Tag: Let The Children Play

My Sunday Song – “Let The Children Play” by Europe

Published on by 2loud2oldmusic3 Comments

For My Sunday Song #475, we are talking about “Let The Children Play” by the band Europe. Don’t think this is an 80’s Europe song…you’d be wrong. This is a more mature and even better sounding band. The song is from their 2006 album, “Secret Society” which might be one of their best albums EVER!! The song was not a single, but it was one of the best songs on the album, if not the best song on the album. It is the fifth song on the album and when you get to it, you realize just how good this whole thing really is.

The song was written by Joey Tempest and Mic Michaeli even though I’ve seen it basically credited to the whole band too. Regardless, the message is something we all need to hear. We get advice from everyone in our life, our mom, our dad, our siblings and even God. The lyric below says it all…

It’s not where we’re coming from
It’s how we turn from here
We know where we want to go
We just need a line, to get us there.

The best advice is simply let the children play and be kids. Maintain that innocence as long as you can. You can only guide them, give them that line to follow. It is up to them to find their own way. They will make bad decisions along the way. It is how they move from that decision that will make them who they are…good or bad.

The song is a rocker, with some gritty riffs, a killer solo and a driving rhythm section with the bass and drum. John Norum’s guitar are definitely a highlight giving us the melodic feel and great guitar sound. Joey Tempest vocals have never sounded better. He gets stronger as he ages. It is such a powerful, catchy chorus that it sucks you right in. The coolest moment is towards the end when the children’s choir comes in with the chorus. It really ties it all together and leaves you wanting more.

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Europe – ‘Secret Society’ (2006) – Album Review

Published on by 2loud2oldmusic10 Comments

Europe is a band that has been tied down by it’s massive hit “The Final Countdown”in my opinion. That time is also considered the classic line-up of the band. Shortly after the success of that album, lead guitarist John Norum up and left the band. It was a shock to many. He spent time working on solo material and with Don Dokken. The band would go on to make a couple more albums and then disappeared for the rest of the 90’s. In 2003, the so-called classic line-up got back together and John Norum was along for the ride. Joey Tempest, John Norum, Jon Leven, Mic Michaeli and Ian Haugland were back and in a big way.

Why do focus on John Norum so much, well, it his guitar playing that is so amazing. Yes, Joey Tempest is the voice and the principal song writer, but the two albums after ‘The Final Countdown’, though great, were missing something. Norum has a way with the guitar. It can be extremely heavy, but there is always a great melody to it and a style all his own. For me, it was the missing piece in this band being the best they can be.

In 2004, the band released their comeback album, ‘Start from the Dark’ and it was a reinvention of the band. It was a more modern, more raw sound than anyone was used to hearing from them. And it was great. But great wasn’t good enough for Europe. They had to outdo that album and they did that and then some. In 2006, the band released ‘Secret Society’ and probably delivered their best album…EVER! I finally picked up the CD and I haven’t put it down. It has been on constant rotation for about a month now and it gets better and better with every listen. There are no skippable tracks, no weak spots and the guitar playing? Well, John Norum will make you stop and take notice. In fact, the whole band is on fire with this one.

The opening track, “Secret Society” comes out of the gate swinging. The heavy bass lines, the down-tuned guitars and a pounding drum beat all exploding at you with full force. Joey still sounds amazing, such a distinct voice and so melodic. The riffs by Norum flow magically from his fingers. And the keyboards, so well done by Michaeli. Understated, yet so effective.

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