Over and Done

Hey Zoo Freaks, let's slide into the bluesy grooves of "Over and Done" by John Norum from his soulful album Play Yard Blues. This track brings that grooving blues riff with a Cream-like vibe, keyboards from Mic Michaeli adding some dreamy layers while John's guitar keeps it steady and heartfelt. Reviewers have pointed out how it channels a bit of Gary Moore's spirit in those bluesier moments, without losing John's signature hard rock trademarks—it's one of those cuts that feels raw yet polished, perfect for reflecting on moving past the heavy stuff. The whole album carries a personal touch, dedicated to his late wife Michelle Meldrum Norum, with their son Jake on the cover, adding that extra layer of emotion to songs like this one about leaving confusion behind and keeping your mind clear.

Fans and writers alike dig how Play Yard Blues mixes upbeat rockers with deeper blues tracks like this, showing John's love for classic influences while delivering fresh energy. In the blues-meets-rock world, it's praised for its balance, with "Over and Done" standing out as a groover that hooks you with its rhythm section and lets John's playing shine through without overdoing it—pure class, man, like a late-night jam that hits the heart.

Now, rewinding to how John Norum got rolling, he was born in Vardø, Norway, but moved as a baby to Upplands Väsby near Stockholm, Sweden, where he grew up soaking in rock from legends like Deep Purple, Kiss, and Elvis. He picked up the guitar around age 10, and by 12 he was already in his first band Dragonfly. Fast forward to the late '70s, he linked up with Joey Tempest to form Force, which became Europe after winning the Swedish Rock-SM contest in '82—John snagged best guitarist, Joey best vocalist. That launched their debut and the massive wave with The Final Countdown, though John stepped away in '86 over creative differences before returning years later. All the while, he's built a killer solo path, blending hard rock and blues, drawing from heroes like Gary Moore and Thin Lizzy, keeping that fiery, melodic style alive.

To stay connected with John's vibe, head over to his official website, vibe on Facebook, though no standout official Instagram or X accounts are lighting up the scene right now—his YouTube channel keeps the tunes flowing too. For fellow travelers sharing the love, check out the Norumaniacs fan club on Facebook or the John Norum Net fan page, where stories, updates, and appreciation keep the fire burning like a never-ending riff.