Def Leppard is a British rock band formed in Sheffield, England, in 1977. The band’s classic lineup consists of Joe Elliott (vocals), Rick Savage (bass guitar), Rick Allen (drums), Phil Collen (guitar), and Vivian Campbell (guitar). They are known for their melodic hard rock sound, anthemic choruses, and pioneering use of multi-layered backing vocals.
Def Leppard gained widespread popularity in the 1980s with a string of successful albums. One of their breakthrough releases was the album “Pyromania” (1983), which featured hits like “Photograph” and “Rock of Ages.” However, it was their 1987 album “Hysteria” that solidified their status as one of the most successful rock bands of the era. “Hysteria” spawned numerous hits, including “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Love Bites,” and “Armageddon It.”
The band’s success was not without challenges. Drummer Rick Allen lost his left arm in a car accident in 1984 but returned to the band using a specially designed electronic drum kit.
Def Leppard continued to release albums and tour over the years, maintaining their presence in the rock music scene. They embraced a mix of hard rock, glam metal, and a polished production style that set them apart. Their longevity, combined with a catalog of iconic rock anthems, has solidified Def Leppard as one of the enduring and influential bands in the history of rock music.
1. Pour Some Sugar on Me
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard. It was released in 1987 as the fourth single from their fourth studio album, “Hysteria.” Written by members of Def Leppard, including Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, and Robert John “Mutt” Lange, the song is known for its energetic and anthemic rock sound.
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” became one of Def Leppard’s most successful and enduring hits. The lyrics include playful and suggestive phrases, and the title itself has become iconic. The song’s infectious chorus, memorable guitar riffs, and upbeat tempo contributed to its popularity.
The track reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and became a chart-topping success in various countries. “Pour Some Sugar on Me” is often regarded as a quintessential anthem of the glam metal and hard rock genre from the late 1980s.
The song’s enduring popularity has led to its inclusion in numerous compilations, and it remains a staple in Def Leppard’s live performances. “Pour Some Sugar on Me” is celebrated for its catchy and energetic qualities, making it a classic in the rock music landscape.
2. Photograph
“Photograph” is one of Def Leppard’s most iconic and successful songs. Released in 1983 as a single from their third studio album, “Pyromania,” the song played a significant role in propelling the band to international stardom. Written by Joe Elliott, Steve Clark, Rick Savage, Mutt Lange, and Pete Willis, the song is known for its catchy hooks, memorable chorus, and anthemic quality.
“Photograph” became a major hit for Def Leppard, reaching high positions on charts worldwide. The song’s success was fueled by its infectious melody, energetic guitar riffs, and the powerful vocals of Joe Elliott. The music video, featuring iconic shots of the band, also contributed to the song’s popularity during the early days of MTV.
The lyrics of “Photograph” touch on themes of nostalgia and the impact of visual memories, emphasizing the enduring nature of a photograph. The song’s universal appeal and radio-friendly sound helped establish Def Leppard as one of the leading bands in the glam metal and hard rock genres during the 1980s.
Decades after its release, “Photograph” remains a classic rock anthem and a staple in Def Leppard’s live performances. The song’s enduring popularity highlights its status as a timeless and influential piece of rock music.
3. Rock of Ages
“Rock of Ages” is a classic rock song by Def Leppard, released in 1983 as the third single from their third studio album, “Pyromania.” The song, written by Joe Elliott, Steve Clark, Rick Savage, and Mutt Lange, became one of Def Leppard’s most well-known and enduring tracks.
“Rock of Ages” is celebrated for its anthemic quality, catchy hooks, and energetic guitar riffs. The song’s chorus, with the repeated line “Rock of ages, rock of ages, still rollin’, keep a-rollin’,” became iconic and contributed to the song’s widespread appeal.
The lyrics of “Rock of Ages” celebrate the timeless nature of rock and roll and the enduring spirit of the genre. The song’s title is a reference to the Christian hymn “Rock of Ages,” but Def Leppard’s interpretation is firmly rooted in the realm of hard rock and glam metal.
“Rock of Ages” achieved commercial success, reaching high positions on music charts, and its popularity has endured over the years. The song is often featured in classic rock playlists and has become a staple in Def Leppard’s live performances. Its infectious energy and memorable chorus make “Rock of Ages” a quintessential example of the band’s contribution to the rock genre during the 1980s.
4. Foolin’
“Foolin'” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard. It was released in 1983 as the fourth single from their third studio album, “Pyromania.” Written by members of Def Leppard, including Joe Elliott, Steve Clark, and Robert John “Mutt” Lange, the song is known for its melodic hard rock sound.
“Foolin'” received positive critical acclaim and became one of Def Leppard’s successful hits. The song features a powerful and emotional chorus, complemented by the band’s harmonized vocals and the guitar work of Steve Clark and Phil Collen. The lyrics depict the theme of heartbreak and the challenges of love.
The track achieved commercial success, reaching high chart positions in various countries. “Foolin'” is often cited as one of the standout tracks from the “Pyromania” album, which played a crucial role in establishing Def Leppard as a leading band in the glam metal and hard rock scene of the 1980s.
With its anthemic quality and memorable hooks, “Foolin'” remains a fan favorite and a classic in Def Leppard’s discography. The song’s enduring popularity has contributed to its recognition as one of the band’s signature tracks.
5. Animal
“Animal” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard. It was released in 1987 as the second single from their multi-platinum album “Hysteria.” The song was written by Def Leppard members Joe Elliott and Phil Collen.
