With a trailblazing career spanning over four decades, Def Leppard stands tall as one of the most influential and enduring rock bands in history. From their electrifying guitar riffs to their infectious melodies, this British rock powerhouse has crafted an impressive discography that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Countless arenas have echoed with the anthems of Def Leppard, and their impact on the rock genre cannot be overstated. In this article, we embark on a nostalgic journey, exploring the crème de la crème of Def Leppard’s musical legacy, as we unveil the top 10 best songs that have defined their career.
From the explosive power of their early days to the polished sheen of their later releases, Def Leppard has consistently delivered a unique blend of hard rock and pop sensibilities. They have mastered the art of crafting infectious hooks and unforgettable choruses that have become synonymous with their name. Throughout their storied career, the band has confronted personal struggles, triumphed over adversity, and evolved their sound, all while maintaining a signature style that remains distinctly theirs.
In this meticulously curated list, we delve into the timeless classics and deep cuts that have solidified Def Leppard’s status as rock icons. Brace yourself for a musical journey through exhilarating guitar solos, thunderous drum beats, and Joe Elliott’s unmistakable vocals that have echoed across generations. From chart-topping hits to hidden gems, these 10 songs showcase the band’s incredible versatility and knack for creating music that resonates with fans both old and new.
So, get ready to crank up the volume, relive the headbanging moments, and celebrate the enduring legacy of Def Leppard as we explore their top 10 best songs of all time. Let the rock ‘n’ roll ride begin!
1. “When Love and Hate Collide”
This Def Leppard classic about a couple's tumultuous relationship showcases the band's exceptional songwriting and musical skills. With soaring vocals, catchy melodies, and emotive lyrics, “When Love and Hate Collide” has become one of their most popular songs to-date. Its impact on popular culture is undeniable and continues to inspire fans around the world. It is a testament to Def Leppard's enduring legacy in rock music history.
Even if you take two steps behind, you'll still end up headbanging to this power ballad.
2. “Two Steps Behind”
This Def Leppard hit, "Two Steps Behind" is a popular ballad that resonates with a lot of fans. So, how did this song become one of the best Def Leppard songs of all time?
- The track was released in 1993 on their greatest hits album 'Retro Active'. It was originally written for the movie 'Last Action Hero' but became a massive hit after its release.
- The slow tempo and powerful lyrics make it an emotional and relatable song for many people.
- 'Two Steps Behind' showcases the band's versatility by diverging from their hard rock sound and exhibiting their softer side.
- The live unplugged version of the song encapsulates the raw emotions of love and longing further cementing its legacy.
As you can see, 'Two Steps Behind' is one powerful piece of music that showcases Def Leppard's musical range. However, there are still more fantastic songs to explore.
If you're looking for powerful ballads or heavy metal anthems, turn up some Def Leppard tunes and enjoy a fantastic experience!
Don't miss out on discovering new hits by giving this iconic band's discography a listen – who knows what other gems you might discover?
Listening to 'Love Bites' is like going on a rollercoaster of emotions – one minute you're feeling all lovey-dovey and the next you're questioning your life choices.
3. “Love Bites”
This track is the third best Def Leppard song of all time.
Here is a table that showcases the key details about "Love Bites":
| Album | Hysteria |
| Release Date | August 1988 |
| Genre | Hard Rock, Power Ballad |
| Peak Chart Position | #1 (Mainstream Rock) |
What distinguishes this song from other Def Leppard tracks is its romantic lyrics and soaring chorus. It became a massive hit for the band in the late '80s and remains one of their most beloved singles to date.
Interestingly, despite its success, the song almost never came to be. According to singer Joe Elliott, he had initially written it as a country ballad before guitarist Phil Collen convinced him to speed it up and add a rock edge to it.
As reported by Loudwire, "Love Bites" was also heavily influenced by Queen's "We Will Rock You" and Mick Jagger's solo hit "Just Another Night."
Source: loudwire.com/def-leppard-classics-ranked/
Get ready to overdose on sugar, because ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’ is the sweetest earworm you'll ever crave.
4. “Pour Some Sugar On Me”
This iconic rock anthem, referred to as one of Def Leppard's greatest hits, is titled with the intriguing phrase “Pour Some Sugar On Me”. The band has built their reputation on this electric tune that captures everything that hair metal should be. With bold guitar riffs and dynamic vocals, this track is one of the most recognizable classic rock songs of all time. It was released on the Hysteria album in 1987 and has since remained a definitive staple in rock music history.
Def Leppard's “Pour Some Sugar On Me” carries a certain energy that many attribute to its raw and unfiltered sound. The song is well-known for its catchy chorus and memorable lyrics, which are guaranteed to get any crowd singing along. In fact, the track's viral popularity can be attributed to its timeless appeal. The song has successfully crossed generations, continuing to capture the attention of younger listeners through modern mediums such as TikTok and social media.
One interesting feature of this beloved song is its origins within a writing session where the original intention was merely to create rhythm rather than lyrics or melody. Despite these accidental beginnings, "Pour Some Sugar On Me" remains an unparalleled gem in Def Leppard's musical repertoire. Its undeniable success and longevity make it a standout hit amongst fans and critics alike – even decades after its initial release.
Listening to 'Hysteria' is like taking a musical roller coaster ride – strap in, hold on tight, and prepare to scream your lungs out (in a good way).
5. “Hysteria”
A timeless masterpiece, this song by Def Leppard is a classic rock hit that still rules the hearts of many. The dynamic guitars and brilliant vocals make it an eternal favorite of every fan across generations. It has also become an important cultural reference in popular media.
