock band. Firebox is a slower, more introspective track that highlights the range and depth of the band's musicality, while Bag of Bones itself is a thematic powerhouse that cements the album's themes of loss and uncertainty.

Of course, no review is complete without a critique, and Bag of Bones is not immune to scrutiny. While the album marks a shift in the musical direction of Europe, it leaves something to be desired in terms of originality. While the album is undoubtedly well-crafted and expertly executed, it doesn't bring anything entirely new to the table. In an era where musical innovation is the norm, Bag of Bones doesn't push enough boundaries.

Overall, Bag of Bones is an album that proves Europe is still a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. It's a well-crafted, expertly executed work that showcases the band at their best. The focus on storytelling and personal experiences adds new depth to the band's overall sound, and the synergy between the band members is evident throughout the record. While it may not be the most groundbreaking album out there, Bag of Bones is a testament to Europe's continued relevance and musical prowess.

Overall, Bag of Bones is an album that proves Europe is still a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. It's a well-crafted, expertly executed work that showcases the band at their best. The focus on storytelling and personal experiences adds new depth to the band's overall sound, and the synergy between the band members is evident throughout the record. While it may not be the most groundbreaking album out there, Bag of Bones is a testament to Europe's continued relevance and musical prowess.