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Review: Def Leppard Are Back On Top With 'X'

7-29-2002 - 9:26 AM

By Malcolm Michaels

"X", Def Leppard's brand new album isn't what I expected... And that's a good
thing.

During the 90's, Def Leppard seemingly tried to please every genre of music
fans. It didn't work. Now in 2002, the band has written a pop-rock album (with
more emphasis on pop) and it's one of their best albums ever. "X" is full of
great hooks and brilliant songwriting while still containing that sonic boom
that put Def Leppard on top during the 80's.

With "X", the band has squarely aimed their sites on competing with not only
80's contemporaries still making music (Bon Jovi & Aerosmith), yet current
artists like Puddle Of Mudd, Pink and Creed. And they've succeeded.

Promotion is in full swing right now for the band including teaming up with eBay
and VH1 to offer fans a chance to bid on more than 20 Def Leppard items. The
items will include a guitar lesson, the union jack t-shirt featured in the "Now"
video and signed by all five members of the band, dinner with the band and much
more. Proceeds from the auction will benefit VH1's "Save The Music" foundation.
You can check out the auction at eBay.com/defleppard.

"X" is easily Def Leppard's best album since 1988's "Hysteria". The most amazing
aspect of the album is the songwriting and production. Obviously working with
outside songwriters and producers (Marti Frederiksen, Andreas Carlsson & Per
Aldeheim) raised the bar for the band.

Def Leppard has always been in the shadow of former producer Robert John 'Mutt'
Lange. With this album they'll get their due as outstanding songwriters. From
the simple Torn To Shreds to the pop-hook filled Girl Like You, Def Leppard have
written their best material as a band.

During the first five songs on "X", Def Leppard comes out swinging with the
strongest tracks off the album. From the hooky and modern first single Now to
the monster ballad Long, Long Way To Go, the band are at their best. The latter
may be the best ballad to hit radio in a long time. The thing to remember about
great ballads is that they don't seem like ballads. Both Long, Long Way To Go
and Unbelievable fit that format, while still holding on to the signature
heart-wrenching harmonies Def Leppard have been known for in the past.

Other highlights from the album include Everyday, a song that seemingly mixes
Def Leppard's 1983 hit Photograph with a bit of Cheap Trick and the modern sound
of the Goo Goo Dolls.

In addition, Torn To Shreds is one of the simplest Def Leppard songs ever and
one of the best. Cry will surprise long-time Leppard fans, yet it works and
would fit nicely at Alternative Rock radio if the format would give it a chance.
And finally, Girl Like You is a great modern pop radio track and a potential
single.

It is amazing that "X" contains not one or two, yet 10 potential singles
including the well-written and radio friendly tracks, You're So Beautiful, Love
Don't Lie and Gravity. Hysteria, anyone?

It is hoped the band will support this album live by playing six or more songs
in concert from the CD, something the band didn't do for their last two albums.

Joe Elliott (who's voice has never sounded better), Rick Allen, Vivian Campbell,
Rick Savage and Phil Collen have created pure ear candy and one of the best
albums of the year. To paraphrase Def Leppard's first single Now, "if it's great
music you're craving, X is worth saving."


Label: Island Records
Release Date: July 30, 2002
Producer: Pete Woodroffe & Various
Track List: Now - Unbelievable - You're So Beautiful - Everyday - Long, Long Way
To Go - Four Letter Word - Torn To Shreds - Love Don't Lie - Gravity - Cry -
Girl Like You - Let Me Be The One - Scar
Rating: 9 out of 10