2022 - Diamond Star Halos

[timzy]

May 21, 2022 16:54:09 GMT -8 deef said:

I just wanted to comment on how great Joe sounds on these first 3 singles! He sounds so youthful!

He sounds incredible IMO, i think the break from touring has done wonders for his voice and you can hear it on the songs thus far.

[mikeleppard]

Hace you seen this on tweeter? A cool way to show the track list of the album, and, what is "sc" stands for at the barcode? Steve Clark?

[seaoflove]

May 22, 2022 19:06:36 GMT -8 mikeleppard said:

Hace you seen this on tweeter? A cool way to show the track list of the album, and, what is "sc" stands for at the barcode? Steve Clark?

With the other 5 being the band's initials, SC is 100% Steve Clark. I think the receipt thing is pretty cute, lil funny they got the total length wrong. Their listed times comes to 61:36

[timzy]

New Review : markusheavymusicblog.org/2022/05/23/review-def-leppard-diamond-star-halos/

[timzy]

Another : riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/def-leppard-diamond-star-halos/

[treffo]

Pretty detailed reviews (see links from timzy) with some well-known facts and some pretty unexpected words about what to do next.

- "It is a pity that the band doesn’t unleash the beast of rock’n’roll more often"

- "Both Collen and Campbell are such talented guitarists that it’s still one of the great mysteries of post-’80s rock why they don’t turn them loose more often"

[rockerduck]

"Both Collen and Campbell are such talented guitarists that it’s still one of the great mysteries of post-’80s rock why they don’t turn them loose more often"


The answer is called Joe Elliot, he castrates the guitarists and measures the length of the songs with the timer. He is fixed with the 3 minute songs as he always says in the interviews.

Strange since their biggest hit, hysteria, has much longer songs.

[edwardcreighton]

i am going to keep an open mind about album. really like the 3 songs so far. from the inside is one of my fav lepps songs and its folk! 2015 album was beyond my wildest dreams, this is icing on cake so far.

strength of any album is in 6 months and beyond.

imagine most reviewers listen once or twice, move on.

almost there, best ignore reviews now, not let them cloud judgement.

[andylgr]

I literally cannot think of one time ever in my life where I’ve been influenced by a good or bad review on any album or any film or book. The reviews are just someone’s opinion, it always amazes me as to why that opinion is seemingly worth something. For me they’re not worth obsessing over because come Friday we’ll be making our own minds up when we hear it and we’ll never think of the reviews again.

[timzy]

May 23, 2022 1:43:51 GMT -8 edwardcreighton said:

i am going to keep an open mind about album. really like the 3 songs so far. from the inside is one of my fav lepps songs and its folk! 2015 album was beyond my wildest dreams, this is icing on cake so far.

strength of any album is in 6 months and beyond.

imagine most reviewers listen once or twice, move on.

almost there, best ignore reviews now, not let them cloud judgement.

Agree, i wont ignore the reviews its always good to read, but wont let it cloud my judgement either. I wasn't overly excited about Fire it UP when I first heard it, but after a few more listens its growing on me, and if you only going to listen to an album once through , you not really going to let any of the songs "breathe" and will post a knee jerk review, like i did with Fire it Up.

[timzy]

May 23, 2022 2:23:38 GMT -8 andylgr said:

I literally cannot think of one time ever in my life where I’ve been influenced by a good or bad review on any album or any film or book. The reviews are just someone’s opinion, it always amazes me as to why that opinion is seemingly worth something. For me they’re not worth obsessing over because come Friday we’ll be making our own minds up when we hear it and we’ll never think of the reviews again.

very True

[treffo]

May 23, 2022 2:23:38 GMT -8 andylgr said:

I literally cannot think of one time ever in my life where I’ve been influenced by a good or bad review on any album or any film or book. The reviews are just someone’s opinion, it always amazes me as to why that opinion is seemingly worth something. For me they’re not worth obsessing over because come Friday we’ll be making our own minds up when we hear it and we’ll never think of the reviews again.

Of course we all will make up our own minds about the music after we've heard it (I like 2/3 so far). But some reviews can at least help us know what to expect style-wise. Nothing wrong with that.

To be honest, have you never ever been influenced to buy (or rent) music, movies or books based on someone's review? Allow me to doubt. Or do you just mean that you have your own opinion afterwards, regardless of reviews? In that case, I think we all have.

Friday, please come!

