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Post by tsmith on May 27, 2022 4:15:49 GMT -8
For me, it moves from good to great when you just remove the tracks you don't care for  There's 3 tracks I just don't care for. This Guitar, Goodbye For Good and Angels. This Guitar is just too Country for me. And I just dont care for so much piano and orchestration in Def Leppard songs with the other ballads. For me, it just flows so much better with those tracks out and not killing the flow. So easy enough to chop them out of my spotify playlist! The only other one I'm undecided on is From Here to Eternity. I kind of like it but kind of don't at the same time. Not sure which was I want to go with it. It's decent, but the whole Queen/Kings of the World vibe kinda annoys me. But its an interesting song. That said, I love the rest and for me it's some of their best stuff in a long time. Even the songs I don't care for are well done, just not my cup of tea. The one thing I wish they had here though was a good power ballad. I wish they'd do something like a BOTH or Too Late For Love type tune again as we haven't had something like those songs in quite awhile. Excellent album though and lots of good, melodic, catchy tunes here which is basically what I want from Def Leppard. First impressions. Good, not great. Again too much filler. Probably revise after a few listens though. |
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Post by slanged on May 27, 2022 4:29:48 GMT -8
Strange as Amazon shows the same. Does it show these bonus tracks? I can't remember which one the Japanese version has. Although Amazon says Japan. [Regular Edition: Bonus Tracks] 16. Angels (Can't Help You Now) - Striped Version 17. This Guitar - Joe Only Version [Deluxe Edition: Bonus Tracks] 16. Good By For Good This Time - Avant-Garde Version 17. Lifeless - Joe Only Version Shows deluxe version. I may have bought import vs Japanese version. Although Amazon says Japan. |
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Post by niklas on May 27, 2022 4:37:48 GMT -8
First impressions, apart from the first three tracks we’ve already heard: I really like This Guitar, but then I’m a huge fan of Eagles and Alison Krauss and I really like her stuff with Robert Plant.
Apart from the first track it’s a very laid back collection of songs, very relaxed and ”comfortable” effort. It’s sounds like a band doing what they love, it all sounds very organic and natural. I’ve only listenened to it once all the way through, so my opinions may change upon further listening, but I really like it so far.
Unbreakable hasn’t been mentioned much but I really dig that one. Lifeless, another Alison song, I really like as well. I’m gonna listen a lot more and see what grows on me even more.
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Post by DesertSun81 on May 27, 2022 4:42:06 GMT -8
I've been collecting thoughts which started as some general comments and have now since turned into almost a fully fledged review. First and foremost, for me this album is OUTSTANDING! Melody, song construction, guitar work, Leppardized vocals (ARE EVERYWHERE!), it is just top notch front to back. I was grinning ear to ear and singing lyrics I did not even know throughout the entire first listen. I did not enjoy FROM HERE TO ETERNITY as much as I should the first time simply because I knew it was all coming to an end (I know I am not the first to say this). I know it's easy for all of us to compare these songs to previous songs/albums (as I also do throughout my post), however there is nothing here that feels derivative or like a rehash. Both sonically and melodically it all feels very fresh and cohesive. Sonically speaking, this could legitimately be the best they have EVER sounded (which I know is a ridiculous statement when you think about the history but I wouldn't make the statement if I didn't think it could be true). Every instrument has a place to breath. The vocals and vocal melodies are just STELLAR and lift many of these songs into a higher echelon. The attention to detail in general is very apparent throughout each track as of course you would always expect with this band. THIS GUITAR...I am not a fan of country and no doubt this song is clearly in that territory, perhaps even more so than I was expecting. Despite that credit where its due as I believe it has some of the best vocal melodies this band has ever done. Alison Krauss raises this song ten fold. I am a sucker for great vocal harmonizing and you're not going to find it any better anywhere than what's on offer here. Despite not a ton of guitar instrumentation the vocals are so strong that it is very moving as it transitions into an awesome solo (the orchestral arrangement probably helps also). SOS EMERGENCY...It's as great as I had hoped! Spiraling verse gives way to a lofty/vocal laden pre-chorus. Make believe chorus in my head before hearing the song is not far away from the actual thing! Classic Leppard call and response everywhere. I love that it repeats the awesome pre-chorus (which has some hallmarks of PROMISES) post solo. They have songs of this ilk that sometimes don't repeat the pre-chorus a final time and I think it can detract from the song. Really hoping this cracks the live set somehow. LIQUID DUST...Totally EDGE OF THE WORLD part 2 through and through (maybe my favorite Man Raze song?). So atmospheric! U ROK MI...Such a GREAT build up throughout and what a seamless transition from LIQUID DUST a la DSS into RUN RIOT. Lyrical melody x 100 and some UNDEFEATED style chanting. It works! Middle 8 into solo...SO GOOD! One of the best moments on the album. This song is SO much better than the strange title would lead you to believe. GOODBYE FOR GOOD..Great buildup...great chorus! Sounds almost like a return of the Hothouse Flowers at the mid-point. I was expecting a slow/mundane/syrupy ballad and while it may start that way it ends up a very spirited/Leppardized affair because of how transformative the chorus is. ALL WE NEED...Early U2/IAAB is a great description (Edge meets Phil in the beginning guitar parts for sure). The intro has such a great buildup into the verse. Such a majestic riff/verse in general. One of my favorites as I thought it would be based on the reviews. I get vibes of STAND UP for sure with perhaps a blend of LOVE AND AFFECTION. The ending with the classic Leppard vocal melodies over the top is just sublime (you get a full minute of this once the final chorus ends). They are masters at this type of song and hearing