Def Leppard’s 2008 release, “Songs From The Sparkle Lounge,” marks the band’s tenth studio album and takes a creative turn that’s worth examining. Rather than opting for the straightforward title “X,” which they had already used for a previous album, they went with a title that has its roots in their touring routine. The Sparkle Lounge refers to a designated space at each live show, where the band members would gather to fine-tune their instruments, write new music, and spark their creativity. This cozy room was adorned with Christmas lights and stocked with musical equipment, including a drum set, amplifiers, and even a tape recorder. Many of the tracks on this album were reportedly crafted on the road while supporting their “Yeah!” album.
This record introduces a few new elements into Def Leppard’s established soundscape, including a collaboration with country superstar Tim McGraw on the track “Nine Lives.” While it’s certainly a departure from their rock roots, the inclusion of McGraw brings a fresh yet somewhat cheesy vibe to the table. Released on April 25, 2008, the album swiftly climbed to number five on the Billboard 200, selling about 55,000 copies right out of the gate, and even reached the top spot on both the Hard Rock and Rock Album charts. Clearly, Def Leppard still possesses the magic that keeps fans engaged after all these years.
As the album kicks off with “Go,” listeners are treated to a powerful guitar riff that creates an exhilarating atmosphere. This heavy track possesses a visceral energy reminiscent of the band’s earlier work from “High ‘N’ Dry.” Both guitarists shine here, delivering an electrifying solo while Joe Elliott’s vocals soar impressively.
The album then transitions into “Nine Lives,” featuring McGraw. While it’s a catchy and radio-ready tune that found some success, it also carries a dollop of cheesiness that might not sit well with everyone, especially those who prefer the band’s traditional sound. This track seems to borrow elements from “Adrenalize,” possibly to its detriment.
Next up is “C’mon C’mon,” a track penned by Rick Savage that injects pure 70s glam rock into the mix. Its upbeat nature and infectious chorus make it a standout track that’s sure to lift anyone’s spirits.
Following the high energy, the mood shifts dramatically with the ballad “Love.” Opening with a striking explosion, the song quickly evolves into an acoustic showcase for Elliott’s impressive vocal talent. The song’s composition feels influenced by the style of Queen, featuring dramatic segments interspersed with harmonies and instrumentation that elevate the track further, culminating in a stellar guitar solo reminiscent of Brian May.
Continuing on, “Tomorrow,” written by Phil Collen, resonates well with those familiar with the “X” album, boasting energy and catchiness that makes it a great addition. Vivian Campbell contributes with “Cruise Control,” a darker piece with a heavy bass line that stands apart from the rest of the album. The track leans towards the sound explored in “Slang.”
However, not every track hits the mark. “Hallucinate,” also crafted by Phil, feels akin to a generic 70s glam tune—while catchy, it lacks the innovation that fans might hope for. In contrast, Vivian’s “Only the Good Die Young” introduces a refreshing sound characterized by Beatles-inspired keyboards and a catchy chorus, making it one of the album’s highlights.
“Bad Actress,” written by Joe, offers a burst of energy with cheesy lyrics that remind some of earlier hits like “Make Love Like A Man.” Though it maintains an infectious rock spirit, the song may not resonate as deeply with all listeners.
Joe’s “Come Undone” follows but leaves a less impactful impression despite its great riffs and vocal prowess—many may find it generic and forgettable. The album wraps with “Gotta Let It Go,” another impressive contribution from Vivian. Starting slow, it builds up to an anthemic conclusion with powerful instrumentation and harmonies.
The overall track evaluation yields a score of 7.5 out of 11, translating to 68%. Interestingly, “Songs From The Sparkle Lounge” is the shortest album in Def Leppard’s discography, coming in under 40 minutes. While many tracks shine brightly, the album occasionally feels uneven, largely due to the individual writing contributions lacking the cohesive band approach that fans might desire.
For a long time, this album was viewed as one of the weaker entries in the band’s collection, but over time, opinions have softened. Overall, I’m inclined to give this album a solid rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, reflecting how it tends to improve with age.
Coming up next: a look at Man Raze’s 2008 album, “Surreal.”
