Review 1 of 1

RebeccaDLF writes:

5of 5 Stars

The problem with being THE definitive look and sound of an entire musical generation is the reaction you get when you grow as an artist. "Slang" was not a huge commercial success, and that is a shame. Older Lep fans wanted more of the same old sound - the very thing that kills a band and turns extremely competent musicians into jokes. Def Leppard didn't go that way. Slang is a showpiece of the band's growth as musicians and as a group. It is arguably the best stuff they have ever put out musically - it just wasn't what the fans were expecting. Many fans feared for Def Leppard's future in rock. Were they mellowing out? Aging? Losing touch with their roots? Were they destined to become the next REO Speedwagon? Not a chance. Slang is a forray into a new sound for the band, and their performance is tight and clean in every respect. The Leps had a choice: ride the wave of their 80s glory until they hit the sand, or keep doing what they do best, which is being themselves. Originals. It's all about the music, and Slang is much more than a competent release. It's perhaps the most under-rated and under-appreciated release in the band's career. Lep still rocks the house, but come on! Were they gonna play the same set every night for the next 20 years until nobody shows up to listen? Def Leppard continues to grow as artists, and they can still rock the house with the best of them. They didn't survive their "hair band" pigeon hole - they defied it. As ever, Def Leppard is the geunine article. One of a kind. Slang isn't just another formula release. If you're expecting that, you will be disappointed. It completely escapes me, though, that anyone could give this release a fair ear and NOT think it is an exceptional offering from a resilient band who chose to walk their own path in the beginning, and still chooses their own path today. ROCK ON, Def Leppard!

Nov 3, 2006 05:06:31