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Bag of Bones
Rock · 2012 · 12 tracks · 44m

Bag of Bones

Europe's 2012 album, Bag of Bones, marks a confident evolution into gritty, blues-infused hard rock, shedding their 80s synth-pop image for a more mature, guitar-driven sound. Featuring powerful vocal

April 18, 2012 · Ear Music

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Bag of Bones is the sound of a legendary band confidently embracing their roots while forging a new path. It's a grittier, more blues-soaked Europe, where Joey Tempest's vocals have a weathered, soulful edge and John Norum's guitar work is both powerful and nuanced. Forget the synths of 'The Final Countdown'; this album is all about muscular riffs, driving rhythms, and a palpable sense of classic rock authenticity. It feels like a late-night drive down a dusty road, a cathartic release of energy, or simply a damn good rock album to crank up loud. It's for those who appreciate the raw power and melodic sensibility of 70s and 80s hard rock, delivered with a modern, mature polish.

Tracklist · 12 Tracks · 44m
01
Riches to Rags
3:05
02
Not Supposed to Sing the Blues
5:13
03
Firebox
3:47
04
Bag of Bones
5:31
05
Requiem
0:29
06
My Woman My Friend
4:25
07
Demon Head
3:59
08
Drink and a Smile
2:22
09
Doghouse
3:58
10
Mercy You Mercy Me
4:31
11
Bring It All Home
3:39
12
Beautiful Disaster
3:57
Moments Worth Listening For
The raw, extended guitar solo in 'Bag of Bones' itself, showcasing a more bluesy, less shred-focused approach, full of emotive bends and sustain.
A track like 'My Woman My Friend' where the Hammond organ takes a prominent, soulful role, weaving a rich counter-melody against a driving guitar riff, emphasizing the album's blues-rock shift.
The anthemic chorus of 'Not Supposed to Sing the Blues', where Joey Tempest's vocals soar with a newfound gravelly power, backed by robust harmonies and a powerful rhythm section.
The dynamic shift in a track such as 'Firebox', moving from a sparse, intimate verse with a clean guitar tone to a full-throttle, riff-heavy bridge and chorus.
Reviews

How does Bag of Bones sound next to the rest of Europe's catalogue?

Defiant+1.6σ

Defiant saturates this record notably more than the artist's norm.

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