a new version for me is always welcome. OPEN YOUR EYES...I was expecting a lot (maybe too much) from the reviews, and it delivered and THEN SOME despite my high expectations. This is very solidly my second favorite song on the album (and will absolutely crack my top 25 Leppard songs). WHAT A GROOVE...which gives way to this just awesome guitar jangle and towering/mood verse. Another example of the vocal melodies just meshing ridiculously well with the instrumentation. Chorus just erupts and happens so fast (and so moody)! Maybe my favorite vocal from Joe on the entire album, and love the explosion of the OPEN YOUR EYES quick response from him in that final chorus. That middle 8 (watch the dying of the light...!) takes the song from this moody and even ominous place and quickly transitions it into something just dreamy and transcendent. It follows up with one of their best outros ever (it fades out way too quickly though)! As soon as I turn the music off the attitude filled chorus dances in my head. Add a minute to this song and you would have your classic Leppard 'epic' type track. It's simply fantastic as is though. GIMME A KISS...FIRE IT UP has grown on me over the past week and I enjoy it a lot more in the context of the album. With that said, THIS should've been the third single. I did not know the words and I was singing it...pre-chorus/chorus is one of their best and the guitar work blending along with the vocal melody in the chorus is just awesome. Some of the guitar licks are just wicked. You want to talk about 1-2-3 punches (which this album has plenty of), AWN into OYE into this song is a pretty incredible 1-2-3 punch for me and pretty much runs the gamut of what this band is all about. ANGELS...Aerosmith's SEASONS OF WITHER style guitar part to start (my favorite Aero song), Leppardized vocals x 1000 thereafter (It's slippin' AWAY!..so good!) Love the call and response chorus...it is one of the best on the album. What a frenetic piano outro! I remember Joe in an interview promising the piano songs worked, and they absolutely do for me. Both songs are great examples of the vocal melodies just taking many of these songs to another level. GOOD BYE FOR GOOD seems to be getting a lot of buzz (and understandably so), but if you are speaking of just the ballads this one is my favorite on the album. Both this and GFGTT are so unique and I feel are welcome additions to the catalog. LIFELESS...The beginning notes are very country, but the vocals quickly save the day and are very reminiscent of TOMORROW. A lot of great vocal melodies/harmonizing again throughout and I really like what Krauss adds to the chorus/middle 8 particularly. I honestly did not think I would enjoy the Krauss tracks as much as the rest and was very much looking forward to getting the Joe only versions of both songs to get the versions that were more conventionally Leppard. Now that I've heard both songs I honestly have almost zero desire to hear the Joe only versions...what she brings to both songs is for a lack of a better term goosebump inducing. UNBREAKABLE...Love the beginning lick/vocal melody/riff in succession/blended together and how it builds up. Reviews had me believe it was one of the weaker tracks but it is one of the stronger ones for me. Strong/single worthy chorus. The solo really enhances the song overall. I would love to hear this live. It is another case of would this song be better thought of if it was simply higher in the track listing? FROM HERE TO ETERNITY...Great ride throughout and like the unconventional song structure. While not an 'epic' Leppard track by definition it excels in its Leppardized vocals and some of the better solos/guitar work on the album. I remember hearing about the description to KOTW back in 2011 and I somehow feel like this song fulfills that initial description way back when on what I actually wanted to hear at that time. Despite all of what I just said, TWYW is still my favorite song on the album.  Thanks to Jimmy Kimmel we have seen how FANTASTIC it can be live as well. I am actually still a bit taken back that they played it over KICK. They are not known for pushing a song like TWYW over a song like KICK. Perhaps the overwhelmingly good feedback about the song played a part? Speaking of KICK (the only song I haven't mentioned here yet), I have to say it is such a welcome addition to this set of songs. I know at one point the album was finished without this song and I can't imagine the album now without it. I have fully embraced it as a modern day Def Leppard hit. No matter what the stratosphere you come from as a Def Leppard fan there is a massive amount to digest and enjoy on this album. Someone else had posted about listening to it feeling like you've eaten way too much frosting on a cake...that's how listening to this album felt like for me as well. After hearing it in sequential order once I keep jumping around to different songs that I want to hear more of. I am proud to be a fan of this band today. To hear something like this after 45 years in for them and 34 years into being a fan, it is beyond words and I definitely appreciate all of it. Enjoy those first listens everyone...I hope yours was/is as great as mine! |
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Post by foolin3 on May 27, 2022 4:56:44 GMT -8
OK! Let us jump into this. There is the obvious classic sounding 5/6 Lep songs, when you hear the first minute it is obviously Lep to everyone and anyone. The rest? I have been waiting for any and every rock band to come out with a fresh sound, where I don't say this reminds of something else. For me, I never, ever thought it would be Leppard. For all of those who want another fill in the blank album, this is not it. I feel like this is a new sound, with many different directions. It is what I always want them to do. For us diehards who listen to every note this band records, I think we can hear where this album comes from. We have to realize as a hardcore fanbase the majority of people have never heard the last 20 years of Lep music. For me it is like when a new band comes out and the first couple of albums have a song or two that are good, but the rest is missing something. Then the third album comes out and they put it all together and achieve the sound they were going to from the beginning. I can cherry pick different sounds from x, sftsl, dl, and get dsh. But it all just sounds better on this album. I for one love the variety of it, I love the change. I also love cranking up twyw, kick, and fire it up!
