Customer Reviews

Euphoria

5 star:		(310)
4 star:		(71)
3 star:		(26)
2 star:		(25)
1 star:		(25)

 

 

Def Leppard claims that Euphoria is a return to the Pyromania/Hysteria sound and style. That isn't quite what I hear when I listen to Euphoria but this is a good album, anyway.

The rockers fare better on this album moreso than do the ballads. The fast-paced "Demolition Man", the epic "Paper Sun" and the '70s glam rock-influenced "21st Century Sha La La La Girl" are the highlights on this excellent release. Other noteworthy songs include the dark "Day After Day", the radio-friendly rocker "Promises", the catchy "Guilty" and the Satriani-like instrumental "Disintegrate". Unfortunately, as I stated earlier, the ballads keep this album from being a five star cd. But that's okay, Def Leppard is back.

Is Euphoria Pyromania plus Hysteria? No. I find that while Euphoria does have many similarities to Hysteria, the similarities to Adrenalize, Retro Active and even Slang are stronger than the Pyromania similarities. If you took the best moments off of Retro Active, Slang and Adrenalize, mixed it with the powerful pop-metal of Hysteria, you'd end up with Euphoria. So, in a way, Euphoria is the best of Def Leppard.

Euphoria is Adrenalize on steroids, it's Hysteria injected with the best of Slang. It's the best of post-Pyromania Def Leppard.

I've been a huge fan of Def Leppard's for a long time. I have every one of their albums and every single one of them is great. With this new release,Euphoria, Def Leppard goes back to basics and brings out some of their best work. Mutt Lange is also back with Def Lep and worked on three songs with them, Promises, All Night, and It's Only Love. The album starts out with Demolition Man, a fasted pace song that basically says that they are here and they won't take sh** from nobody. Euphoria also has the ballads, Goodbye and To Be Alive. Def Leppard also has an instumental on the album, Disintegrate. This whole album is great and anyone who says Def Leppard died with the 80's, tell them to listen to this album. Move over Limp Bizkit, Korn, and Kid Rock, Def Leppard is here to bring true Rock N' Roll back to the 90's.

First of all, the album "Slang" was never a disappointment. This album needed some "air time" on the radio, which It never did! Never heard one song on tha radio. Songs such as "Breath a sigh", "All I want is everything" would of been smash hits. Not only those two, but the rest of the other tracks would been also. Big Def Lep fans would understand im trying to say, and the peeps that havnt got a taste of Def Lep, watch out.....! Euphoria is an album that kicks these artist in the head....., pop, rock, hip-hop, and heavy metal. Its that good. The tracks are uplifting, juices you up to start the day and go till night. Buy it, it wont disappoint you. "I GUARANTEE IT"

Def Leppard, those English Lads (with the exception of Vivian Campbell -- sorry, Vivian), whom we've known and loved since their inception in the early 80s, are back with a new album. Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Vivian Campbell, Rick "Sav" Savage, and Rick Allen are back in your CD players and escaping through your stereo speakers. Yeah, that's right -- you've heard me correctly. So, like, what year is it anyway? 1999, right? Def Leppard's last release was Slang, the black sheep of the Def Leppard catalog. That was in 1996. So, if I know my math, that's three years, instead of four or five, right? Just kidding, chaps . . .

So, Slang was the last effort by the Lep Lads. Now, I know . . . I have eyes and ears and Internet access . . . so I KNOW that Slang went over about as well as watching grass grow on a sunny afternoon would. That's a shame, I'll tell you, because these guys can't win, eh? Slang was too different, too left-turn, for the typical stubborn Lep fan. Well, not this fan. She thought Slang was one of their best efforts (that's another review altogether), and it's still one of her favorites. So crucify me. There, I said it publicly (and I'll say it again). I never did run with the crowd . . .

Well, I can tell you folks who haven't heard this latest release, Euphoria, that it sounds NOTHING like Slang. I would say that this piece of work is a mix of Pyromania and Hysteria. I guess, you could say it is like Adrenalize, too, since I think that disc sounds like Hysteria II. Nothing wrong with that at all . . .

So, the boyz are returning to their roots, sort to speak. So, what do we have here for our listening pleasure? The disc starts off with an awesome, fast-paced, highly infectious rocker called Demolition Man. Next up at the plate is the first single release, Promises. This song is full of harmonizing and has a slight poppy feel to it, but it's likable.

Song #3 is a thumper of a song full of attitude called Back In Your Face. Oh yeah, baby. You said it, not me. Very cool song, indeed. Following that attitude, we turn down a notch with a beautifully lilting ballad called, Goodbye. I'll tell you one thing, these chaps can sure write a bewitching ballad. No snickers, fellas, that takes talent. Ballads will always be in style, say what you want about them, and Def Leppard does the job with beauty and finesse. This is one of their best.

