X

Performer: Def Leppard
Engineer: Liz Sroka; Pete Woodroffe; Richard Chycki; Ronan McHugh; Stefan Boman...
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Def Leppard: Joe Elliott (vocals); Vivian Campbell, Phil Collen (guitar, background vocals); Rick "Sav" Savage (bass, background vocals); Rick Allen (drums). Additional personnel: Eric Carter (keyboards, loops). Producers: Def Leppard, Pete Woodroffe, Marti Frederiksen, Andreas Carlsson, Per Aldeheim. Recorded at Joe's Garage, Dublin, Ireland; Polar, Stockholm, Sweden, Rumbo Studios, Los Angeles, California. Personnel: Phil Collen, Vivian Campbell (vocals, guitar); Rick Savage (vocals, bass guitar); Joe Elliott (vocals); Eric Carter (keyboards); Rick Allen (drums); Pete Woodroffe, Ronan McHugh (programming). Audio Mixers: Marti Frederiksen; Pete Woodroffe; Ronan McHugh. Recording information: Joe's Garage, Dublin, Ireland; Polar Studios Stockholm; Rumbo Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Studios 1 & 2. Editor: Brian Paturalski. Photographer: Clive Arrowsmith. Unknown Contributor Roles: Rick Allen ; Robert Bergman. When these kings of '80s pop metal were making their initial splash on the charts, it would have been hard to predict that the 21st century would find them still intact, much less growing and prospering. Against all odds, weathering virtually every kind of disaster that can befall a rock band, Def Leppard has indeed survived. While many of their contemporaries find themselves churning out the same old sound on the oldies revival circuit, Def Leppard has pulled a Bon Jovi and changed with the times, managing to sound completely contemporary without seeming like sellouts. The panoramic power balladry of "Unbelievable" for example, could easily be a latter-day Aerosmith hit, while its not hard to imagine a post-grunge act like Dishwalla storming the charts with a song like album-opener "Now." That said, there's still plenty of the old Def Leppard magic here for longtime fans; those patented hooks, harmonies and churning guitar riffs that endeared the band to millions are very much present on X, they're just surrounded by some agreeably updated adornments.

Rolling Stone (9/5/02, p.70) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Their niftiest since ADRENALIZE...The Lepsters adapt to global pop with their signature sound intact..." Q (8/02, p.122) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...This 10th album finds them in rude health....'Long Long Way To Go' and 'Unbelievable' are expertly crafted pop-rock tunes..."

Before Def Leppard, heavy metal was associated with leather, studs, and motorcycles. After a pair of mega-platinum albums in the '80s, Leppard proved that pop hooks, hard rock, and good looks could equal massive success, hatching a slew of imitators in the process. Despite numerous setbacks such as drummer Rick Allen losing an arm in an accident, followed by the death of guitarist Steve Clark, the British band persevered, achieving even more popularity. Though they inspired legions of hair metal bands, their longevity is a testament to their enduring musical legacy.

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.3

Shipping Options and Policies