CMT Crossroads has been a standout show on Country Music Television, known for its unique blend of musical genres. One particular episode that aired on November 7, 2008, showcased an intriguing pairing: Taylor Swift, the rising star of country music, and the legendary rock band Def Leppard, a band that had a significant influence on Swift while she was growing up, thanks to her parents’ love for their music. This unlikely collaboration sparked curiosity, prompting many, including myself, to tune in to witness this musical fusion. When the DVD launched on June 16, 2009, it was an instant purchase for me, especially since it was available exclusively at Wal-Mart.
The DVD not only features the full performance broadcasted, but also includes bonus material comprising three additional songs and several interviews. In total, viewers receive an enjoyable 75 minutes of Country Rock crossover. Personally, I find myself wishing for a CD version of this performance to add to my collection.
How was the show itself? Let’s dive in. It kicks off with “Photograph,” one of Def Leppard’s iconic tracks. Phil Collen delivers that signature riff while Taylor provides a youthful rendition of the first verse. While the power Joe Elliott brings to the song is palpable, Taylor finds her own voice within those notes that Joe sometimes struggles to reach. Their harmonization on the choruses is impressive, bringing together both of their styles seamlessly. With the band composed of familiar faces from both Taylor’s and Def Leppard’s camps, the sound quality is outstanding.
Interspersed throughout the concert are behind-the-scenes clips and interviews. One fun fact shared during the show is that Taylor was born two years after Def Leppard’s classic album ‘Hysteria’ was released, yet she grew up listening to them due to her mom’s fandom. This added personal touch makes the performance feel even more special.
Next, Taylor’s hit “Picture to Burn” takes the stage, with Joe accompanying her on acoustic guitar, complete with a touch of violins and banjo, adding a country flair to the rock sound. Their vocal interplay is engaging, although Taylor seems to have more segments in this duet compared to Joe.
Humor arises during “Love Story” when Joe jokingly sings a line about being a prince while Taylor responds with her princess line—this mix of light-heartedness adds to the performance’s charm. Joe, accustomed to belting out his lines, exhibits some restraint here as he harmonizes with Taylor. It’s curious to note that Taylor’s guitarist handles the solo during this song, leaving fans wishing for the legendary guitar skills of Viv Campbell or Phil Collen instead.
Throughout the concert, the band transitions into “Hysteria,” and Joe shines here, showcasing his vocal prowess. Taylor also exhibits her talent while blending in perfectly, particularly at the song’s conclusion. Their improvised country song segment is a crowd-pleaser, followed by Taylor’s “Teardrops on My Guitar,” which tells the poignant story about her past relationship with Drew. Joe seems to step slightly out of his comfort zone during this performance but holds his own.
The collaborative nature of their final numbers culminates in “When Love & Hate Collide,” which feels surprisingly suited for this crossover experiment. Taylor’s ability to excel shines through here. The energy lifts with the upbeat “Should’ve Said No,” while Joe keeps the crowd hyped with handclaps before they dive into the closing anthem “Pour Some Sugar on Me.” The addition of violins led to a unique twist, and it reverberated through the crowd, presenting an unforgettable closing performance.
After the main show, the DVD offers three bonus songs. The first is Taylor’s “Our Song,” and Joe’s reaction to the age-related conversation is priceless. Next, “Love,” a heartfelt ballad from Def Leppard, features both artists sharing the spotlight beautifully, while the final bonus track, “Two Steps Behind,” utilizes an acoustic setup that sounds remarkably cohesive.
The bonus interviews and press conferences offer further insights, adding depth to the experience. While the arrangements generally stay true to the originals, some exceptions shine through, like “When Love & Hate Collide” and “Love,” which showcase a wonderful musical synergy.
Despite wanting more physical formats like CD or vinyl for this recording, my overall impression of the performance lands solidly at 3.5 out of 5 stars. It was an entertaining blend of talent from two of the most acclaimed artists across generations and genres. However, it’s unlikely to become a frequent play in my playlist, though it’s a cherished piece for its novelty. The musical magic of that night serves as a reminder of the unexpected connections that can happen when genres collide.
