Def Leppard - Slang
My interest in rock music started roughly around the time of the NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal) which spawned both Iron Maiden and Def Leppard. So I've grown up (maybe I mean old ?) along with Def Leppard, through all the ups and downs in the band.
The last studio album (Adrenalize) was a major disappointment. It was a band sticking to a formula, trying to recreate past glories. The lack of Mutt Lange at the controls and the speed (by Def Leppard standards) with which the new album appeared suggested the band knew it was time for a change. Stories that Leppard had attempted to go grunge and a couple of quick listens to the 'Slang' single on the radio almost stopped me buying this. However, my collection wouldn't feel complete without the latest Leppard album, so I eventually parted with my cash and bought the 6th studio album.
The first couple of tracks justify the Eastern influence in the back cover artwork. Maybe the lads have been listening to Plant and Page ? The current single 'Slang' is the first memorable song. It is best described as a party song, along the lines of 'Let's Get Rocked' off the last album. I've seen some reviews where it has been described as the worst song on the album. I think that title should be reserved for the last song on the album 'Pearl Of Euphoria', which is meant to be the big epic at the end, but which is simply too long.
The rest of the songs fall either into the 'rockers' or 'ballads' categories. The copyright Mutt Lange drums sound is gone and so is the slick production. The rockers sound like Leppard returning to their roots, as I'm reminded of the less sophisticated sound of the first and second albums.
It's the ballads that work best for me. Latter day Leppard ballads have been similar sounding i.e. When Love and Hate Collide and Two Steps Behind. All the ones on 'Slang' owe more to these than say 'Love Bites' from Hysteria.
Although I've written this review of the album, I'm not sure that I've reached a final decision about this one. Yes, it is a welcome departure from the formula. At the moment some of it I like, some I don't. I think I'll have to live with it for a while before I decide.
The version I bought of the album had a bonus CD included. This contains live acoustic versions of some Def Leppard favorites. I found this much more entertaining than 'Slang'. 'Pour Some Sugar On Me' and 'Animal' translate surprisingly well to the acoustic format. The only downside is that Joe's vocals are less than perfect on some tracks. If you're a fan then this CD alone almost justifies spending your money.
Rating : 6
