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Post by timzy on May 18, 2022 9:31:22 GMT -8
Great Review
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Post by kylen4 on May 18, 2022 10:14:26 GMT -8
Now that’s a well written review.
And not because it’s positive but, because they understand where the band is at and they have reasonable expectations in regards to the bands sound.
Basing a review off of false hope of you wanting a specific sound from a band isn’t a fair way to analyze their material.
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Post by DesertSun81 on May 18, 2022 16:08:29 GMT -8
Took some time to re-read this review after work so I could properly absorb it. The reviewer sounds exactly like how one of us would probably describe many of these songs and has really heightened my anticipation (which is exactly what I didn't need). Solos that rip things apart (Phil has already referenced he can't wait to play the FIRE IT UP solo live). Bright and breezy are how I would describe some of my favorite Leppard songs ever, so really looking forward to ALL WE NEED (which if I'm not mistaken another reviewer compared to the HYSTERIA era). I was caught off guard with his RHCP reference on OPEN YOUR EYES which I thought had been compared to a Bowie/Moonage Daydreamesque type song at another juncture. Very fascinated by this song and "the best thing that Phil ever played" which Joe has referenced. LIQUID DUST sounds very reminiscent of what could be a close cousin to TURN TO DUST (did they inadvertently make a sequel)? GIMME A KISS seems to be getting a lot of positive feedback...I'm wondering if this is the ALL TIME HIGH of this album, which translates to me as great single material that will most likely be buried by an album that will already have a bunch of them before it. UNBREAKABLE also sounds like a track buried in the tracklisting that could probably be a single also. Don't want to get ahead of myself here but just maybe we can broaden our horizons on what will actually be played live from the album on this tour...? FROM HERE TO ETERNITY sounds like perhaps at least in the same neighborhood as a trademark Leppard epic in the same ilk as perhaps a PEARL OF EUPHORIA (I believe it also clocks in at 5:37)? Sounds like one hell of a way to close out the album. Vivian loves it and his tastes I think alludes to this one being moody and heavy. While the GODS OF WAR style outro is fantastic I have never been super enamored with the last closer BLIND FAITH. That doesn't even mention SOS EMERGENCY, which it's title just screams classic Leppard and the other reviewer had me at the description of the slingshot bridge to chorus. Another reviewer made it sound like a SLANG era track...another song I'm very fascinated by. I've held up well and the time's gone fast but I have to admit the last few weeks have been pretty brutal waiting for this thing. Some of you have some awesome willpower to be offered a chance to listen early and pass it up...as much as I love the anticipation and payoff of release day I'm not so sure I could do it. 8 more days.  Another review...Pretty well written and a good review: linkReview by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
They’ve been through incredible highs and shattering lows but the one thing that has consumed their souls above all is music and in ‘Diamond Star Halos’ Def Leppard prove once again that this laser-like focus produces some of the most anthemic hard rock music of this, or any other, era.
This album, their twelfth, more than just tips the hat to the glam rock era that birthed its title but imbues its very DNA with the power and the sense of good times that typified that golden era.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that this is just a tribute to those times, as loving and warm as the references are, because the quintet of Joe Elliot, Rick Savage, Rick Allen, Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell have crafted something that is both traditionally anchored in great song writing but also fresh and modern.
Very much a Def Leppard album for 2022, ‘Diamond Star Halos’ bristles with the spiky energy the band displayed at the start of their career, a visceral excitement and passion that was wonderfully untamed.
Just how the band captured this tightrope walk between the confidence and maturity that comes from years together, this line-up having clocked up three decades now, and that blazing fire of youth is a marvel but one they’ve achieved.
Over a generous fifteen tracks the quality never even hints at dipping and the album stands as a testament to their eternal commitment to their craft.
Hearty party rockers mix with a smattering of slower songs that highlight the dynamic range that Leppard have made their own, refining the style that was properly forged in the nascent days of working with Mutt Lange.
As technology has moved on, the necessity of booking an expensive studio to funnel all your creativity in one precious time frame has faded, the global pandemic also giving space. These factors have meant that the band were able to really have the time and space to work on the album their way. This approach certainly shows and ‘Diamond Star Halos’ benefits from a tight but loose feel that shows in every groove of its two-year creation.
The pounding and sparkling opener ‘Take What You Want’ could have been hewn from ‘Pyromania’, the bounce and grit fully there, the solos stinging.
Kick’ is a fizzing blast of 70’s style glam, its bubble gum hard rock replete with gang choruses and sounds like T Rex jamming with The Sweet on their heavier album tracks.
This hat trick of hard hitters is completed by ‘Fire It Up’, its dirty, skittering riff full of attitude and the solo ripping things apart in no uncertain measure.
