Slang (album)

Slang is the ninth studio album by the English rock band Def Leppard, released in May 1996. The album marked a stylistic departure for the band, incorporating alternative rock and grunge influences, and experimenting with a more raw and stripped-down sound compared to their previous, highly polished hard rock albums.

The album's production was notably different from previous Def Leppard efforts. The band chose to self-produce the album alongside Pete Woodroffe, aiming for a more organic and less layered sound. This involved using more live takes and less reliance on digital effects and studio enhancements.

Slang reached the top 20 in both the US and UK charts upon its release. The album spawned several singles, including "Slang," "Work It Out," and "All I Want Is Everything." While Slang was not as commercially successful as some of Def Leppard's earlier albums like Pyromania or Hysteria, it is generally considered a significant and experimental phase in their discography, showcasing a willingness to evolve their sound. The album received mixed reviews upon release, with some critics praising the band's willingness to experiment, while others found the new sound to be inconsistent with their signature style.