May 20, 2008 By Clint Rhodes 2 min read

With more than 65 million albums sold worldwide, Def Leppard can certainly be considered one of Britain’s biggest exports. It’s been almost three decades since Def Leppard’s debut album hit the masses. With On Through the Night, I was hooked on the British rockers’ unique sound. I couldn’t get enough, as songs like “Rock Brigade” and “Wasted” wore out my turntable. It’s been six years since the band teased loyal fans with an album of new material. It was certainly worth the long wait.

Songs From the Sparkle Lounge proves that the band can still rock as hard as ever. “Go” opens the album in old-school style as thundering bass and driving guitars pulsate the stereo speakers, just like back in 1980.

The band gets clever with the sure hit, “Nine Lives.” The catchy collaboration with country singer Tim McGraw is already getting plenty of airplay and is certain to find mass appeal. The band has always managed to establish and maintain its identity by wandering the middle ground between a heavy metal and pop rock sound.

“C’mon C’mon” is a certain hit with its ringing chorus and driving guitars, reminiscent of the successful Hysteria style. Songs like “Hallucinate” and “Bad Actress” boast that familiar Pyromania sound that launched the band into superstardom. “Love” is a strong ballad that borders on being overly theatrical, but the song is ultimately rescued by Joe Elliott’s superb vocals.

Elliott shows that he still has the pipes to deliver the goods on ballads and rockers alike. Songs From the Sparkle Lounge only strengthens my love for the Def Leppard sound. Now it’s time for me to dig up my old Hysteria T-shirt and dust off the On Through the Night album.

For Def Leppard, getting older simply means getting better. I can only hope that principle applies to me as well. Watch out for the Rock Brigade as they roll once again. Let’s just hope that my treasured Def Leppard shirt still fits.