http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/entertainment/stories.nsf/entertainment/B025A8231CD059F586256D3B005F8A77?OpenDocument&headline=Def+Leppard+learns+its+lesson,+plays+it+safe

Def Leppard learns its lesson, plays it safe
Brian Q. Newcomb
Special to the Post-Dispatch
06/05/2003

Def Leppard
"X"
Island Records


Def Leppard pretty much owned the '80s with its multiplatinum successes
"Pyromania" and "Hysteria." But the passage of time hasn't been kind.

In 1996, these quintessential, polished, pop-metal British rockers tried to roll
with the times on "Slang," an album marked by the influence of industrial
rockers Nine Inch Nails.

Modern-rock radio was skeptical, and Def Leppard fans were unequivocal: When it
comes to this band, they definitely want old school.

The band's latest disc, "X," reveals a band that has learned its lesson.

On new singles such as "Now," the power ballad "Long Way to Go" and tracks such
as "You're So Beautiful" and "Four Letter Word," you hear a band that's so
entrenched in its approach that it's become a rut. You hear echoes of hits gone
by in track after track of this effort.

With ace producer Mutt Lange busy elsewhere with the career of his wife, Shania
Twain, the Lep boys are left to their own devices, co-producing with Pete
Woodroffe.

Sonically and musically, they play it safe, and like most consumer-driven
efforts, the end result seems artless and redundant.

But when it comes to giving the fans what they long for, Def Leppard doesn't
simply go through the motions.

On "X," the band members, led by vocalist Joe Elliott, perform like the seasoned
professionals they are.

With a career that's already generated one VH-1 "Behind the Music" special,
these rockers are still ready to pour a little sugar on themselves for the sake
of the fans.

Def Leppard plays at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Family Arena.
Tickets are $36-$46 and available at 314-534-1111.

- Brian Q. Newcomb