The Def-initive Leppard

No matter what you may think or say about Def Leppard. No one, not even Metallica will deny them their rank as the most profound metal outfit of the 80's. Hysteria marked the pinnacle of Def Leppards career, no one could duplicate or copy their unique way with words and sound. Musicians even cover artists still get confounded at the simplicity of such a complex technique when it comes to guitar and vocals. Steve Clark was classicly trained and you can here in earlier albums the approach he was honeing came to a fine sharp edge with the unique cooperation and collaberation of Phil Collins.

Even if you listen to later albums you can feel an energy lost as Phil and Vivian can only struggle to sound like Def Leppard, the inginuity seems lost and the solo's...empty after Hysteria. Guitarist and musicians throughout the world dubbed them the "Terror Twins". And for good cause, Steve and Phil entertwined their sound when other guitarist from other bands were more into showing off and fighting for position in their music. Like Angus and Malcolm (AC/DC), Steve and Phil new their place, and that is the force of a great band.

Joe Elliot finally finds his true voice in this album, and harness somthing no one else can touch, an agressive yet romantic metal resonance which is seductive and captivating, with fist in your face grace that can only be delivered with such suttle ferocity as he does. "Love Bites" and "Hysteria" are great examples of his range.

Rick Allen "Rocket"'s Def Leppard back onto the charts. For five long years fans and musicians alike waited to see if Allen would have the courage to pick up sticks and kick a pedal again, after his tragic car accident that resulted in his losing an arm. Armed with a new electronic drum kit which cost more than your house, it's ultimatly Allen whom everyone wanted to see on tour. Allen was and is an inspiration to us all, and he proves his metal on this album.

And finally Rick Savage, Savage has a unique style and an inovative way of paving road for Steve and Phil on this album. Listen to any song, you here the bass lay down the asphalt, and Steve or Phil will fill in gaps with riffs, chords and the occasional solo. I can appreciate that type of ingenutiy,...I don't hear anyone else doing it? Whether you believe it or not this man is the heart of Def Leppard's sound. The bass has a profound effect on everypiece of music throughout most of all of Def Leppards albums. Savage is not the best bassest out there but he certainly has some method to his madness.

I can keep kissing butt forever,...plain and simple I still jam to this album,...it rocks!...and the chicks dig it to!