The Final Countdown [Bonus Tracks] [Remaster]

Performer: Europe
Engineer: Kevin Elson; Wally Buck
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: Europe: Joey Tempest (vocals); John Norum (guitar); Mic Michaeli (keyboards); John Leven (bass); Ian Haugland (drums). Producer: Kevin Elson. Reissue producer: Jeff Magrid. Recorded at Powerplay Studios, Zurich, Switzerland in 1986 and live at The Hammersmith Odeon, London, England in 1987. Originally released on Epic (40241). Includes liner notes by Diarmuid Quiin. Digitally remastered by Joseph M. Palmaccio (Sony Music Studios, New York, New York). Audio Mixers: Kevin Elson; Wally Buck. Recording information: Fantasy Studios, San Francisco, CA; Mastersound Studios, Atlanta, GA; Powerplay Studios, Zurich, Switerland; Soundtrade Studios, Stockholm, Sweden. One of the most glorious launches in history, the title track for the thrice-platinum The Final Countdown is so bombastically brilliant, such glorious garbage, that this nuclear hair assault could only spew from the vacuous '80s. But the full-tilt follow-up "Rock the Night" rules also: "You know it ain't easy/Running out of thrills." "Carrie" comes off a consummate butane ballad. Meanwhile, the rest of the disc packs so much power that Swedish superheroes Europe get away with all the processed pretension. In fact, the lofty ambition of "Danger on the Track," "Ninja," and "Cherokee" (each as tasty as its title) combines with heated drive and hot delivery to meld The Final Countdown into a unique portrait of propulsive prog and a worthy addition to any hard rock collection. This is the story; this is the legend told by Teutonic guitars and predictable keyboards ringing pure and hurtling through each and every convention perfectly. The quintet's big-boy Epic inaugural, The Final Countdown deftly combines the Valhalla victory of Europe's heroic debut with the American poodle pomposity that devoured the band. You could live without The Final Countdown, but why? ~ Doug Stone One of the most glorious launches in history, the title track for the thrice platinum The Final Countdown, is so bombastically brilliant, such glorious garbage, that this nuclear hair assault could only spew from the vacuous '80s. But full-tilt follow-up "Rock the Night" rules also: "You know it ain't easy/Running out of thrills." Sure, "Carrie" comes off a consummate butane ballad, but her sales figures account for this reissue. Meanwhile, the rest of the disc packs so much power that Swedish superheroes Europe get away with all the processed pretension. In fact, the lofty ambition of "Danger on the Track," "Ninja," and "Cherokee" (each as tasty as its title) combines with heated drive and hot delivery to meld The Final Countdown into a unique portrait of propulsive prog and a worthy addition to any hard rock collection. This is the story; this is the legend told by Teutonic guitars and predictable keyboards ringing pure and hurtling through each and every convention perfectly. Honestly, the tacked-on carbon-copy live cuts won't change your life (all '80s reissues should have a video) and this is such a brilliant feat without 'em. The quintet's big-boy Epic inaugural, The Final Countdown deftly combines the Valhalla victory of Europe's heroic debut with the American poodle pomposity that devoured the band. You could live without The Final Countdown, but why? Now we wait for the first to be remastered. ~ Doug Stone

A band that settles for nothing less than epic grandeur, Europe took pufffy-haired progressive rock to new heights with their smash hit 1986 album THE FINAL COUNTDOWN. One of Sweden's most conspicuous musical exports since ABBA, they dominated their namesake continent with dramatic, keyboard-glazed hard rock anthems. When 1992 and grunge rock struck, Europe was driven underground, but they've never stopped doing what they do best. They remain a proud throwback, with a melodic, life-affirming body of work to their credit. The hair's shorter, the clothes are less outlandish, but the soaring, powerful music's still all Europe.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.25