DEF LEPPARD – X [Japan SHM-CD +2] Out of Print

And this is the end with DEF LEPPARD‘s worthy albums on high quality Japanese SHM-CD, with the little controversial “X” (pronounced ten). Much like 1996’s Slang, it featured another departure from their signature sound by moving into the Rock&pop genre.
Some critics said this was some kind of a syrupy boy-band aberration, but for what it is, it’s a good record. There wasn’t a record label pressure to make an album like this, Def Leppard did it because they wanted to.

The album features the Roman numeral “X” recognizing it as their tenth album release, although is in fact their eighth collection of all-new studio material (they counted Retro- Active and Vault, which were a re-recording of B-sides / rarities and a greatest hits set respectively).

“X” is the first Def Leppard since High ‘n’ Dry where there is no presence of Mutt Lange. Those who take their place at the knobs are the band themselves, Pete Woodroffe, and the pair of Per Aldeheim / Andreas Carlsson, known for crafting the sound of various ‘teen’ bands.
There’s also songwritng contribution from Marti Fredericksen (Aerosmith, The Cult, Mick Jagger).

Yeah, “X” is a very poppy album, but very well conceived and executed.
It’s a balanced record with songs ranging from very sweet power ballads (‘Long Long Way To Go’) to rocking tunes as only Leppard knows how to do (‘Scar’).
In ‘Four Letter Word’ the band borrows the base and riff of their classic Armageddon it, but they make it up in such a way that it ends up being one of the most hooky cuts on the album.
Then there’s the tracks that alienated most old fans adding electronics and drum loops such as ‘Gravity’, ‘Torn To Shreds’, or ‘Girl Like You’. But in my book are fine, cool modern pop songs.

However, the trademark Def Leppard sound since the mid-Eighties is also present on “X”. Solid examples of this are the quite epic ‘Cry’ and the midtempo ballad ‘Let Me Be The One’.
But the aim to try something different is clearly demonstrated in the songs the group co-wrote with Fredericksen. The first single, “Now”, “You’re So Beautiful” and “Everyday” (still a Leppard anthem played in a live setting), showcases a band constantly seeking to innovate in its sound.

At first “X” was taken as a ‘they sold their souls’ album from Def Leppard, but truth is the band wanted a new direction and not repeat themselves.
Sure, you’ll miss the sharp riffs and most the AOR feeling here, but this album need to be listened from another perspective. It’s a new millennium rock&pop album, and works like it is.
This Japanese limited edition SHM-CD adding two bonus tracks (“Kiss The Day” and “Long Long Way To Go [Acoustic]” is sold out, and I doubt it will be pressed on this format anytime soon.

Universal Japan ～UICY-91105
【ＬＴＤ ＳＨＭ－ＣＤ】 /  Ｄ Ｅ Ｆ  Ｌ Ｅ Ｐ Ｐ Ａ Ｒ Ｄ

01 – Now
02 – Unbelievable
03 – You’re So Beautiful
04 – Everyday
05 – Long Long Way To Go
06 – Four Letter Word
07 – Torn To Shreds
08 – Love Don’t Lie
09 – Gravity
10 – Cry
11 – Girl Like You
12 – Let Me Be The One
13 – Scar
JAPAN BONUS TRACKS:
14 – Kiss The Day
15 – Long Long Way To Go [Acoustic]

Joe Elliott – lead vocals
Rick Savage – bass, vocals
Rick Allen – drums
Vivian Campbell – guitar, vocals
Phil Collen – guitar, vocals
additional personnel:
Stan Schiller – shredding tele licks on 9
Eric Carter – keyboards and drum loops on 1, 3, 4

Out Of Print
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/UICY-91105
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