Artist: Def Leppard
Album: Songs from the Sparkle Lounge
Label: Universal
Released:

4 ½ Stars

Reviewed By: Amanda Waschuk (Calgary Correspondent - Canada) 

Categorized as an English heavy metal band, Def Leppard formed in 1977 and were a top-selling band in the 1980s, the era of "hair metal" as lead singer Joe Elliot knows all too well.  On October 25, 2004, Def Leppard accomplished one of the ultimate achievements in music: the Greatest Hits CD.  Now available, is the latest addition to their collection of albums: "Songs from the Sparkle Lounge", which debuted at #5 on The Billboard 200 in America.

I guess since these are songs from the "Sparkle Lounge", it gives the band an excuse to lighten up a bit and make their CD less the heavy metal genre they are a part of and give it more of a pop music twist.

Their hit song "Nine Lives" has been all over the radio and gives the public the sound they want to hear, which for the majority makes it an enjoyable song but for those looking for originality it may be best to not look to radio hits.  This track was co-written and includes vocals by country star Tim McGraw, adding to their journey into the pop genre. 

But I'm not here to bash popular music, as I am most definitely a fan.  It's just necessary to point out to those classic rockers out there that although this is a great pop rock album, it may not be quite as heavy metal as what you were expecting.

On the whole, this CD has great guitar sound paired with awesome vocals to create a well-rounded album.  "C'mon C'mon" and "Only the Good Die Young" are two songs that really caught my ear as possible classics.  Also, the track "Love" is a strong ballad that has made its way onto my iPod playlist as it brings an original and passionate sound with lyrics that are fun to sing along to. 

Check out this legendary band during their North American summer tour including various cities in Ontario, Quebec City, and Winnipeg.  Although they won't be making it west this time around, I hope all you Def Leppard fans were able to catch their last tour during the fall 2007.  That tour was my first Def Leppard experience, but hopefully not my last.
 

Suggested Downloads: "Nine Lives" and "Love"

Track List 
01.        GO
02.        NINE LIVES
03.        C'MON C'MON
04.        LOVE
05.        TOMORROW
06.        CRUISE CONTROL       
07.        HALLUCINATE
08.        ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG
09.        BAD ACTRESS
10.        COME UNDONE
11.        GOTTA LET IT GO