[andylgr]

May 23, 2022 2:39:23 GMT -8 treffo said:

May 23, 2022 2:23:38 GMT -8 andylgr said:

I literally cannot think of one time ever in my life where I’ve been influenced by a good or bad review on any album or any film or book. The reviews are just someone’s opinion, it always amazes me as to why that opinion is seemingly worth something. For me they’re not worth obsessing over because come Friday we’ll be making our own minds up when we hear it and we’ll never think of the reviews again.

Of course we all will make up our own minds about the music after we've heard it (I like 2/3 so far). But some reviews can at least help us know what to expect style-wise. Nothing wrong with that.

To be honest, have you never ever been influenced to buy (or rent) music, movies or books based on someone's review? Allow me to doubt. Or do you just mean that you have your own opinion afterwards, regardless of reviews? In that case, I think we all have.

Friday, please come!

Simple, not one paid reviewers opinion matters a jot whether I buy anything or not.

If I like the band anyway I'll buy their album. If I like the story synopsis/outline of a book or film I'll buy it/see it.

Style wise I don't even trust their comparisons either, I remember one reviewer saying Adrenalize was like HnD, we all hear different stuff once we hear something.

Positive or negative comments aren't going to worry me or excite me unduly for when the album comes out. So far I like a lot in the tracks I've heard. But for example why do you pick out the negatives in these reviews? Do those opinions worry you or have they already swayed you before you hear it?

[tsmith]

Couldn't agree more.

I do enjoy reading reviews but always take them with a grain of salt, especially when it comes to Def Leppard. I mean, we all know this band has been quite varied over the years. And even in this forum of die hard fans we get many differing opinions.

I know I already dig 3 songs and I'm sure there are more I'll like, and some I'll dislike as its been that way with many of their albums for me.

Cannot wait to make my own judgment and just happy new music is coming and we can have these discussions at all 😀

May 23, 2022 2:23:38 GMT -8 andylgr said:

I literally cannot think of one time ever in my life where I’ve been influenced by a good or bad review on any album or any film or book. The reviews are just someone’s opinion, it always amazes me as to why that opinion is seemingly worth something. For me they’re not worth obsessing over because come Friday we’ll be making our own minds up when we hear it and we’ll never think of the reviews again.

[treffo]

May 23, 2022 2:56:12 GMT -8 andylgr said:

......these reviews? Do those opinions worry you.....?

Worry wouldn't be the correct word. But they make me believe that it won't be too many guitar/riff-based/heavier classic rock songs (like the ones I prefer from DL) on the album.

But we'll see, the reviewers may be completely wrong about that.

[andylgr]

May 23, 2022 3:43:21 GMT -8 treffo said:

May 23, 2022 2:56:12 GMT -8 andylgr said:

......these reviews? Do those opinions worry you.....?

Worry wouldn't be the correct word. But they make me believe that it won't be too many guitar/riff-based/heavier classic rock songs (like the ones I prefer from DL) on the album.

But we'll see, the reviewers may be completely wrong about that.

I thought you might say that.

TBH I think that side of Def Leppard has faded away over the years and I have lowered my expectations in that regard and that side of them only appears in a handful of songs per album. They will probably never go back to an albums thats consistent in style and heaviness like HnD was all those years ago.

[quarky]

Just got out of the London listening session.

Liquid Dust -> U Rok Mi -> Goodbye for Good, WOW, what a sequence, what an album.

Good job it was dark so no one could see the odd tear of joy.

Only problem is, after listening in Dolby Atmos, I will never hear it in that Good quality again.

What an album though, what an experience.

I cannot imagine them matching this from this point forward.

[eric311]

May 23, 2022 5:21:35 GMT -8 quarky said:

Just got out of the London listening session.

Liquid Dust -> U Rok Mi -> Goodbye for Good, WOW, what a sequence, what an album.

Good job it was dark so no one could see the odd tear of joy.

Only problem is, after listening in Dolby Atmos, I will never hear it in that Good quality again.

What an album though, what an experience.

I cannot imagine them matching this from this point forward.

Any more details or thoughts you can share?  

[quarky]

I am still figuratively lying there on the pillow smoking a cigarette, and I don't want to get anyone expectations up.

For me though, the three singles actually give little away about the album. I can see why they talk about it as a concept album. Not because it has a theme, but it seems to be made to listen to all the way through. It just flowed so nicely, and has such a solid sound all the way through. Plenty of guitar, plenty of drums, and nothing really felt out of place (apart from FIU maybe!).

It is a very mature album in that so much attention to detail seems to be there. Each track sounded "big" (atmos maybe?), and the second half just flows so nicely.

