Def Leppard has been rocking audiences for over 40 years now. When you’ve got four decades of material, naturally, there are going to be remastered and reissues. For Def Leppard, that’s no different.
CD Collection Volume 1, as the title implies, is the first in what will presumably be a set of career-spanning sets (CD Collection Volume 2 has since been released, but no word on later volumes just yet). With so many reissues of the Leppard albums and catalogue, is this something worth buying?
CD Collection Volume 1 is a seven-disc set featuring the following:
–The Def Leppard EP: The three-song official debut from the band featuring the songs “Ride Into the Sun” (later re-recorded as a Hysteria sessions B-side and revamped for the Retro-Active release), “Getcha Rocks Off” and “The Overture” (both of which were rerecorded for On Through the Night. This release featured drummer Frank Noon; all subsequent Leppard releases feature Rick Allen.
–On Through the Night: The band’s 1980 debut LP. Produced by Tom Allom, the rawer and heavier sound of this record is a hit with many fans of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. It’s probably best known for producing “Hello America,” “Rock Brigade,” and “Wasted,” the latter two of which are still occasionally performed in concert. The album is remastered here, with this remaster also available in the Early Years box set.
–High N Dry: The second album from the band, released in 1981, and the first to feature producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange. “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak” brought the band their first major televised exposure due to the explosion of MTV. The album is remastered here, with this remaster also available in the Early Years box set.
–Pyromania: Where the band’s ascent to the top truly began, with hit singles like “Photograph,” “Too Late for Love,” “Foolin’,” and “Rock of Ages.” It was during these sessions Pete Willis was fired and replaced with ex-Girl guitarist Phil Collen.
–Hysteria: The band’s most popular album by far, with seven of its twelve tracks released as singles, including the title cut, “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Armageddon It,” and “Love Bites.” This was the first album on which Rick Allen drummed one-armed following his accident, and the last full-length traditional album to feature guitarist Steve Clark, who died in early 1991.
–Live at the LA Forum 1983: A live performance from the Pyromania tour. This was previously available as the bonus disc with the standalone Pyromania Deluxe Edition.
Rarities Volume 1: A collection of rare tracks, including several non-album cuts/alternative versions from the On Through the Night era, plus several Hysteria B-sides (several of which would be modified/added to/etc. and put on Retro-Active later on).
Watch the video below for the full review!
Hey Taylor, liked the review. I have not pick this collection up just yet. I am a huge Def Leppard fan have been from the beginning. Like you “On Through the Night” is my favorite for the same reasons. It is raw and unpolished. However my favorite track happens to be “Wasted” it is one of the first songs I learned on the guitar. My second favorite album happens to be “Slang” to me it is also pretty raw and I know a lot slower then the others!! Don’t get me wrong there isn’t an album of theirs that is available that I do not have in my collection. I have so much more I can say, but I know you are busy. Thanks again and keep on sharing! I would lime to meet you someday and just share stories with you! I enjoy reading and watching your reviews! Thanks, Daniel