Def Leppard – Yeah! Bonus CD Featuring Backstage Interviews (2006) – The Def Leppard Collection Series
In 2006, the iconic rock band Def Leppard released their ninth studio album, Yeah!. This album was a unique take on their sound, featuring a collection of covers that spanned 14 tracks. Fans of the band soon discovered that an array of additional tracks had been recorded – some of these made their way into exclusive versions, like the Japanese edition and various retailer-specific releases. In fact, to collect all of the tracks available, a dedicated listener would potentially need to purchase as many as five different copies of the album.
Fortunately, the Wal-Mart edition emerged as a standout option. Not only did it feature two of the Japanese bonus tracks, but it also included three more songs and a series of insightful interviews with the band members. This particular edition boasts the greatest number of bonus tracks when compared to other versions, making it a worthwhile investment for fans. Released on May 23, 2006, the same day as the original album, it quickly became a collector’s item.
The album kicks off with a cover of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ hit, American Girl. Departing from the band’s usual practice of covering solely British songs, this track combines the powerful vocals of Joe Elliott with the instrumental-work primarily handled by Vivian Campbell, excluding Marc Danzeisen who plays the drums. The energy of the song is infectious, reminiscent of the original, retaining its guitar-driven essence and dynamic harmonies.
The first backstage interview, creatively titled Backstage Interview #1, offers snippets of the band’s experiences during their latest tour. Each member shares their thoughts, with Rick Allen noting the travel challenges they faced. The members also reflect on the shifting audience demographics they have experienced throughout their touring history.
Next on the bonus CD is a fierce rendition of Iggy Pop’s Search & Destroy, featuring Phil Collen on lead vocals and all instrumental responsibilities. Phil’s punk affinity is undeniably showcased here, as his passionate delivery is filled with grit and attitude—a fitting homage to Iggy’s original.
In Backstage Interview #2, the band discusses their aspirations for creating a covers album. Joe reveals his long-standing desire to replicate the feel of David Bowie’s Pin-Ups. When the label proposed the idea, Joe eagerly seized the opportunity. They all agree that Rock On stands out as the best track from the album.
Def Leppard doesn’t shy away from spotlighting their influences, as evident in their rendition of David Bowie’s Space Oddity. Here, Joe takes on all vocal and instrumental duties. This cover stands out as exceptionally well-produced and captures the essence of the original with impressive sound effects and an engaging drum roll.
Backstage Interview #3 dives into the strict guidelines the band set for their covers album: the songs must be hits, British hits, and released before they signed with a label. With an initial pool of 100 tracks, some overlap helped them refine their choices while trying to avoid the obvious selections.
One of the standout moments on the bonus CD is the cover of Dear Friend by Queen, performed by Rick Savage. His rare vocal performance and self-handled instrumentation result in a remarkable listen, despite the song’s brief duration. Although Savage may not measure up to Freddie Mercury, his rendition certainly earns high marks for its unique factor.
Concluding the collection is a beautiful interpretation of Jobriath’s Heartbeat, featuring Joe’s exquisite vocals accompanied by a simple piano arrangement. This track showcases one of Joe’s finest vocal performances throughout the Yeah! project, as he connects deeply with the emotional weight of the song—a fitting tribute to a pioneering artist who faced significant struggles.
Overall, the Wal-Mart Bonus CD accompanying Yeah! is a treasure trove of incredible music. While it’s not my place to assign a rating here, it is clear that the five bonus tracks are exceptional and provide an enhanced listening experience compared to the main album. By swapping out a few less impressive songs from the original release, the album could potentially achieve a five-star rating. For those eager to collect these gems, they are also available on The Collection Volume 3 Set, neatly compiling all the Yeah! bonus tracks into a single package.
Thanks for joining me on this musical journey. Stay tuned for the next review in The Def Leppard Collection Series.