The Krauss tracks are great. No duet but her vocals just complement Joe's so well. They both sing together with hers adding detail underneath. I honestly liked every single song.

The closest album by far is Slang I guess but not because this sounds similar but because it is such a leap. Not to a grunge sound, but to a mature sound thay does nod great albums of the past, without being a copy.

They really have put a huge amount of work into every track, and we know the first three, but the others are just so damn good.

Sorry, can't do reviews, I work in IT, but, besides the album just flows so well.

When Joe was talking about Rumours and Hotel Caledonia, you can hear what he was getting at. Not that this is musically like them, but it IS a DL version. I would actually say, imagine DL wanted to do their own Dark Side of the Moon. They have released the most pop type songs, but plenty of great songs with melodies, harmonies, guitars, and more guitars.

That could sound like complete bollocks come Friday, but it is the closest thing I can think of.

Hard to call out individual songs because the experience was so good. I need to pinch myself and put at least some of down to the chance to have an early listen. Well, I am trying.

Someone mentioned From Here to Eternity being like Pearl of Euphoria. Good shout. It does sound like it, but it takes elements form it and I think Blind Faith perhaps. Great closer.

[quarky]

Oh, the piano is understated too. Everything sounds like DL, even if it is new.

[quarky]

So should be back home, but the train broke down (god I can't believe I use to commute to London everyday), and so I have some more thoughts. Sorry.

I said the first three tracks don't give much of a feel for the album, but that is not true. TWYW does especially. In fact all three songs released so far share the same loud guitars, drums and vocals that are rife through this entire album.

So after the first three tracks, we get to This Guitar. It is a ballad type, and the first one with Krauss. She sings with Joe though. There is one line like "brother, sister, lover, wife", which works well with them both singing the same lyrics. Lyrically strong, and the guitars come in towards the end. I think a Viv solo, and definitely channeling his inner Gary Moore. Shame it is isn't longer, he should really impose his playing on us more.

Liquid Dust has an Eastern feel without doubt. Like Turn to Dust, but it is through the entire song, and so atmospheric. It really is a musical journey. I guess if you cross TtD with TWYW (not tempo but sound), you can imagine this a little?

The song seamlessly goes into U Rok Mi and to be honest, my hopes were not high. However, I loved Liquid Dust, and can't tell you exactly where one finished and the next started. The ran together, and U Rok Mi seems to keep some of the overall tone and ambiance that goes right through this album, while still being a Phil song.

Onto Goodbye For Good This Time, which is a slower song, but a great transition from the previous two. Joe's vocals are great on this album, and this track is no exception.

Cant remember a huge amount about All We Need, but liked it.

Open your Eyes has a great chorus, and a great song.

Gimme a Kiss is a fun (but not silly) song. Again, at the risk of repetition, the similar vibe to the rest of the album (guitars and just a thickness and quality about the sound/production). There is a smacking of the lips at the end, which I might not have done, but hey, minor thing.

Loved Lifeless, the other track with Alison Krauss. Definitely sounded country for the first few bars, but it is unmistakably Def Leppard.


From Here to Eternity was tinged with sadness a little because I knew it was the end. Not an epic in the way of GOW, Paper Sun, but a great closing track that you would expect on the album. Actually felt a bit lighter musically compared to previous album enders perhaps, but great.

I was expecting to get to the end and think "these songs could be cut". I didn't feel that about any song, not a single one.

I can see why they feel this is the best album they have done. I don't want to say that, because how can you compare, but, I know there will be fans who consider it to be that. And of course some will be like "meh". But personally, I think this will be an album that sells no where near as many as it should, and also doesn't quite fit the catalogue. I don't mean that in a bad way, but the casual fan at a concert won't like want to hear songs from this, they will want Sugar, Photograph, ROA which is a shame because I was listening to this thinking that I agree with Joe. This could be their best ever album. There, said it, after one listen. They must have drugged me.

[DesertSun81]

Thanks for sharing your experience quarky and all of your texture on the album. To say I'm excited to hear this album now is a massive understatement. Based on your and others feedback who are big fans and have heard all of it, the songs we've already heard and that there are 12 more to come, I don't know that I've ever been more excited to hear an album in my life quite honestly...it's definitely up there!

I think you hit on most tracks and enjoyed reading about them (I'm now really fascinated by LIQUID DUST based on your comparison to a TWYW/TTD hybrid). Anything additional to add on SOS EMERGENCY or UNBREAKABLE? What to expect/what you would compare them to? Both of these songs I've seen very contrasting information about and wondering your take.

