Def Leppard, formed in Sheffield, England, in 1977, is a rock band that emerged as one of the leading figures in the glam metal and hard rock genres. The band’s classic lineup consists of Joe Elliott (vocals), Phil Collen (guitar), Vivian Campbell (guitar), Rick Savage (bass), and Rick Allen (drums). Def Leppard’s music is characterized by catchy melodies, anthemic choruses, and a polished production style that blends hard rock with pop sensibilities.
Their breakthrough album, “Pyromania” (1983), propelled them to international stardom with hits like “Photograph” and “Rock of Ages.” However, it was the mega-selling “Hysteria” (1987) that solidified their status as one of the biggest rock bands of the 1980s. The album spawned chart-topping singles such as “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Love Bites.”
Def Leppard’s success is even more remarkable considering the challenges they faced, particularly drummer Rick Allen’s perseverance after a car accident led to the amputation of his left arm. The band’s ability to adapt and evolve over the years, maintaining their relevance and a loyal fan base, has solidified Def Leppard as enduring icons in the rock music landscape. With a string of hits and a dynamic live presence, Def Leppard continues to be a powerhouse in the world of rock music.
1. Armageddon It
“Armageddon It” is a rock anthem by Def Leppard, released in 1988 as the fifth single from their blockbuster album “Hysteria.” The song showcases Def Leppard’s signature blend of melodic hard rock, catchy hooks, and meticulous production.
Written by the band’s lead vocalist Joe Elliott, “Armageddon It” features the infectious energy and harmonies that became synonymous with Def Leppard’s sound. The song’s lyrics, while open to interpretation, are known for their playful and suggestive nature. The title itself is a play on words, with “Armageddon It” sounding like “I’m a-gettin’ it,” adding a cheeky twist to the song.
The music video for “Armageddon It” contributed to its success, featuring a mix of live performance footage and playful, behind-the-scenes moments with the band. The song became a chart-topping success, reaching high positions on both rock and pop charts.
Known for its anthemic chorus, memorable guitar riffs, and Def Leppard’s polished production, “Armageddon It” remains a staple in the band’s live performances. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the band’s ability to craft timeless rock anthems that resonate with a broad audience. The song is a highlight of Def Leppard’s extensive catalog, contributing to their status as one of the defining rock bands of the 1980s.
2. Rocket
“Rocket” is a song by Def Leppard, released in 1987 as the sixth single from their multi-platinum album “Hysteria.” The track exemplifies Def Leppard’s ability to seamlessly blend hard rock with pop elements, contributing to the album’s immense commercial success.
“Rocket” is characterized by its dynamic tempo changes, catchy hooks, and layered production. The song’s lyrics pay homage to the band’s experiences and influences in the music industry. The track’s chorus, with the repeated chant of “Rocket, yeah, satellite of love,” adds to its anthemic quality.
The music video for “Rocket” is notable for its innovative use of computer-generated imagery (CGI), incorporating futuristic and space-themed visuals. The video, directed by Steve Barron, received acclaim for its creativity and technical achievements.
While “Rocket” achieved success on the charts, it also became a concert favorite, known for its high-energy performance and sing-along appeal. The song’s combination of rock intensity and pop accessibility contributed to Def Leppard’s ability to cross over to a broad audience.
“Rocket” remains a classic in Def Leppard’s repertoire, standing as a testament to their mastery of the rock genre and their willingness to experiment with innovative production techniques. The track’s enduring popularity underscores its status as a standout moment in the band’s illustrious career.
3. Hysteria
“Hysteria” is a song by Def Leppard, released in 1987 as the title track from their fourth studio album. The album, also titled “Hysteria,” marked a significant moment in Def Leppard’s career, combining hard rock with polished production and featuring multiple hit singles.
The song “Hysteria” is characterized by its anthemic chorus, Joe Elliott’s powerful vocals, and the band’s signature multi-layered guitar sound. The lyrics touch on themes of love, desire, and emotional intensity, capturing the spirit of the late 1980s rock scene.
The “Hysteria” album, as a whole, is renowned for its commercial success, with several chart-topping hits, including “Pour Some Sugar On Me” and “Love Bites.” The album’s meticulous production, innovative use of studio techniques, and the band’s ability to create radio-friendly rock anthems contributed to its widespread popularity.
“Hysteria” remains one of Def Leppard’s most iconic songs, a testament to their enduring influence in the rock genre. Its memorable hooks and dynamic energy have solidified its place in the pantheon of 1980s rock classics.
4. Pour Some Sugar on Me
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” is a high-energy and iconic song by Def Leppard, released in 1987 as a single from their fourth studio album, “Hysteria.” The track is characterized by its infectious hooks, catchy chorus, and the band’s signature blend of hard rock and pop sensibilities.
The lyrics of “Pour Some Sugar on Me” are playful and provocative, with references to love, desire, and a touch of rock and roll decadence. The chorus, featuring the repeated line “Pour some sugar on me,” became a rallying cry and contributed to the song’s widespread popularity.
The success of “Pour Some Sugar on Me” played a significant role in the commercial triumph of the “Hysteria” album. The song topped charts and became one of Def Leppard’s most well-known and enduring hits. Its anthemic quality and memorable guitar riffs have made it a staple in rock playlists and a crowd-pleaser at concerts.