So far, so rocky. It’s now though that things take a delightful twist with the country tinged ‘This Guitar’ which features the gorgeous tones of Alison Kraus adding her vocal magic and some lush orchestration. Having dabbled in the fringes of the genre before, this isn’t a total left field choice but its certainly one that the band feel comfortable in and the blend is perfectly balanced, the writing and production giving space to each side of the equation.
Whilst much maligned by those who view the genre through outmoded ideas full of cliché, it’s become more and more acknowledged that the quality of both the writing and performances in Country has always been there. Leppard have the experience to understand that one central tenant and embrace it: the song is key. Kraus also appears on the shimmering pop rock of ‘Lifeless’ and her contribution raises things even further, the contrast between her vocals and those of Elliot beautifully counterpointed.
It’s foot to the floor again with febrile rocker ‘SOS Emergency’, the Bowie meets the mystical East wonder of ‘Liquid Dust’ and the Slade title inspired ‘U Rok Mi’ where Savage’s bass gets centre stage as it drives the song and Leppard throw in a massive glitterball to get feet dancing.
As with ‘Take What You Want’ before it, there’s a touch of the Electric Light Orchestra in the superior ballad ‘Goodbye for Good This Time’ as strings swell and there’s a sense of Jeff Lynne’s troupe running through its veins. Adding to this already delicious concoction, the keys by David Bowie cohort Mike Garson and a sublime acoustic guitar solo make this the best tearjerker they’ve done since ‘Love Bites’.
The bright and breezy ‘All We Need’ is Leppard at play, energised and full of a widescreen, feelgood bonhomie that manages to be big but curiously intimate at the same time, the mate who draws along side to check on you during a great night out.
There is a Chilli Peppers feel to the funk and swagger of ‘Open Your Eyes’, Savage and Allen carving out a canyon wide groove whilst Collen and Campbell are on blistering form, Elliot’s vocal going from laid back to attacking in the chorus.
Gimme A Kiss’ is a full-on stomper that you can imagine will be filling arenas and stadiums shortly before it’s time to slow things down again with the second big ballad of the album, ‘Angels (Can’t Help You Now)’. Again, graced with the keys of Mike Garson and tasteful orchestration, this sounds like Leppard’s take on what things may have sounded like had Bowie collaborated with Elton John on ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’.
With the sleek but gritty ‘Unbreakable’ insinuating its hook-filled chorus into your brain, there’s just time for ‘From Here to Eternity’ to strike the killer blow. Arguably the best track on the album, its epic scope and drama filled dynamics are never overwrought but distil all the magic that Leppard have managed to capture on the album, everything just seemingly bigger and brighter.
This may be a huge sounding track but it never loses sight of the still, small voice and very human heart at its centre, the core strength making it even more powerful as the band bring out some of the very best performances they’ve committed to record.
Vital, intense and thrilling, ‘Diamond Star Halos’ is the sound of a band reborn and stands shoulder to shoulder with their greatest work. |
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Post by timzy on May 19, 2022 2:48:25 GMT -8
new interview:
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Post by timzy on May 19, 2022 2:53:11 GMT -8
Bowie or Bowie 2:28 lol
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Post by timzy on May 19, 2022 3:02:07 GMT -8
Anyone else see a resemblance of James Bay to SAV?
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Post by quarky on May 19, 2022 4:31:36 GMT -8
Everyone knows it is pronounced Bowie.
