EUROPE carrie EPC6503546

The Power Ballad Anthem: Europe’s ‘Carrie’ (EPC 650354 6)

Today’s entry looks at one of the most recognizable power ballads of the 1980s. We are examining the 1987 European 12-inch maxi-single for Carrie by Europe, released on Epic with the catalog number EPC 650354 6.

Lighters in the Air

Released at the height of the band’s global superstardom following The Final Countdown, “Carrie” (Side A) showcased the softer side of the Swedish rockers. Co-written by keyboardist Mic Michaeli and vocalist Joey Tempest, the track is a definitive arena rock ballad that became one of their highest-charting hits in the US. The B-side offers a deeper dive into their catalog: “Love Chaser,” another track from the 1986 smash album, sits alongside “Danger On The Track.” The latter is a harder-edged cut taken from their previous 1984 album, Wings of Tomorrow, providing a gritty contrast to the polished A-side.

Maxi-Single Specifics

This release is formatted as a 12-inch, 45 RPM record, ensuring superior audio fidelity for these arena-sized tracks. Manufactured in Holland by CBS, Haarlem, this specific pressing is noted by collectors for a distinct visual detail: the band image on the front sleeve is reversed compared to other variations of the single. It remains a key artifact from the era when Europe ruled the airwaves.