DEF LEPPARD - Songs From The Sparkle Lounge

Posted: 04/23/08

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Hard Rock

Released: 04/29/08

Label URL: www.ilovethatsong.com

Artist URL:  www.defleppard.com

The title of Def Leppard's new album allegedly comes from a backstage room that they used to write songs and warmup on their last tour.  The cover art is very similar to the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band album.  While I'm not thrilled with the album title (and the album cover), I guess it's good that they got away from titles ending in ia.  That could become limiting I suppose.

Songs From The Sparkle Lounge finds the band melding a bit of their melodic sound with some more contemporary instrumental sounds.  I notice the biggest difference in their guitar rhythms and the percussive approach.  Joe Elliot's vocal range isn't what it used to be so for the most part he delivers everything mid-range, while the harmony backing vocals give the songs that distinct Leppard vibe. 

Here's a quick rundown of the tracks.

• "Go" - the opening track - dang heavy and experimental with its techno vibe and eerie guitar riff

• "Nine Lives" - a catchy chorus driven traditional rock n' roll number featuring country music artist Tim McGraw (not sure what Leppard fan is into him but whatever)

• "C'mon C'mon" is a fun rocker and probably the one song on this record that fits the band the best

• "Love" - while Def Leppard has had great success with ballads over the years, this acoustic ballad is way too sedate and solemn, breaking up the flow of the album

• "Tomorrow" - a safe mid-paced song with those patented Leppard harmonies

• "Cruise Control" - another mid-paced song, slightly techno/alternative sounding

• "Hallucinate" - the band gets back to rockin' on this chorus driven track

• "Only The Good Die Young" - another mid-paced track with a balladesque vibe

• "Bad Actress" - the most raucous track - Leppard can rock out when they put their mind to it, unfortunately they choose not too most of the time

• "Come Undone" - a mid-paced track with a simple guitar rhythm that gives way to those patented harmony vocals

• "Gotta Let It Go" - a song that is slow on the verses but builds to up on the chorus to become a cool rocker

The Bloody Truth:  Def Leppard in 2008 does not sound like Def Leppard in 1984.  Songs From The Sparkle Lounge is not Pyromania Part II, nor is it Hysteria Part II.  Do I wish they'd put forth something with the vibe of Pyromania?  Absolutely.  Many of us do, but it won't happen.  If you can get past these facts, Songs From The Sparkle Lounge has some catchy tunes that fans of hook-driven hard rock can get into.  The album is certainly more mature than their 80s output and there are no songs like "Armageddon It" or "Pour Some Sugar On Me" but "C'mon C'mon," "Nine Lives," "Gotta Let Go," and "Bad Actress" are certainly rocking numbers.  Contemporary sounds/rhythms are featured throughout many of the songs (e.g. "Cruise Control") but the band never strays too far from the choruses and bright guitar leads.