One of the hardest things any artist has to do is adapt. Only a few choice bands/singers have managed to stay at the top of the game throughout a decade spanning career. Eventually there simply isn’t anything new to say, great solo and harmonies became harder and harder to write and more pressingly the motivation to do most probably would have waned a bit after a while.

When Def Leppard came to release their seventh studio album, following the emotional and experimental Slang, they were unsure what direction they should take. Eventually they decided to divert back to their signature 80s sound, although with some modern influences. Euphoria was released in 1999, and would peak at position 11 in the US and UK.

What we’ve got here is a failure to motivate, a band that feels like they are going through the motions, although on occasion things do come to life. ‘Day After Day’ is an absolutely brilliant track, a dark track with layered vocals, a heavy composition and some brilliant lyrics. ‘Paper Sun’ has some of the best guitar work on the album, from a long good solo and some intense opening riffs. The chorus is also a highlight.

‘Promises’ is a sample of what Def Leppard can still do, the most popular track from the album, and a typical Def Leppard single. The instantly recognizable chorus, the fast beat and generally the song is simply fun. ‘21stCentury Sha La La La Girl’ is a similar number, a riff driven party rock song with a good chorus.

‘To Be Alive’ is the best ballad on the album, although it doesn’t sound like a typical Def Leppard love song. It’s a relaxed and held back number, with a calm composition during the verses and a faster tempo for the Queen like chorus. ‘Goodbye’ is not that special of a song, although it’s not too bad. ‘Guilty’ and ‘It’s Only Love’ are also slower numbers, but they’re pretty bland with the choruses being the only redeeming factors.

‘Back in Your Face’ and ‘Demolition Man’ are straight forward rockers, and although the former has some really cheesy lyrics it also has a bit of attitude that we don’t see much anymore from the band. ‘Kings of Oblivion’ would have fit perfectly on Slang, a bit more of an experimental number and it closes the album on a high.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Exercising