The first Europe album is dark not cheap. Joey Tempest`s vocals are a bit conservative but I wouldn`t say "bloody horrible". This album is a bit raw and unpolished but that to me is what`s great about it. It has a darkness and rawness to it that they lost after ' The Final Countdown'. I mean the keyboard intro to 'Words of Wisdom' always gives me a chill when I hear it. The riffs by Norum kick ass as well as all the solo`s he plays. The drumming by Tony Reno is excellent filled with big (air drum heaven) fills. John Leven`s bass playing is also very solid like a bass players should be. So besides Joey Tempest`s conservative vocal approach and the decent production, recording, mastering whatever.... this album is raw,dark,unpolished and kicks major ass. For a bunch of teenagers I`d say they did a "bloody" fine job on their first record.


Fan of the 80`s and first Europe album,
Chris