Drastic Symphonies

by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Def Leppard

Overview

As on their 2006 covers album Yeah!, British hard rock giants Def Leppard make a surprisingly enjoyable meal out of what is usually a predictable exercise. Drastic Symphonies is not an album of new material, nor even entirely new recordings. A collaboration with London's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, it's a symphonic reimagining of 16 career-spanning songs, including well-known hits and a smattering of deep cuts. Blending their original multi-track recordings with new overdubs to fit the theme, Drastic Symphonies is a pastiche of new and old ideas that, more often than not, reflects the sturdy pop construction on which their career was built. There was always a bit of romantic grandeur to Def Leppard's strain of lush glam metal, especially on early classics like "Too Late for Love" and "Bringin' On the Heartbreak," both of which get full orchestral treatment here. Joe Elliott, still in fine voice, can often be heard singing new leads atop the giant stacks of Mutt Lange-produced harmonies that became their '80s hallmark. Some songs are significantly altered, with only the occasional guitar solo poking out, while others sound very close to their original mixes, albeit with a bit of melodic sweetening from one of the world's great orchestras. The dense and swirling "Paper Sun," from 1999's Euphoria, is a highlight, punching up Def Leppard's original into something more thrilling and cinematic, and their 1987 smash "Animal" is practically built for the kind of pomp it receives here. Of course, any project like this is a mixed bag, and ironically, their biggest hit is Drastic Symphonies' biggest misfire. Naturally, they had to include "Pour Some Sugar on Me," but its stripped-down romantic duet arrangement falls flat without its glammy fizz. Overall, though, the band comes off much better than expected. ~ Timothy Monger

Product Details

Release Date:	05/26/2023
Label:	Universal Import
UPC:	0602445663415

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Def Leppard   Primary Artist
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra   Primary Artist,Orchestra
Ian Maclay   Primary Artist
Emm Gryner   Primary Artist,Piano,Vocals
Robert Ziegler   Primary Artist,Conductor
Steve Clark   Guitar,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Vivian Campbell   Guitar,Vocals (Background)
Rick Savage   Guitar (Bass),Guitar (Acoustic),Vocals (Background),Bass
Thomas Dolby   Piano
Peter Willis   Guitar
Rick Allen   Drums,Vocals (Background)
Dick Decent   Piano
Robert John "Mutt" Lange   Vocals (Background)
Phil Collen   Guitar,Vocals (Background)
Mike Garson   Piano
Joe Elliott   Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Vivian Patrick Campbell   Guitar,Vocals (Background)
The Lepparettes   Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Steve Clark   Composer
Steve Hammonds   Product Manager
Simon Rhodes   Engineer
Craig Pruess   Arranger,String Arrangements
Emm Gryner   Arranger
Eric Gorfain   Arranger,String Arrangements
Def Leppard   Producer
Vivian Campbell   Composer,Group Member
Rick Savage   Composer,Group Member
Peter Willis   Composer
Richard Savage   Composer
Pete Woodruff   Producer
Rick Allen   Group Member
Joe LaPorta   Mastering,Mastering Engineer
Russ Mackay   Engineer
John Kongos   Programming
Robert John "Mutt" Lange   Composer,Producer
Phil Collen   Composer,Group Member
Ronan McHugh   Mixing,Producer
Pete Willis   Composer
Nick Patrick   Producer
Joe Elliott   Composer,Group Member
Pete Woodroffe   Composer,Producer
Neil Davis   Design
Ian Maclay   Orchestra Contractor
Todd Kamelhar   Business Consultant
Vivian Patrick Campbell   Composer
Mike Kobayashi   Management
Aron Klein   Photography
Ellen Wright-Martin   Creative Director