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Post by pete on May 27, 2022 5:03:02 GMT -8
For me, it moves from good to great when you just remove the tracks you don't care for  There's 3 tracks I just don't care for. This Guitar, Goodbye For Good and Angels. This Guitar is just too Country for me. And I just dont care for so much piano and orchestration in Def Leppard songs with the other ballads. For me, it just flows so much better with those tracks out and not killing the flow. So easy enough to chop them out of my spotify playlist! The only other one I'm undecided on is From Here to Eternity. I kind of like it but kind of don't at the same time. Not sure which was I want to go with it. It's decent, but the whole Queen/Kings of the World vibe kinda annoys me. But its an interesting song. That said, I love the rest and for me it's some of their best stuff in a long time. Even the songs I don't care for are well done, just not my cup of tea. The one thing I wish they had here though was a good power ballad. I wish they'd do something like a BOTH or Too Late For Love type tune again as we haven't had something like those songs in quite awhile. Excellent album though and lots of good, melodic, catchy tunes here which is basically what I want from Def Leppard. First impressions. Good, not great. Again too much filler. Probably revise after a few listens though. Yeah, those three. This Guitar would be better suited to an Alison Krauss album with Joe as guest not the other way round. The other two I can't recall to well at present. Got Alice Cooper tonight so listening to him more today. Give DSH a proper listen tomorrow. |
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Post by slanged on May 27, 2022 5:07:15 GMT -8
OK! Let us jump into this. There is the obvious classic sounding 5/6 Lep songs, when you hear the first minute it is obviously Lep to everyone and anyone. The rest? I have been waiting for any and every rock band to come out with a fresh sound, where I don't say this reminds of something else. For me, I never, ever thought it would be Leppard. For all of those who want another fill in the blank album, this is not it. I feel like this is a new sound, with many different directions. It is what I always want them to do. For us diehards who listen to every note this band records, I think we can hear where this album comes from. We have to realize as a hardcore fanbase the majority of people have never heard the last 20 years of Lep music. For me it is like when a new band comes out and the first couple of albums have a song or two that are good, but the rest is missing something. Then the third album comes out and they put it all together and achieve the sound they were going to from the beginning. I can cherry pick different sounds from x, sftsl, dl, and get dsh. But it all just sounds better on this album. I for one love the variety of it, I love the change. I also love cranking up twyw, kick, and fire it up! Almost like "It's Def Leppard, Till it's not" liking more and more as I listen. |
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Post by slanged on May 27, 2022 5:09:18 GMT -8
For me, it moves from good to great when you just remove the tracks you don't care for There's 3 tracks I just don't care for. This Guitar, Goodbye For Good and Angels. This Guitar is just too Country for me. And I just dont care for so much piano and orchestration in Def Leppard songs with the other ballads. For me, it just flows so much better with those tracks out and not killing the flow. So easy enough to chop them out of my spotify playlist! The only other one I'm undecided on is From Here to Eternity. I kind of like it but kind of don't at the same time. Not sure which was I want to go with it. It's decent, but the whole Queen/Kings of the World vibe kinda annoys me. But its an interesting song. That said, I love the rest and for me it's some of their best stuff in a long time. Even the songs I don't care for are well done, just not my cup of tea. The one thing I wish they had here though was a good power ballad. I wish they'd do something like a BOTH or Too Late For Love type tune again as we haven't had something like those songs in quite awhile. Excellent album though and lots of good, melodic, catchy tunes here which is basically what I want from Def Leppard. Yeah, those three. This Guitar would be better suited to an Alison Krauss album with Joe as guest not the other way round. The other two I can't recall to well at present. Got Alice Cooper tonight so listening to him more today. Give DSH a proper listen tomorrow. This is the only benefit of digital to me. Most just buy songs they like or stream, so you can have diverse songs etc. |
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Post by Dan on May 27, 2022 5:12:31 GMT -8
So far it sounds like they've taken everything they've learned over the decades and applied it to this album. Nothing sounds old or stale but it does sound acceptably familiar. If I was told some of the songs were reworkings/reinterpretations of tunes that didn't make Euphoria, X, etc. I'd believe it. Solid release in my opinion.
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Post by tsmith on May 27, 2022 5:39:48 GMT -8
Very nice breakdown! I've been struggling with This Guitar and the two ballads. After reading this though and giving Angels another couple listens, I think I'm coming around on that one enough to at least put it back in my playlist  I think the Leppard harmonies in that one sort of have brought it back for me and I definitely like it more than GFGTT because of that. Krauss does sound great on the album and does add some nice depth. With Lifeless, I much prefer her version and that song isn't too bad. This Guitar just has too much Country for me. There's a good song there though. I just wish it was structured a bit differently without so much Country twang and it was just more of an acoustic guitar like Two Steps Behind or something. I couldn't agree more about the attention to detail throughout though. For me, it's that attention to detail that has kind of been missing on the past couple albums but you can tell they got back to some heavy production here which is great. It feels like a ton of effort went into this album. And they definitely sound great sonically. I don't think I can say it's the best they've EVER sounded but no doubt it's at least in the ballpark of the best they've sounded Just quite an accomplishment at this stage of their careers and there's definitely a big smile plastered on my face as I honestly didn't think I'd ever be this excited about a Def Leppard album again. I've been collecting thoughts which started as some general comments and have now since turned into almost a fully fledged review. First and foremost, for me this album is OUTSTANDING! Melody, song construction, guitar work, Leppardized vocals (ARE EVERYWHERE!), it is just top notch front to back. I was grinning ear to ear and singing lyrics I did not even know throughout the entire first listen. I did not enjoy FROM HERE TO ETERNITY as much as I should the first time simply because I knew it was all coming to an end (I know I am not the first to say this). I know it's easy for all of us to compare these songs to previous songs/albums (as I also do throughout my post), however there is nothing here that feels derivative or like a rehash. Both sonically and melodically it all feels very fresh and cohesive. Sonically speaking, this could legitimately be the best they have EVER sounded (which I know is a ridiculous statement when you think about the history but I wouldn't make the statement if I didn't think it could be true). Every instrument has a place to breath. The vocals and vocal melodies are just STELLAR and lift many of these songs into a higher echelon. The attention to detail in general is very apparent throughout each track as of course you would always expect