CMT Crossroads featuring Taylor Swift and Def Leppard, released in 2009, is a fascinating DVD that adds a unique touch to the growing collection of the iconic rock band. Aired originally on November 7, 2008, this episode paired the rapidly rising country music star Taylor Swift with the legendary rock band Def Leppard, a combination that many found intriguing. For Swift, it was like a dream realized, as she grew up listening to the band’s music largely thanks to her parents’ influence. The DVD became available on June 16, 2009, exclusively through Wal-Mart in the United States.
This DVD not only includes the complete episode as aired but also offers bonus material, featuring three additional songs that weren’t broadcast during the original airing. Alongside these performances, viewers are treated to behind-the-scenes interviews, culminating in a total runtime of 75 minutes of an engaging country-rock blend. Reflecting on the show, there’s a sense of nostalgia, as the reviewer wishes a CD format were available for the collection, emphasizing a strong desire for physical media beyond just video.
The performance opens with Def Leppard’s classic “Photograph,” a powerful choice to get things started. Phil Collen showcases the well-known riff while Swift, in her youthful exuberance, handles the first verse. Though her voice is strong, she doesn’t quite capture the raw power typically associated with this tune. The seasoned Joe Elliott takes the second verse, effortlessly displaying the original vocal style. The performance benefits from the collaboration of the entire Leppard crew, complemented by Swift’s band, creating a vibrant sonic experience with multiple guitarists and drummers enhancing the performance.
Between songs, captivating behind-the-scenes moments and interviews reveal interesting facts about Swift’s connection to Def Leppard; notably, she was born a couple of years after the release of their iconic album “Hysteria.” These glimpses provide a deeper understanding of her admiration for the band and her motivation for wanting to collaborate with them.
Transitioning to a Swift original, “Picture to Burn,” the arrangement takes a delightful turn as Joe Elliott opts for an acoustic guitar, introducing elements like violins and even a banjo, infusing a country vibe into their performance. The synergy between Swift and Elliott shines, although there are moments wherein Swift receives more song time than Elliott, which juxtaposes their respective styles.
Continuing the show, they tackle Swift’s “Love Story,” where a playful dynamic emerges as both artists contribute to the lyrics humorously—Elliott becoming the Prince and Swift embodying the Princess. Throughout, it is clear that Joe must temper his natural vocal explosiveness to align with the softer tone of the song, creating an amusing contrast. Swift’s guitarist takes a solo that feels like a missed opportunity for one of the legendary Leppard guitarists to shine.
As they segue into “Hysteria,” Elliott once again demonstrates his vocal prowess. The camaraderie on stage is evident as Phil plays alongside a violinist, capturing the essence of this rock classic while Swift, confidently, adds her touch. The performance flows nicely into an improvised original with Swift, shedding light on her creative process and history.
The additional songs “Teardrops on My Guitar” and “When Love & Hate Collide” further showcase the blending of their styles. In particular, “When Love & Hate Collide” comes across as an impressive duet, with both artists complementing each other well. However, the inevitable energy upswing arrives as they close the show with “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” a timeless anthem that energizes the audience.
The bonus content includes performances like “Our Song,” where Swift’s youth and early songwriting brilliance are highlighted humorously. The duet “Love,” a ballad from Def Leppard, allows Joe and Swift to shine together, proving to be one of the standout moments of their collaboration. The acoustic rendition of “Two Steps Behind” concludes the bonus material on a high note, showcasing a stripped-back beauty that resonates with fans.
Overall, while the songs largely remain true to their original forms, the collaboration introduces enough novelty to capture attention. “When Love & Hate Collide” and “Love” stand out as notable exceptions where the blend of talents genuinely elevates the pieces. The review concludes with a moderate score of 3.5 out of 5 stars, highlighting the event’s entertainment value and its rarity, presenting an exceptional moment in music history.