The epic power ballad brings forth the essence of love, passion and heartbreak in a melodious composition that is unparalleled. With its striking performance, this track has consistently remained one of the most beloved classics all over the world.
With mesmerizing lyrics and strong beats, "Hysteria" evokes deep emotions to create a profound impact on listeners. As one of Def Leppard's greatest achievements, it's no wonder that the song continues to inspire and captivate music lovers even today.
Def Leppard's "Hysteria" was not only musically iconic but also holds exceptional significance in not just their discography but in defining rock music as we know it today. It was a huge commercial success and brought massive acclaim to the band with many new fans joining its legion since its release.
Get your animal instincts in check, because this song will have you rockin' and rollin' all night long.
6. “Animal”
The track known as '6. “Animal”' showcases Def Leppard's prowess in rock music. This song stands out for its high-octane energy and melodic hooks that leave listeners feeling electrified. For a detailed breakdown, refer to the table below:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Song | Album | "Hysteria" |
| Year Released | 1987 | |
| Band Members | Joe Elliott, Rick Savage, Phil Collen, Steve Clark, Rick Allen | |
| Genre | Hard Rock |
It's noteworthy that this song is part of the critically acclaimed album 'Hysteria', which broke all records and became one of the best-selling albums of all time. While discussing this fan-favorite track, it's worth noting that the lyrics are a love letter to animalistic passion and primal desires. The song has been instrumental in inspiring many youth to embrace their wild side and let loose. To take things further, we recommend listening to 'Armageddon It' or ‘Foolin’, other chart-topping hits from the same album. With remarkable guitar solos and powerful vocal delivery, these songs will undoubtedly leave you in awe. Foolin' is the perfect song to listen to when you want to pretend you're in a rock band, but only have a hairbrush as a microphone.
7. “Foolin’”
This track from Def Leppard's album 'Pyromania' is a must-listen for any rock music lover. With its catchy chorus and heavy guitar riffs, “Foolin’” showcases the band's talent for combining hard rock with radio-friendly hooks. The emotional lyrics about a failed relationship are delivered with lead singer Joe Elliott's signature rawness.
As one of the most popular and iconic songs from Def Leppard's discography, “Foolin’” has endured as a classic anthem of 80s hard rock. The combination of powerful vocals, intricate guitar work, and thundering drums make it an instant crowd favorite. Its popularity was further solidified by its inclusion in numerous films and TV shows over the years.
What sets “Foolin'” apart from other Def Leppard hits is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while maintaining its relevance in contemporary music culture. This timeless track continues to be a staple on classic rock radio stations and live performances.
For those looking to explore more of Def Leppard's musical offerings, tracks like "Pour Some Sugar On Me" and "Photograph" are also highly recommended. These songs exhibit the band's signature sound and hit-making capabilities that have made them one of the most successful bands in rock history.
Listening to 'Rock of Ages' is like being transported back to a time when big hair and spandex were socially acceptable fashion choices.
8. “Rock of Ages”
This Def Leppard classic epitomizes the band's unique blend of hard rock, pop sensibilities, and catchy hooks. Its anthemic chorus and memorable guitar riffs have made it an enduring favorite among fans and critics alike. The song's iconic opening riff and soaring vocals make it an instant crowd-pleaser, bringing audiences to their feet at concerts around the world. Its inclusion on the band's landmark album Pyromania helped cement its place in the pantheon of classic rock hits. As one of Def Leppard's most successful songs, "Rock of Ages" continues to inspire new generations of rock fans with its timeless energy and driving rhythm.
Take a 'Photograph' of me pretending to know all the words to this classic Def Leppard hit.
9. “Photograph”
Def Leppard's classic song with the lines "I can feel your heart beat for the very first time" is a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of love. The song was released in 1983 as part of their album Pyromania and is considered to be one of their most popular songs to date.
The guitar riff by Phil Collen combined with the vocals of Joe Elliott makes this song an instant hit from the very beginning. The chorus of the song "Look what you've done to this rock 'n' roll clown" will stick in your head for days after listening to it.
The music video for "Photograph", which features footage of their concerts, TV appearances, and backstage moments, also contributed to the success of the song. In addition, it has been referenced in various films and TV shows over the years.
Interestingly, Elliott wrote this song about Marilyn Monroe and how her image lived on through photographs even after her death. This added depth to an already beautiful song.
(Source: Ultimate Classic Rock)
Even your heartbreaks will feel more rock n' roll while listening to this classic Def Leppard tune.
10. “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak”
This track from Def Leppard's album "High 'n' Dry" showcases the band's ability to mix hard-rock and melodic ballads seamlessly. With its dynamic riff, soaring harmonies, and poetic lyrics, it’s no wonder that “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak” became an instant classic. The song also helped establish the band's signature sound and solidified their place in rock history. Its popularity continues to endure, making it an indispensable part of any Def Leppard playlist.
One of the standout features of this track is its carefully crafted guitar work which is equal parts virtuosic and emotive. The interplay between the electric and acoustic guitars adds a depth and richness that enhances the overall listening experience. Additionally, Joe Elliot's soulful vocals give the song a heartfelt quality that resonates with listeners long after the music has ended.
Moreover, "Bringin' on the Heartbreak" inspired many other artists who followed in Def Leppard's footsteps, cementing its legacy as a cultural touchstone of 80s rock music.
Pro Tip: For an even more immersive listening experience, try wearing headphones while enjoying this classic tune. The intricate guitar work and dynamic production will transport you to another time and place.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