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Post by diva on May 19, 2022 4:59:34 GMT -8
That was great. I didn’t know about the Ronnie Wood collab with Joe. Thanks for posting. |
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Post by tsmith on May 19, 2022 4:59:42 GMT -8
We seem to be on the same wavelength lol. I've read the review a few times and have virtually the same thoughts on everything you mention! My one difference might be with Gimmie A Kiss. I'm kind of expecting that song to sound even huger than All Time High being that a couple reviews now have singled that song out as a classic Leppard stadium rocker. I'm picturing lots of harmonies and a big, catchy chorus on that. Like you, I don't need any more excitement and anticipation lol. But in my mind, I'm already convinced this album is going to easily exceed their past couple albums. It'll be interesting to see if that turns out to be right but I'm feeling good that it will! And agree with you on the will power in regards to hearing it early. Don't think I could pass on listening lol! Only a week to go now though and I'm sure we'll be hearing more about the album on Monday/Tuesday after many people do get to hear it. Took some time to re-read this review after work so I could properly absorb it. The reviewer sounds exactly like how one of us would probably describe many of these songs and has really heightened my anticipation (which is exactly what I didn't need). Solos that rip things apart (Phil has already referenced he can't wait to play the FIRE IT UP solo live). Bright and breezy are how I would describe some of my favorite Leppard songs ever, so really looking forward to ALL WE NEED (which if I'm not mistaken another reviewer compared to the HYSTERIA era). I was caught off guard with his RHCP reference on OPEN YOUR EYES which I thought had been compared to a Bowie/Moonage Daydreamesque type song at another juncture. Very fascinated by this song and "the best thing that Phil ever played" which Joe has referenced. LIQUID DUST sounds very reminiscent of what could be a close cousin to TURN TO DUST (did they inadvertently make a sequel)? GIMME A KISS seems to be getting a lot of positive feedback...I'm wondering if this is the ALL TIME HIGH of this album, which translates to me as great single material that will most likely be buried by an album that will already have a bunch of them before it. UNBREAKABLE also sounds like a track buried in the tracklisting that could probably be a single also. Don't want to get ahead of myself here but just maybe we can broaden our horizons on what will actually be played live from the album on this tour...? FROM HERE TO ETERNITY sounds like perhaps at least in the same neighborhood as a trademark Leppard epic in the same ilk as perhaps a PEARL OF EUPHORIA (I believe it also clocks in at 5:37)? Sounds like one hell of a way to close out the album. Vivian loves it and his tastes I think alludes to this one being moody and heavy. While the GODS OF WAR style outro is fantastic I have never been super enamored with the last closer BLIND FAITH. That doesn't even mention SOS EMERGENCY, which it's title just screams classic Leppard and the other reviewer had me at the description of the slingshot bridge to chorus. Another reviewer made it sound like a SLANG era track...another song I'm very fascinated by. I've held up well and the time's gone fast but I have to admit the last few weeks have been pretty brutal waiting for this thing. Some of you have some awesome willpower to be offered a chance to listen early and pass it up...as much as I love the anticipation and payoff of release day I'm not so sure I could do it. 8 more days. Another review...Pretty well written and a good review: linkReview by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
They’ve been through incredible highs and shattering lows but the one thing that has consumed their souls above all is music and in ‘Diamond Star Halos’ Def Leppard prove once again that this laser-like focus produces some of the most anthemic hard rock music of this, or any other, era.
This album, their twelfth, more than just tips the hat to the glam rock era that birthed its title but imbues its very DNA with the power and the sense of good times that typified that golden era.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that this is just a tribute to those times, as loving and warm as the references are, because the quintet of Joe Elliot, Rick Savage, Rick Allen, Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell have crafted something that is both traditionally anchored in great song writing but also fresh and modern.
Very much a Def Leppard album for 2022, ‘Diamond Star Halos’ bristles with the spiky energy the band displayed at the start of their career, a visceral excitement and passion that was wonderfully untamed.
Just how the band captured this tightrope walk between the confidence and maturity that comes from years together, this line-up having clocked up three decades now, and that blazing fire of youth is a marvel but one they’ve achieved.
Over a generous fifteen tracks the quality never even hints at dipping and the album stands as a testament to their eternal commitment to their craft.
Hearty party rockers mix with a smattering of slower songs that highlight the dynamic range that Leppard have made their own, refining the style that was properly forged in the nascent days of working with Mutt Lange.
As technology has moved on, the necessity of booking an expensive studio to funnel all your creativity in one precious time frame has faded, the global pandemic also giving space. These factors have meant that the band were able to really have the time and space to work on the album their way. This approach certainly shows and ‘Diamond Star Halos’ benefits from a tight but loose feel that shows in every groove of its two-year creation.
The pounding and sparkling opener ‘Take What You Want’ could have been hewn from ‘Pyromania’, the bounce and grit fully there, the solos stinging.
Kick’ is a fizzing blast of 70’s style glam, its bubble gum hard rock replete with gang choruses and sounds like T Rex jamming with The Sweet on their heavier album tracks.
This hat trick of hard hitters is completed by ‘Fire It Up’, its dirty, skittering riff full of attitude and the solo ripping things apart in no uncertain measure.
So far, so rocky. It’s now though that things take a delightful twist with the country tinged ‘This Guitar’ which features the gorgeous tones of Alison Kraus adding her vocal magic and some lush orchestration. Having dabbled in the fringes of the genre before, this isn’t a total left field choice but its certainly one that the band feel comfortable in and the blend is perfectly balanced, the writing and production giving space to each side of the equation.
Whilst much maligned by those who view the genre through outmoded ideas full of cliché, it’s become more and more acknowledged that the quality of both the writing and performances in Country has always been there. Leppard have the experience to understand that one central tenant and embrace it: the song is key. Kraus also appears on the shimmering pop rock of ‘Lifeless’ and her contribution raises things even further, the contrast between her vocals and those of Elliot beautifully counterpointed.
