TEMPEST, JOEY azalea place POCP-7233
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Artist = TEMPEST, JOEY
Title = azalea place
Label = POLYDOR/POLAR
Catalog# = POCP-7233
Barcode = 4988005199553
Release = JAPAN
Year = 1997
RPM =
Disc Size = 5"
Number of Discs = 1
Mono/Stereo = stereo
14trk, 2bonus track (13.new beginning 14.new year's eve) for japan only, 2nd solo album, ex.europe
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A New Place to Call Home: Joey Tempest’s ‘Azalea Place’ (POCP-7233)
Today’s entry spotlights the second solo studio album from the voice of Europe, Joey Tempest. We are looking at the 1997 Japanese pressing of “Azalea Place,” released on the Polydor label with the catalog number POCP-7233. This particular copy includes the original obi strip.
Released on June 4, 1997, during the hiatus of his main band, this album sees Tempest continuing the singer-songwriter path he started on his solo debut. Recorded in Nashville and produced by Richard Dodd (known for his work with Tom Petty and The Traveling Wilburys), the sound is a stark departure from the hard rock and heavy metal of Europe. Instead, it explores polished pop-rock, folk, and country influences, with a strong focus on storytelling and organic instrumentation.
The album is often described as having a “diary-like” quality, with Tempest singing in a more restrained, emotional style compared to his arena rock days. Highlights include the opening track “The Match” with its distinct guitar sound, the Spanish/flamenco-tinged “Dance For You,” and the melancholic beauty of “Losing You Again,” which features a standout keyboard solo. The ballad “Lucky” is also frequently cited by fans as a hidden masterpiece.
For collectors, this Japanese edition is the definitive version. It features two exclusive bonus tracks not found on standard international releases: “New Beginning” and “New Year’s Eve” (the latter noted for a surprising reggae influence), bringing the total tracklist to 14 songs. POCP-7233 documents a fascinating period of artistic growth for the Swedish rock icon, proving his melodic genius transcends genre boundaries.