Is Bag of Bones a good place to start with Europe?

Yes, Bag of Bones is recommended as a starting point for new Europe listeners. A gritty blend of hard rock and blues-infused melodies that showcases Europe’s enduring spirit and musical evolution. By the time 'Bag of Bones' was released in 2012, Europe had already experienced a significant resurgence since their reunion in 2003. This album marked their ninth studio effort, following the critically acclaimed 'Last Look at Eden' from 2009, solidifying their position in the contemporary rock scene while exploring deeper lyrical themes and a heavier sound.

Who is Bag of Bones for?

Bag of Bones works well if you're into steady pacing with varied intensity, gritty melodies for evening drives and reflective moments with friends.

How many songs are on Bag of Bones?

Bag of Bones has 12 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Bag of Bones

Europe · 2012

44 min · 12 tracks · hard rock

A gritty blend of hard rock and blues-infused melodies that showcases Europe’s enduring spirit and musical evolution.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Riches to Rags Start here — Opening with a driving rhythm and powerful vocals, this track sets the tone for the album's thematic exploration of struggle and resilience.
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Not Supposed to Sing the Blues — This song combines classic rock influences with poignant lyrics, showcasing Europe's ability to bridge genres while maintaining emotional depth.
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Bag of Bones — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, featuring a powerful chorus that reflects themes of vulnerability and strength amidst life's challenges.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends hard rock and blues elements effectively but lacks standout compositions throughout.

What we noticed

The first three tracks maintain a driving tempo with prominent guitar riffs, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
Several songs feature extended instrumental sections that highlight the band's musicianship, particularly in guitar solos.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing with varied intensity
gritty melodies for evening drives
reflective moments with friends
engaging narratives throughout the album

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, instant gratification
seek standalone tracks exclusively

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows Europe's return to hard rock roots after earlier experimentation.
Themes: struggle and resilience· blues-infused rock· vulnerability in strength
Career context: By the time 'Bag of Bones' was released in 2012, Europe had already experienced a significant resurgence since their reunion in 2003. This album marked their ninth studio effort, following the critically acclaimed 'Last Look at Eden' from 2009, solidifying their position in the contemporary rock scene while exploring deeper lyrical themes and a heavier sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Def Leppard· Bon Jovi· Scorpions