Homeland

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Homeland" by Europe, a track from their 1991 album Prisoners In Paradise, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this nostalgic vibe. This song, a reflective ballad, stands out for its heartfelt lyrics about longing for simpler times and a lost sense of home. According to Lyrics.com, the song captures a wistful memory of summer days by the shoreline, with promises meant to last forever, only to fade with time. In a 2011 biography by guitarist Kee Marcello, he revealed that the album, initially titled Seventh Sign, was rejected by Epic Records in 1990, forcing the band to rework and record new tracks, including "Homeland." Marcello also shared that producer Bob Rock was their first choice but left to work on Metallica’s iconic Black Album, leaving Beau Hill to shape the album’s polished, radio-friendly sound.

Trivia about "Homeland" includes its mixed reception among fans and critics. A review on Sleaze Roxx called it a “dull ballad” salvaged only by Marcello’s emotive guitar solo, which some fans compare to Brian May’s melodic style. Despite the criticism, the song resonates with listeners for its emotional depth, as seen in fan discussions on Europe - The Official Fan Club, where members share how the song evokes personal memories of youth and lost connections. The band’s shift away from the bubblegum pop rock of Prisoners In Paradise after their 2003 reunion suggests they weren’t entirely satisfied with the album’s direction, a sentiment echoed in interviews where Joey Tempest described the era as one where commercial pressures overshadowed their creative vision.

Europe began in Upplands Väsby, Sweden, in 1979, originally under the name Force. Frontman Joey Tempest and guitarist John Norum, along with bassist Peter Olsson and drummer Tony Reno, were teenagers inspired by hard rock giants like Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. According to their official bio on europetheband.com, they honed their craft in local clubs, building a loyal following. Their big break came in 1982 when they won a national rock competition, earning a record deal with Hot Records. Renamed Europe, they released their self-titled debut in 1983, but it was 1986’s The Final Countdown, with its iconic title track, that catapulted them to global fame, selling millions worldwide. Norum’s departure in 1986 due to creative differences led to Kee Marcello joining, shaping the sound of albums like Prisoners In Paradise.

Today, Europe remains active, blending their classic sound with a heavier edge. Fans can connect with them on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. The band frequently shares tour updates and throwback posts, engaging with their dedicated fanbase. For Zoo Freaks wanting more, check out the Europe - The Official Fan Club on Facebook, where fans swap stories, rare photos, and concert experiences. Another great spot is Europe The Band Blog, a fan-run site with detailed discographies and news updates. The Zoo Crew knows these platforms keep the Europe spirit alive, so crank up "Homeland" and join the conversation!