EUROPE

Some bands live off past glories, other bands progress and mature over time. It would be easy for Europe to do the former with 'that' song and some journos would even have you believe that to be the case. However, those who've bothered to follow the band's career, particularly in more recent years, will realise that the Swedes have become a finely honed contemporary rock band with an aptitude for creating some seriously infectious, hook-imbued tunes that are as good as, if not better, than their better known material of yore. Their most recent studio album, 'Last Look at Eden', was proof of such, and with the imminent release of its successor, 'Bag of Bones', on 30th April, here we have but a mere taster, in the form of single 'Not Supposed to Sing the Blues'. A mid-tempo number, it showcases the band's more laidback side, and pertains to a classic rock paradigm with subtle sympho infusions. Joey Tempest's voice is as magnificent as it ever is, one of those vocalists who's indubitably matured over time, and John Norum's wah-flavoured solo work is up to his usual high standard of fretboard widdling. Produced by famed knob twiddler Kevin Shirley, it sounds great too so all fares well for the forthcoming album. Great stuff once again from a seminal band.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

earMUSIC

Single

NOT SUPPOSED TO SING THE BLUES

Review by Mark Holmes

RUNNING TIME:

4:19

RELEASE DATE:

9th March 2012

TRACK LISTING

1) Not Supposed to Sing the Blues

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Sweden

"...it showcases the band's more laidback side, and pertains to a classic rock paradigm with subtle sympho infusions."