Europe’s last studio album, “Last Look At Eden”, found favour with me and a lot of you and consequently ended at # 12 in our album poll of the year 2009. To come straight to the point, I’m not sure if the new album, “Bag Of Bones”, will do as well. The reason? It’s a far too bluesy affair for the melodic rockers in all of us. Of course the band members may be proud of it and producer Kevin Shirley did an excellent job, but a lot of time is needed to get into the material. Call it back to basics or whatever you want, it takes time to get used to the rawer and bluesier sound of Europe. Having said (or written) that, I have to add that there is still a lot to discover, such as the first single/video “Not Supposed To Sing The Blues”, the touching “My Woman My Friend” or the closing ballad “Bring It All Home”. Your turn now … (CL)
 

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USDHEAD (on 12/08/12) As far as I am concerned this is a natural progression from their past few albums (all of which I also liked). I can understand those with ears closed to anything that is bluesy not liking this, but I think this is a well played, sonically excellent album with a whole raft of strong songs, although nothing to rival 'New Love In Town'...   rkblues (on 11/08/12) I like this album a lot better than a lot of their other recent modern/alt sounding stuff...love the heavy raw bluesy retro vibe...better than the bubble gum keyboard heavy poppy tunes their famous for...always liked their heavier more guitar orientated stuff and this CD rocks.   LeRoux (on 12/06/12) While a lot of young bands try to capture an 80's sound, Europe evolves further and shows attitude. Regarding the music : I liked 'last look at eden' more. fav track : riches to trags   Vlatko (on 10/06/12) Ok! I am a die-hard fan of this band! First era is fabulous,second era is fabulous too! This album had a great reviews I've expected it unpatiently,and I was hoping it can be even better than Last look at eden ( wich I mean is their best record ),but it isn't. It's a great record,no doubt but I gotta feeling that Joey Tempest had let John Norum to lead the band musicially. Too much down tuned riffs,way too much. LLAE was top album without fillers,BoB has some strange songs. I would like to mention Riches to rags,Demon head,Firebox,and mercy you,mercy me as my favourites! Closing ballad is too weak, requiem instrumental is a total filler. 4th album of the new era,I like it as Start from the dark,and secret society,but Last look at eden was their best! I still hope they can do better than this one!   DOMHARD (on 1/06/12) Sincerely a very strange thing ? Too Sad songs and no energy, no spirit. I'm going listening my old fave EUROPE albums !   Jarryguo (on 1/06/12) It´s an big OK sucessor of the more great LLAE but lacks of memorable songs In the middle part ...The end of the road with a pure 70´s feel.Now a return to their roots?!! Great cd anyway and over the top compare to other bands of the genre...   astonbob (on 31/05/12) it's more bluesy 70's, but Europe still deliver great songs.   WOLF 359 (on 31/05/12) 'Bag Of Bones' is Bloody marvelous and with a massive production backing the songs, Europe have returned with a bang. Yeah it don't sound like the 'Final Countdown' and neither should it that album is 26 years in the past, 'Bag Of Bones' is Europe for the year 2012 and beyond - a real Monster.   adolfo (on 31/05/12) Sounds Ok, but not my cup of tea.   spawn71 (on 31/05/12) They've reinvented themselves! This is simply a great classic ROCK record and a slow burner! Give it a chance!   AORNIGE (on 31/05/12) Admittedly not specifically aor/melodic rock but still a mighty fine album nonetheless. Some of the best musicians on the planet and an amazing live band. I'll be in Manchester on November 23. I don't suppose they will ever go down the Final Countdown/Out Of This World Road again?   Frank (on 31/05/12) This doesn't sound like Europe anymore. Plodding, boring songs, not one catchy chorus, just terrible.   Metal Mark (on 31/05/12) I agree with CL that this CD will take several spins to fully appreciate the musical differences from what one might expect from Europe. Took me a bit to get into it, but once there, the Zeppelinesque vibe washes over you...the bluesiness of the whole affair. I like the title track, Not Supposed To Sing The Blues (a touch of 'Kashmir' in there), the raucous Doghouse and Riches To Rags. Give this a shot and you will not be disappointed.

 

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