with this band. THIS GUITAR...I am not a fan of country and no doubt this song is clearly in that territory, perhaps even more so than I was expecting. Despite that credit where its due as I believe it has some of the best vocal melodies this band has ever done. Alison Krauss raises this song ten fold. I am a sucker for great vocal harmonizing and you're not going to find it any better anywhere than what's on offer here. Despite not a ton of guitar instrumentation the vocals are so strong that it is very moving as it transitions into an awesome solo (the orchestral arrangement probably helps also). SOS EMERGENCY...It's as great as I had hoped! Spiraling verse gives way to a lofty/vocal laden pre-chorus. Make believe chorus in my head before hearing the song is not far away from the actual thing! Classic Leppard call and response everywhere. I love that it repeats the awesome pre-chorus (which has some hallmarks of PROMISES) post solo. They have songs of this ilk that sometimes don't repeat the pre-chorus a final time and I think it can detract from the song. Really hoping this cracks the live set somehow. LIQUID DUST...Totally EDGE OF THE WORLD part 2 through and through (maybe my favorite Man Raze song?). So atmospheric! U ROK MI...Such a GREAT build up throughout and what a seamless transition from LIQUID DUST a la DSS into RUN RIOT. Lyrical melody x 100 and some UNDEFEATED style chanting. It works! Middle 8 into solo...SO GOOD! One of the best moments on the album. This song is SO much better than the strange title would lead you to believe. GOODBYE FOR GOOD..Great buildup...great chorus! Sounds almost like a return of the Hothouse Flowers at the mid-point. I was expecting a slow/mundane/syrupy ballad and while it may start that way it ends up a very spirited/Leppardized affair because of how transformative the chorus is. ALL WE NEED...Early U2/IAAB is a great description (Edge meets Phil in the beginning guitar parts for sure). The intro has such a great buildup into the verse. Such a majestic riff/verse in general. One of my favorites as I thought it would be based on the reviews. I get vibes of STAND UP for sure with perhaps a blend of LOVE AND AFFECTION. The ending with the classic Leppard vocal melodies over the top is just sublime (you get a full minute of this once the final chorus ends). They are masters at this type of song and hearing a new version for me is always welcome. OPEN YOUR EYES...I was expecting a lot (maybe too much) from the reviews, and it delivered and THEN SOME despite my high expectations. This is very solidly my second favorite song on the album (and will absolutely crack my top 25 Leppard songs). WHAT A GROOVE...which gives way to this just awesome guitar jangle and towering/mood verse. Another example of the vocal melodies just meshing ridiculously well with the instrumentation. Chorus just erupts and happens so fast (and so moody)! Maybe my favorite vocal from Joe on the entire album, and love the explosion of the OPEN YOUR EYES quick response from him in that final chorus. That middle 8 (watch the dying of the light...!) takes the song from this moody and even ominous place and quickly transitions it into something just dreamy and transcendent. It follows up with one of their best outros ever (it fades out way too quickly though)! As soon as I turn the music off the attitude filled chorus dances in my head. Add a minute to this song and you would have your classic Leppard 'epic' type track. It's simply fantastic as is though. GIMME A KISS...FIRE IT UP has grown on me over the past week and I enjoy it a lot more in the context of the album. With that said, THIS should've been the third single. I did not know the words and I was singing it...pre-chorus/chorus is one of their best and the guitar work blending along with the vocal melody in the chorus is just awesome. Some of the guitar licks are just wicked. You want to talk about 1-2-3 punches (which this album has plenty of), AWN into OYE into this song is a pretty incredible 1-2-3 punch for me and pretty much runs the gamut of what this band is all about. ANGELS...Aerosmith's SEASONS OF WITHER style guitar part to start (my favorite Aero song), Leppardized vocals x 1000 thereafter (It's slippin' AWAY!..so good!) Love the call and response chorus...it is one of the best on the album. What a frenetic piano outro! I remember Joe in an interview promising the piano songs worked, and they absolutely do for me. Both songs are great examples of the vocal melodies just taking many of these songs to another level. GOOD BYE FOR GOOD seems to be getting a lot of buzz (and understandably so), but if you are speaking of just the ballads this one is my favorite on the album. Both this and GFGTT are so unique and I feel are welcome additions to the catalog. LIFELESS...The beginning notes are very country, but the vocals quickly save the day and are very reminiscent of TOMORROW. A lot of great vocal melodies/harmonizing again throughout and I really like what Krauss adds to the chorus/middle 8 particularly. I honestly did not think I would enjoy the Krauss tracks as much as the rest and was very much looking forward to getting the Joe only versions of both songs to get the versions that were more conventionally Leppard. Now that I've heard both songs I honestly have almost zero desire to hear the Joe only versions...what she brings to both songs is for a lack of a better term goosebump inducing. UNBREAKABLE...Love the beginning lick/vocal melody/riff in succession/blended together and how it builds up. Reviews had me believe it was one of the weaker tracks but it is one of the stronger ones for me. Strong/single worthy chorus. The solo really enhances the song overall. I would love to hear this live. It is another case of would this song be better thought of if it was simply higher in the track listing? FROM HERE TO ETERNITY...Great ride throughout and like the unconventional song structure. While not an 'epic' Leppard track by definition it excels in its Leppardized vocals and some of the better solos/guitar work on the album. I remember hearing about the description to KOTW back in 2011 and I somehow feel like this song fulfills that initial description way back when on what I actually wanted to hear at that time. Despite all of what I just said, TWYW is still my favorite song on the album. Thanks to Jimmy Kimmel we have seen how FANTASTIC it can be live as well. I am actually still a bit taken back that they played it over KICK. They are not known for pushing a song like TWYW over a song like KICK. Perhaps the overwhelmingly good feedback about the song played a part? Speaking of KICK (the only song I haven't mentioned here yet), I have to say it is such a welcome addition to this set of songs. I know at one point the album was finished without this song and I can't imagine the album now without it. I have fully embraced it as a modern day Def Leppard hit. No matter what the stratosphere you come from as a Def Leppard fan there is a massive amount to digest and enjoy on this album. Someone else had posted about listening to it feeling like you've eaten way too much frosting on a cake...that's how listening to this album felt like for me as well. After hearing it in sequential order once I keep jumping around to different songs that I want to hear more of. I am proud to be a fan of this band today. To hear something like this after 45 years in for them and 34 years into being a fan, it is beyond words and I definitely appreciate all of it. Enjoy those first listens everyone...I hope yours was/is as great as mine! |
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Post by CindyJ on May 27, 2022 5:50:55 GMT -8
Target in-store for the win!  |
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Post by diva on May 27, 2022 5:51:39 GMT -8
Sorry I’m at work and don’t have time right now to read everyone’s takes right now but I will this weekend.