Glad somebody here got a chance to make this album listening party and sounds like a great way to get the first listen in.

May 23, 2022 7:50:10 GMT -8 quarky said:

So should be back home, but the train broke down (god I can't believe I use to commute to London everyday), and so I have some more thoughts. Sorry.

I said the first three tracks don't give much of a feel for the album, but that is not true. TWYW does especially. In fact all three songs released so far share the same loud guitars, drums and vocals that are rife through this entire album.

So after the first three tracks, we get to This Guitar. It is a ballad type, and the first one with Krauss. She sings with Joe though. There is one line like "brother, sister, lover, wife", which works well with them both singing the same lyrics. Lyrically strong, and the guitars come in towards the end. I think a Viv solo, and definitely channeling his inner Gary Moore. Shame it is isn't longer, he should really impose his playing on us more.

Liquid Dust has an Eastern feel without doubt. Like Turn to Dust, but it is through the entire song, and so atmospheric. It really is a musical journey. I guess if you cross TtD with TWYW (not tempo but sound), you can imagine this a little?

The song seamlessly goes into U Rok Mi and to be honest, my hopes were not high. However, I loved Liquid Dust, and can't tell you exactly where one finished and the next started. The ran together, and U Rok Mi seems to keep some of the overall tone and ambiance that goes right through this album, while still being a Phil song.

Onto Goodbye For Good This Time, which is a slower song, but a great transition from the previous two. Joe's vocals are great on this album, and this track is no exception.

Cant remember a huge amount about All We Need, but liked it.

Open your Eyes has a great chorus, and a great song.

Gimme a Kiss is a fun (but not silly) song. Again, at the risk of repetition, the similar vibe to the rest of the album (guitars and just a thickness and quality about the sound/production). There is a smacking of the lips at the end, which I might not have done, but hey, minor thing.

Loved Lifeless, the other track with Alison Krauss. Definitely sounded country for the first few bars, but it is unmistakably Def Leppard.


From Here to Eternity was tinged with sadness a little because I knew it was the end. Not an epic in the way of GOW, Paper Sun, but a great closing track that you would expect on the album. Actually felt a bit lighter musically compared to previous album enders perhaps, but great.

I was expecting to get to the end and think "these songs could be cut". I didn't feel that about any song, not a single one.

I can see why they feel this is the best album they have done. I don't want to say that, because how can you compare, but, I know there will be fans who consider it to be that. And of course some will be like "meh". But personally, I think this will be an album that sells no where near as many as it should, and also doesn't quite fit the catalogue. I don't mean that in a bad way, but the casual fan at a concert won't like want to hear songs from this, they will want Sugar, Photograph, ROA which is a shame because I was listening to this thinking that I agree with Joe. This could be their best ever album. There, said it, after one listen. They must have drugged me.

[tsmith]

Thanks for your thoughts!

The one thing that has struck me most on the 3 songs so far is just the "big" sound to them. It's hard to describe exactly what that is but it's something I didn't feel much on the past couple albums. I guess it's just the hooks, harmonies and level of detail in the production.

And it sounds to me like the big sound carries throughout the album so that's good to hear!

May 23, 2022 7:50:10 GMT -8 quarky said:

So should be back home, but the train broke down (god I can't believe I use to commute to London everyday), and so I have some more thoughts. Sorry.

I said the first three tracks don't give much of a feel for the album, but that is not true. TWYW does especially. In fact all three songs released so far share the same loud guitars, drums and vocals that are rife through this entire album.

So after the first three tracks, we get to This Guitar. It is a ballad type, and the first one with Krauss. She sings with Joe though. There is one line like "brother, sister, lover, wife", which works well with them both singing the same lyrics. Lyrically strong, and the guitars come in towards the end. I think a Viv solo, and definitely channeling his inner Gary Moore. Shame it is isn't longer, he should really impose his playing on us more.

Liquid Dust has an Eastern feel without doubt. Like Turn to Dust, but it is through the entire song, and so atmospheric. It really is a musical journey. I guess if you cross TtD with TWYW (not tempo but sound), you can imagine this a little?

The song seamlessly goes into U Rok Mi and to be honest, my hopes were not high. However, I loved Liquid Dust, and can't tell you exactly where one finished and the next started. The ran together, and U Rok Mi seems to keep some of the overall tone and ambiance that goes right through this album, while still being a Phil song.