Song numero five is a song titled, All Night Long, which is reminiscent of the song, Slang. It's similar, but not as fast-pasted as Slang. This song, as well as Slang has one thing in common: to these ears, they have similar qualities to a Prince (uh, excuse me, THE ARTIST FORMERLY KNOWN AS PRINCE . . . whew, don't want to make THAT mistake) song. It appears they've been experimenting with a little bit of "dance-ability" to their music.

Now, this next song, Paper Sun, is one of the best on the disc. This song starts out moody, and then -- bam -- it hits you. Then, it goes back to a moody, mid-tempo theme. This song is so good, and has so much feeling to it -- definitely a highlight. Next up to queue is It's Only Love. This is a mid-tempo type of ballad with lots of melody and rich, full harmonies, as well as a chock load of "na na na na na's" thrown in there for good measure. It's a good song, but not as good as Goodbye.

Song number eight, 21st Century Sha La La Girl, is another fast-paced, vocal-rap rocker with a catchy chorus. I dare you to try not to tap your toe to this one, or to get the chorus out of your head. Another ballad follows next, titled, To Be Alive. The beginning of this song is reminiscent of Love Bites from Hysteria. It's a lovely song, and it comes close, but Goodbye is still a SMIDGEN better.

Disintegrate, a rocker-instrumental, is next. Nothing overly exciting about it, except it would fit really well during an action scene in a movie. I appreciate instrumentals, but they have to really hit me between the eyes with either their complexity, beauty, or jam-ability. This is just . . . some rock riffs. Not bad but not exceptional. I figure, they stuck this song in there so you could take a leak in between or get a snack, kind of like the way a commercial functions as an intermission from a TV program. Guilty is next, and I don't feel guilty in saying that it's a NICE song. What I mean by a nice song is it's full of those melodies, it's mid-tempo, it's pleasing to the ear, but it doesn't stand out.

Ooh, now this is exciting. A gem of a song called, Day After Day, is next, and this is one of those really cool songs that reminds you of the days of Pyromania. This is classic Def Leppard all the way with the rocking beat, the moody, wailing guitars, and Joe's voice singing full of angst emotion. Last, but not least, is Kings of Oblivion, which is a high-octane rocker full of ferocious emotion. If I remember correctly, I recall actually hearing this song on the radio before this disc was released, and not knowing who sang this song. The voice sounded familiar . . . but I couldn't place it until I had the disc home and listened to it. Nonetheless, awesome song, and a great way to end the disc.

I have to add one thing I despise of that this band does: They don't include the lyrics inside the disc. I'm a lyric person -- a lover of words -- and guys, I want to see your words. So, I say to the band: Include the bloody lyrics next time. I tell ya, you and those Aerosmith guys are greedy with your lyrics. Yeah, I know Slang had the lyrics, but EVERY disc should have it. When you have something to say, and you say it as well as a band like Def Leppard does, YOU INCLUDE THE LYRICS. Okay, I vented. :o)

And so, the question now posed to the listener is this: Are you euphoric after listening to Def Leppard's newest release? Well, for me, I think it was a smashing effort on their part -- simply bloody smashing. I think they captured the sound that the fans have loved them for all along. This disc reeks of classic Def Leppard, hearkening back to the good ol' days when the radio played real music by real bands. Playing-wise, the band gets better and more seamless, and Joe Elliott's voice gets better with age. So, what are you waiting for? It's time for a little Euphoria.

© Written by Diane Trautweiler on July 11, 1999.

Countless 80's bands released new or re-released material in 1999, mostly to little attention. But Def Leppard, remaining true to their 'guilty pleasure' form, remains in the spotlight with Euphoria, a return to their over-produced, big-balled sound that made them famous.

This is the sound of a band who has found that balance between formulaic songwriting and experimentation. They alienated most of their audience with the nonetheless excellent release 'Slang' so they returned to what works without comprimising originality as they did on 'Adrenalize'. Euphoria rocks hard and true and is still catchy enough to land a purely 80's sounding single (Promises) in the #1 spot for a month.

The rest of the album is more than listenable, as well. It opens and closes with two huge bangs called Demolition Man and Kings of Oblivion. It's got two vintage-epics in Paper Sun and Day After Day. The ballads are loose and not too generic, and it's even got an instrumental, something Leppard hasn't recorded since High n Dry. Vivian Cambpell seems to have revived the Leppard guitar attack, as well, he plays with a fire under his arse and Phil Collen has caught it as well.

Euphoria is a well-worthy addition to any rock fan's library. It's certainly one of the best releases of 1999.

Since 1983 when I first heard "Photograph" I have been a HUGE fan of Def Leppard. Through the great and just good, I have been a loyal fan and the payoff is this CD. This is my very favorite Lep CD by far! I swear I play it so much that my CD is going to wear out soon! LOL

I highly recommend that any Lep fan get this CD to add to their collection.