My mind is blown. Absolutely amazing. It sounds new and modern. Everyone is right about it sounding like Slang and after it era. Only the singles are more 80s. I think a stripped down version of This Guitar would be better. For all the reviewers bitching about Alison being on the album, I think she’s under used tbh. I’m shocked to say I do like U Rok Mi even though the spelling annoys me. FHTE is a great ending to the album. The guitars are fantastic. I do think the lyrics and drums could be better on a few songs. There’s no songs I dislike. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Post by DesertSun81 on May 27, 2022 6:11:34 GMT -8
From the initial fortune teller reads when the album was announced we of course now have what song each lyric is from:
Joe - Watch the dying of the light as the colors turn to black and white - OPEN YOUR EYES
Rick - Dance in your fire - KICK
Viv - Blow a hole in the sun till you get what you want - FIRE IT UP
Phil - The truth begins to shine - TAKE WHAT YOU WANT
Sav - There's no time to reason why - ANGELS (CAN'T HELP YOU NOW)
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Post by Dan on May 27, 2022 6:16:16 GMT -8
I love how this album wanders without going off the map.
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Post by desertsong on May 27, 2022 6:57:23 GMT -8
I think some of you need to let this one marinate with you for a bit...I imagine it will grow on you. Surprised to see people down on the ballads. They have done so many over the years, for me it was great to see them stepping out into different directions. We already have a bunch of classic Lep ballads on previous releases, why not add some piano and flourishes and do something different? I love the fact they are willing to broaden their scope at this stage of their career. I think "From Here To Eternity" is brilliant. It's really interested when you read Sav's comments on what it's about, it makes the sound of that song make perfect sense.
There are pars of this album that sounds like a 70s band refreshing itself to be modern, and it's done splendidly.
I like this one more than DEF LEPPARD. While there were some very good songs on that one (and even a GREAT one for me, "Wings of an Angel"), there were a handful of forgettable and just "yeah, NO" songs too (especially "Energized"). There are a few non-starters on this album too, but I think because there are SO many songs overall it just resonates more. It's all just personal preferences. More than anything, I just can't believe we are getting new Lep albums almost 40 years after PYROMANIA shook the scene. |
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Post by CindyJ on May 27, 2022 7:15:18 GMT -8
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Post by mikeleppard on May 27, 2022 7:15:37 GMT -8
I feel From Here To Eternity has a lot of The Beatles I Want You (She's So Heavy) on it, on the melody, don't you think?
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Post by desertsong on May 27, 2022 7:19:55 GMT -8
I feel From Here To Eternity has a lot of The Beatles I Want You (She's So Heavy) on it, on the melody, don't you think? Absolutely |
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Post by Jefflep on May 27, 2022 7:29:21 GMT -8
These were my initial thoughts as the album was announced. These were exceptionally close, minus a couple of tweaks. Only tracks 14/15 were a little different. I am gonna have to live with this for a while.
Posted when album was announced
Little by little we’re getting some descriptions… curious on thoughts about the diversity and how Lep albums running order usually flow?
1. Take what you want - likely an uptempo rocker or something with a bit of grit.. Go anyone?
2. Kick - the first single.. super fun uptempo glambastic romp
3. Fire it Up- teased as a stadium rocker.. a’la Dangerous? Anyone?
4. This Guitar w/AK Said to have a steel guitar in, maybe in the vein of Delta Deep, prob a fun one, but could be ballad-ish (it is track 4 mood change maybe)
5. SOS emergency - probably not a ballad, but if track 4 is not this could
6. Liquid dust - probably adventurous in some way based on the title
7. U Rok Mi - We here have speculated it’s a Phil song, maybe slinky or funky, but Mi has a few different uses in Spanish. I’m thinking maybe a track that was set aside for Man-Raze.. me
