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Def Leppard
Songs From The Sparkle Lounge
(Bludgeon Riffola/
Island/Def Jam Records)
In a time when the much-maligned Classic Rock genre is being almost continuously redefined (let’s face it…the artists and groups of our youth(s) aren’t exactly getting any younger), many once prominent acts that had, for various reasons, slipped from the limelight, have again found themselves the focus of intense renewed interest. Unfortunately, despite even the most sincere of intentions, many of such returns are often marked by substandard releases (i.e. cheap, hastily assembled “cash-in” compilations), less than inspired performances and sporadic touring. This, however, is most definitely not the case with NWOBHM (if you have to freakin’ ask, you’ll never understand) stalwarts Def Leppard. Returning with their first collection of ‘…all new…’ material since 2002’s understandably poorly-received X, the group once again returned to kick our collective asses.
On the stellar Songs From The Sparkle Lounge (2008), an expertly assembled eleven song collection of deftly-executed Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, each track, beginning with the oddly effective, Tim McGraw-fueled title track, and the pleadingly urgent “C’Mon C’Mon”, immediately commands the rapt and undivided attention of even the most hopelessly jaded and unimaginative of listeners, myself most definitely included. Undoubtedly attempting to capitalize on the wealth of momentum initiated with the release of 2006’s ingeniously less than obvious covers compilation Yeah!, each carefully crafted composition is meticulously intertwined with the group’s now trademark blend of soaring vocals, searing fretwork and punishing rhythms, thus continuing to distinguish the Sheffield, England-born act from their few would-be contemporaries.
Continuing with the impossibly emotion-laden “Tomorrow”, and the delightfully Pop-tinged “Hallucinate”, the now legendary combination of vocalist Joe Elliott, guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell (ex-Dio and Whitesnake, Riverdogs), bassist Rick “Sav” Savage and drummer Rick Allen steamroll ahead like the proverbial well-oiled machine they have obviously always been. Wisely balancing the blatant commercialism that personified much of the group’s post-Pyromania catalog with a drastically heightened sense of adventure and experimentation (most notably the previously mentioned collaboration with McGraw and the questionable decision to not work with producer Kevin Shirley), the undeniably passionate fivesome scores major points early and often without entirely abandoning the Platinum-encrusted formula of yore.
Co-produced and mixed by the acclaimed Ronan McHugh (The Almighty, Ian Gillan, and Ricky Warwick, to name only a few) at Elliot’s Dublin, Ireland-based Joe’s Garage, other standouts, including the maddeningly infectious “Bad Actress”, and the equally impressive closer “Gotta Let It Go”, offer a virtual plethora of compelling further sonic evidence in support of the group’s rightful place amid the hierarchy of the Heavy Metal genre. Easily the inexplicably long-running group’s most effective--and thus enjoyable--effort since 1999’s quasi return-to-form Euphoria, the end result of the quintet’s painfully long-overdue efforts, while not necessarily groundbreaking and certainly not revolutionary, ultimately make the deliciously slick behemoth that is the mighty Songs From The Sparkle Lounge one of 2008’s most pleasantly unexpected surprises.
So what can you really expect? Well, it’s definitely not Pyromania, Part II…but then again, that’s kinda the point, now isn’t it? Although one might effectively argue that the group’s already much-celebrated ‘…glory daze…’ are indeed well behind them (Hysteria was, after all, released twenty one freakin’ years ago and this, unfortunately, ain’t On Through The Night), the majority--if not all--of the impressively varied wares contained herein are seemingly guaranteed to thoroughly satisfy both the uninitiated and die-hard completists alike. Thus, if you’ve once again found yourself in search of refreshingly Old School alternative to the overwhelming wealth of ‘Classic Hair Metal’ embarrassments that have so frequently reared their ugly heads as of late, then this, my friends, might just be what the doctor ordered. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Select Discography
Songs From The Sparkle Lounge (2008) ***
Yeah! (2006) ***
Rock Of Ages: The Definitive Collection (2005) ***
Best Of (2004) ***
X (2002) ***
Euphoria (1999) ***
Slang (1996) ***
Vault (1995) ***
Retro Active (1993) ***
Adrenalize (1992) ***
Hysteria (1987) **
Pyromania (1983) **
High ‘N’ Dry (1981) *
On Through The Night (1980) *
* features guitarist Pete Willis
** produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange
*** features guitarist Vivian Campbell