Stephen
'Time Elevation', couple years earlier, had put Grand Design on the map by paying a huge tribute to Def Leppard's classic sound. What makes them interesting is that because they deliver something that Def Leppard had decided to abandon. Leppard chose to drop their own signature sound after 'Adrenalize', and that's almost 20 years ago, while many fans are still longing for those big harmonic guitars and singing, as well as catchy choruses, so someone should fill the gap, and Grand Design fits the job perfectly.
With 'Idolizer', the band pushed one step further to rebuild the Leppard atmosphere, incorporating the style between 'Pyromania' and 'Hysteria' without trying to sound original. This is a two-edge blade strategy, the first will grab Leppard market share instantly, the other side will condemn them as plagiator. I myself don't think it's necessary to debate, to each their own, things that important to me is that they want to please old Leppard fans, they succeed, I enjoyed, other people did, end of story.
I'll start with best picks of this album. Let's go straight with 'Oughtograuph', a metallic edge with splendid chorus, a near-perfect song for me. 'Your Love's A Runaway' is next, with 'Hysteria' picking style, this one is also a winner. And jump to the last two tracks, 'Rock Back To The 80s' is sending an obvious message, and 'You're Gonna Dig On It' is even better. 'Get On With The Action', 'Change Me Up', and 'Addiction For Love' which resembles 'Love Bites' are all bunch of awesome tracks too.
The other three tracks are probably average and quite passable, even though they're far from horrible. A strong line-up of songs and I don't see how this could go below 80%. If you're the part of resistance of them being Leppard clone, drop this and go listen to Leppard classic is probably the best way, but if you're okay to go with it, let me tell you, this will make Joe Elliot think 'oh is it time to fold the cards and just give them the throne?'
Best record Leppard ever made since 'Adrenalize' is probably not too much to say.