Let It Sparkle
When it comes to Def Leppard I have a huge dollop of respect. Growing up, the Leps were one of my favourite bands along with Iron Maiden and Dio, but of course in those days there wasn't as many bands to choose from. Up until the album 'Hysteria', Def Leppard were a quality heavy rock band who released three stunning albums, the stand out being 'High And Dry', which is still in my top 20 albums of all time. But of course this is just my opinion and millions would disagree, but we'd all agree that 'Hysteria' is genuine classic rock album that deserves its place on music's wall of fame. When 'Adrenalize' finally hit the shops the music scene had changed, and Def Leppard had released an album that was a watered down version of their previous effort even though it sold pretty well (7 Million). Since then they've been cast aside, probably unfairly, into the classic rock mags considered too out of touch for the cutting edge media. Albums such as the poppy 'X' and their greatest hits, b-sides etc…didn't do them any favours and it was as if the Leppard tank had run dry. Thankfully, however, the band have made a real rock album which could see them cement themselves as rock royalty.
You have to commend the Leps. They've been through a lot over the past 28 years and they've stuck together through thick and thin. Although my musical taste prefers the edginess of their early releases, I can't deny that 'Songs From The Sparkle Lounge' surprised me. I was expecting something wet and feeble not knowing that waiting for me was a respectable modern rock album. It doesn't come close to the beloved 'High And Dry' but then again the band aren't the energetic teenagers they once were. But opening tune 'Go' does take me back to those times as it’s the most attitude filled song I've heard from this camp since 1983. Although the rest album doesn't live up to the energy of the first track, songs such as 'C'mon C'mon' and 'Bad Actress' do get the foot tapping and head nodding in acknowledgement that Def Leppard have finally written the album that should've followed Hysteria.
The single 'Nine Lives' written in collaboration with Tim McGraw is a take it or leave it moment. I chose to leave it and move quickly on to 'Love,' which sounds like it's going to be a sugary load of old toss. But its mellow start soon opens out into a mini and well-written epic that genuinely surprises. The Vivian Campell penned 'Cruise Control' has an excellent groove to it and 'Tomorrow' is an obvious follow up single complete with 'Ooo Ooos'. The production is bright and exciting which helps get the most from every note. The Def Leppard trademark layered vocals are still present, yet it's Rick Allen's acoustic sounding kit that really helps this album. Gone are the biscuit tin sounds and electronic toms giving the overall sound more of an edge and rawness that's been missing for years.
'Songs From The Sparkle Lounge' is a genuine surprise. I didn't think Leppard were capable of making such an album anymore. I am glad to proven wrong. Even though this reviewer has moved on to musical pastures new, it's heart warming to hear that a band that got him through those difficult teenage years still have the ability produce the goods. Fans of Def Leppard should be wetting themselves at this release, and those who had given up on them years ago (myself included) may just want to give this a listen.