CMT Crossroads: A Unique Encounter with Taylor Swift and Def Leppard (2009) – DVD Review
CMT Crossroads, the iconic series presented by Country Music Television, brought together unexpected musical pairings, blending country with rock, pop, and beyond. One of the standout episodes aired on November 7, 2008, featuring a young and rising country superstar, Taylor Swift, alongside the legendary rock band Def Leppard, which held a special place in her heart since her childhood. The result was a unique musical collaboration that intrigued fans and led to the DVD release on June 16, 2009, exclusively available at Wal-Mart.
This special DVD not only showcases the full performance that aired but also includes bonus material that adds value to the viewing experience. Fans will find three additional songs that weren’t aired, plus insightful interviews, culminating in a total runtime of 75 minutes of country-rock crossover.
From the moment the show kicks off with Def Leppard’s classic “Photograph,” it becomes clear that the blend of their signature sound with Swift’s youthful energy generates an unexpected but satisfying musical synergy. Phil Collen lays down the iconic riff, and though Swift’s voice shines, some may say it lacks the raw power typically associated with the song. Joe Elliott steps in for the second verse, comfortably leading the iconic track while harmonizing with Taylor throughout the chorus. The combined performance is a reminder of the impressive musicality shared between the two artistically different worlds.
Interlaced throughout the performance are behind-the-scenes glimpses and candid interviews. Swift shares how deeply embedded Def Leppard’s music was in her upbringing, mentioning her mom’s fandom as a pivotal influence. Their first country crossover occurs with “Picture to Burn,” where an acoustic guitar in Elliott’s hands, accompanied by violins and banjos, transforms the atmosphere, aligning it with country traditions.
The duo humorously navigates through Swift’s anthem “Love Story,” with Elliott playing off the song’s narrative, creating an endearing moment for fans familiar with Swift’s lyrics. Swift exhibits confidence, but Elliott has to temper his enthusiastic vocal style to fit the softer chorus.
As the performance continues, they shift into “Hysteria,” where Elliott’s vocal prowess shines, and Phil Collen’s guitar work alongside a violinist presents a mesmerizing visual. They even come up with a playful improvisation about Swift’s past, revealing an engaging rapport between the artists.
The duo also gives a spirited rendition of “Teardrops on My Guitar,” showcasing how well Swift’s ballads can shift to a rock context, even if Elliott seems slightly hesitant during certain moments. The evening becomes more high-energy with “Should’ve Said No,” where the crowd’s excitement crescendos, aided by Elliott’s charismatic crowd engagement. Ultimately, they conclude the live show with “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” maintaining the momentum and offering an electrifying farewell, enhanced by string instruments that add a fresh dimension to the beloved classic.
The DVD’s bonus section presents three more songs, starting with Swift’s early hit “Our Song,” where her chemistry with Elliott sparkles. Next is “Love,” a poignant ballad that flows beautifully as a duet, possibly emerging as the highlight of their collaboration. Finally, they deliver a heartfelt acoustic version of “Two Steps Behind,” featuring multiple guitarists, which resonates well with the audience.
Overall, the extra behind-the-scenes interviews complement the music but don’t overshadow the primary performances. Fans looking for a fresh take on iconic tracks will find this collaboration both enjoyable and entertaining.
While the inherent styles of both artists remain intact throughout the show, refreshing interpretations of certain songs shine, particularly “When Love & Hate Collide” and “Love.” Although the absence of an accompanying CD or vinyl version feels like a missed opportunity, the DVD remains a notable addition to collections.
In conclusion, this cross-genre collaboration between two immensely popular artists brings a unique dynamic to the stage. It’s an engaging performance that, while unlikely to be spun regularly in the future, certainly captures a moment in music history worth celebrating. My rating? A solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It was a fun watch, a testament to the collaboration of distinct musical worlds.