It’s foot to the floor again with febrile rocker ‘SOS Emergency’, the Bowie meets the mystical East wonder of ‘Liquid Dust’ and the Slade title inspired ‘U Rok Mi’ where Savage’s bass gets centre stage as it drives the song and Leppard throw in a massive glitterball to get feet dancing.
As with ‘Take What You Want’ before it, there’s a touch of the Electric Light Orchestra in the superior ballad ‘Goodbye for Good This Time’ as strings swell and there’s a sense of Jeff Lynne’s troupe running through its veins. Adding to this already delicious concoction, the keys by David Bowie cohort Mike Garson and a sublime acoustic guitar solo make this the best tearjerker they’ve done since ‘Love Bites’.
The bright and breezy ‘All We Need’ is Leppard at play, energised and full of a widescreen, feelgood bonhomie that manages to be big but curiously intimate at the same time, the mate who draws along side to check on you during a great night out.
There is a Chilli Peppers feel to the funk and swagger of ‘Open Your Eyes’, Savage and Allen carving out a canyon wide groove whilst Collen and Campbell are on blistering form, Elliot’s vocal going from laid back to attacking in the chorus.
Gimme A Kiss’ is a full-on stomper that you can imagine will be filling arenas and stadiums shortly before it’s time to slow things down again with the second big ballad of the album, ‘Angels (Can’t Help You Now)’. Again, graced with the keys of Mike Garson and tasteful orchestration, this sounds like Leppard’s take on what things may have sounded like had Bowie collaborated with Elton John on ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’.
With the sleek but gritty ‘Unbreakable’ insinuating its hook-filled chorus into your brain, there’s just time for ‘From Here to Eternity’ to strike the killer blow. Arguably the best track on the album, its epic scope and drama filled dynamics are never overwrought but distil all the magic that Leppard have managed to capture on the album, everything just seemingly bigger and brighter.
This may be a huge sounding track but it never loses sight of the still, small voice and very human heart at its centre, the core strength making it even more powerful as the band bring out some of the very best performances they’ve committed to record.
Vital, intense and thrilling, ‘Diamond Star Halos’ is the sound of a band reborn and stands shoulder to shoulder with their greatest work. |
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Post by diva on May 19, 2022 5:03:45 GMT -8
Anyone else see a resemblance of James Bay to SAV? I prefer this look over his promo pics. I’m totally stealing his hair color. Growing out the sides was a good idea. It’s a much softer look. It’s more flattering. I’m assuming it’s Joe’s glasses that are making his hair appear to be blue on occasion. Ive seen that optical illusion a few times with hair appearing to be bluish. |
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Post by DesertSun81 on May 19, 2022 6:26:18 GMT -8
I was more referring to the pecking order of GIMME A KISS on the album vs. the quality of the song. Although it's still very early it could absolutely be a single later on and maybe won't suffer the same fate as ALL TIME HIGH, which was one of my favorites off S/T and I thought could have been a modern day hit for the band. I would imagine with how many tracks there are and how rich the album seems to be that they will very possibly continue to release songs/videos into the later part of the year and even into next year. Transitioning that thought process to the live show, I think with every album they've done we've heard no less than 3 and often 4 songs live, and with this album I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility to get to 4 or even 5 songs played before they are through with it. With how confident they are in it hopefully we will see some longevity both with releases and live songs played. Sounds like FIRE IT UP (probably?) will be out Thursday according to Joe from the interview a couple days ago. Thursday is really the day I have circled as you get a new song to start the day and the rest of the album will unlock that night. I won't be getting much sleep that evening. 7 more days! We seem to be on the same wavelength lol. I've read the review a few times and have virtually the same thoughts on everything you mention! My one difference might be with Gimmie A Kiss. I'm kind of expecting that song to sound even huger than All Time High being that a couple reviews now have singled that song out as a classic Leppard stadium rocker. I'm picturing lots of harmonies and a big, catchy chorus on that. Like you, I don't need any more excitement and anticipation lol. But in my mind, I'm already convinced this album is going to easily exceed their past couple albums. It'll be interesting to see if that turns out to be right but I'm feeling good that it will! And agree with you on the will power in regards to hearing it early. Don't think I could pass on listening lol! Only a week to go now though and I'm sure we'll be hearing more about the album on Monday/Tuesday after many people do get to hear it. Took some time to re-read this review after work so I could properly absorb it. The reviewer sounds exactly like how one of us would probably describe many of these songs and has really