Eleven months after their successful debut across Sweden and Japan, Europe released their sophomore album, Wings Of Tomorrow. It would be a pivotal release, attracting the attention of Epic Records who would offer them an international contract in 1985.
Singer Joey Tempest would state "I think one of the most important albums for the band was Wings of Tomorrow. We were learning how to write songs and John started playing some really cool stuff on the guitar. We became a better band and that was a good period for the band."
However, this doesn't mean the road was clear of troubles. During the first leg of their subsequent tour, drummer Tony Reno would be fired. The band would state the reasoning was for his lack of motivation, and slacking off during rehearsals. He'd be replaced Ian Haugland. Additionally, Mic Michaeli would step in to provide keyboard support during the tours, eventually joining the band full time.
However, before we get there, we have to pause for 1984's Wings Of Tomorrow.
There's definitely a higher quality to the overall sound of the album. I would also agree with Tempest's statement above that there is a lot of cool stuff on the guitar happening. It also, as a whole, inches closer to the overall sound of the forthcoming The Final Countdown album.
With that said, it's not as strong an album as the band's prior debut. Mind you, I didn't hear anything I would say I didn't like. However, there's definitely fewer tracks which stand out in comparison. For me, these included, Stormwind, Open Your Heart, Wings Of Tomorrow, and Wasted Time.
Overall, I'd call this one another hidden gem of the 80's, and echo what I said about the previous release from Europe. If you're a fan of the band's 1986 album, and / or you dig 80's hair band metal, then this one is definitely worth checking out.
As noted above, Europe would end up signing with Epic Records based on the strength of their sophomore release. However, prior to the release of their breakthrough album, they'd first record some tracks for the Swedish film, On The Loose. It's most prominently noteworthy for having an early version of the hit, Rock The Night, which was re-recorded for their 1986 album. The title track would also be added to that album.
For the soundtrack itself, it was only released on vinyl in Sweden. It's relatively cheap to come by, but you can also check it out below.
Sweden would also bring its artists together to record their own We Are The World event, and it would be Joey Tempest who took up the challenge of writing the song. Their contribution, Give Love A Helpin' Hand, was released under the banner, Swedish Metal Aid. Much like the above noted soundtrack, it too was only available on vinyl, but you can check it out down below too.
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS October 15, 1983 |
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS October 15, 1988 |
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