Artist: Europe Album: The Final Countdown

Year: 1986
Duration: 39:55

A Critical Review of the Album: The Final Countdown by Europe

The 80s were a decade of great musical experimentation and significant growth in the music industry. One of the iconic bands that emerged during this period is Europe, a Swedish rock band. The band's most notable album, The Final Countdown, was released in May 1986 and was a huge success. The album's title track topped charts across the world, and the band became a global sensation.

In this post, we will examine the album The Final Countdown, its genre, the history of Europe, and its significance. We will also rank the top songs of the album and discuss its innovative parts. Lastly, we will provide a critical analysis of the album.

Europe was formed in 1979 in Upplands Väsby, Sweden. The band was initially known as Force, and it wasn't until 1982 that they changed their name to Europe. The band members included Joey Tempest on vocals, John Norum on guitar, John Levén on bass, Mic Michaeli on keyboards, and Ian Haugland on drums. The band initially played a mixture of blues and rock but later moved towards a more pop-heavy sound.

The Final Countdown album is a mix of glam rock, progressive metal, and some pop influences. The album's title track starts with a synthesizer riff that immediately catches the listener's attention. The song was a massive hit and became Europe's signature song. The album has nine tracks and boasts an unprecedented sound mixing electronic and classical influences.

The best songs on the album, after the title track, are Rock the Night, Carrie, and Cherokee. Each song has a unique sound and a memorable melody that appeals to listeners. Rock the Night is a quintessential rock song with headbanging energy. Carrie is a power ballad and showcases Joey Tempest's voice. Cherokee takes the listener on a journey with its storyline and musical arrangement.

The most innovative part of the album is its combination of electronic and classical music. The song The Final Countdown has a synthesizer riff that is memorable and represents the album's overall style. The album also includes a cover of John Lennon's Imagine, which showcases the band's versatility.

In retrospect, the album may have been criticized for its repetitive guitar riffs and lack of significant variations. While the album was a commercial success, some critics viewed the band as a typical glam rock band with a catchy gimmick.

Europe's The Final Countdown album is a significant contribution to the rock genre and highly innovative in its electronic and classical mix. Its title track is a classic anthem and represents the band's talent. The album has multiple memorable melodies and showcases Joey Tempest's excellent singing. While some may criticize the album for its repetitive guitar riffs, it remains a hallmark of the '80s. Overall, it is an album that every rock enthusiast should listen to and appreciate.