First of all, "Euphoria" is NOT "Hysteria" or "Pyromania". It is "Euphoria", it is a separate entity. I'm glad the cats did not produce another "Hysteria" or another one of their albums. My first listen of the CD left me with an awkward feeling and only liking two songs. However, the more I listened to it, the more I began to appreciate each song for its individuality. I enjoyed being able to recognize signature sounds established from the other albums. It is a great change to hear an eclectic collection of rock genres contained in one album by the same artist, from the funky "All Night" to deep and dark, "Paper Sun". I believe that Def Leppard has proven that they are flexible and aren't afraid to try new paths. I continue to be blown away by the sheer genious of these true musicians! Joe Elliott continues to maintain such an incredible vocal range and as one reviewer said, "Phil Collen is God". I too, must agree. While "Disintegrate" played, I thought I was listening to Joe Satriani! I have always been impressed with Collen's musicianship and think that he is underrated as a guitarist, he deserves more recognition for his incredible skills and dedication to music. We should praise "Euphoria" for being "Euphoria" and not any other Leppard creation. I have a wonderful husband, but I don't want two of him when one is plenty! Why would we want another Hysteria? I think Def Leppard did a wonderful job of giving us "High N' Dry", "Pyromania", "Hysteria", "Adrenalize", and "Slang" in one album. Many many thanks and a huge BRAVO to Def Leppard. No disappointments from this fan!

t then again I can't blame them. It was either that or go on a 3-year hiatus and wait until people get tired of that deppressive rock from the 90's. They came back at the right time and three years later, others have been following. Few real rock bands survived the 90's without having to adapt; Aerosmith is the only band I can think of. Back in 1999, the kiddie pop scene was ruling with Britney Spears, Backstree Boys, In Sync and the like. Hip Hop was still going strong. And a new surge of people with identity crises like Kid Rock and Fred Durst with their trailer-trash-afternoon-talk-show-rock-rap. Some of that stuff is ok but I DO NOT see any longevity for these artists.

Back to Def Leppard's "Euphoria". Back to what works, proven. They try to retrace of what worked and made "Pyromania" and "Hysteria" so sucessful. But then this is not the 80's and even though this record did not sell millions, it just means that people (mostly the teens) are buying records based on short lived fads not on the quality of music made from instruments and not by computers and a turntable.
Let me write a few words about each song of the album and what songs from the past are they offspringed from:
1. Demolition Man- it sounds original sort of, I can't make sense of the lyrics. 2 stars.
2. Promises- This songs really resembles their music from the past. From the melodies of the background vocals to the drums (1987 and after). The reason this song became a hit because it was a wake up call for the people who had to put up with bad music of the 90's. 5 stars.
3. Back At Your Face- Whhy this song got more airplay on hockey games and AM Radio Talk Shows than on Rock Stations? Because it sounds like a Jock Jam. Hint: Na, nanaaa, na, Heeeyyyyy. 3 stars.
4. Goodbye- It's a ballad, but no power ballad like Love Bites or Bringin On The Heartbreak. 3 stars.
5. All Night- I can tell Mutt Lange was thinking of his wife during the whole process of making this song. This song was better intended for her, striptease style. It sounds like a light rock song trying to be heavy. The snare drum sounds very electrical, but even with just one arm, Rick Allen still kicks ass behind a drum set, electric or acoustic. 3 stars
6. Paper Sun- It sounds like "Gods Of War" but with a Pyromania twist. It rocks, all 5+ minutes of it. It has all the elements that work for a song to rock for years. Best song on the disc. 5 stars.
7. It's Only Love- A Slangish song better suited on a Dawson's Creek soundtrack. 1 star.
8. 21st Century Sha La La La Girl- A not so good clone of Pour Some Sugar On Me. 3 stars
9. To Be Alive- It sounds like The Car's "Drive" in the beginning. It's a slower song but not exactly a ballad. 3 stars.
10. Disintegrate- Switch 625 Part Two. 5 stars.
11. Guilty- It sounds like the heir to Hysteria (the song). And it sounds just as great. 4 stars.
12. Day After Day- Decent song. 4 stars.
13. Kings Of Oblivion- Mother's What??? 1 star

The album basically is a hit and miss but hopefully the next album "X" is better.

Def Leppard is often referred to as "a supergroup of the 80s" and that's true as far as it goes. But though today's Top 40 music doesn't match their style, they continue to produce excellent records with their characteristic high-energy style of never-say-die rock and roll. A worthy successor to Hysteria and Pyromania, although I still find Hysteria their best album. But for any instance when you feel like some adrenaline-pumping rock and roll to get your blood moving, I heartily recommend this album.

This is a great album. Definitly their best since Hysteria. Adrenalize was ok, but it lacked that certain Def Leppard punch. Euphoria starts out with that punch and keeps it throughout. My personal favorite track is "Paper Sun". Buy this CD, you won't regret it.