heightened my anticipation (which is exactly what I didn't need). Solos that rip things apart (Phil has already referenced he can't wait to play the FIRE IT UP solo live). Bright and breezy are how I would describe some of my favorite Leppard songs ever, so really looking forward to ALL WE NEED (which if I'm not mistaken another reviewer compared to the HYSTERIA era). I was caught off guard with his RHCP reference on OPEN YOUR EYES which I thought had been compared to a Bowie/Moonage Daydreamesque type song at another juncture. Very fascinated by this song and "the best thing that Phil ever played" which Joe has referenced. LIQUID DUST sounds very reminiscent of what could be a close cousin to TURN TO DUST (did they inadvertently make a sequel)? GIMME A KISS seems to be getting a lot of positive feedback...I'm wondering if this is the ALL TIME HIGH of this album, which translates to me as great single material that will most likely be buried by an album that will already have a bunch of them before it. UNBREAKABLE also sounds like a track buried in the tracklisting that could probably be a single also. Don't want to get ahead of myself here but just maybe we can broaden our horizons on what will actually be played live from the album on this tour...? FROM HERE TO ETERNITY sounds like perhaps at least in the same neighborhood as a trademark Leppard epic in the same ilk as perhaps a PEARL OF EUPHORIA (I believe it also clocks in at 5:37)? Sounds like one hell of a way to close out the album. Vivian loves it and his tastes I think alludes to this one being moody and heavy. While the GODS OF WAR style outro is fantastic I have never been super enamored with the last closer BLIND FAITH. That doesn't even mention SOS EMERGENCY, which it's title just screams classic Leppard and the other reviewer had me at the description of the slingshot bridge to chorus. Another reviewer made it sound like a SLANG era track...another song I'm very fascinated by. I've held up well and the time's gone fast but I have to admit the last few weeks have been pretty brutal waiting for this thing. Some of you have some awesome willpower to be offered a chance to listen early and pass it up...as much as I love the anticipation and payoff of release day I'm not so sure I could do it. 8 more days. |
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Post by CindyJ on May 19, 2022 6:55:13 GMT -8
Def Leppard – Diamond Star HalosEvery time Def Leppard enter the studio to release a brand new album we realize -almost subconsciously- two things: a) how much we miss ‘em and b) that we’d gotten a bit older since their previous record. You see, all the Leppard fans are accustomed to the fact that their favorite band takes its time when it comes down to new music. So, it’s not surprising at all that “Diamond Star Halos” closes a 7-year gap between Leppard’s last couple of albums. But enough with my babbling…let’s cut to the chase. The first two singles (“Kick” and “Take What You Want”) were the ideal appetizers for the main dish as they were both exceptional and especially the latter one was classic Leppard in all its glory! The question remained: would the new album be equally impressive as the first singles…? The answer to the question above depends on how someone view things and what expects really from “Diamond Star Halos”. If he wants a new “Hysteria” or “Adrenalize”, he or she’d better check the calendar…it’s 2022. It’s almost impossible that we would get to see such records ever again and I believe that the Sheffield boys don’t want to repeat themselves unless a certain producer/genius by the name Mutt Lange would work once again with Leppard. Then a U Turn could happen… “Diamond Star Halos” is a powerful and diverse record; personally, I see it as a retrospective collection of songs of Def Leppard’s recording career…at least from 1983 up to…well up to 2015, really. So, the riff of “Take What You Want” reminds of the opening riff of “Rock Rock”, “Gimme A Kiss” could have easily fit in “Adrenalize”, “Liquid Dust” and “Open Your Eyes” have something of that “Slang” aura (and that’s a good thing), “SOS Emergency” could have a good place on “Euphoria”, “U Rok Mi” and “Lifeless” have a pop aesthetic similar to the “X” album while “All We Need” and “Unbreakable” leave some traces similar to the 2015 self-titled album. In other words, “Diamond Star Halos” is like a sonic kaleidoscope for Def Leppard that will surely please all the fans around the world. The production is crystal clear, the overall performance impressive and the compositions great. As a fan of the band, I’d have loved to see more input by Sav and Viv and more songs in the vein of “Take What You Want”, “Gimme A Kiss”, “SOS Emergency” and “Kick” which are classic Leppard and they are most definitely the absolute highlights of the album. All in all, “Diamond Star Halos” is a great album and a fine addition to the band’s illustrious catalogue. Highlight: The overall promotion and work behind the album shows how Universal really believes in the album… Source
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Post by quarky on May 19, 2022 7:53:48 GMT -8
I have been listening to a bit of Plant & Krauss today. I am wondering if that is what we should be thinking of for the Lep & Krauss tracks? Find out next week I guess.
