ROCK OF AGES: THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION
I know DEF LEPPARD are the undisputed kings of melodic rock songs that make chicks melt, and that their songs are some of the most recognizable tracks on the radio, but I have to ask, how many 'Greatest Hits' collections do we really need from these guys? Am I overreacting? I don't think so... Let's take a look here:
November, 2004 -
Best Of Def Leppard (Ok, this is basically the IMPORT version of
Rock Of Ages, so maybe it shouldn't count)
1995 -
Vault:Greatest Hits (contains a LOT of the same tracks)
Wait a sec...Two? That's all there is? OK, I'm an ass. I'll admit it. Let's start this review over. Holy shit, do I feel dumb.
While they might not draw the same panty-dropping mobs they did back in the late-1980s and early 90's, Def Leppard have penned some of the most unique, hummable, and commercially successful tracks of any band to come around in the past 20 years. Thanks in no small part to producer Mutt Lange, who helped them develop that massive, 20-voice harmony chorus so prominent in songs like "Pour Some Sugar On Me", "Photograph", "Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad?", "Promises" and ... oh hell... ALL of 'em. If you want to see how universal that big chorus technique is, just listen to what SHANIA TWAIN's songs sound like...of course it helps that she's married to Lange and he's produced her most successful releases.
This two-disc collection is jammed with classic Def Leppard tunes, from their earlier years (when Rick Allen still had two arms) to their newer, possibly-less-known songs from
X and
Euphoria. Obviously, the most recognizeable tracks are going to come from their extremely successful
Hysteria; who's going to forget "Armageddon It", "Women", or "Love Bites"? Of course, there's the obligatory dud -- did ANYONE really enjoy "Let's Get Rocked?" Blech...talk about formula art... paint-by-numbers songwriting at its worst. Truthfully, though...the 16 other tracks on disc one make it easy to erase from your mind.
One thing you'll notice instantly is how many hit ballads Def Leppard is responsible. Jeez, no wonder the girls love 'em. I count seven, but you might get a higher number depending on how strictly you judge ballads.
The one thing this collection did NOT need was the cover of "No Matter What". I hated BADFINGER's version of it, and Def Leppard is doing nothing to sway my opinion. With that small exception,
Rock Of Ages is really a must-have for any testosterone-challenged member of society who isn't afraid to get caught singing in the car with the windows rolled down. Get your lighters out, it's Def Leppard time.
