Album Review: Def Leppard - "Yeah!" (2006)

No band divides headbangers like Def Leppard. Some see them as puffed-up pop rockers comparable to Poison while others see them as melodic masters of riffage along the lines of Priest. Regardless, one thing is for certain, and that's that after almost 30 years together, two of the biggest albums in history in Pyromania and Hysteria, numerous hurdles over the years, and tours that continue to briskly move tickets well after they've had a charting single, they've earned the right to do just whatever the hell they want. That's where this album comes in.

"Yeah!" is a tribute to the groups the lads from Sheffield, UK grew up loving in the 70s. It includes tunes from the Kinks, Rod Stewart and the Faces, Roxy Music, Blondie and David Bowie in addition to two tunes they played on last summer's "Rock of Ages" tour (David Essex's "Rock On" and Badfinger's "No Matter What"). This isn't some half-assed money grab, though. The production is crystal clear, with the big sing-along choruses and layered guitars we've all come to expect from the Leps.

"Yeah!" has backyard barbecue written all over it. If you like Leppard already, you'll love this. If you don't, it really sucks to be you.

Overall rating: 9.25/10