8. Goodbye for good - Bowie KB player jazzy- ish one
9. All we need - mid temp anyone?
10. Open your eyes - rocker of some kind or mid tempo if track 9 isn’t
11. Gimme a kiss that rocks - I’m thinking in the vein of Broke n Broken hearted.
12. Angels can’t help you now w/ Bowie KB player - moody ballad? Or fun kind of DnO kind of thing?
13. Lifeless w/ AK - possible ballad / duet type of song
14. Unbreakable - This albums Wings of an Angel?
15. From Here to eternity - album closer.. more of an epic? Vein of Blind faith? White Lightning-ish?
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Post by quarky on May 27, 2022 7:38:09 GMT -8
I've been collecting thoughts which started as some general comments and have now since turned into almost a fully fledged review. First and foremost, for me this album is OUTSTANDING! Melody, song construction, guitar work, Leppardized vocals (ARE EVERYWHERE!), it is just top notch front to back. I was grinning ear to ear and singing lyrics I did not even know throughout the entire first listen. I did not enjoy FROM HERE TO ETERNITY as much as I should the first time simply because I knew it was all coming to an end (I know I am not the first to say this). I know it's easy for all of us to compare these songs to previous songs/albums (as I also do throughout my post), however there is nothing here that feels derivative or like a rehash. Both sonically and melodically it all feels very fresh and cohesive. Sonically speaking, this could legitimately be the best they have EVER sounded (which I know is a ridiculous statement when you think about the history but I wouldn't make the statement if I didn't think it could be true). Every instrument has a place to breath. The vocals and vocal melodies are just STELLAR and lift many of these songs into a higher echelon. The attention to detail in general is very apparent throughout each track as of course you would always expect with this band. THIS GUITAR...I am not a fan of country and no doubt this song is clearly in that territory, perhaps even more so than I was expecting. Despite that credit where its due as I believe it has some of the best vocal melodies this band has ever done. Yep, not a country fan, but just love the way this has been done. Alison's vocals just add another layer of texture to what is already a great song. Not a traditional Leppard song (probably why it is 20 years old), but wow, it pulls at the emotions. They couldn't have done it justice on the previous albums I think. SOS EMERGENCY...It's as great as I had hoped! Spiraling verse gives way to a lofty/vocal laden pre-chorus. Make believe chorus in my head before hearing the song is not far away from the actual thing! Classic Leppard call and response everywhere. I love that it repeats the awesome pre-chorus (which has some hallmarks of PROMISES) post solo. They have songs of this ilk that sometimes don't repeat the pre-chorus a final time and I think it can detract from the song. Really hoping this cracks the live set somehow. LIQUID DUST...Totally EDGE OF THE WORLD part 2 through and through (maybe my favorite Man Raze song?). So atmospheric! U ROK MI...Such a GREAT build up throughout and what a seamless transition from LIQUID DUST a la DSS into RUN RIOT. Lyrical melody x 100 and some UNDEFEATED style chanting. It works! Middle 8 into solo...SO GOOD! One of the best moments on the album. This song is SO much better than the strange title would lead you to believe. GOODBYE FOR GOOD..Great buildup...great chorus! Sounds almost like a return of the Hothouse Flowers at the mid-point. I was expecting a slow/mundane/syrupy ballad and while it may start that way it ends up a very spirited/Leppardized affair because of how transformative the chorus is. I have said before how much I love LD, URM, and GFGTT. Just great songs, but it is like SOS is a traditional Lep rock song before the album really kicks up a gear. Liquid Dust takes us on the journey, U Rok Mi builds on that, and then, after taking us on that journey, we get to GFGTT. What I love is that like a couple of songs on here, they are not about falling in love, they are about breaking up. It is just a much more realistic theme for most of us I guess because we are older so have probably faced it. Just my absolute favourite section of the album. ALL WE NEED...Early U2/IAAB is a great description (Edge meets Phil in the beginning guitar parts for sure). The intro has such a great buildup into the verse. Such a majestic riff/verse in general. One of my favorites as I thought it would be based on the reviews. I get vibes of STAND UP for sure with perhaps a blend of LOVE AND AFFECTION. The ending with the classic Leppard vocal melodies over the top is just sublime (you get a full minute of this once the final chorus ends). They are masters at this type of song and hearing a new version for me is always welcome. Yeah, not much to add, but after the previous three, this is a straight-forward palette cleanser before we get to.... OPEN YOUR EYES...I was expecting a lot (maybe too much) from the reviews, and it delivered and THEN SOME despite my high expectations. This is very solidly my second favorite song on the album (and will absolutely crack my top 25 Leppard songs). WHAT A GROOVE...which gives way to this just awesome guitar jangle and towering/mood verse. Another example of the vocal melodies just meshing ridiculously well with the instrumentation. Chorus just erupts and happens so fast (and so moody)! Maybe my favorite vocal from Joe on the entire album, and love the explosion of the OPEN YOUR EYES quick response from him in that final chorus. That middle 8 (watch the dying of the light...!) takes the song from this moody and even ominous place and quickly transitions it into something just dreamy and transcendent. It follows up with one of their best outros ever (it fades out way too quickly though)! As soon as I turn the music off the attitude filled chorus dances in my head. Add a minute to this song and you would have your classic Leppard 'epic' type track. It's simply fantastic as is though. GIMME A KISS...FIRE IT UP has grown on me over the past week and I enjoy it a lot more in the context of the album. With that said, THIS should've been the third single. I did not know the words and I was singing it...pre-chorus/chorus is one of their best and the guitar work blending along with the vocal melody in the chorus is just awesome. Some of the guitar licks are just wicked. You want to talk about 1-2-3 punches (which this album has plenty of), AWN into OYE into this song is a pretty incredible 1-2-3 punch for me and pretty much runs the gamut of what this band is all about. ANGELS...Aerosmith's SEASONS OF WITHER style guitar part to start (my favorite Aero song), Leppardized vocals x 1000 thereafter (It's slippin' AWAY!..so good!) Love the call and response chorus...it is one of the best on the album. What a frenetic piano outro! I remember Joe in an interview promising the piano songs worked, and they absolutely do