SPOTLIGHT REVIEW by Sandy Serge Def Leppard - X Island 440 063 121-2 Produced by Pete Woodroffe and Def Leppard I was prepared for the new Def Leppard CD "X". After all the hype stating there are no rockers on the new effort and all the tunes were really mellow, I was bracing myself for the worst because I'm not a big ballad fan. So if a ballad starts playing, I usually hit the remote button. When I received "X", I placed it in my player, got my remote ready and gave it a once-over, and you know what? Only 3 of the 13 tunes on "X" are slow-tempo or what I'd consider to be ballads. And those three ballads are very likable. Know why? Because the vocal interpretations combined with the double, even triple guitar solos/riffs, the big production harmonies and the synchronous bass/beat section make Def Leppard's ballads rock, that's why. Joe Elliott's distinctive vocals just get better with time - like a vintage wine seasoned to perfection. There is an element of eroticism or sultriness in this crooner's voice that puts him at the top of his league. It's tough to define - it's almost like a very controlled raspiness interjected at just the right moments in his phrasing. All in all, "X" delivers tunes that ripple right up your backbone and tug at your heartstrings. Joe Elliott's vocal strength; Phil Collen and Viv Campbell's powerful guitar prowess; and Rick Savage and Rick Allen's pulsating rhythm section unite to produce emotive, radio-friendly material that excels as expected. The song arrangements exude the band's overall confidence and capability at articulate renditions supported by state-of-the-art production technology. I think Def Leppard grasped exactly what they aimed for with this album - that is crossover potential - appealing to broad markets across the rock spectrum. As you begin your journey of Def Leppard's "X", the first single "Now" is a moderate tempo tune that befits radio succinctly, written by the band and Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith). "Unbelievable" displays a slower tempo'd music and is of the immeasurable anthemic quality so reminiscent of Def Leppard's balladic signature sound. You find the up-tempo, pop-rockin' "You're so Beautiful" satiating those who wanna get rocked featuring a combined songwriting wizardry by the Frederiksen/Def Leppard team again. Slowing things down only a notch to mid-tempo, enter "Everyday" with its acoustic guitar intro similar to "Two Steps Behind" and catchy moody melody hook we can all sing along with. The harmonies ignite at the chorus to unfurl this tune. "Long Long Way to Go" is another steamy relationship-oriented ballad tipping the songwriting hat to W. Hector and S. Robson. The Def Leppard collaborative songwriting efforts demonstrate some provocative results on the hip "Four Letter Word". Toning it down a bit and then bringing it right back up with some blazing guitar riffs by the Collen-Campbell duo, we arrive at "Torn To Shreds", again with that riveting Def Leppard chorus production propensity. Bass beats by the formidable Rick Savage and Rick Allen will jostle even the most sedentary rock music fans. "Love Don't Lie" has a nice reverb effect throughout as it melds into "Gravity", a tune with riffs similar to "21st Century Sha La La La Girl" adding a George Michael-type twist. "Cry" is cutting-edge adding a monumental guitar force with progressive arrangements. "Girl Like You" riddled with encompassing special effects and injected with strategically placed power chords dashes on into the balladic "Let Me Be The One". "Scar", hinting at chord progressions that emulate erotic musical passages with mystical undertones is the grand finale on this, the latest Def Leppard set. By the end of this audible sense-heightening tour, you will be pleased with the fresh approach Def Leppard has so expertly refined -- an approach that still contains elements of their tenacious, familiar sound. Can any fan ask for more? With radio support, this CD is sure to partner with "Vault" on the Billboard Charts. Visit www.defleppard.com for more info. (end)