They don’t need to explain themselves by now. Expect Def Leppard, and ‘Def Leppard’ is what you shall receive.
Bands have come, gone, come back and gone again in the time the British rock giants have graced the ranks. Ever the consummate professionals, this eleventh addition to their extensive catalogue is more of the same fantastically contagious anthems you’ll be happy to chant back alongside the classics, should you catch them live before they call it a day.
“Do you really wanna do this now?” asks iconic frontman Joe Elliott in opening lead single ‘Let’s Go’, a storming credit to their near four decade history, as contagious as ever and laced with powerful guitar work from the ever professional Collen and Campbell duo. Punchy and anthemic, ‘Dangerous’ thrusts its chest out with an unforgettably sassy demeanour, offsetting the brooding ‘Man Enough’, contrastingly understated in its seduction.
“Sometimes I feel I don’t belong here, sometimes I just don’t want to feel,” laments ‘We Belong’, an insular and dejected tinge to an otherwise definite ballad. Colliding with the sultry tones and lyrical mastery of ‘Invincible’, consistently timeless electric reflections burst through the way they always have. ‘Sea of Love’ holds its sass and competent groove close to its chest, confidently infused with electric rainbows woven between indomitable drummer Rick Allen’s consistent backing.
‘All Time High’, the “poster boy for bad behaviour” joins the ranks bursting with character, drawing comparison with the acoustically conflicted ‘Battle of My Own’, pulling punches way above the power expected from a band that’s outlived the majority of their generation. ‘Broke ‘n’ Brokenhearted’ emerges unexpectedly optimistic in its beat, threatening to “huff, puff and blow your playhouse down”, anthemic and definitive of their continuing success – it’s nothing revolutionary, but why should it be?
Heartbreaking in its acoustic reflection, ‘Last Dance’ maintains Def Lep’s immortal reputation of ballads meant for tear-jerking no matter what situation you find yourself in. With contrasting intentions, ‘Wings of An Angel’ is rejuvenated and powerful, strengthened by backing vocals that make it worth its weight in gold. Solemnly pleading for a reason to live, ‘Blind Faith’ keeps its eyes wide open and projects a towering swaying melody, proving they haven’t lost an ounce of their ability to cover a broad spectrum of emotional states.
Nearly forty years have passed and Def Leppard’s winning formula is at the forefront of their priorities. Leave your sugar two steps behind, and if this possible swansong truly is the last we hear from them, then it’s a bloody good note to bow out on.
4/5
’Def Leppard’ by Def Leppard is released on 30th October on earMusic.
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Words by Ali Cooper (@AliZombie_)
