How many bands do you know can make a comeback with a cover album? I cannot think of many. Def Leppard is one such band with the experience, the chops, and charisma to pull it off in a big way. When yet another cover album press release comes through, I cringe because rarely do they fulfill the promise of the advertising and media prior to the release. This time my feelings were way off base. Yeah! is an incredible album, a full-fledged classic rock masterpiece.
I always liked Def Leppard and once I heard them cover some of their most beloved songs (and mine); I came to know them in a different way. All at once, they were a long lost friend I knew when I was a teenager. I was there when all of this music first came out. I loved it all, and I still do.
This is not your typical cover album because of the track choices. You would expect a more generic group of songs that everyone would immediately identify with. This is not so, and it is exactly what makes cover albums so predictable and ultimately boring. The way this album kicks off, man its just killer, with a rockin’ “20th Century Boy.” I was speechless and immediately knew I was in for a special treat.
I am huge T. Rex Fan and “20TH Century Boy” is truly an amazing cover, it rocks with force and power and oozes with the spirit of Marc Bolan’s glam rock. One of my all time favorite albums is Mott The Hoople The Hoople and the track “The Golden Age of Rock 'N' Roll.” I think it's one of the very best rock songs every recorded, a true classic from top to bottom. Def Leppard really give it its due, they do a terrific job.
Two other tracks grabbed hold of me and would not let go, Thin Lizzy’s “Don't Believe a Word” and Bowie’s “Drive-In Saturday.” I have to believe Phil Lynot, god rest his weary soul, is smiling from ear to ear right now as he listens to the fantastic cover of one of his best. And surely, Mr. Bowie would approve of the Aladdin Sane classic cover. Just like Joe Elliot said in the liner notes…they felt as if they were re-recording one of their own songs because it was so deeply ingrained into their DNA. Honestly, every track is very good, the band should be proud of the job they did with all of these songs.
Article comments
1 - babybear231
Def Leppard rocks
2 - Vern Halen
Styx had a pretty good cover album a while back, too. It this the next big trend from old rock acts?
3 - Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
Yes, Big Bang, I covered it, it was a good album but not as good as the new Def Leppard. I see a trend without a doubt. I also see a lot jazz vocalist putting out Sinatra tributes etc. which is right in line with the rock tribs. Don't know why this is happening but sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Thanks for reading!
4 - babybear231
What generation did you guys wake up from...This is no trend if you take a closer look you will find that covers are always popular. Even in the 80's I can't even begin to count how many covers introduced a whole new generation to old music and did it with style. Def Leppard of course has done one better because they have chosen to not just do a cover but to celebrate the fact and make it known to everyone that will listen that their whole CD is a cover. Many groups usually do the cover and pass it along as it goes and do not go out of their way to emphasize their decision. I remember in the 90's when bands did covers my son thought it was original music and I had to point it out for him. I commend the band for their honourable cover of this music. A little before my time but it has introduced a whole new generation and some to some great sounds. I think that instead of bashing bands that do this take it in stride and look at the music for what it is and Joe Elliott has definately done justice to the sound. I listend to the originals and to Joe's versions and thought yes it may seem verbatim but no man has Joe's sexy voice and lilt to add to the sound that makes it unique in itself you cannever mistaken another for Joe. Love his sound. Joe Elliot Rocks