Europe
ONE HIT WONDERS, THE TOP TEN
The definition of a one hit wonder is a song that you associate with one band. In the US, a song is defined as a "hit" when you make the top 40, but thats not as fun as getting a number one and not reaching those heights again. This list will display the best example of bands that have been defined and remembered for one song.
10. Cornershop- Brimful Of Asha (Fatboy Slim Remix)
Europe
Swedish rockers Europe, most famous for their classic track ‘The Final Countdown’, were formed in 1979 by vocalist Joey Tempest and guitarist John Norum. The group, who were then named ‘Force’, recorded their first demo just one year later.
They won a nation wide talent contest, catalyzing their success and gaining them a recording contract. Under their new name of Europe, they went on to record two albums, ‘Europe’ and ‘Wings of Tomorrow’, which they toured massively around Scandinavia and Japan.
Europe reached international fame in the 1980’s, with their third album ‘The Final Countdown’, which sold over three million copies in the U.S. The prominent, and now legendary title track, reached reached number one in twenty-four countries. They continued to sell ten million albums worldwide, which makes them the 4th most successful Swedish band of all time.
Two years later Europe emerged again with their fourth album titled “Out of this World”, produced by Ron Nevison (UFO, Thin Lizzy, Heart). This album delivered trademark Europe melodies and inspiring musical arrangements. Also a remarkable success, Europe embarked on a second world tour and were the first international rock-act to perform behind the ‘Bamboo Curtain’ in Bombay, India in front of a 60,000-strong audience.
The follow up to “Out of This World” came two years later. The album titled “Prisoners in Paradise” was inspired by the band’s time residing in L.A. Upon completion of yet another world tour, in 1993 Europe decided to take time out to pursue personal projects and record solo albums.
The band went on a hiatus in 1992, and reunited temporarily for a one-off performance in Stockholm in 1999, later announcing a full reunion in 2003. Since then, the band have released two albums; ‘Start From the Dark’ and ‘Secret Society’, with their latest recording ‘Last Look at Eden’ being released in September 2009.
Carly Page
This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com
