Def Leppard - Songs From The Sparkle Lounge
Mercury Records
Hard Rock
11 songs (39:12 )
Release year: 2008
Mercury Records
Reviewed by Storm
Major event

Having been disappointed with Def Leppard's last 3 releases, Slang, Euphoria, and X, I was wondering if they were ever going to release a decent album. When I heard they were coming out with new material, I was skeptical to say the least. Let's face it, their last album was a major stinky fart. I mean come on doing pop from a band that made classics like Hysteria and Pyromania was a major let down and so unbefitting from a band that made major strides in the 80's and early 90's.

Now having listened to their new album, Songs From The Sparkle Lounge (which is named after a backstage section where they rehearse material) I must say I was pleasantly surprised. This album is actually good. In fact I would say this is their best material since Adrenalize. The sound from the album is reminiscent of both Hysteria and Adrenalize with a touch of High 'n' Dry. Songs like Go, Tomorrow and Cruise Control, have that Hysteria feel to it while songs like C'mon C'mon and Bad Actress has an Adrenalize feel to it. Heck even the Tim McGraw duet Nine Lives has its moments. I wasn't sure having a country singer doing a duet with a rock band would work but it's actually a catchy song. Joe Elliott still sings up a storm, although he sounds less passionate than earlier days, he still can sing good. Vivian Campbell and Phil Collen are still a good duo even though the guitar effects of the past are gone they still can chug some decent riffs here and there.

The only 2 things wrong with the album is that it's too short. Clocking in around 39 minutes , the album is just way to short to really enjoy the album. The other disappointing aspect is that although it does return to old sounds of yesteryear , it lacks the energy of earlier albums. There is no Love Bites, White Lightning and Photograph on this album. Songs that I just mentioned had energy that made Def Leppard such a great band. The lack of energetic choruses makes this somewhat pale in comparison with their back catalog but nonetheless it's still a solid release and a lot better than their last 3.

In closing, Def Leppard has returned to fold. Let's hope that they continue of the path they have made with this album and not create another stink bomb like X or Slang.

Killing Songs :
Nine Lives, C'mon C'mon, Tomorrow, Bad Actress
Storm quoted 81 / 100
Other albums by Def Leppard that we have reviewed:
Def Leppard - Hysteria reviewed by Storm and quoted CLASSIC
Def Leppard - Yeah! reviewed by Ben and quoted no quote
Def Leppard - Adrenalize reviewed by Shane and quoted 84 / 100
Def Leppard - X reviewed by Mike and quoted 56 / 100
Def Leppard - High 'n Dry reviewed by Jeff and quoted CLASSIC
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