Artist: Europe Album: Secret Society

Year: 2006
Duration: 45:51

Europe’s Secret Society: A Critical Review of Their Album

Europe became a sensation in the late 80s with their chart-topping hit, “The Final Countdown.” The band brought a fresh sound to the era, combining their classic rock roots with synthesized pop. Over the years, Europe continued to produce their signature rock music that solidified them as one of Sweden’s most influential bands. In 2006, they released their eighth studio album, “Secret Society.” In this blog, we’ll delve into a critical review of Europe’s “Secret Society” album, exploring the music genre, the best tracks, and the most innovative parts of the record.

Genre of the Album:

“Secret Society” is a masterpiece that blends elements of rock, hard rock and pop. The album has a certain theatrical vibe, with the band opting to use arrangements and timbres to create a sonic landscape that represents the world the songs talk about. The record shows the band exploring new and more complex sounds, showcasing their versatility which has been developed over the years.

Best Songs of the Album:

“Always The Pretenders,” the fourth track of the album, is one of the standout songs of the record. The track starts with a bouncy bass riff that eventually gives way to Joey Tempest’s vocals, along with a hard-hitting drumbeat. The chorus of the song is hypnotic, with the vocal layers and harmonies complementing the tight guitar licks. “The Getaway Plan,” the opening track of the album, is another highlight, with a groove-driven riff that sucks you in from the beginning.

Most Innovative Parts of the Album:

One of the most creative parts of the album is the texture and complexity of the songs. Europe utilizes layered textures of guitar solos, synthesizers, and techno drumbeats, with a polished sound that’s both modern and classic. The use of the piano in “Human After All” is a fantastic addition to create a unique flavor in the band’s sound. Europe also weaves storytelling into their music, with songs like “Since I’ve Been Loving You” and “Devil Sings The Blues” that tell stories of love, pain and loss.

Critique of the Album:

However, “Secret Society” does have some lows as well. The band tries a lot of intricate instrumentation, but in some places, it feels a bit forced and over-the-top. The songs at the tail end of the record can be lackluster and some are just a tad forgettable. But overall, the album pushes the band’s boundaries and exhibited their refusal to stick to the same old sound.

Overall, Europe’s “Secret Society” is an album full of style and diversification. With its soaring melodies, unyielding guitar riffs, and theatrical flair, it’s clear that Europe has a lot of musical chops to offer. The best tracks on the album show off the band’s ability to craft music that’s fresh and new while still harkening back to their old-school roots. If you’re a fan of classic rock, or even just looking for something fresh, this album is a must-listen.

Overall, Europe’s “Secret Society” is an album full of style and diversification. With its soaring melodies, unyielding guitar riffs, and theatrical flair, it’s clear that Europe has a lot of musical chops to offer. The best tracks on the album show off the band’s ability to craft music that’s fresh and new while still harkening back to their old-school roots. If you’re a fan of classic rock, or even just looking for something fresh, this album is a must-listen.