Europe

Released when several members of Europe were still teens, 1983’s eponymous <i>Europe</i> came out on the Swedish independent label Hot. Though the band would soon go on to write massive pop metal hits, these early tunes are more aggressive. Like a lot of young hard rock bands, Europe were heavily influenced by Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, but “In the Future to Come,” “Seven Doors Hotel,” and “Boyazont” are good enough to stand out from hundreds of likeminded imitators. Even at this stage, the band boasted an excellent frontman in Joey Tempest, who could embody the heroic life force of “Farewell,” “Children of This Time,” and “Words of Wisdom.” Like a lot of their peers, Europe were over-the-top, but they were also scrappy—and that’s what makes this a winning debut. They acted as though they could conquer the world, and they displayed enough energy and ingenuity to make you believe they could do it.