DEF LEPPARD'S NINE LIVES SINGLE LEAKS:
Def Leppard's new single Nine Lives has leaked - albeit in a pretty crappy sounding audio recording, but what do I make of the lead track from the band's first all-new studio album since 2002's under appreciated X release? Well...
Nine Lives has a nice lead in riff and big bass heavy intro (with hints of Armageddon It in there) before the unmistakable voice of country star Tim McGraw ushers in the first few lines. Instantly I can hear the collective sigh of relived fans that McGraw wasn't going to take the band in a direction recently explored by Bon Jovi. I never expected that for a second. His involvement here is a bit of fun and fits in with the culture of Def Leppard, rather than the other way around.
It is unusual to say the least that a lead single from a new album doesn't feature the unmistakable vocals of Joe Elliott right up front, but it is only a few more seconds before he appears and in fine voice too.
A classically catchy and memorable Def Leppard melodic bridge leads the swaggering verse into a chorus that takes a couple of listens to appreciate, but once embedded in the brain, its there for good. The guitars are featured more prominently here than they have been in some time - more so than both Yeah! and X. And I'm really digging the rhythm section on this track - a big big sound. Leading out of the chorus is another nice riff - borrowing perhaps from the classic intro to Photograph.
I hear a little Promises in this song, I hear a little Armageddon It and generally speaking I hear the looser vibe used on Yeah! mixed with a more classic Leppard sound similar to that of Adrenalize and Euphoria.
While one can't possible gain much insight into an album as a whole from the lead single, this preview of Songs From The Sparkle Lounge bodes well!
I think this track will certainly serve its purpose in sparking the attention of eager fans and even some of those sitting on the fence in recent years. It seems to have met with the approval of most so far and you can include me along with them. A definite two thumbs up from me for Nine Lives.
I will add one additional comment. My only possible disappointment here is in the way fans have had to preview it. It's a leak obviously - captured from an on air broadcast. The quality is pretty crappy and it is a shame that track, with such obvious high quality production values, has to be heard in such a manner.
The insatiable desire for new music and this being the age of the Internet means that once the song is played anywhere in the world a near instant leak was going to occur. A radio station in New Zealand has been the source this time around, but wouldn't it have been better to have heard a CD quality free download from the band's website?
Singles are solely used as promo tools and my comments here are not aimed at Def Leppard alone. Many artists are slow to adapt the use of singles for the Internet age. The minute promo copies of this track went to radio, it could also have been added to various sites for a paid or free download to better promote the upcoming record.
Songs From The Sparkle Lounge is currently scheduled for release worldwide commencing the week of May 5.
Thanks Andrew!
You are right, this track has sparked the attention of this eager fan!! I love the song, two thumbs up from me as well! I am looking forward to this big time.
