http://www.melodicrock.com/ June 20, 2002 FIRST THOUGHTS ON DEF LEPPARD'S X OPUS: Def Leppard will release their new album X in July. But what's in store for fans eagerly awaiting the new CD? X is Slang 2002 - with a dash of Euphoria and Adrenalize thrown in. X sees Def Leppard modernize their sound for the second time in their recording career, but this time they will not alienate as many fans. In 2002 Def Leppard are older and wiser and it shows in this record. It has a more laid back feel than I anticipated, but it certainly does still rock. Euphoria to X it isn't quite the jump that Adrenalize to Slang was, but it's close. X utilizes production techniques and song styles that are relative to what some mainstream Top 40 acts have done in recent times. This is a modern record, but it isn't a grunge record. Slang remains it's closest relative - both stylistically and song wise, but there is also a fair serve of new Def Leppard here. There's nothing as instantly obvious as the stadium rock anthem Promises, but neither is there any overly alternative tracks like the heavy industrial sound of Slang's opening track Truth? This is a far more matured Def Leppard. It's a mainly uptempo and free flowing album, but it's not an album driven by hard edged guitar. This album has a far more polished approach. X sounds like it was largely written on acoustic guitars, as through the high-tech production and modern pop rock feel, a base of acoustic guitars can be heard on several tracks. Above all, this is a very commercial album. The largely pop/melodic rock approach of the album and high quality of several commercial tracks suggests that X could see the Leps back in favor with radio programmers worldwide. There is at least 5 or 6 tracks that could comfortably fit on any radio format playlist. More thoughts and a final review next week, but for now, here's the album track by track: Now - Very commercial, very moody. Runs from an acoustic/high-tech modern pop intro to a heavier modern rock chorus and progressively heavier verses. Lots of effects, especially within the chorus, but still features acoustic base. Unbelievable - More effects on this mellow, but mostly mid-tempo feel good pop/rock ballad. Lots of vocal layers in the chorus. Another new side to the band, but similar to It's Only Love from Euphoria. You're So Beautiful - The first sign of traditional Def Leppard. Again, very pop/rock and features some more familiar guitar sounds. Monster chorus. The two part chorus lifts the song from sweet to classic. Similar to tracks of Euphoria, with a bonus killer hook. Everyday - This is another mid-tempo track with an acoustic base. The song builds towards the chorus but doesn't go over the top. Rather it's a laid back chorus of sweet layered harmonies. A very catchy song with a very commercial and feel good approach. Another radio hit. Features a soft electric guitar solo. Long, Long Way To Go - Wow...killer...breathtaking. One of the band's best ever ballads. Acoustic, soft and gentle, with a chorus that soars sky high, while retaining all the required sentiment of the song. A monster if radio gets hold of it. I can see why there's also an acoustic version of the song. Four Letter Word - Traditional Leps here - straight off Adrenalize. If this song wasn't written back then, I'd be surprised, but in any regard, this is a mostly up-tempo anthem rocker, without being overly heavy. It still rocks, but the chorus, while staying true to everything Leppard have always been, could maybe have been a little punchier. Torn To Shreds - Bursts into a big wall of modern rock guitars in the style/sound of Slang's Deliver Me and Turn To Dust. Guitars vaporize and a soft acoustic ballad verse is played out. Then that chorus - bang! Huge! A big modern rock /semi-industrial style chorus with great hooks and layers of vocal harmonies! One of the more musically interesting tracks from the album and another possible classic for rock radio. Love Don't Lie - Slang style effects and a modern rock production feel, but basically an acoustic/electric driven Leppard standard. Not bad, but following the last track a little flat and in need of a better hook. Gravity - Another left of center track. Only 2 minutes 30 long and chock full of pop production effects. Similar in approach to that of the title track from Slang and All Night from Euphoria, but more effects and a stronger pop feel. Cool track. Short. Sounds like the most obvious track to involve Swedish songwriters Andreas Carlsson and Per Aldeheim. Cry - Another Slang-like modern rocker with a strong heavy guitar sound. The most alternative style track of the album and a chorus that's different to say the least. Some familiar guitar sounds back in the mix. I don't have songwriter credits yet, but this has to be written with Marti Frederiksen, as this sounds very close to a number of tracks from the last Aerosmith album Just Push Play, which Marti also co-wrote. Girl Like You - Similar to Love Don't Lie. Uptempo, traditional Leps, but with the Slang guitar sound. Softer verse, heavier chorus, Verse is cool, but again in need of a stronger hook in the chorus. Let Me Be The One - Soft intro into this acoustic driven pop rock ballad. One of only a couple of traditional ballads on the album. Nothing new here and perhaps again, in need of a stronger chorus. Scar - Very very very cool track. A future classic amongst long time fans I think. Has the moody delivery of Slang, the drum sound of Hysteria/Adrenalize and a big anthem chorus that is typical of old school Def Leppard. Lots of layers. Close to the style/delivery of I Am Your Child from Euphoria. Kiss The Day - Another cool moody rock track. Shame it's not on every release of the album. It's a better track than Girl Like You and Love Don't Lie combined. Raw hard drum sound mixed with a moody and heavy modern rock/Slang style chorus, while the verse is largely laid back, featuring only the drums and a soft electric guitar. Hope you enjoyed the run down! Give me until next week to finalize my thoughts, but at this stage, the album is sounding better than both Euphoria and Slang.