In the mid-1980s, Swedish hard rock band Europe exploded onto the global music scene. Led by vocalist Joey Tempest, the band’s 1986 album, The Final Countdown, became a worldwide smash, with the title track reaching #1 in 25 countries. The album’s power ballad, “Carrie,” also became a major hit. This period saw them become one of the biggest rock acts in the world, touring extensively and releasing the successful follow-up album, Out of This World, in 1988. Their sound blended melodic hard rock with keyboard-driven hooks, defining the era’s sound.