for me. Both songs are great examples of the vocal melodies just taking many of these songs to another level. GOOD BYE FOR GOOD seems to be getting a lot of buzz (and understandably so), but if you are speaking of just the ballads this one is my favorite on the album. Both this and GFGTT are so unique and I feel are welcome additions to the catalog. LIFELESS...The beginning notes are very country, but the vocals quickly save the day and are very reminiscent of TOMORROW. A lot of great vocal melodies/harmonizing again throughout and I really like what Krauss adds to the chorus/middle 8 particularly. I honestly did not think I would enjoy the Krauss tracks as much as the rest and was very much looking forward to getting the Joe only versions of both songs to get the versions that were more conventionally Leppard. Now that I've heard both songs I honestly have almost zero desire to hear the Joe only versions...what she brings to both songs is for a lack of a better term goosebump inducing. Open Your Eyes is an epic, but with a twist. It isn't long for the sake of it, it just delivers in the time it has. It doesn't have a long two minute guitar solo, but it has Joe's vocals that stretch to the sky, it has the BIG harmonies, it has great guitars, and it has a great bass section from Rick. I love it. The solo at 3:34ish (Viv?) is low on notes but high on emotion. I just can't help pull a guitar face while listening. I love Gimme a Kiss (the bridge(?) at 2:10), a great 70s style rocker dripping with swagger, but sounds modern. Lifeless though is just such a beautiful song. The chorus is great even before Alison adds her voice to it. Again, it isn't a "oh I am so in love", it is the opposite but still sounds upbeat. Again, I just absolutely love it. And that bridge and then the solo... Wow. And I love the little, almost chimes, as the song evaporates at the end. Magic. UNBREAKABLE...Love the beginning lick/vocal melody/riff in succession/blended together and how it builds up. Reviews had me believe it was one of the weaker tracks but it is one of the stronger ones for me. Strong/single worthy chorus. The solo really enhances the song overall. I would love to hear this live. It is another case of would this song be better thought of if it was simply higher in the track listing? FROM HERE TO ETERNITY...Great ride throughout and like the unconventional song structure. While not an 'epic' Leppard track by definition it excels in its Leppardized vocals and some of the better solos/guitar work on the album. I remember hearing about the description to KOTW back in 2011 and I somehow feel like this song fulfills that initial description way back when on what I actually wanted to hear at that time. Those two make such a strong ending for the album. Unbreakable has that DL build up, that fuzz backing the riff, the "aaaaahhhh"'s, and my god, that chorus is just top notch. The vocals, the almost jangly guitar, and another fantastic solo. Sounds like something they could have aimed for with the songs on X, but to me, it just absolutely blows them out of the water in every way. Eternity is an great ending to track. Brilliant placement in the order of the songs. I love contrast compared to the other songs on the track. Not sure if it is uses more Minor chords than the rest, but seems like it in my amateur uneducated opinion. It has an uneasiness about it. Some of Joe's delivery reminds of of Paul Stanley for some reason. Not in pitch obviously, but I guess in how it is delivered. Maybe another 70's callback? |
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Post by rbtyrone on May 27, 2022 7:39:05 GMT -8
Solid album for me. Liquid Dust is the only track I dislike after a few spins today. I feel there’s a little bit of everything on the album for die hards and casual fans .
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deef
Jr. Member
Posts: 96
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Post by deef on May 27, 2022 7:39:21 GMT -8
Okay, I’m back again after 3 more listens. I’m going to say now that it is definitely their best album since Adrenalize. I’m not taking styles into consideration, I’m simply looking at how much thought went into composing and recording. The boys really put a ton of effort into these new songs. Thinking about quality and how well they’re pulled off, this is the first album since 92 that has zero filler songs (in my opinion). A lot of these songs are growers, but I went into this with an open mind. What a wonderful record. The world is so blessed to have such a great group of men. Side note, Alison Krauss has a beautiful voice. Diamond Star Halos is a perfect 10/10.🤘🏻
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Post by cmerritt on May 27, 2022 7:40:12 GMT -8
I feel From Here To Eternity has a lot of The Beatles I Want You (She's So Heavy) on it, on the melody, don't you think? Absolutely 100%, that outro of she's so heavy is flowing all through that song. sounds amazing. |
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Post by quarky on May 27, 2022 7:41:16 GMT -8
Looks like you were amazingly accurate on most of those! Posted when album was announced Little by little we’re getting some descriptions… curious on thoughts about the diversity and how Lep albums running order usually flow? 1. Take what you want - likely an uptempo rocker or something with a bit of grit.. Go anyone? 2. Kick - the first single.. super fun uptempo glambastic romp 3. Fire it Up- teased as a stadium rocker.. a’la Dangerous? Anyone? 4. This Guitar w/AK Said to have a steel guitar in, maybe in the vein of Delta Deep, prob a fun one, but could be ballad-ish (it is track 4 mood change maybe) 5. SOS emergency - probably not a ballad, but if track 4 is not this could 6. Liquid dust - probably adventurous in some way based on the title 7. U Rok Mi - We here have speculated it’s a Phil song, maybe slinky or funky, but Mi has a few different uses in Spanish. I’m thinking maybe a track that was set aside for Man-Raze.. me 8. Goodbye for good - Bowie KB player jazzy- ish one 9. All we need - mid temp anyone? 10. Open your eyes - rocker of some kind or mid tempo if track 9 isn’t 11. Gimme a kiss that rocks - I’m thinking in the vein of Broke n Broken hearted. 12. Angels can’t help you now w/ Bowie KB player - moody ballad? Or fun kind of DnO kind of thing? 13. Lifeless w/ AK - possible ballad / duet type of song 14. Unbreakable - This albums Wings of an Angel? 15. From Here to eternity - album closer.. more of an epic? Vein of Blind faith? White Lightning-ish? |
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Post by fna692002 on May 27, 2022 7:50:05 GMT -8
Blown away….. like I can’t get this grin off my face, this album has met my expectations in every way. I am in love with lifeless! I did not expect to like that one as much as I do. This is just a step up from the last album and at that time I thought that was about as good as it will get. I feel extremely blessed as a fan for everything the band has done as of late.
