Europe (2) – The Final Countdown

τα τρεια πρωτα αξιζαν τα αλλα ηταν καπως εκνευριστικα ολο το ιδιο αν δεν ακους ροκ θα σε κουρασει αυτο βαθμολογια 9

Very good pressing! great 80s rock albums. i Recommended it.

Upon signing to a major label, Europe were expected to jettison any idealism of becoming the next Rush and instead pursue, even if it meant sacrificing artistic integrity, commercial success. Joey Tempest possessed all the physical qualities and pop sensibilities of a rock star, though he fell short of the All-American image of Jon Bon Jovi, thus lowering the band's chances of achieving longevity in the US. Nevertheless, 1986's "The Final Countdown" was the band's breakthrough, selling millions of copies globally and receiving thrice-platinum status, a sensational feat they unfortunately failed to repeat with their follow-up, "Out Of This World", which sorely missed an instant classic smash hit as eager, epic and energetic as the synth-dominant title track opening this album. As fiery, empowering and theatrical as the album is, the consistency dips slightly after the opening salvo of not one but three excellent singles. However, this only indicates how shrewd the band were; open with your best material, forcing the listener to patiently await another standout - even if it never arrives, they will still be satisfied with what they have heard. After all, those three singles, "The Final Countdown", "Rock the Night" and "Carrie", are difficult to compete with quality-wise, and are without a doubt the strongest, immediate and radio-friendly tracks on the album. It is often considered a guilty pleasure, but I reject that general opinion due to the proficient musicianship and the unabashedly keyboard-drenched verve of the overall product; the album is a masterpiece of pop metal, particularly in its most passionate, victorious moments. It would be easy to dismiss this album as frivolous fluff, which it is to a degree, but it is well-made fluff that is infinitely more prog rock-inflected than it is given credit for. I would classify it as an essential purchase for any pomp rock or AOR fan.

Rating: 4.5/5

I have a CD pressing that is DIDP 070321. Also has this on the matrix. Can someone identify this?

Christmas of 87, I received a walkman, Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet", and this album on cassette… about 20 years later I began working in the music business. COINCIDENCE???

Well, people should know at least one thing by now - when it comes to pop, few do it better than the Swedes, and this album is a great example. This is almost the prototypical metal "boy band" - very pretty boys, very catchy songs, and very inoffensive overall. Still, there are many far worse things that were born out of the 80's "glam" era, like Trixter, Slaughter, Winger, et al. Give me this record any day over those "glam ballad" bands. At least these guys knew how to have some fun.

So very 80s rock revival. My copy has embossed sleeve and poster included.

bought this looking for the cheesiest 80's "metal" i could find at my record store. I think I succeeded ...

It's not because they're Swedish (or whatever), it's not because they're heavy metal, it's not because they're using a keyboard - it's because they're NOT.

Some of the worst quasi-metal stuff ever released. It is truly a miracle that even the title song itself survives for these guys to cash in on it every time a new TV-compilation CD appears for sale...