Simon Rushworth
As part of Europe Week we’re dipping into the rushonrock vaults to unearth some classic slabs of early vinyl and we’re kicking off our celebration of Sweden’s hair metal heroes with a look at the timeless ballad, Carrie.
Europe – Carrie (Tempest, Michaeli) b/w Love Chaser (Tempest)
Released: 1987
Format: Limited Edition Silver Vinyl Seven Inch (EUR P2)
Highest UK Chart: 22
Highest US Chart: 3
Album: The Final Countdown (1986)
Producer: Kevin Elson
The Story: A mighty power ballad made for MTV, this was one of the tracks of 1987 – a vintage year for hair metal with the likes of Def Leppard, Whitesnake and Motley Crue jostling for top billing with new kid on the block Joey Tempest. Where The Final Countdown was Europe’s biggest hit in most countries, Carrie trumped it by eight positions in the States and made the band bona fide stars across the Pond. This rare UK edition of the single looks more like a compact disc than a piece of vinyl and comes with the warning that sound quality may not match that found on traditional black vinyl. In our opinion Carrie always sounds great.