On Through the Night, in most ways, sounds completley different from the 'well-known' material, and even their follow-up to this, High n Dry, sounds almost like a different band (and it was only recorded a few months after this one). Perhaps it's production, because Robert John 'Mutt' Lange wouldn't come into the Lep's life until High n Dry, Tom Allom handles the knobs here.

A few other things stand out, though, take them positive or negative. Joe Elliot hasn't found his voice yet, it would take him until Pyromania for that, but this album, he's not the best singer in the world. Steve Clark is relegated almost entirely to rhythm guitar, while Pete Willis takes center stage (and he's quite good), this would also change by next album, with the twin-guitar interplay coming into effect.

This album's highlights are Rock Brigade, Wasted, and The Overture. Just to go into detail on the latter, the Overture is easily one of the best songs Leppard has ever done, suprising at this stage in their careers. It's the most majestic 'epic' they've ever recorded, and every fan should hear it.

Another highlight of the album is Rick Allen, once upon a time he had two arms and he used them quite well here. He's easily the most accomplished musician of the band, at that point in time, and he was the youngest, too, barely 17 at the time this album was released. His drumming rivals some of the great names of the day. He's no better or worse anymore but his style certainly has changed, he's merely different.

On Through the Night won't appeal to Leppard fans who like their 'Have you Ever Needed Someone So Bad' or their 'Goodbye'. It's a metal album, not a pop-rock album. But it's a damn good metal album, unpolished, but good, and while their subsequent albums bordered on perfection, one can't help but wonder what would've happened had Leppard never even met Mutt Lange.


magic number 12   September 14, 2007
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

People dont realize that def leppard had good albums before pyromania and Hysteria.This album is the perfect example! On this album some songs are better than others but on this album you can listen to the whole thing and not skip a song. People overlook this album and that's not fair because this is DEF LEPPARDS in my opinion 2nd best album only behind Adrenalize. this is a great example of NWOBHM. Pete Willis in my opinion is better than Phil Collen who can't solo like him or just can't handle a guitar like him.every one in the band also avoids this album and I clearly don't understand why.I have seen DEF LEPPARD in concert and i think they might have played one song of the whole album which is really a shame because this is a dang good album!Now lets break it down.

1.Rock Brigade 3:09 great opening rocker that has good vocals and a pleasing guitar solo 9/10.
2.Hellow America 3:27 great vocals and a great guitar solo and DEF LEPPARD actually did a good synthisizer 10/10
3.Sorrow As A Woman 3:54 lame acoustics but a good guitar solo and decent vocals and good hooks make up for it 8/10.
4.It Could Be You 2:33 possibly the best song if it's not so short, with a great guitar solo and great hooks it makes a great rocker 9/10
5. Satellite 4:28 weird song a weaker track on the album 6/10
6. When The Walls Come Tumbling Down 4:44 weakest track,just ok 6/10
7.Wasted 3:45 great song, hard rocker,tons of greak hooks 10/10
8.Rocks off 3:42 fast song it's practically a guitar solo the whole song with a fast drum beat 8/10
9.It don't matter 3:21 Not a standout 6/10
10.answer to the master 3:13 Best guitar solo on the abum enough said.9/10
11.Overture 7:44 great slap in your face album closer
So if you like a band with great hooks or you like Def Leppard before they went pop this is a fundementle cd for your collection