Abigail Hopewell

I think it was a show on BBC Radio 2 a few years ago where I came across a song from a newly released album. Perhaps it was Dermot O’Leary. Well, whoever the DJ was, the chosen song – Animal – opened a new musical door for me.

Def Leppard had released an album in partnership with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra called “Drastic Symphonies”. I love this beautiful, emotive album.

I admit to being very late to the Def Leppard party, I have known about them but haven’t really known their music, and certainly not had the opportunity or even much inclination to enquire and learn to appreciate their sound or style. Well, better late than never, and my discovery has admittedly been softened by some smoothing classical edges.

Half of the album holds some absolute standout tracks for me; alongside Animal, I invite you to sample and savour the following: Pour Some Sugar on Me, Hysteria, Love Bites, Angels, Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad, When Love & Hate Collide, Kings of the World (this last track makes me feel like I could be listening to Queen!).

What are your thoughts on the album? And do you have a favourite track, or set of tracks (finding it equally as difficult to shortlist as I have?)