Def Leppard's 'Let It Go' is like a rebellious cry that embodies the spirit of classic rock during the early 1980s. It is more than just another single from the English rock band; it is a reflection of a band pushing their artistic boundaries. Released in 1981 as part of their monumental album High 'n' Dry, 'Let It Go' captures a youthful fervor and rebellious attitude resonant with many during its time, and perhaps still today among old and new fans alike.
At its core, 'Let It Go' is a gritty rock anthem that marked Def Leppard's evolution from their debut album towards a more mature sound. The track takes us through an explosive guitar riff and commanding vocals that make it impossible to stand still. Its energy embodies the band's ambition to carve out their identity in a crowded music scene. The song lyrics themselves reflect themes of liberation, urging listeners to release their pent-up frustrations and fears—fitting for a young band finding its voice.
The early 1980s was a time of cultural transformation. Punk rock gave way to a more polished sound, often cloaked in glam and heavy metal. Def Leppard stood at this crossroads, riding the wave of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). 'Let It Go' thrives on the adrenaline of this cultural shift, as it channels the raw energy of punk through the sophistication of glam rock aesthetics.
Def Leppard formed in the industrial heartland of Sheffield, England. Their rise coincided with a period of economic tension and social change in Britain. Against a backdrop of factory closures and political unrest, young people needed an outlet. Rock music, with its raw excitement and liberating themes, became a solace. 'Let It Go' resonated not only with local fans but also found international acclaim, especially across the ocean in America where rock was thriving but evolving.
While some critics have often viewed Def Leppard from a lens of being commercial rock, songs like 'Let It Go' dismantle that notion. It is genuine and poignant about letting go—the mesmeric riffs from Steve Clark, combined with Joe Elliott's impressive vocal delivery, weave a theme of emotional release that is far from contrived. Yet, on the flip side, one can't ignore the commercial strategy that the band pursued. Embracing broader audiences with relatable themes sometimes meant straddling the lines between pure artistic integrity and widespread appeal.
Historically, Def Leppard's ambitions paid off. By molding themselves into both a radio-friendly yet raw heavy metal act, they set themselves apart. 'Let It Go' is a reflection of this fine balancing act. Audiences soaked in the raw, high-adrenaline rock indulgence, while they rocked to relatable lyrics.
For the album High 'n' Dry, working with producer Mutt Lange was a game-changer for Def Leppard. Lange, known for his meticulous production style, helped the band refine their sound. With his input, the album, and especially 'Let It Go', gained an unmistakable polish. However, the raw edges remained unblunted. This collaboration showcased what was to be a signature Def Leppard sound—big, emphatic, and unmistakably theirs.
It's compelling that nearly four decades later, 'Let It Go' still holds sway in a world vastly different from the one in which it was born. The spirit of letting go, a recurring desire to shirk life's burdens and constraints, finds new relevance among today's generation. Gen Z, with their often burdensome world of social media pressures, climate anxieties, and economic uncertainties, can feel an affinity to the wild and free spirit captured within the song's core.
Indeed, every fan crime of 'Let It Go' might feel like one hand slapping against the norms or expectations that society or any authoritarian figure imposes upon them. While some might argue the rage and rebellion in such songs promote disobedience, it's essential to see it as an avenue for exploring freedom. Music serves as a form of expression where words can feel inadequate.
Part of what keeps 'Let It Go' enduring is its live performance legacy. Featuring prominently in concerts and tours throughout the years, it's a track that still brings fans to their feet. Whether in a stadium or through headphones, its version of rebellion is timeless. Performance after performance, it encourages a collective release—a community joined by a singular pulse.
To some, Def Leppard might represent nostalgia, but to others, they're an introductory lesson to the power of rock and roll. 'Let It Go' stands as a testament to a band that dared to go against the grain, emerging both commercially successful and stalwarts of their genre. The song may serve as a subconscious reminder that sometimes the best way forward is to just release, and, dare I say, let it go.