Album Review — Out of This World (1988) — Europe
Out of This World is the fourth studio album by Swedish rock band Europe, released on August 5, 1988, via Epic Records. Following the massive success of The Final Countdown (1986), this album saw Europe striving to balance commercial appeal with their hard rock roots, producing a collection of melodic rock anthems, power ballads, and arena-ready tracks.
The album represents the band at a creative peak, showcasing tight musicianship, polished production, and strong songwriting, while expanding their sonic palette with synths, guitar harmonies, and layered arrangements.
πΆ Tracklist
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Superstitious – 4:28
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Got Your Mind in the Gutter – 3:40
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Let the Good Times Rock – 4:00
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Open Your Heart – 4:10
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Danger on the Track – 4:15
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More Than Meets the Eye – 4:35
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Coast to Coast – 3:42
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Just the Beginning – 4:05
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Turn to Dust – 4:18
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Tomorrow – 4:45
Total length: ~42:00
Hit singles:
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Superstitious – charted in multiple European countries and the US, became a staple on rock radio
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Open Your Heart – another successful single with a catchy chorus and arena-rock sensibility
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Let the Good Times Rock – upbeat, crowd-pleasing track
π§π€ Album Credits
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Artist: Europe
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Title: Out of This World
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Released: August 5, 1988
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Label: Epic Records
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Producer: Ron Nevison
Band Members:
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Joey Tempest – vocals, keyboards
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John Norum – guitar (brief guest contributions; some tracks feature replacement guitarist)
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John LevΓ©n – bass
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Ian Haugland – drums
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Mic Michaeli – keyboards
Additional Musicians:
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Session backing vocals, keyboards, and string arrangements contributed to the polished, radio-friendly production.
πΈ Musical Style & Highlights
Out of This World blends:
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Arena rock & melodic metal: The album emphasizes anthemic choruses, layered guitars, and soaring vocals, ideal for stadium performances.
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Polished production: Ron Nevison’s production delivers crystal-clear sound, more commercial and radio-ready than previous albums.
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Power ballads: Tracks like More Than Meets the Eye and Tomorrow highlight Europe’s ability to craft emotional, melodic songs alongside upbeat rockers.
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Guitar and synth balance: John Norum’s solos and Mic Michaeli’s keyboards are prominent yet harmonious, showcasing the band’s evolved sound.
Standout tracks include:
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Superstitious – fast-paced, memorable riffs, and powerful chorus
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Open Your Heart – melodic anthem with catchy hooks
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Let the Good Times Rock – lighthearted, fun, and energetic track
π Reception & Commercial Performance
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Out of This World sold over 3 million copies worldwide, a commercial success though less than The Final Countdown.
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The album charted well in Europe, Japan, and the US, cementing Europe’s status as an international melodic rock band.
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Critics noted:
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The album’s tight production and catchy melodies
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Some tracks were seen as too commercial, but the musicianship remained strong
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Legacy: Though not as iconic as The Final Countdown, the album is recognized for keeping Europe relevant in the late 1980s rock scene.
π Fun Facts & Trivia
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Title inspiration: The album title reflects the band’s desire to explore new musical territories and bigger, more cinematic sounds.
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Music videos: Videos for Superstitious and Open Your Heart received heavy MTV rotation, boosting the band’s profile.
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John Norum’s limited involvement: Guitarist John Norum contributed less heavily than on previous albums, leading to more session guitarists on some tracks.
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Touring: The Out of This World Tour included arenas across Europe, the US, and Japan, helping solidify the band’s global fanbase.
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Collaborative songwriting: Joey Tempest continued to be the primary songwriter, with contributions from other band members on select tracks.
π‘ Did You Know?
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Superstitious was written about human beliefs and irrational fears, a theme Joey Tempest explored in his lyrics.
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Open Your Heart became a concert staple, often performed with extended guitar solos and crowd sing-alongs.
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The album shows the band’s transition from raw 80s metal to polished arena rock, bridging the sound of the 1980s with the emerging 1990s rock scene.
Conclusion
Out of This World demonstrates Europe’s mature sound, polished production, and melodic rock expertise following the global success of The Final Countdown. With hits like Superstitious, Open Your Heart, and Let the Good Times Rock, the album reinforces Europe’s arena-ready style and melodic metal credentials. While it may not have the cultural impact of its predecessor, it remains an essential chapter in Europe’s discography, showcasing the band at a creative and commercial peak in the late 1980s.