Def Leppard is a legendary British rock band that has been entertaining music lovers around the world for more than four decades. With their unique style and electrifying performances, Def Leppard has been an influential force in the rock genre, selling over 100 million records worldwide. The band has produced a plethora of iconic songs that have stood the test of time and continue to be popular among fans, old and new. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best Def Leppard songs of all time, and explore what makes them so special.
From the band’s early days in the late 70s to their most recent releases, Def Leppard has consistently delivered memorable hits that have left a lasting impression on the rock music scene. Their music is a perfect blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and pop, with catchy hooks, powerful riffs, and memorable choruses. With numerous chart-topping hits and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Def Leppard’s music has become a cultural touchstone that continues to inspire new generations of fans. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 best Def Leppard songs of all time and discover the magic behind these timeless classics.
1. Foolin
“Foolin” is one of Def Leppard’s most iconic songs, released as a single in 1983 from their multi-platinum album “Pyromania”. The song opens with a catchy guitar riff and builds up to an explosive chorus that showcases the band’s signature sound. The lyrics of “Foolin” explore the theme of love and betrayal, with lead vocalist Joe Elliott delivering an emotional performance that perfectly captures the song’s raw energy. The track features intricate guitar work, powerful drumming, and a memorable solo that has become a fan favorite. “Foolin” has become a staple of Def Leppard’s live performances, and its timeless appeal has cemented its place as one of the band’s most beloved songs.
2. Pour Some Sugar on Me
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” is a classic Def Leppard song that has become an anthem for rock fans around the world. Released in 1987 as a single from their album “Hysteria,” the track features a memorable chorus and infectious hooks that have made it a staple of 80s rock music. The lyrics of the song explore themes of desire and sensuality, with lead vocalist Joe Elliott’s smooth delivery adding to the song’s appeal. “Pour Some Sugar on Me” has become one of Def Leppard’s most popular tracks, and its iconic riff and catchy chorus have made it a go-to song for parties and events. The track has been covered by numerous artists and has been used in movies, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its place as one of the band’s most enduring hits.
3. Hysteria
“Hysteria” is the title track of Def Leppard’s fourth studio album, released in 1987. The song is a perfect example of the band’s ability to blend hard rock and pop sensibilities, with catchy hooks and soaring vocals. The track opens with a distinctive drum beat and features an infectious guitar riff that builds up to a powerful chorus. The lyrics of “Hysteria” explore themes of passion and obsession, with lead vocalist Joe Elliott delivering a memorable performance that perfectly captures the song’s energy. “Hysteria” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries, and has become a fan favorite. The track has been covered by numerous artists and has been used in movies, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its place as one of Def Leppard’s most iconic songs.
4. Rock of Ages
“Rock of Ages” is a classic Def Leppard song that has become a staple of rock music. Released in 1983 as a single from their album “Pyromania,” the song features a memorable opening riff and a catchy chorus that has made it a fan favorite. The lyrics of “Rock of Ages” pay homage to the power of rock music and its ability to unite people across generations. The track features Joe Elliott’s distinctive vocals, intricate guitar work, and a pounding rhythm section that perfectly captures the energy of the song. “Rock of Ages” has become one of Def Leppard’s most recognizable songs and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The track’s timeless appeal and its ability to bring people together through the power of music have cemented its place as one of the band’s most enduring hits.
5. Animal
“Animal” is a classic Def Leppard song that was released as a single in 1987 from their album “Hysteria”. The song features a catchy guitar riff and a driving beat that perfectly captures the band’s signature sound. The lyrics of “Animal” explore the theme of desire, with lead vocalist Joe Elliott delivering a passionate performance that perfectly complements the song’s energy. The track features intricate guitar work, powerful drumming, and a memorable chorus that has become a fan favorite. “Animal” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 in several countries, and has become one of Def Leppard’s most popular tracks. The song’s timeless appeal and its ability to get fans on their feet and singing along have made it a staple of the band’s live performances.
6. Bringin’ on the Heartbreak’
“Bringin’ on the Heartbreak” is a classic Def Leppard ballad that was first released in 1981 as a single from their album “High ‘n’ Dry”. The song showcases the band’s ability to create powerful and emotional music, with lead vocalist Joe Elliott delivering a passionate performance that perfectly captures the song’s theme of heartbreak and loss. The track features a haunting guitar solo and a memorable chorus that has become a fan favorite. “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak” was a critical success and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The song’s ability to connect with fans on an emotional level and its timeless appeal have cemented its place as one of Def Leppard’s most beloved tracks.
7. Love Bites
“Love Bites” is a classic power ballad by Def Leppard, released in 1987 as a single from their album “Hysteria”. The song features a slow and melodic introduction that builds up to a powerful chorus, showcasing the band’s ability to create emotional and powerful music. The lyrics of “Love Bites” explore the theme of love and heartbreak, with lead vocalist Joe Elliott delivering a soulful and passionate performance that perfectly complements the song’s energy. The track features intricate guitar work, powerful drumming, and a memorable chorus that has become a fan favorite. “Love Bites” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and winning the band a prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. The song’s timeless appeal and emotional impact have made it a staple of the band’s live performances and a favorite among fans.
8. Rocket
“Rocket” is a classic Def Leppard song that was released as a single in 1989 from their album “Hysteria”. The track features a distinctive intro that incorporates samples from radio broadcasts and space missions, giving it a unique and futuristic feel. The song’s driving beat and memorable chorus have made it a fan favorite, showcasing the band’s ability to create catchy and energetic music. The lyrics of “Rocket” explore themes of ambition and the pursuit of success, with lead vocalist Joe Elliott delivering a powerful performance that perfectly captures the song’s energy. The track features intricate guitar work, powerful drumming, and a memorable guitar solo that has become a signature part of the song. “Rocket” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 in several countries, and has become one of Def Leppard’s most popular tracks.
9. Photograph
“Photograph” is a classic Def Leppard song that was released in 1983 as a single from their album “Pyromania”. The track features a distinctive guitar riff and a catchy chorus that has made it one of the band’s most recognizable hits. The lyrics of “Photograph” explore the theme of nostalgia and the power of memories, with lead vocalist Joe Elliott delivering a powerful performance that perfectly captures the song’s emotional impact. The track features intricate guitar work, powerful drumming, and a memorable guitar solo that has become a signature part of the song. “Photograph” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 in several countries, and has become a fan favorite. The song’s timeless appeal and ability to evoke powerful emotions in listeners have cemented its place as one of Def Leppard’s most beloved tracks.
10. Promises
“Promises” is a classic Def Leppard song that was released as a single in 1999 from their album “Euphoria”. The track features a catchy guitar riff and a memorable chorus that has made it a fan favorite. The lyrics of “Promises” explore themes of love and commitment, with lead vocalist Joe Elliott delivering a heartfelt performance that perfectly captures the song’s emotional impact. The track features intricate guitar work, powerful drumming, and a memorable solo that has become a signature part of the song. “Promises” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 in several countries, and has become one of Def Leppard’s most popular tracks. The song’s ability to connect with fans on an emotional level and its timeless appeal have made it a staple of the band’s live performances and a favorite among fans.
Darren Jamison 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.