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Post by timzy on May 19, 2022 8:16:48 GMT -8
Anyone else see a resemblance of James Bay to SAV? I prefer this look over his promo pics. I’m totally stealing his hair color. Growing out the sides was a good idea. It’s a much softer look. It’s more flattering. I’m assuming it’s Joe’s glasses that are making his hair appear to be blue on occasion. Ive seen that optical illusion a few times with hair appearing to be bluish. On that note, anyone got any info on Joe's glasses? I'd love to get a pair they are so cool |
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Post by tsmith on May 19, 2022 8:39:34 GMT -8
Another nice review from somebody that sounds familiar with their catalog and understands where the band is at in 2022. I've kind of been thinking to myself that I've been getting a vibe from these reviews that this album might have some pieces of Slang, Euphoria and X so nice to see that mentioned. At least for me, those 3 albums all had a bit of a different feel to me than the last 2 albums in that those albums all just felt "bigger" in terms of production and such. And I've felt that "bigger" vibe from DSH so far from the first 2 singles, fancy artwork and all the promotion around it. Little curious to me that the reviewer doesn't mention Fire It Up at all as most other reviews have pegged that as a classic sounding Leppard stadium rocker. And no mention of From Here To Eternity either which seems like a song that should probably elicit some feelings one way or the other based upon what we've heard in some other reviews. Good review though and looking forward to doing my own next week  Def Leppard – Diamond Star HalosEvery time Def Leppard enter the studio to release a brand new album we realize -almost subconsciously- two things: a) how much we miss ‘em and b) that we’d gotten a bit older since their previous record. You see, all the Leppard fans are accustomed to the fact that their favorite band takes its time when it comes down to new music. So, it’s not surprising at all that “Diamond Star Halos” closes a 7-year gap between Leppard’s last couple of albums. But enough with my babbling…let’s cut to the chase. The first two singles (“Kick” and “Take What You Want”) were the ideal appetizers for the main dish as they were both exceptional and especially the latter one was classic Leppard in all its glory! The question remained: would the new album be equally impressive as the first singles…? The answer to the question above depends on how someone view things and what expects really from “Diamond Star Halos”. If he wants a new “Hysteria” or “Adrenalize”, he or she’d better check the calendar…it’s 2022. It’s almost impossible that we would get to see such records ever again and I believe that the Sheffield boys don’t want to repeat themselves unless a certain producer/genius by the name Mutt Lange would work once again with Leppard. Then a U Turn could happen… “Diamond Star Halos” is a powerful and diverse record; personally, I see it as a retrospective collection of songs of Def Leppard’s recording career…at least from 1983 up to…well up to 2015, really. So, the riff of “Take What You Want” reminds of the opening riff of “Rock Rock”, “Gimme A Kiss” could have easily fit in “Adrenalize”, “Liquid Dust” and “Open Your Eyes” have something of that “Slang” aura (and that’s a good thing), “SOS Emergency” could have a good place on “Euphoria”, “U Rok Mi” and “Lifeless” have a pop aesthetic similar to the “X” album while “All We Need” and “Unbreakable” leave some traces similar to the 2015 self-titled album. In other words, “Diamond Star Halos” is like a sonic kaleidoscope for Def Leppard that will surely please all the fans around the world. The production is crystal clear, the overall performance impressive and the compositions great. As a fan of the band, I’d have loved to see more input by Sav and Viv and more songs in the vein of “Take What You Want”, “Gimme A Kiss”, “SOS Emergency” and “Kick” which are classic Leppard and they are most definitely the absolute highlights of the album. All in all, “Diamond Star Halos” is a great album and a fine addition to the band’s illustrious catalogue. Highlight: The overall promotion and work behind the album shows how Universal really believes in the album… Source |
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Post by TurnToDust86 on May 19, 2022 9:12:43 GMT -8
It's good to see some educated, realistic reviews coming in. Every review doesn't have to be good and I have my own reservations about some of the stuff on the album (specifically the tracks with guest appearances, especially the Krauss ones), but the album should be judged for what it is, not that it isn't HND/Pyro/Hysteria top to bottom.
Having said that every good review does increase my excitement and expectations so no pressure Lep.
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Post by diva on May 19, 2022 10:08:30 GMT -8
I prefer this look over his promo pics. I’m totally stealing his hair color. Growing out the sides was a good idea. It’s a much softer look. It’s more flattering. I’m assuming it’s Joe’s glasses that are making his hair appear to be blue on occasion. Ive seen that optical illusion a few times with hair appearing to be bluish. On that note, anyone got any info on Joe's glasses? I'd love to get a pair they are so cool Same! Love them |
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Post by kylen4 on May 19, 2022 11:11:55 GMT -8
According to their Facebook, fire it up is coming out tomorrow!
