Bag Of Bones

The thing that impresses me with this band is their ability to evolve with each album they release, and give the listener something that is genuinely different to the last offering. So many bands churn out album after album using the same tired old formula, but not these guys!

With bag of bones the band enlisted the expertise of producer Kevin Shirley ( Aerosmith, Dream Theater, Black Country Communion, Journey, The Black Crowes). The Result is a much more gritty sound than on Last look at Eden, and it certainly seems to suit the distinctly more bluesy vibe on this album. it sounds as if it could have been recorded live, a big part of which is down to he big open live drum sound that was common in a lot 70's production.

The song writing on this album is excellent, the lyrics are well crafted and full of emotion and soul, as is Joey's Vocal performance, which is probably his best on any of their albums since the reunion in 2003. John Norum's guitar playing, as ever, is excellent, but he really does shine on this album in partiuclar. It's obvoius that he is most comfortable when playing blues, and some of the solo work, particularly on the opener "rags to riches", is stunning.

One of my favourtie tracks on this album is "Drink and a smile". for me, it is quite different to anythng I have heard on any of the other albums and Joey's vocal style, as well as the effects used on his voice are very effective.

Other highlights include "Doghouse" which is possibly the most instantly catchy, and the title track "Bag of Bones" which features a guest appearance on slide guitar from Joe Bonamassa.

This is pure classic rock with a lot of soul thrown in, expertly performed by one of the best, and most underated rock bands out there today. Let's hope they can finally put to rest the stigma of "That Song", because if you buy this alubm you will not regret it.

I don't quite get the negativity I'm seeing in some of the reviews here. No, its not Eden. They've already done that. This album stands on its own merits and if you're prepared to give it a chance you won't be dissapointed. Europe have matured as you'd expect after 30 plus years, and so have I as a fan and I like the direction they've taken. It's a solid, melodic, yet expertly crafted classic rock album with some great riffs. There will be many albums released this year that are not as good as this one, and not many that are better. Quality.

I bought this on the basis of hearing "Doghouse" on a free Classic Rock CD but had also read positive reviews about it. It was also only £5 so it was a no-brainer. If you still think of Europe as being a "Final Countdown" and "Carrie" big hair band then don't buy this. The musicianship is superb with John Norum finally managing to show off his talent as a top notch guitarist. His solo albums have always attracted me more than Europe's but on this album his Schenker influences are really noticeable in his mazy lead runs and rhythmn style and acclaim is well overdue. Joey Tempest still looks like Peter Pan and it's hard to believe he's 50. He still has a fantastic voice and his lyrics really hit a chord on some of the numbers. I'm hard pressed to point out any bad songs as they are all excellent. They really do rock right through the full album with the exception of the ubiquitous slower numbers, "Drink And A Smile" and "Bring It all Home" but the highlights are "Demon Head", "Firebox" and "Doghouse". It's a pity they didn't stick to this formula 25 years ago as they would be arena superstars now. At such a giveaway price you have to try it out. Alternatively, catch them on tour this November 2012, you will not be disappointed.