Def Leppard – Songs From the Sparkle Lounge (2008)
Def Leppard hasn’t been known for hard rock in over two decades. The band moved more towards a pop rock sound ages ago. Fans have been longing for the band to return to the sound that made them famous in the early 80’s. Songs From the Sparkle Lounge isn’t a Pyromania or Hysteria part two, but this album does have some of the heaviest tracks that the band has done in quite a while. The songwriting on this record took a more simplistic approach. Most cuts on Songs From the Sparkle Lounge have an anthemic quality about it. As a result, the lyrics are easy to remember, easy to sing along with, and the band could have their first hit record with new material since 1993’s Retroactive. Yes, the band has had Gold Albums since then, but none of their releases, aside from their Greatest hit compilations, have sold more than a million copies since 1993’s Retroactive.
Those of you fearing that Def Leppard is going to tread down the road that Bon Jovi went down, I can gladly say, they did not. This album has a couple of heavy cuts. Just listen to the first track Go, and you will understand how much of a difference the sound is over the past few records. This is the first album where I have heard Vivian Campbell cut loose on a Def Leppard album, and all I can say is, ITS ABOUT TIME! The band has not jettisoned their pop rock sound on this disc, so the fans of the NWOBHM Def Leppard albums, probably won’t enjoy this record as much. Those of you looking for a disc full of good pop songs, will probably be quite happy with this disc. Songs from the Sparkle Lounge probably has more in common with Adrenalize than any of Def Leppard’s prior work.
Yes, Tim McGraw sings the intro on Nine Lives. His involvement with the song adds absolutely nothing to the song or the record. It is easily a quick marketing grab for Def Leppard, who could draw a few fans from the music buying Country Music audience. Either way it is probably a smart move for the band, especially when most bands are struggling to sell records in 2008.
Like most Def Leppard albums, Songs From the Sparkle Lounge has a power ballad, called Love. This song has more syrup than IHOP. This song has a center part that gives it a Queen like feel to it.
So far my favorite cuts are Go, Cruise Control, Hallucinate and Bad Actress.
Songs From the Sparkle Lounge isn’t a terribly long affair. It clocks in just shy of 40 minutes. This isn’t Def Leppard’s best work, but it is far from their worst. Will this new album be enough to garner new success for Def Leppard? It just might. I had low expectations for this record, and as a result I enjoyed it. I think most of you will too.
You can listen to samples of this album at the Sparkle Lounge Micro site.
Rating:
Track Listing:
Out of 10
1. Go
2. Nine Lives
3. C’mon C’mon
4. Love
5. Tomorrow
6. Cruise Control
7. Hallucinate
8. Only The Good Die Young
9. Bad Actress
10. Come Undone
11. Gotta Let It Go
Def Leppard is:
Joe Elliott – Vocals
Phil Collen – Guitars
Vivian Campbell – Guitars
Rick Allen – Drums
Rick Savage – Bass
Danger Danger - Revolve
Lynch Mob - Smoke and Mirrors
Outloud! -S/T
Stryper - Murder By Pride
Having released one of the all time classic albums “Hysteria” over
20 years ago, and we all know a new studio album can take up to 4 years!! Was it worth it’s wait, a little yes and a little no.This new one does rock a harder, but the only disappointing aspect is it clocks in at just under 40 minutes!! The special edition 2 disc set
is good value as you get a 40 minute review,doco,interviews etc.
I understand the double bill of Whitesnake & Def Leppard has been
amazing.From what i have heard they rock hard, we will have the opportunity to see them soon in Australia, Can’t wait
A masterpiece? Wtf? Well, I’m glad to hear most people are giving this album favorable reviews (with some absolutely glowing!) because with cover art like that, and a title to match, on first glance it looks like a complete Sgt. Pepper’s rip off. In fact, it’s so rediculously blatant a rip off that I will need to be bribed into listening to this with many, many free beers bought for me. I’m sorry people but I call a spade a spade and sometimes I judge books by their shitty covers. A masterpiece? Only time (and Lonely Hearts Clubs) will tell I suppose.
I’ll give the disc a listen, first chance I get!
This is a great album and ranks high with me! “Come on, Come on” has a great beat, “Cruise Control” is dark and edgy, “Hallucinate” and “Nine Lives” are great to listen to. I’m convinced I got my money’s worth on this one, and I’m going to hear them live in August.
Theres always the after-life for GOOD Def Leppard tunes again.
Thanks for the reply Rob.At least I know what thier sound’s gonna be like.And unfortunatly it’s not what I hoped for…I still would like to hear it though.
The new album has more in common with Adrenalize or Euphoria than the older albums. It is pretty good though.
HELLO OUT THERE!!!! Can someone tell me if ‘Leppard is rockin’ like they used to?? Ex:High and Dry, Pyromania
Hey, I love old school Def Leppard!!!But nothing came close to THAT sound they once had.When the “Slang” album came out people said they were rockin again…they weren’t.So ARE THEY REALLY ROCKIN again????
Every song on the new DEF LEPPARD album are greatest hits even before they are released to the radio. I feel sorry for all those people who say they don’t like DEF LEPPARD because they are so narrowminded with prejudice towards DEF LEPPARD and other different forms of music.