REVIEW: DEF LEPPARD - Mirror Ball

 

DEF LEPPARD - Mirror Ball (2011)

Frontiers Records

There is something slightly unusual about reviewing a live album by DEF LEPPARD, considering that they were among the first bands to introduce me to the melodic rock sound. Back in 1987, when I bought Hysteria, I was immediately struck by the strength of its melodies, the songwriting and the band's ability to combine hard rock foundations with an unmistakable melodic approach. Now, 24 years later, I find myself reviewing their first official live album, Mirror Ball.

Recorded during the Sparkle Lounge Tour, the album offers a comprehensive journey through the band's discography, featuring songs from different stages of their career alongside three previously unreleased studio tracks. There is little need for extensive introductions when dealing with anthems such as "Rocket", "Animal", "Foolin'", "Love Bites", "Make Love Like a Man", "Bringin' on the Heartbreak", "Armageddon It", "Hysteria", "Photograph", "Pour Some Sugar on Me" and "Rock of Ages". This is essentially a best-of collection presented in a live setting, bringing together many of the songs that established DEF LEPPARD as one of the defining names of melodic hard rock. The band sounds remarkably comfortable on stage, delivering these familiar compositions with confidence and maintaining the melodic character that made them so enduring.

The three new songs provide an additional reason to explore the album. "Undefeated" is a particularly strong rocker, combining the band's characteristic guitar work with a memorable chorus that sounds tailor-made for a live audience. It has all the ingredients of a DEF LEPPARD anthem, and it is easy to imagine the crowd singing along whenever it becomes part of the band's regular setlist. "Kings of the World", on the other hand, takes a different direction, with its vocal arrangements and piano passages bringing QUEEN to mind. There is a distinctly theatrical quality to the composition, recalling the grander melodic arrangements associated with Freddie Mercury and company. Finally, "It's All About Believing" delivers a pleasant AOR-oriented melody, providing a fitting and satisfying conclusion to the album.

At the end of the day, Mirror Ball is a very enjoyable release that captures DEF LEPPARD revisiting the songs that defined their career while also introducing three new compositions. It offers plenty for longtime followers of the band and serves as a reminder of the songwriting qualities that made their music so appealing in the first place. A live collection that will undoubtedly bring a smile to the faces of DEF LEPPARD fans. Thumbs up.

Chris Kappas