Onto Goodbye For Good This Time, which is a slower song, but a great transition from the previous two. Joe's vocals are great on this album, and this track is no exception.

Cant remember a huge amount about All We Need, but liked it.

Open your Eyes has a great chorus, and a great song.

Gimme a Kiss is a fun (but not silly) song. Again, at the risk of repetition, the similar vibe to the rest of the album (guitars and just a thickness and quality about the sound/production). There is a smacking of the lips at the end, which I might not have done, but hey, minor thing.

Loved Lifeless, the other track with Alison Krauss. Definitely sounded country for the first few bars, but it is unmistakably Def Leppard.


From Here to Eternity was tinged with sadness a little because I knew it was the end. Not an epic in the way of GOW, Paper Sun, but a great closing track that you would expect on the album. Actually felt a bit lighter musically compared to previous album enders perhaps, but great.

I was expecting to get to the end and think "these songs could be cut". I didn't feel that about any song, not a single one.

I can see why they feel this is the best album they have done. I don't want to say that, because how can you compare, but, I know there will be fans who consider it to be that. And of course some will be like "meh". But personally, I think this will be an album that sells no where near as many as it should, and also doesn't quite fit the catalogue. I don't mean that in a bad way, but the casual fan at a concert won't like want to hear songs from this, they will want Sugar, Photograph, ROA which is a shame because I was listening to this thinking that I agree with Joe. This could be their best ever album. There, said it, after one listen. They must have drugged me.

[quarky]

SOS Emergency is a good album rock song. Some big DL hooks, and a better song than FIU

I remember thinking "ah, this is SOS Emergency" but not a huge amount else in the context of the album, except that it was a decent enough rock song.

[quarky]

May 23, 2022 8:27:48 GMT -8 tsmith said:

Thanks for your thoughts!

The one thing that has struck me most on the 3 songs so far is just the "big" sound to them.

Yep. I was listening to it in Dolby theatre but that is definitely the impression I got. The big sound and production were there throughout.

I was even wondering how much had been changed for the Dolby mixing, but the first three songs sounded like themselves so I don't expect the rest of the album to sound significantly worse on my speakers/headphones.

It won't be everyone's cup of tea. Some people are going to be disappointed with the album I am sure (which is fine), but I think more people are going to love it. Or I am just going to be feeling really stupid next week

[deef]

This makes me really excited to listen to it!! I listen to the self-titled and newer stuff way more than the first 3 albums so I’m sure I’ll love it!!

[kylen4]

May 23, 2022 7:50:10 GMT -8 quarky said:

So should be back home, but the train broke down (god I can't believe I use to commute to London everyday), and so I have some more thoughts. Sorry.

I said the first three tracks don't give much of a feel for the album, but that is not true. TWYW does especially. In fact all three songs released so far share the same loud guitars, drums and vocals that are rife through this entire album.

So after the first three tracks, we get to This Guitar. It is a ballad type, and the first one with Krauss. She sings with Joe though. There is one line like "brother, sister, lover, wife", which works well with them both singing the same lyrics. Lyrically strong, and the guitars come in towards the end. I think a Viv solo, and definitely channeling his inner Gary Moore. Shame it is isn't longer, he should really impose his playing on us more.

Liquid Dust has an Eastern feel without doubt. Like Turn to Dust, but it is through the entire song, and so atmospheric. It really is a musical journey. I guess if you cross TtD with TWYW (not tempo but sound), you can imagine this a little?

The song seamlessly goes into U Rok Mi and to be honest, my hopes were not high. However, I loved Liquid Dust, and can't tell you exactly where one finished and the next started. The ran together, and U Rok Mi seems to keep some of the overall tone and ambiance that goes right through this album, while still being a Phil song.

Onto Goodbye For Good This Time, which is a slower song, but a great transition from the previous two. Joe's vocals are great on this album, and this track is no exception.

Cant remember a huge amount about All We Need, but liked it.

Open your Eyes has a great chorus, and a great song.

Gimme a Kiss is a fun (but not silly) song. Again, at the risk of repetition, the similar vibe to the rest of the album (guitars and just a thickness and quality about the sound/production). There is a smacking of the lips at the end, which I might not have done, but hey, minor thing.

Loved Lifeless, the other track with Alison Krauss. Definitely sounded country for the first few bars, but it is unmistakably Def Leppard.


From Here to Eternity was tinged with sadness a little because I knew it was the end. Not an epic in the way of GOW, Paper Sun, but a great closing track that you would expect on the album. Actually felt a bit lighter musically compared to previous album enders perhaps, but great.