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Post by mike1990 on May 27, 2022 8:03:19 GMT -8
5 or so listens in and I still like This Guitar lol
I’m liking Angels more after each listen. Goodbye for Good isn’t growing on me so far.
But hey, 14/15 songs I’m really digging is far better than I had hoped for!
Easily the best album since Adrenalize. And I LOVE X
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Post by CindyJ on May 27, 2022 8:15:11 GMT -8
Email from Live Nation specifically promoting Fire It Up. A sign that FIU will, indeed, be part of the setlist or is it mentioned just because it's the latest single?  |
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Post by diva on May 27, 2022 8:36:30 GMT -8
First listen down! Overall, a pretty enjoyable record. Not perfect by any stretch but there's some interesting ideas being thrown about here. Imagine if Slang and X were thrown into a blender with a sprinkle of the variety from the self titled record thrown in. Personally, not every idea sticks the landing, with the main culprits being the country tinged 'This Guitar' (Lifeless is the better Alison Krauss collaboration in my opinion), the fairly forgettable rocker 'Gimme A Kiss' and the just so-so ballad 'Angels (Can't Help You Now)'. Singles aside, some of my early highlights include the riffy 'SOS Emergency', the funky acoustic groove of 'U Rok Mi' (don't let the song title scare you off), the cinematic 'Goodbye For Good This Time' and the bass driven epic 'Open Your Eyes'. Probably a 7/10 after first listen. I could definitely see that increase to an 8 with a couple more listens as both 'Kick' and 'Fire It Up' took a few listens to fully appreciate. Happy listening people! Interesting thoughts you have as I just finished my first listen. I agree with you but total opposite of you. For example love this guitar vs lifeless and love give me a kiss. I am at 7.5 but since Def leppard I am like a boxing judge so my guy already up on cards before the fight starts so 7.5 is a 8.5 ha ha ha True view will be how long before I need to listen to Hysteria, love and affection, rocket, PSSOM, and most important my fav and my funeral song Where does love go when it dies. My funeral songs are Hysteria, When I’m Dead and Gone, and Down to the River to Pray (Alison Kraus.) |
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Post by CindyJ on May 27, 2022 8:39:01 GMT -8
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Post by diva on May 27, 2022 8:44:13 GMT -8
Def Leppard have just released their best album in 30 yearsThe title of this seventh album by the current Def Leppard line-up – founder members vocalist Joe Elliott and bassist Rick Savage, along with drummer Rick Allen and guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell, together now for 30 years – comes from a line in T.Rex’s Get It On. It’s a choice, Leppard suggest, that reflects the influence of the glam-rock era on the album. That is particularly noticeable on first singles Kick and Fire It Up. It’s also largely true of every Def Leppard album to date. As on 2015’s self-titled predecessor, Collen and Elliott provide the lion’s share of the material. Savage is the only other band member’s name in the writing credits, and the album opens with his brilliant Take What You Want (co-credited to Elliott). It’s classic Leppard that soars on a killer-diller riff. Thereafter all the band’s earworm signatures are present and correct. Especially strong are SOS Emergency, All We Need, Open Your Eyes, Gimme A Kiss and Unbreakable – stadium pleasers in the grand Leppard tradition. There are some surprises, though. Not least that there is so much to absorb – with 15 tracks it’s the busiest album they’ve ever made. And with a running time of 61 and a half minutes it’s almost the longest – only 1987’s Hysteria shades it, running one minute longer. If you stream it or listen to it on CD, you’ll notice that Diamond Star Halos is an album that ebbs and flows. This is due to sequencing that works perfectly across four sides of vinyl. Whether or not it was conceived as one, this is best appreciated as a double album: three sides, each begun by three rockers and ending with a change of pace, then a shorter fourth side that abandons the pattern and goes out on the high of Savage’s From Here To Eternity, an epic track with a swinging, Pink Floyd-like tempo. The four change-of-pace tracks all feature a guest appearance. Robert Plant associate Alison Krauss sings on the two quasi-country rock tracks This Guitar and Lifeless, by Collen and Elliott respectively. More dramatically, Bowie’s piano man Mike Garson weighs in to great effect on Goodbye For Good This Time and Angels (Can’t Help You Now), two big ballads conceived by the singer, with string sections and fine guitar solos played on nylon and electric respectively. Two years in the making, Diamond Star Halos seems to aim higher than Leppard’s last couple of albums, the band thinking long and working extra hard on this one. It’s a lot to absorb, but its’s comfortably the best album by this line-up. Source I think it’s better than Adrenalize. Not sure if it’s better than Slang. Too soon to tell. |
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First impressions. Good, not great. 
Thanks to Jimmy Kimmel we have seen how FANTASTIC it can be live as well. I am actually still a bit taken back that they played it over KICK. They are not known for pushing a song like TWYW over a song like KICK. Perhaps the overwhelmingly good feedback about the song played a part? 
I think the Leppard harmonies in that one sort of have brought it back for me and I definitely like it more than GFGTT because of that.
