DEF LEPPARD:

"I got something to say ... It's better to burn out, than fade away ..." - "Rock of Ages"

For a relatively brief period of time in the middle/late 1980s, Def Leppard was - without a doubt - one of the biggest bands on the planet.

Seemingly every time you turned on a radio (or MTV) you heard one of their songs — "Rock of Ages," "Photograph," "Hysteria," "Rocket," or "Pour Some Sugar on Me,", etc.

They toured the world, playing to massive crowds.

They sold millions of albums.

They even had a huge influence on style and fashion (remember those ripped, acid-washed jeans and Union Jack shirts?).

The first four albums from the British blokes — "On Through The Night" (1980), "High N' Dry" (1981), "Pyromania" (1983) and "Hysteria" (1987) — are nothing less than iconic and that music will live on forever.

If they had never recorded another note after the calendar flipped from the 1980s to the 1990s, Def Leppard's legacy — and Rock N Roll Hall of Fame credentials — would certainly have already been secured.

They didn't fade away.

Unfortunately.

Even after the heartbreaking death of original guitarist Steve Clark, Def Leppard pressed on.

And for more than 30 years, they've desperately chased — without much success — whatever sound they believed might make them relevant again.

The seven full-length studio albums (of only original material) the band has released since 1992 are a completely forgettable collection of material which only the most die-hard fan would have any interest in adding to their music collection.

I've never even listened to many of those records.

That's hard for me to admit because I was that pimple-faced teenager in 1987 with a Hysteria shirt and a Def Leppard patch on my denim jacket.

So, to be fair, I listened (or re-listened) to all of those albums in their entirety in hopes of finding something memorable.

Here's what I found ...

ADRENALIZE (1992)

Def Leppard recorded the follow-up to "Hysteria" as a four-piece band — Joe Ellott (vocals), Rick Savage (bass), Rick Allen (drums) and Phil Collen (guitarist) — after Clark passed away in early 1991.

The band later added Vivian Campbell, formerly of Dio, to the line-up, but Collen handled all the guitar parts.

"Adrenalize" was a huge commercial success, debuting at No. 1 in the United States and the UK, featuring hits like "Let's Get Rocked," and "Make Love Like A Man."

Listening to this album now, though, it's really stunning how bland and commercial it is. Sure, there are catchy, fun songs, like "Stand Up (Kick Love Into Motion)," and "I Wanna Touch You," but there are certainly no rock anthems.

Actually, "Adrenalize" sounds much more like Richard Marx, than "Rock of Ages."

It's hard to imagine the record would have turned out so melodic and mundane if Clark would have been involved — or if "Mutt" Lange would have produced the album.

The highlight of the "Adrenalize" is the final track, "Tear It Down." The hard-charging song was originally released as the B-side to the single "Women" in 1987 and was performed by the band at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards (which would be Clark's last live appearance).

SLANG (1996)

"We show the world a brand new face ... It's taken us all this time ..." - Work It Out

The world wasn't exactly sure what to make of Def Leppard's "new face," and new sound.

And almost 30 years later, "Slang" remains an enigma.

It's almost as if the 80's glam metal gods slipped into an early mid-life crisis - because they unexpectedly got serious, deep, emotional and introspective.

The first time I heard the album's quirky title track, "Slang," on the radio, I had no idea it was Def Leppard.

I'm sure many fans where just as confused the first time they put this CD into their stereo.

There are no party tunes filled with subtle sexual innuendo on "Slang." And, surprisingly, the band's first album with Campbell (remember ... he was the guy who delivered epic performances on metal masterpieces like "Holy Diver," "Rainbow In The Dark," and "Last In Line," while with Dio) fails to showcase any of his remarkable ability.

Ripping guitars are replaced with mandolins, strings, piano parts and sarangi - which adds an odd middle-eastern/asian vibe to the project.

The only really upbeat, rock tune on the record is "Gift of Flesh."

The title of the first track - "Truth?," (yes, with a question mark, UGH) - was an indication the band was just trying too hard to be serious.

And that's a shame, because "Slang" isn't a BAD album.

But, it is a BAD Def Leppard album.

It features some of the band's best lyrical content.

