Europe - Out of this World 12" Vinyl LP Album

Alright, you glam-hungry heathens, strap in for a wild ride through the sonic stratosphere of 1988, where hairspray fumes mingle with the intoxicating scent of ambition. Europe, those Swedish sirens of melodic rock, were back with "Out of This World," a twelve-inch slab of vinyl that aimed for the stars but ultimately crash-landed in a sea of compromised commercialism.

Now, don't get me wrong, kids. This ain't no sonic disaster we're dealing with here. There are moments of brilliance, flashes of the fiery energy that made Europe a household name with their anthemic predecessor, "The Final Countdown." But alas, those moments are fleeting, overshadowed by a pervasive sense of caution, a calculated attempt to appease the fickle gods of mainstream radio.

Gone are the days of unbridled excess, the leather-clad swagger that once defined the band's aesthetic. In its place, we find a more polished, streamlined sound, courtesy of producer Ron Nevison, a man known for his work with the likes of Heart and Ozzy Osbourne. The result is a collection of songs that are undeniably catchy, especially the hits "Superstitious" and "Open Your Heart", but lack the raw, visceral energy that made Europe's earlier work so exhilarating.

Kee Marcello, the band's new guitarist replacing John Norum, brings a fresh perspective to the proceedings, his playing infused with bluesy swagger and a touch of southern rock grit. But even his undeniable talent can't fully compensate for the album's overall lack of bite. The songs, while undeniably well-crafted, feel safe, predictable, as if the band is more concerned with maintaining their chart success than pushing the boundaries of their sound.

Kee Marcello joined Europe in 1986 after guitarist John Norum left the band. Several factors led to this: a prior successful collaboration with vocalist Joey Tempest. Marcello had previously worked with Europe's vocalist Joey Tempest on the song "Give a Helpin' Hand" for the Swedish Metal Aid charity project. This collaboration established a positive working relationship between them. Marcello was already a well-respected guitarist in Sweden, having played in bands like Easy Action. His skill and experience made him a suitable candidate for Europe.

This is not to say that "Out of This World" is a complete failure. Tracks like the aforementioned hits are undeniable earworms, destined to be blasted from car stereos and boomboxes across the globe. But for those of us who yearn for the unadulterated adrenaline rush of Europe's earlier work, this album ultimately leaves us wanting more. It's a testament to the perils of commercial success, a cautionary tale of a band sacrificing their artistic integrity on the altar of mainstream acceptance. The album cover itself, featuring a spaceship leaving earth, became iconic as a visual representation of the band's desire to explore new sounds and reach a wider audience.

In a move that shocked fans and left many scratching their heads, John Norum, Europe's founding guitarist and riff-meister extraordinaire, was conspicuously absent from "Out of This World." The official reason given was "creative differences," but rumors swirled of personality clashes and disagreements over the band's musical direction. Whatever the truth, Norum's departure left a gaping hole in Europe's sound, one that new guitarist Kee Marcello, while undoubtedly talented, couldn't fully fill.