Europe – Last Look At Eden

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Just over a month after associated costs were wasted on the pointless release of the identically named EP this is the fully fledged Last Look At Eden, two years after low-profile last album Secret Society. Packed with Schenker-esque grooving riffs and a soul-less ballad count of just two (one of which closes the album on a disappointing whimper), this is easily the best of the second-period Europe material to date. Still as heavy as the last two records, but with some different directions which make it a more interesting album over all. In particular the modern-day Queensrÿche of No Stone Unturned and previously issued U Devil U, Slave To The System grunge-groove on The Beast and Mojito Girl and David Coverdale vocal melodies on an anthemic Run With The Angels. Even the title track, already a strong song, is given a grander feel by the stirring intro piece Prelude. Only New Love In Town and In My Time disappoint (perhaps not the right word, they are the ballads), but even then the outro soloing on In My Time is as good as any other on the album. Going so far as to say this is possibly the best album of their career doesn’t feel unreasonable.

Written by Andy Lye
More: Albums, Hard Rock, Quick.Play Reviews, Europe