"Strung out as the night comes crawlin' ... Your halo of thorns is fallin'" - "Blood Runs Cold

And there are beautifully crafted ballads like, "Breathe A Sigh," "Deliver Me," and "Where Does Love Go When It Dies."

Three decades later, "Slang," is certainly worth another listen ... as long as you know what to expect.

EUPHORIA (1999)

"Euphoria" is the best Def Leppard album of the post-Steve Clark era.

Period.

Mostly, because it sounds - to a certain degree - like the final record to feature the late guitarist - "Hysteria."

The band's mentor (and unofficial sixth member) "Mutt" Lange co-wrote three songs after not being involved with "Slang."

And his influence is evident.

The opening track is a triumphant return to guitar-driven, riffy rock which makes you want to roll down your car window and crank up the radio.

"Destination anywhere ... So far gone, I'm almost there ... Can't you see, I can't deny ... I'm out of here like I'm on fire." - Demolition Man

On "Back In Your Face," Elliott proudly proclaims ... "I'm coming' around, I'm wired for sound ... Shakin' it for all it's a-worth ... I'm a spaced-out alien, a techno-sapien ... Crashin' on down to earth."

The Collen-written instrumental "Disintegrate," is a wonderful tribute/throwback to "Switch 625," from the "High N' Dry."

"Promises," the first single, reached No. 1 on Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart in the U.S. and still occasionally ends up in the band's live setlist.

"Euphoria" also features sweet, but not too sappy, ballads like "To Be Alive," "Guilty" and "Goodbye."

A dozen years after "Hysteria," Def Leppard reminded us of what made them great.

Sadly, they've not done anything great since.

X (2002)

A quick glance at the titles of the songs on this album should have been a huge warning to every rock/metal fan on the planet.

"Unbelievable"

"You're So Beautiful"

"Four Letter Word"

"Cry"

"Girl Like You"

"Kiss The Day"

"Let Me Be The One"

And the songs behind those cheesy titles are just as cringy as you might expect.

Generic. Poppy.

And completely forgettable.

Only "Now," the album's first single, is worth giving a listen to again more than 20 years later (and it's not really that good, to be honest ....)

The songwriting on "X" is stunningly uninspired, lazy and boring. It's almost as if you can guess the next line of the song - even on the first listen - just based on a simple rhyming pattern.

"Here comes the flood ... Can you feel the love ... Washin' over you ... Like a tidal wave inside of you," - "Cry"

Well ... "you" does, indeed, rhyme with "you."

"Take me in from the cold ... Give me something to hold," - "Let Me Be The One"

If the lyrics weren't bad enough, the music isn't any better.

Even when Campbell or Collen get the opportunity to play a solo (or solos), the guitars are buried in the mix behind synths and other noise.

Tragic.

It's no surprise this CD quickly ended up in the bargain bin of every store in America.

SONGS FROM THE SPARKLE LOUNGE (2008)

In 2023, Loudwire.com called "Songs From The Sparkle Lounge" one of the worst album titles in rock history and went on to say, "Wherever this alleged Sparkle Lounge is, we want it burned to the ground."

I can't say it any better than that.

In an era before streaming services - when you actually had to spend $18 to add a compact disc to your collection - the title of an album was very important.

Can you imagine walking into the a record store and asking the smug dude behind the counter wearing an indie band's t-shirt if they had a copy of "Songs From The Sparkle Lounge"?

No chance.

The horrific title continues to overshadow any of the music on the album almost two decades later.

"Nine Lives," a collaboration with country star Tim McGraw, is likely the only song most fans will remember.

Give the guys credit, though. They did TRY to write a rock record this time.

The opening track, "Go" launches with a screaming dual guitar attack and a pounding backline provided by the Ricks (Savage and Allen). "C'Mon, C'mon" has a groovy 70s hard-rock vibe, while "Hallucinate," "Gotta Let It Go," and "Come Undone" are catchy and feature those signature Def Leppard backing vocal harmonies.

"Sparkle" is an attempt to return to the band's roots.

Once again, however, the song writing is just lackluster (at best).

