Def Leppard has made its mark with the 2008 release of “Songs From The Sparkle Lounge,” an album rich in nostalgia and fresh experimentation. This marks the band’s tenth studio venture, and instead of opting for the straightforward “X” title, which they had previously used for a compilation, they chose a more intriguing name that evokes a sense of their creative process — a place dubbed the “Sparkle Lounge” at their live shows where they would gather to tune their instruments, brainstorm, and seek inspiration, all under the glow of Christmas lights along with some music gear.
The album was birthed during their time on the road while promoting the “Yeah!” album, and it hit the shelves on April 25, 2008. Upon its debut, it climbed to number five on the Billboard 200, shifting around 55,000 units right off the bat. Moreover, it claimed the top spot on the Hard Rock and Rock Album charts. Despite the years that have passed, the band’s core members — Joe Elliott, Rick Savage, Rick Allen, Phil Collen, and Vivian Campbell — are still firing on all cylinders. This feels promising, but does the music deliver that same excitement, or has it lost its spark over time? Let’s delve deeper.
The opening track, “Go,” sets a powerful tone with its hefty guitar riff that carries an ominous energy, reminiscent of the band’s earlier work from “High ‘N’ Dry.” Complete with an impressive guitar solo, this track re-establishes the duo of Collen and Campbell as formidable forces in rock guitar. Elliott’s vocals shine, and the overall punch of the track leaves listeners eagerly anticipating what comes next.
However, the album takes a detour with “Nine Lives,” a collaboration featuring country star Tim McGraw. While it may find its way onto radio playlists — it even managed to chart in the U.S. — it carries a cheesiness that could be reminiscent of some of their older tracks. It’s not outright terrible, but it does feel a bit out of place.
Next up is “C’mon C’mon,” a gem written by Rick Savage that exudes a glam-rock vibe straight from the 1970s. This track is an upbeat anthem likely to get listeners dancing with its infectious hooks, showcasing what rock is all about. Following that is “Love,” a ballad that breaks their usual mold, starting with a bang before transitioning to soothing acoustic sounds punctuated by stunning harmonies. The dramatic flair is unmistakably influenced by Queen, giving it a vibrant, theatrical quality.
“Tomorrow,” penned by Phil Collen, is yet another lively, catchy tune that fits nicely within the “X” album’s framework. It’s playful and energetic — everything a good rock song should be. Vivian Campbell chimes in with “Cruise Control,” which takes a darker turn, grounded with an intense bass presence that makes it one of the standout tracks, especially with its heavy undertones.
However, “Hallucinate,” another offering from Phil, dips into more generic territory, echoing sounds from past records without bringing anything fresh to the mix. In contrast, Vivian’s “Only The Good Die Young” is notable for its infectious chorus and Beatles-esque piano work. It stands out among the collection, showcasing Vivian’s rise as a creative force within the group.
The latter half of the album includes “Bad Actress,” which Joe Elliott penned. It conjures up comparisons to their earlier hits, but the lyrics may not resonate well with long-time fans. “Come Undone,” another collaboration from him, falls flat despite its solid riffs and vocal performance, leaving a desire for something more innovative. The album wraps up with “Gotta Let It Go,” a thrilling Vivian Campbell composition that starts slow but builds into an impressive crescendo.
In terms of evaluation, the album features a total of eleven tracks with seven of them deemed keepers by this review. Despite its length of under 40 minutes, a rarity in the band’s discography, it sometimes feels uneven due to the number of individual contributions from members instead of a more cohesive group effort. Each member’s distinct flavor is apparent, but this also leads to moments where the album feels jolted rather than fluid.
With an overall score of 3.5 out of 5 stars, “Songs From The Sparkle Lounge” has grown in appreciation over time. It’s a record that, while it may stumble in areas, still showcases the ongoing vitality of Def Leppard. The album, perhaps not a fan favorite upon release, thus becomes a more rewarding listen as listeners come to appreciate its nuances and individual track merits. Up next in the collection, we dive into Man Raze’s “Surreal” from the same year. Stay tuned for what’s next in this journey through music history.
