Def Leppard – ‘Yeah! II’ (2021) – Album Review
On June 11, 2021, Def Leppard released The Collection, Vol. 3, a highly anticipated edition that followed Vol. 2 after a two-year gap, likely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. As the world gradually returned to normal, this collection stood out for its significance, especially for vinyl collectors, as these albums had yet to see a vinyl release. Although many of the tracks are now available individually, this collection remains unique due to its inclusion of exclusive bonus material. Today, we dive into one standout album from this collection titled ‘Yeah! II’.
‘Yeah! II’ is a compilation of Def Leppard’s cover songs throughout their illustrious career, featuring all the bonus tracks from the previous ‘Yeah!’ album. This format eliminates the need to purchase multiple versions of the same album since it consolidates everything into one attractive package. The set consists of 19 tracks, encompassing B-sides and rarities that add to its allure. The cover art cleverly utilizes a variation from ‘Yeah!’ with a simple addition of ‘II’.
Side A kicks off with “Only After Dark,” a cover of Mick Ronson’s track. Originally a B-side to “Let’s Get Rocked,” this energetic rock piece showcases the band’s raw power and catchy grooves. The following two tracks, both performed collaboratively with musicians from the Irish band Hothouse Flowers, feature an acoustic rendition of The Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” and Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing.” Stripped down and infused with an Irish flair, these interpretations are nothing short of perfection.
Def Leppard’s admiration for David Bowie shines through with a rendition of “Ziggy Stardust.” The band remains faithful to the original while giving it their signature touch, particularly highlighting Joe Elliott’s passionate vocals.
As we flip to Side B, we find a spirited cover of Alice Cooper’s “Under My Wheels,” originally recorded for a tribute album called Humanary Stew. It’s clear that Phil and Joe have great respect for Cooper’s work, and they take this classic anthem to new heights. The energy continues with Ian Hunter’s “Who Do You Love?” which Joe had previously recorded with his other band Down ‘N Outz. While not the album’s standout track, it remains an enjoyable listen.
Next, we’re treated to another Bowie cover, “Rebel Rebel,” which maintains the edge of the original with enhanced guitar work. Though the song is compelling, it does teeter on the edge of monotony toward the end. Listeners are then presented with two instrumentals in tribute to Jeff Beck, starting with “Led Boots,” a jazzy piece performed predominantly on guitar, and followed by Stevie Wonder’s “Cause We Ended as Lovers,” a haunting track showcasing brilliant guitar work.
Side C opens with Iggy Pop’s “Search & Destroy,” a high-energy performance by Phil Collen. His punk influence reverberates through the track, demonstrating his vocal prowess. Joe picks Slade’s “How Does It Feel?,” displaying a different side to the band, featuring a rich piano arrangement. Another noteworthy rendition here is The Police’s “Roxanne,” where Phil’s vocals diverge from Sting’s and offer a fresh perspective.
Among the highlights is “Dear Friends” by Queen, where Rick Savage takes the lead vocals—a rare occurrence that brings immense value to this collection. This brief yet impactful track emphasizes Sav’s singing ability. The emotional depth of “Winter Song” by Lindisfarne stands out as a breathtaking acoustic duo, featuring Joe and Sav’s harmonies.
Moving to Side D, listeners experience a lively cover of Tom Petty’s “American Girl,” crooned by Joe but showcasing the instrumentation of Vivian Campbell and Marc Danzeisen. The track’s infectious energy is hard to resist. Following this is the poignant ballad “Heartbeat” by Jobriath, with Joe offering one of his most heartfelt performances.
A standout piece from this collection is Joe’s take on Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” where he impressively handles all instruments and vocals, capturing the essence of the original while adding his unique flair. The tempo shifts with “When I’m Dead And Gone,” an upbeat cover that combines acoustics with an electric surprise. Finally, the album concludes with a spirited rendition of The Faces’ “Stay With Me,” sung passionately by Phil, leaving listeners with an energetic finish.
In summary, ‘Yeah! II’ comprises a remarkable 19 tracks, earning a strong rating of 16.5 out of 19 or a solid 87%. There’s a compelling argument that this collection might just edge out the original ‘Yeah!’ album. With impressive collaborations and deeper tracks not found in the original release, there’s plenty for fans to appreciate. Although I typically don’t gravitate toward cover albums, my exception for Def Leppard clearly highlights their ability to create something truly enjoyable. Overall, this album scores a 4.5 out of 5 stars, primarily due to its comprehensive gathering of bonus tracks and unique material.