"Love, love look what you've done to my heart ... Oh I should've known from the start," - Love

"You can't sing, can't dance ... Can't fit in your pants ... You're a bad actress ... You can't run, can't walk, gotta learn how to talk ... You're a bad actress," - Bad Actress

"Are you tough enough ... Is your stuff enough ... Can you start it up ... Are you sharp enough," - Nine Lives

OK. Enough.

DEF LEPPARD (2015)

The opening track of Def Leppard's 11th studio album, "Let's Go," strikes a familiar and nostalgic tone.

That's because the main riff is basically copied (note for note) from the band's most iconic song - "Pour Some Sugar On Me."

Is it OK for a band to plagiarize ... from its own catalogue?

Maybe they thought no one would notice.

But, maybe they should have recycled some other good, ole stuff, because, "Let's Go," is one of only a few noteworthy pieces from this 14-song collection.

"Def Leppard," is upbeat, optimistic and high-energy, but it suffers from the same shortcomings as many of the band's post-"Hysteria" albums.

The tunes just aren't very interesting and the songwriting is just atrocious, at times.

"I'm not well ... I'm mad as hell ... Come over here, I'll ring your bell ... You've got no class ... you're so crass ... Get over here, I'll kick your ass," - "Broke N Brokenhearted"

Oh no! 60-year-old Joe Elliott is going to kick my ass.

Then there's the rather confusing question, "Are you man enough to be my girl?" - "Man Enough"

And don't forget to, "Hail to the love, with only love to discover" - "Sea Of Love"

Huh?

There is still some interesting stuff on "Def Leppard."

"Battle Of My Own," is bluesy with outstanding guitar work - acoustic and electric. "We Belong," is a genuine, heart-felt ballad which features Elliott sharing the vocal parts with the other four members of the band and "Wings Of An Angel," has that big, bombastic sound - with those layered backing vocals - we expect from Def Leppard.

Those songs, though, probably aren't noteworthy enough to make you want to add this album to your Spotify queue.

DIAMOND STAR HALOS (2022)

Talk about a case of false advertising ...

The title of Def Leppard's latest album - which is a reference to a line from the T. Rex song, "Get It On (Bang A Gong)" - might give fans the impression that the band is paying tribute to 60/70's British glam rock.

After all, they've done that before.

Thin Lizzy, Elton John, Queen, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles are all referenced on 1987's "Rocket."

However .... "Diamond Star Halos" isn't a throwback to Ziggy Stardust and Sergeant Pepper or even Hawkwind.

It's just an unremarkable collection of boring songs - including two which (for some reason) feature country music legend Allison Krauss.

I've listened to this album only once.

And I will not, voluntarily, make that mistake again.

Fool me once ...

On the unfortunately titled "U Rock Mi," Def Leppard delivers this lyrical genius .... "When that feeling starts to show ... I'll let that soul-glow flow ... Oh-ooh-oh, oh, oh."

Oh, boy.

Then there's these brilliant lines from "Gimmie a Kiss" ... "Plunder my skin ... Be the tick for my tock ... Show me a thrill that shocks ... When the thunder begins ... Gimme a kiss that rocks."

Rock on!

"This Guitar" is so awkward and uncomfortable that I'm surprised Krauss agreed to sing to on the track. In a love song ... yes, to a guitar ... Elliott proclaims the instrument is his "best friend, bother, sister, lover and wife," and that it "saved his life," all as a slow, twangy country tune plays in the background.

Yeah, it's as bad as you might expect.

Sadly, there's just not much good to say about "Diamond Star Halos."

So, there's no need to say anything else.

CONCLUSION ...

I can describe the collection of albums Def Leppard has produced in the past 30 years in a just one word ...

Unmemorable.

The music exists ...

But, if no one listens ...

Is there really any reason to keep making noise?

I would argue that the band knows no one wants to hear "the new stuff," either. The setlist from Def Leppard's most recent show - Jan. 18, 2025 - features only two songs from the seven albums since "Hysteria" - "Let's Get Rocked," and "This Guitar," - and only two others songs from the post-Steve Clark-era - "Just Like 73," and "Two Steps Behind."

Listen for yourself, though. All of those albums are available on all the major streaming services.

Make you own assessment.

Just don't burn out ...