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Post by tsmith on May 19, 2022 11:14:59 GMT -8
Nice! According to their Facebook, fire it up is coming out tomorrow!
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Post by DesertSun81 on May 19, 2022 11:15:47 GMT -8
Maybe Joe meant the WEEK before, not the DAY before. Great news! According to their Facebook, fire it up is coming out tomorrow! |
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Post by tsmith on May 19, 2022 11:20:34 GMT -8
Or maybe they changed their plans? Makes much more sense to me to get it out at least a week in advance of the album and let it have a little time to shine. And it leaves time for people to get juiced back up again for the album and for reaction videos and things like that while making a last push for pre-orders. Maybe Joe meant the WEEK before, not the DAY before. Great news! According to their Facebook, fire it up is coming out tomorrow! |
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Post by Armageddonit on May 19, 2022 11:20:55 GMT -8
According to their Facebook, fire it up is coming out tomorrow! Excellent. That will hold me over until the album drops. I haven't been doing very well waiting! |
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Post by treffo on May 19, 2022 11:22:17 GMT -8
A little something to watch tonight. The Leppard part starts at 12:18.
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Post by TurnToDust86 on May 19, 2022 11:29:54 GMT -8
Makes a lot more sense the week before than the day before. Had it actually come out on 5/26 I wasn’t even going to listen to it. But now I am!
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Post by DesertSun81 on May 19, 2022 13:11:39 GMT -8
Agree 100% that this makes a hell of a lot more sense. Now you capture more people who will make last minute decisions to buy the album and like you said before give the song a bit to breathe on its own instead of lump sum it with everything else. Maybe now the video comes out on album release day which also makes more sense. Also gives us die hards something new to absorb to make the wait more palatable. Credit where it’s due also if the plan originally WAS to put this out the day before release and to make the change that makes the most sense. Or maybe they changed their plans? Makes much more sense to me to get it out at least a week in advance of the album and let it have a little time to shine. And it leaves time for people to get juiced back up again for the album and for reaction videos and things like that while making a last push for pre-orders. Maybe Joe meant the WEEK before, not the DAY before. Great news! |
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Post by slanged on May 19, 2022 13:43:33 GMT -8
i will only listen since there are 15 songs, so album day will still have 12 songs unheard
i miss the days of record store at 12am Tuesday to get album. then at home listen to previous album as read liner notes, then listen to the album with no idea what it will sound like.
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Post by timzy on May 20, 2022 2:27:40 GMT -8
New Interview
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Post by treffo on May 21, 2022 0:54:31 GMT -8
Another review. Interesting how different people look at different songs/styles. "TWYW is miles away from Pyro, Kick is more of a pop song while Fire it up is classic Leppard all the way..." :-)
Therazorsedge.rocks
Album Review: Def Leppard - Diamond Star Halos
Reviewed by Tim Finch
If there is one band that needs absolutely no introduction, it is Def Leppard. Over a glittering 45 year career they have done everything, played everywhere and survived highs and lows to come out the other side even stronger. Despite the length of their career they have only twelve albums to their name, which averages out at an album every three and a quarter years. In the Sheffield boys case it’s certainly quality over quantity for sure.
Album number twelve, ‘Diamond Star Halos’ gets its release this May via Mercury Records and promises to be another highlight in their career. Kick starting the record is ‘Take What You Want’, a fist pumping rock romp. A song that highlights the bands progression over the years, a mile away from the songs of Pyromania in style, but dripping in that same unmistakable quality. Whilst ‘Kick’ deviates a little into the realms of “pop rock” the band hit back with 'Fire It Up’. Now this number is classic Def Leppard, that unmistakable drum line, the sing along chorus, an all round rock anthem.
The danger with bands as their career progresses is the vocals, look at contemporaries Iron Maiden as an example; as the bands latest release demonstrates Bruce struggling to retain the voice he once had, at times to the detriment of their album. For Def Leppard this is not the case at all, Joe Elliot’s distinctive warbling is as strong today as it was on the aforementioned Pyromania, if not better. He has looked after his voice over the years and that care and attention shines through.
The album weaves it’s way through Def Leppard’s range of styles ‘This Guitar’ and ‘Goodbye For Good This Time’ demonstrating the bands softer side whilst ‘SOS Emergency’ and ‘Gimme A Kiss’ are in your face rock ragers, the sort of track that drove the band to popularity in the 80’s. Then there are songs like ‘U Rok Mi’ where the band give their music a more modern twist.
