Europe - Bag of Bones (2012)

Europe - Bag of Bones (2012)

Album Review — Bag of Bones (2012) — Europe

Bag of Bones is the ninth studio album by Swedish rock band Europe, released on April 17, 2012, via Gain Music / Edel / UDR Music. This album marks a heavier and darker turn for Europe, blending blues-infused hard rock, classic melodic elements, and modern production, showcasing the band’s mature songwriting and versatility.

With Bag of Bones, Europe emphasizes raw riffs, groove-laden rhythms, and atmospheric arrangements, reflecting influences from Led Zeppelin, Whitesnake, and early 70s hard rock, while maintaining their signature melodic sensibilities.

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🎶 Tracklist

1. Riches to Rags – 4:44

2. Not Supposed to Sing the Blues – 3:58

3. Bag of Bones – 4:25

4. Love Is Not the Enemy – 4:37

5. Firebox – 3:48

6. My Woman, My Friend – 4:15

7. Nothin’ to Ya – 3:51

8. Doghouse – 4:11

9. Bring It All Home – 3:47

10. Get Your Sting – 4:05

Total length: ~41:41

Hit singles:

• Not Supposed to Sing the Blues – classic Europe blues-rock anthem with catchy hooks

• Bag of Bones – heavy riff-driven track showcasing John Norum’s guitar prowess

• Firebox – darker, groove-heavy rock song

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🧑‍🎤 Album Credits

• Artist: Europe

• Title: Bag of Bones

• Released: April 17, 2012

• Label: Gain Music / Edel / UDR Music

• Producer: Kevin Shirley

Band Members:

• Joey Tempest – vocals, keyboards

• John Norum – guitar

• John Levén – bass

• Ian Haugland – drums

• Mic Michaeli – keyboards

Additional Musicians:

• Kevin Shirley contributed additional production and mixing, ensuring a thick, modern rock sound with blues influences.

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🎸 Musical Style & Highlights

Bag of Bones blends:

• Blues-infused hard rock: Tracks feature groove-driven riffs, bluesy solos, and classic rock structures, a departure from Europe’s 80s arena-rock sound.

• Modern hard rock production: Kevin Shirley’s production emphasizes punchy guitars, dynamic drums, and atmospheric layering.

• Guitar-centric sound: John Norum’s bluesy, expressive solos shine throughout the album, giving it a rawer, more organic feel.

• Melodic hooks: Joey Tempest maintains catchy choruses and vocal melodies, ensuring the album remains accessible despite its darker tone.

Standout tracks include:

• Not Supposed to Sing the Blues – hard-hitting opening track with memorable riffs

• Bag of Bones – heavy, riff-driven anthem showcasing Europe’s new direction

• Firebox – darker, groove-oriented song highlighting the band’s maturity

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📈 Reception & Commercial Performance

• Bag of Bones received strong critical acclaim, praised for:

  • A heavier, blues-inspired sound that feels authentic

  • John Norum’s guitar work and Joey Tempest’s vocals

  • Successful modernized production without losing Europe’s identity

• The album performed well in Europe, reaching high positions on Swedish and Finnish charts.

• Fans welcomed the darker, guitar-driven sound, marking a new chapter in Europe’s post-comeback era.

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🎉 Fun Facts & Trivia

• Heavier sound: Joey Tempest stated that the album was inspired by a desire to return to a rawer, more rock-oriented sound.

• Kevin Shirley collaboration: The producer, known for work with Iron Maiden and Led Zeppelin, helped Europe achieve a thicker, blues-infused rock tone.

• Classic influences: Many tracks draw inspiration from 70s hard rock and blues-rock bands, giving the album a vintage yet modern feel.

• Touring: Europe supported the album with the Bag of Bones Tour, including shows across Europe, Japan, and South America.

• Album artwork: Dark, atmospheric cover reflecting the raw and gritty tone of the music.

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💡 Did You Know?

• Not Supposed to Sing the Blues is considered a return to Europe’s rock roots, combining classic riff-based hard rock with modern production.

• Bag of Bones’ heavier, blues-driven approach set the stage for Europe’s next album, War of Kings (2015), continuing the band’s modern hard rock direction.

• John Norum’s guitar work on this album was widely praised as one of his most expressive post-comeback performances.

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Conclusion

Bag of Bones showcases Europe embracing a heavier, blues-infused hard rock identity while retaining their melodic hooks and arena-ready sensibilities. With standout tracks like Not Supposed to Sing the Blues, Bag of Bones, and Firebox, the album proves that Europe can evolve with maturity, staying relevant and creative decades into their career.

It is an essential listen for fans of modern Europe, demonstrating the band’s commitment to reinvention while honoring their rock legacy.

Europe Full Discography

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