Little Bit Of Lovin’

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Little Bit of Lovin’" by Europe, a high-energy track from their 1991 album Prisoners In Paradise, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its infectious rock spirit. This song, penned by Joey Tempest and Kee Marcello, captures a raw, romantic swagger with lyrics like “Give a little bit of lovin’ and I’ll treat you right,” evoking a free-spirited, gypsy-like longing for love. One piece of trivia about the track is its place in the album’s shift toward a more polished, radio-friendly sound, reflecting Europe’s attempt to adapt to the changing rock landscape of the early ’90s. In a 1991 interview with Kerrang!, Tempest noted that the band aimed to blend their signature melodic rock with a grittier edge, and “Little Bit of Lovin’” embodies that balance with its driving rhythm and sultry vibe. The song’s lyrics also hint at a personal touch, with Tempest later sharing in a fan Q&A on Europe’s Facebook that the song was inspired by a fleeting romance during a tour, adding a layer of real-life passion to its creation.

Another tidbit comes from a 2017 post on Europe’s X account, where the band celebrated the 25th anniversary of Prisoners In Paradise, sharing a throwback photo of the recording sessions and mentioning that “Little Bit of Lovin’” was one of the first tracks completed. Fans in the comments reminisced about blasting the song on road trips, with one Zoo Freak-like follower calling it “the ultimate cruising anthem.” The track’s music video, available on Europe’s YouTube, features the band rocking out in a dimly lit studio, amplifying its raw, live energy. Interestingly, the song’s production involved famed producer Beau Hill, known for his work with Ratt and Warrant, which gave it a slick, arena-rock polish that some fans on the Europe Fans Facebook group argue makes it a standout, while others prefer the band’s earlier, rawer sound.

Europe began in Upplands Väsby, Sweden, in 1979, originally under the name Force. Teenagers Joey Tempest (vocals), John Norum (guitar), Peter Olsson (bass), and Tony Reno (drums) started jamming in a basement, driven by a shared love for bands like Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. As recounted in a biography on their official website, the band’s big break came in 1982 when they won a national rock competition, earning a record deal with Hot Records. Renaming themselves 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. The album, fueled by Tempest’s soaring vocals and Norum’s blistering riffs, sold millions, establishing Europe as a leading force in melodic rock. Despite lineup changes—Norum left briefly in 1986, replaced by Kee Marcello—the band’s resilience and knack for anthemic hooks kept them thriving, as detailed in a 2015 Classic Rock interview where Tempest reflected on their “never-give-up attitude.”

Today, Europe remains active, with their latest album, Walk the Earth (2017), earning praise for recapturing their classic sound. Fans can stay updated via their official website, where tour dates and merch are posted, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes content and throwback posts. The Europe Fans Facebook group is a vibrant hub for Zoo Freak-style devotees, sharing rare photos, bootlegs, and tour stories. Another fan site, Europe the Band Blog, offers detailed discographies and fan reviews, keeping the spirit of “Little Bit of Lovin’” alive for the global fanbase.