EUROPE: Wings Of Tomorrow (HARD ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

After the success of their first album, Europe wastes no time and comes back the following year with "Wings Of Tomorrow". The numerous concerts given in the meantime seem to have greatly matured the band because this new opus is much better than its predecessor. Tony Reno (drums) has given up his seat to Ian Haughland and Mic Michaeli also makes an appearance, although his integration into the band is not official until the tour that follows the release of this record.

Still evolving in a very melodic Hard Rock but with quite high tempos, the band seems to have passed a milestone in terms of maturity and composition. Once again, we are very far from the image that sticks to the band since the "The Final Countdown". Although very melodious, the music of the Swedes is here very punchy and very direct. Thus, from the first two tracks, "Stormwind" and especially the almost 'speed' "Scream Of Anger", the tone is given.

Of course, the band also gives in ballads, but these two are simply magnificent. "Dreamer" and "Open Your Heart" are two little nuggets, full of emotion, class and sobriety, which are propelled to the firmament of romantic songs thanks to the superb voice of Joey Tempest and the inspired solos of John Norum. It should be noted that considering the enormous potential of "Open Your Heart", the band will re-record this track four years later in a more orchestrated version on the album "Out Of This World".

Another highlight of this album is the instrumental "Aphasia" in which John Norum acquires his status of great guitarist. A bit in the same vein as Def Leppard's "Switch 625", but more melodic, this track is a real success. Wasted Times", "Lyin' Eyes" and "Dance The Night Away" are also three very good tracks that definitely put this album in the Heavy Metal category. The production, although sober, is very correct and allows the different musicians, even if the vocals are clearly put forward, to shine. For all that, if the rhythmic section is well in place, with the exception of "Dreamer", the keyboards are very discreet.

Europe realizes there a faultless by using however almost no artifice, the watchwords being sobriety and simplicity. But Joey Tempest's talents as a composer (the only composer of eight of the ten tracks), combined with a very high level of vocals/guitar pairing, make this "Wings Of Tomorrow" a success that can only satisfy the melodic heavy music lovers. Moreover, "Wings Of Tomorrow" marks the end of the age of innocence of the band. We are light years away from "The Final Countdown" (another very good album), which will see the harmony of the Swedes shattering and the band going on a significantly different path in terms of artistic approach. - Official website

EUROPE

WINGS OF TOMORROW

CBS

HARD ROCK