Def Leppard, Songs From The Sparkle Lounge (Bludgeon Riffola/Mercury) *****

12:16pm Friday 23rd May 2008

Sheffield rockers Def Leppard have released their tenth studio album, a bit heavier than normal but still trademark rocking Leppard.

Produced by the band and Ronan McHugh, this is their best record since the award-winning Hysteria 21 years ago, with some excellent rock tracks and one ballad, and although it won't sell as well, it will come a close second.

It carries that familiar Leopard guitar, drum beat and gravelled voice of Joe Elliott, while American country singer Tim McGraw joins the band for Nine Lives, which is one of the best tracks, closely followed by Only The Good Die Young and Bad Actress.

All the songs have stadium potential and this may become another Leppard classic: good old-fashioned rock by good old-fashioned rockers.