“Animal” features a catchy and melodic hard rock sound that incorporates elements of glam metal. The song showcases Def Leppard’s trademark harmonies and polished production. With its infectious chorus and energetic guitar riffs, “Animal” became one of the band’s successful singles.
The lyrics of “Animal” are somewhat suggestive and play on themes of desire and attraction. The track’s music video, featuring the band performing against a colorful backdrop, contributed to its visual appeal and success on music television channels.
“Animal” achieved commercial success, reaching high chart positions in various countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The song remains a classic in Def Leppard’s repertoire and is often featured in their live performances. Its popularity has endured over the years, solidifying its place as one of the band’s signature hits.
6. Bringin’ On the Heartbreak
“Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” is a song by Def Leppard, released in 1981 as the third single from their album “High ‘n’ Dry.” Written by Steve Clark, Pete Willis, and Joe Elliott, the song showcases Def Leppard’s melodic hard rock sound with a touch of glam metal.
“Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” is notable for its power ballad elements, featuring emotional lyrics and a memorable guitar solo. The song’s melancholic tone, combined with Joe Elliott’s emotive vocals, contributed to its popularity.
The track received attention for its use of synthesizers and showcased Def Leppard’s willingness to experiment with their sound. The music video for “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” received airplay on MTV, helping to increase the song’s visibility.
While the single didn’t achieve significant chart success upon its initial release, it gained recognition over time and became a fan favorite. Def Leppard later re-recorded the song for their album “Pyromania,” giving it a more polished sound. “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” is considered a classic in Def Leppard’s catalog and remains a prominent example of their ability to blend hard rock and ballad elements.
7. Love Bites
“Love Bites” is a power ballad by Def Leppard, released in 1988 as a single from their fourth studio album, “Hysteria.” The song, written by Joe Elliott and Mutt Lange, became one of the band’s most successful and enduring hits.
“Love Bites” is known for its emotional and melodic style, featuring heartfelt lyrics and a memorable chorus. The song explores the complexities of love, addressing the pain and heartbreak that can accompany romantic relationships. The powerful vocals of Joe Elliott and the lush production contributed to the song’s impact.
The single topped the charts in the United States, making it Def Leppard’s first and only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. “Love Bites” also received critical acclaim, further solidifying Def Leppard’s reputation as a band capable of crafting both hard-hitting rock anthems and emotionally resonant ballads.
The success of “Love Bites” helped propel the “Hysteria” album to immense popularity, and the song remains a fan favorite and a classic representation of Def Leppard’s ability to blend rock and ballad elements seamlessly. Its enduring appeal is evidenced by its continued presence on classic rock playlists and its inclusion in the band’s live performances.
8. Armageddon It
“Armageddon It” is a song by Def Leppard, released in 1988 as the sixth single from their blockbuster album “Hysteria.” The song was written by Def Leppard members Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Rick Savage, Steve Clark, and Mutt Lange.
“Armageddon It” is characterized by its upbeat and energetic glam metal sound, featuring catchy guitar riffs and the distinctive harmonies of Def Leppard. The song’s lyrics are playful and flirtatious, showcasing the band’s ability to infuse their hard rock sound with a pop sensibility.
The track became a commercial success, reaching high chart positions in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The song’s popularity was further boosted by its inclusion in the “Hysteria” album, which produced a series of hit singles.
“Armageddon It” remains a fan favorite and a staple in Def Leppard’s live performances. Its infectious chorus and energetic vibe contribute to its status as one of the standout tracks from the “Hysteria” era, a period that solidified Def Leppard as one of the leading bands in the glam metal genre.
9. Rocket
“Rocket” is a song by Def Leppard, released in 1989 as the sixth single from their multi-platinum album “Hysteria.” The song was written by the band’s members—Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Steve Clark, Rick Savage, and Rick Allen.
“Rocket” is characterized by its upbeat and energetic sound, featuring catchy hooks, prominent guitar riffs, and a driving rhythm. The lyrics of the song celebrate the power of music and its ability to connect people across time and space. The chorus features the line “Rocket, yeah, satellites in orbit,” emphasizing the theme of reaching new heights and breaking boundaries.
The music video for “Rocket” is notable for its creative use of footage from the band’s performances, including their iconic stage setup known as the “In the Round, in Your Face” tour. The video also includes nostalgic clips from early rock and roll performances, showcasing the band’s appreciation for the history of rock music.
While “Rocket” may not have achieved the same chart success as some of Def Leppard’s other singles from “Hysteria,” it remains a fan favorite and a staple in the band’s live performances. The song’s infectious energy and celebration of rock music contribute to its enduring popularity among Def Leppard enthusiasts.
10. Hysteria
“Hysteria” is a song by Def Leppard, released in 1987 as the third single from their fourth studio album of the same name. The song was written by Def Leppard members Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Rick Savage, Steve Clark, and Mutt Lange.
“Hysteria” is one of Def Leppard’s signature songs and is known for its anthemic quality and polished production. The track features a blend of hard rock and pop elements, with a memorable guitar riff and catchy hooks. The lyrics convey a sense of excitement and passion, contributing to the overall energy of the song.
The single achieved commercial success, reaching high chart positions in multiple countries. The “Hysteria” album, as a whole, became one of the best-selling albums of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The lasting popularity of “Hysteria” can be attributed to its infectious melody, memorable chorus, and the band’s ability to craft a radio-friendly sound without sacrificing their hard rock roots. The song remains a fan favorite and a classic representation of Def Leppard’s musical style.
Edward Tomlin 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.
