Def Leppard--High N' Dry (1981)
Rating--8.1
**U.S. Sales Certification--Multi-Platinum 2**

Bringin' On the Heartbreak--RealAudio
Strong, biting vocals and a stripped-down, raw distortion grind. This is back when the boys rocked, and features a sound that would go on to directly influence the drive of Tesla, among others. There is not, however, any resemblance here to the modern-day Lep sound...
Heavy vocal and guitar choruses shine through on "Another Hit and Run" and the title cut, and the same section of "You Got Me Runnin'" is extremely rolling and melodic.
Fast riffing and a quick drum pace speed up "No No No," and the pre-chorus pickup in "Lady Strange" is a highlight as well.
"Let it Go," "Mirror, Mirror," and "Me & My Wine" all stand out, and "Bringin' On the Heartbreak" is one of my top two or three fave power ballads ever. Good mood and emotion, but enough chugging distortion to keep it metal. Somewhat hidden is the instrumental "Switch 625"---a great note-based drive!
If you've only known them over the past ten years or so, this is definitely a different (and better) side of Def Leppard.
TRACK LIST: Let it Go/Another Hit and Run/High N' Dry (Saturday Night)/Bringin' On the Heartbreak/Switch 625/You Got Me Runnin'/Lady Strange/On Through the Night/Mirror, Mirror (Look Into My Eyes)/No No No/Bringin' On the Heartbreak (Remix)/ Me & My Wine (Remix)

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