Def Leppard, after almost 5 decades, continues to find inspiration with its latest single "Rejoice". Heavy, tribal-like war drums and stomping bass open the song, pounding with a raw, almost ceremonial force, as a swirling guitar figure coils around the rhythm and pulls the listener inward. The effect is immediate and physical - less polished stadium rock, more primal momentum - setting a tone that feels urgent, restless, and intentionally rough around the edges.
With Rejoice, Def Leppard sounds urgent, not nostalgic. Even amidst this new grit, they deploy their signature 5-part backing vocal harmonies, creating a soaring wall of sound that balances the song's primal weight with a sense of melodic triumph. The electric slide guitar, mixed into the track, provides a texture that reminds one of Steve Clark's innovation, weaving classic ingenuity into the modern drive. Joe Elliott's working-class vocals still soar, a la Pyromania.
The 2:37 second mark introduces a solo with a vibe strikingly similar to the iconic 'Pearl of Euphoria' from the Slang album - atmospheric, haunting, and deeply immersive, and the best experimental ideas of Jimmy Page. It is a perfect song, should the band ever consider going ‘In The Round’ again at concerts; it’s the one environment where that 'primal momentum' would feel most immersive as the opening song at concerts, the circular energy of the track practically demanding a 360-degree stage to fully unleash its rhythmic gravity.
After the release of “Just Like '73,” which included Tom Morello and the cover of “Stand By Me,” this latest song is a call to action, a summons to gather the rock n' roll horde to get on board and rejoice with Def Leppard in 2026.
Comments
All music is better than no music. I prefer The Offspring. I confess, recently I have been listening to Ian and Sylvia.