As Def Leppard head towards a half century as a group ‘Diamond Star Halos’ demonstrates one thing, the band haven’t lost their edge at all!
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Post by tsmith on May 21, 2022 5:58:57 GMT -8
Like you say, it's always fascinated me how differently people can feel about songs, especially Def Leppard songs. As for these 3 news songs, from everything I saw it seemed like almost everybody seemed to love TWYW while Kick and Fire it Up have been much more hit and miss. I'd say just based upon what I've seen at the sites/pages I follow, Kick was a bit better received than Fire It Up but both have had plenty who liked it and plenty who don't. It's really seemed to have been that way with Def Leppard over the past 35 years though. I vividly remember even when Hysteria came out there were many saying they'd sold out to pop and were upset it didn't have the edge that Pyro/HND had and it's been the same way since. One question I wonder about is if the band knows this or not? I wonder if they look at a song like Take What You Want and say to themselves....Hmmm....Seems like 90% of our fans like that song so maybe we should make more like that instead of this other type of song that only half the people seem to like? My guess would be they're well aware of it but they just make the music they want to make and let the chips fall as they may. Either way, it's fun and interesting. While I'd love a full album of really rocking tunes like TWYW, I know it's not happening and I've adjusted my expectations over the years. And there's been plenty of stuff I haven't been fond of myself. I mean, I think I dug about 90% of their output pre-Slang and probably about 50% of their output from Slang and forward. I'd say my biggest struggles have been with the past couple albums as for me the past couple just lost the big feeling, melodic Leppard sounds that I always loved. The past couple have been more straight forward type stuff IMO and I don't want straight-forward type stuff with this band. So I think that's why I dig the 3 new tunes so far as they all just have that big Leppard sound back to them and are all melodic, catchy tunes. To me these songs are vastly different than what's mostly been on the past couple albums and I feel like they're probably more representative of their Slang through X period. Those 3 albums had a lot of variety when you look at them altogether but they still were all melodic and oozed Def Leppard in different ways. And I guess that's the vibe these songs are giving me....Different but still very melodic and sounding like Def Leppard. At the end of the day though people all have different tastes and maybe only like specific sides of this band. One of the positives with being such a varied band is that your bound to have somebody that likes what you're doing. But one of the negatives is that there's bound to be somebody that doesn't like it too lol. All I know is that at least for me, this is shaping up to be an album I'm going to enjoy  Another review. Interesting how different people look at different songs/styles. "TWYW is miles away from Pyro, Kick is more of a pop song while Fire it up is classic Leppard all the way..." :-) Therazorsedge.rocks Album Review: Def Leppard - Diamond Star Halos Reviewed by Tim Finch If there is one band that needs absolutely no introduction, it is Def Leppard. Over a glittering 45 year career they have done everything, played everywhere and survived highs and lows to come out the other side even stronger. Despite the length of their career they have only twelve albums to their name, which averages out at an album every three and a quarter years. In the Sheffield boys case it’s certainly quality over quantity for sure. Album number twelve, ‘Diamond Star Halos’ gets its release this May via Mercury Records and promises to be another highlight in their career. Kick starting the record is ‘Take What You Want’, a fist pumping rock romp. A song that highlights the bands progression over the years, a mile away from the songs of Pyromania in style, but dripping in that same unmistakable quality. Whilst ‘Kick’ deviates a little into the realms of “pop rock” the band hit back with 'Fire It Up’. Now this number is classic Def Leppard, that unmistakable drum line, the sing along chorus, an all round rock anthem. The danger with bands as their career progresses is the vocals, look at contemporaries Iron Maiden as an example; as the bands latest release demonstrates Bruce struggling to retain the voice he once had, at times to the detriment of their album. For Def Leppard this is not the case at all, Joe Elliot’s distinctive warbling is as strong today as it was on the aforementioned Pyromania, if not better. He has looked after his voice over the years and that care and attention shines through. The album weaves it’s way through Def Leppard’s range of styles ‘This Guitar’ and ‘Goodbye For Good This Time’ demonstrating the bands softer side whilst ‘SOS Emergency’ and ‘Gimme A Kiss’ are in your face rock ragers, the sort of track that drove the band to popularity in the 80’s. Then there are songs like ‘U Rok Mi’ where the band give their music a more modern twist. As Def Leppard head towards a half century as a group ‘Diamond Star Halos’ demonstrates one thing, the band haven’t lost their edge at all! |
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deef
Jr. Member
Posts: 96
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Post by deef on May 21, 2022 16:54:09 GMT -8
I just wanted to comment on how great Joe sounds on these first 3 singles! He sounds so youthful!
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