My fave Europe albums are 'Wings Of Tomorrow' and 'Europe'. 'The Final Countdown' has some cool songs but the production is way too wimpy and keyboard-heavy. No wonder Norum left in disgust - his guitars are nowhere near as prominent as they should be.

As for Joey Tempest - never heard his second solo album, but 'A Place To Call Home' is great. Very well written pop/rock not a million miles away from Bon Jovi land but somehow a lot more classy.

I don't doubt there will be a 'real' Europe reunion anytime soon. I think Joey is in a different space now musically and he doesn't need the money either. As much as I love(d) the band - I don't see why every last band on earth HAS to get back together. The magic of 15, 20 years ago can never be dublicated anyway and most reunions happen for money and the results are mostly second-rate (the new Maiden is a only the latest example).