Songs From The Sparkle Lounge : Def Leppard : Review : Rolling Stone

In the nineties, when producer Robert “Mutt” Lange disappeared into Switzerland with Shania Twain and dump trucks full of cash, he left Def Leppard stranded. Lange produced and co-wrote their best-selling release Hysteria, and the band tries hard to re-create that album’s magic on Songs From the Sparkle Lounge. “Go,” the opener, has the group’s signature layered vocals, crunching guitars and Seventies glam-rock vibe. But when the fivesome team up with Tim McGraw in a desperate country-crossover attempt on “Nine Lives,” the results aren’t pretty. From there, the band’s on cruise control — especially on the politically tinged “Cruise Control” and the Kansas-style power ballad “Love” — with songs that feel like inferior versions of hits two decades past. Def Leppard show signs of life on the headbanging “Bad Actress,” which takes on the Lindsay Lohans of the world, but it’s clear they’re missing their old producer. We await their 2010 Timbaland-aided comeback.

ANDY GREENE

(Posted: May 1, 2008)

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Review 1 of 6

4of 5 Stars

Rolling Stone Rong!! Your review contends that the separation of producer Mutt Lange had something to do with Def Leppards downfall. I beg to differ. I believe it is societal morons that listen to the crappy music of today (timberlake, britney, winehouse, usher) and of course, not to forget the imbiciles who promote this trash instead of classy, melodic rock like Def Leppard (soapbox). To set the record straight, Nine Lives is currently the #1 classic rock song, and the #12 mainstream rock song. BTW, the album is #30 on billboard, and was #5 last week!!! Take that, Rolling Stone!

May 18, 2008 18:26:33

Review 2 of 6

5of 5 Stars

There are two kinds of people in the world: People Who Love Lepp and Wackadoos. Aw, Andy...C'mon! C'mon! listen again and you too can be converted.

This album is well thought out and delivers. Every song may not appeal to everybody, but there's substance there for Def Leppard fans, and yes, even for the doubtful wackadoos. The piano version of "Love" is inspiring and hey! what's wrong with Kansas!!

If you're a long time DL fan, you gotta have it. You know you do, so if you haven't got it already go get it or download it. If you're new or skeptical, listen to the clips and hear for yourselves.

May 7, 2008 18:05:52

Review 3 of 6

2of 5 Stars

Completely agree with Rolling Stone...Sparkle Lounge is the same Def Leppard we've been listening from years ago!...two or maybe three average good songs and the rest is pretty commercial music...I was wishing for something more mature and less pop...it is a shame that Def Leppard is stuck in that level and just make records to fulfill a contract or to stay in the music news...guys you have talent! please develop a strong cd and not just a fun record that for us, the music lovers, is not fun at all is just the same old song!! so sad!

May 6, 2008 11:10:19

Review 4 of 6

4of 5 Stars

Oh, Rolling Stone, how jaded you are. How out of touch you are. "Songs from the Sparkle Lounge" is a solid, fun record. The operative word here is FUN. Get it? Probably not, but it's your loss. There are six absolutely great tracks (most albums, CDs or whatever you wanna call them these days) are lucky to have even TWO great songs! From the word "GO" (which is DL's kickass, rockin' first track) on - this disc just blazes. "C'mon, C'mon" will be heard in stadiums across the globe. It's just catchy as hell. "Love" is an amazing Leppardized Beatles/Queen ballad that will make women swoon. "Nine Lives" -- well, it just works. Just look at the charts!! It leaves Bon Blow Me's country songs in the dust. Def Lep never, ever gets the proper kudos they deserve. Never. And it's a shame. It's unfortunate that they get lumped in with the Warrants/Poisons/80's hair bands --cause they're not! Not even close. Just listen to Pyromania, Hysteria or High 'n Dry! Classics! But hey, Def Leppard continues to sell out shows all over the world, write catchy tunes in their sleep and let's face it -- they're laughing all the way to the bank. I'm a fan for life and so are millions of others (whether they want to openly admit it or not) Rock on Sheffield!!!

Apr 30, 2008 12:59:17

Review 5 of 6

5of 5 Stars

As usual, Rolling Stone gets the review totally wrong. Everyone, including Rolling Stone, expects Def Leppard to release Hysteria part II with every new album. Get over it! With Songs From The Sparkle Lounge, Def Leppard gives us an album that is fun, fast and rockin. There are some very good songs on here including: Go, Nine Lives, C'mon C'mon, Hullucinate and Bad Actress. The entire album is listenable and quite good. Is it as good as Hysteria? No. Def Leppard will never release anything as good as Hysteria again. Is the album better than the vast majority of rock acts out there today? With out a doubt, yes. Pick up a copy of this album and just enjoy listening to some well written rock n roll. I guess to please Rolling Stone, Def Leppard will have to team up with Justin Timberlake, like every other boring pop act out there, to make a decent album. Get a clue Rolling Stone!

Apr 30, 2008 07:10:42

Review 6 of 6

5of 5 Stars

Sorry Rolling Stone, you got this one wrong. This album is kick-ass rock and roll, and totally worthy of the purchase. If you are a Def Leppard fan this album is what we have been waiting for- great new tunes from one of the best. I bought it, love it, and highly recommend it.

Apr 29, 2008 22:02:29

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