I was expecting to get to the end and think "these songs could be cut". I didn't feel that about any song, not a single one.

I can see why they feel this is the best album they have done. I don't want to say that, because how can you compare, but, I know there will be fans who consider it to be that. And of course some will be like "meh". But personally, I think this will be an album that sells no where near as many as it should, and also doesn't quite fit the catalogue. I don't mean that in a bad way, but the casual fan at a concert won't like want to hear songs from this, they will want Sugar, Photograph, ROA which is a shame because I was listening to this thinking that I agree with Joe. This could be their best ever album. There, said it, after one listen. They must have drugged me.

First and foremost, congrats on going to the listening party and thank you so much for your thoughts/details of the album!

My question for you is how were Joe’s vocals overall on the album?

He’s been solid late in his career but, I feel like there’s been a couple of albums late in their career when he’s played it kind of safe. Although he took it up a notch on the self titled record.

[Jefflep]

I really hope to hear some cool & interesting Rick Allen parts. Incidentally , Fire it up is a good song for him to stretch a little.

[defgriff1]

May 23, 2022 7:50:10 GMT -8 quarky said:

So should be back home, but the train broke down (god I can't believe I use to commute to London everyday), and so I have some more thoughts. Sorry.

I said the first three tracks don't give much of a feel for the album, but that is not true. TWYW does especially. In fact all three songs released so far share the same loud guitars, drums and vocals that are rife through this entire album.

So after the first three tracks, we get to This Guitar. It is a ballad type, and the first one with Krauss. She sings with Joe though. There is one line like "brother, sister, lover, wife", which works well with them both singing the same lyrics. Lyrically strong, and the guitars come in towards the end. I think a Viv solo, and definitely channeling his inner Gary Moore. Shame it is isn't longer, he should really impose his playing on us more.

Liquid Dust has an Eastern feel without doubt. Like Turn to Dust, but it is through the entire song, and so atmospheric. It really is a musical journey. I guess if you cross TtD with TWYW (not tempo but sound), you can imagine this a little?

The song seamlessly goes into U Rok Mi and to be honest, my hopes were not high. However, I loved Liquid Dust, and can't tell you exactly where one finished and the next started. The ran together, and U Rok Mi seems to keep some of the overall tone and ambiance that goes right through this album, while still being a Phil song.

Onto Goodbye For Good This Time, which is a slower song, but a great transition from the previous two. Joe's vocals are great on this album, and this track is no exception.

Cant remember a huge amount about All We Need, but liked it.

Open your Eyes has a great chorus, and a great song.

Gimme a Kiss is a fun (but not silly) song. Again, at the risk of repetition, the similar vibe to the rest of the album (guitars and just a thickness and quality about the sound/production). There is a smacking of the lips at the end, which I might not have done, but hey, minor thing.

Loved Lifeless, the other track with Alison Krauss. Definitely sounded country for the first few bars, but it is unmistakably Def Leppard.


From Here to Eternity was tinged with sadness a little because I knew it was the end. Not an epic in the way of GOW, Paper Sun, but a great closing track that you would expect on the album. Actually felt a bit lighter musically compared to previous album enders perhaps, but great.

I was expecting to get to the end and think "these songs could be cut". I didn't feel that about any song, not a single one.

I can see why they feel this is the best album they have done. I don't want to say that, because how can you compare, but, I know there will be fans who consider it to be that. And of course some will be like "meh". But personally, I think this will be an album that sells no where near as many as it should, and also doesn't quite fit the catalogue. I don't mean that in a bad way, but the casual fan at a concert won't like want to hear songs from this, they will want Sugar, Photograph, ROA which is a shame because I was listening to this thinking that I agree with Joe. This could be their best ever album. There, said it, after one listen. They must have drugged me.

Thank You Quarky!! I'll take your accounts of the album anytime versus the reviewers that are still closed minded since High N' Dry. Thanks Again!!

[quarky]

May 23, 2022 8:55:17 GMT -8 kylen4 said:

My question for you is how were Joe’s vocals overall on the album?

He’s been solid late in his career but, I feel like there’s been a couple of albums late in their career when he’s played it kind of safe. Although he took it up a notch on the self titled record.

Yeah I thought his vocals were good. He isn't getting younger obviously, but I like what he did here. The songs with Alison Krauss were a bit different vocally from anything done recently I think, but done really well. Can't remember the parts not, but I am sure I remember a few where it sounded like he was really feeling it, definitely not going through the motions to finish a song or anything like that.