Whether you’re a fan of rock from the 1980s or just looking for an energetic and catchy tune, “Pour Some Sugar on Me” remains a quintessential example of Def Leppard’s ability to create timeless and impactful rock anthems.
5. Photograph
“Photograph” is a classic rock song by Def Leppard, released in 1983 as the lead single from their album “Pyromania.” Co-written by the band’s lead vocalist Joe Elliott, guitarist Steve Clark, bassist Rick Savage, and producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange, the song became one of Def Leppard’s signature hits.
“Photograph” is characterized by its infectious melody, memorable chorus, and the distinctive guitar riff that opens the track. The lyrics tell a story of longing and obsession, with the central theme revolving around the impact of a photograph on the narrator’s emotions. The chorus features the iconic line, “I want to touch you,” adding to the song’s anthemic quality.
The music video for “Photograph” received heavy rotation on MTV, contributing significantly to the song’s success. The video features shots of the band performing, intertwined with images of the model and actress Colleen Porch, creating a visual narrative that complements the song’s themes.
“Photograph” achieved commercial success, reaching high positions on the charts. It set the stage for the widespread popularity of Def Leppard and their subsequent albums. Decades later, “Photograph” remains a timeless rock anthem and a quintessential part of Def Leppard’s extensive catalog.
6. Rock of Ages
“Rock of Ages” is a classic rock anthem by Def Leppard, released in 1983 as the lead single from their third studio album, “Pyromania.” The song is known for its infectious chorus, powerful guitar riffs, and its contribution to Def Leppard’s commercial success in the 1980s.
The lyrics of “Rock of Ages” touch on themes of music, rebellion, and the enduring nature of rock and roll. The chorus features the iconic refrain “Rock of Ages, rock of ages, still rollin’, keep a-rollin’,” emphasizing the timeless and unstoppable spirit of rock music.
The energetic and anthemic quality of “Rock of Ages” contributed to its popularity, and it became one of Def Leppard’s signature songs. The song’s success, along with the overall appeal of the “Pyromania” album, solidified Def Leppard as a prominent band in the glam metal and hard rock genres of the 1980s.
“Rock of Ages” remains a classic in the rock music canon, celebrated for its infectious energy and its role in defining the sound of 1980s rock. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Def Leppard or exploring rock classics, “Rock of Ages” is a must-listen.
7. Foolin’
“Foolin'” is a rock ballad by Def Leppard, released in 1983 as the third single from their highly successful album “Pyromania.” The song showcases the band’s ability to blend powerful rock elements with melodic sensibilities, contributing to the album’s widespread acclaim.
Characterized by its anthemic chorus, heartfelt lyrics, and dynamic musical arrangement, “Foolin'” explores themes of heartache and the complexities of relationships. Lead vocalist Joe Elliott delivers the emotionally charged lyrics with conviction, supported by the band’s harmonies and the iconic guitar work of Steve Clark and Phil Collen.
The music video for “Foolin'” features footage of Def Leppard performing live, creating a visual backdrop that captures the energy and passion of their stage presence. The song’s popularity was further boosted by its rotation on music television channels, contributing to its success on the charts.
“Foolin'” became a chart-topping hit, solidifying Def Leppard’s status as one of the leading bands in the glam metal and hard rock genres. Its enduring appeal lies in its combination of relatable lyrics, powerful instrumentation, and the emotional resonance that permeates the entire composition. “Foolin'” remains a beloved classic in Def Leppard’s repertoire, often featured in their live performances and celebrated as a standout track from the “Pyromania” era.
8. Animal
“Animal” is a rock song by Def Leppard, released in 1987 as the first single from their fourth studio album, “Hysteria.” The track is characterized by its infectious hooks, energetic guitar riffs, and the polished production that became a hallmark of the “Hysteria” album.
The lyrics of “Animal” revolve around themes of desire and attraction, with the chorus featuring the catchy lines “Like an animal, you’re in love.” The song’s dynamic sound and Joe Elliott’s distinctive vocals contributed to its commercial success and popularity on rock radio.
“Animal” played a significant role in the overall success of the “Hysteria” album, which went on to become one of Def Leppard’s most commercially successful releases. The album showcased the band’s ability to blend hard rock with a more polished and accessible sound, appealing to a broad audience.
Whether you’re a fan of 1980s rock or exploring Def Leppard’s discography, “Animal” remains a standout track that captures the spirit of the era and the band’s ability to create memorable and infectious rock anthems.
9. Bringin’ On the Heartbreak
“Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” is a power ballad by Def Leppard, originally released in 1981 on their album “High ‘n’ Dry.” The song showcases Def Leppard’s ability to blend hard rock elements with melodic sensibilities, setting the stage for their later success in the glam metal and rock ballad genres.
Characterized by its emotional lyrics, powerful vocals by Joe Elliott, and notable guitar work, “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” explores themes of heartbreak and the pain of love gone wrong. The track features a distinctive guitar solo by Steve Clark, adding to the song’s memorable and impactful nature.
In 1984, Def Leppard released a remixed and re-recorded version of “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” as a single from their album “Pyromania.” This version, known as the “Remix” or “Mutt Lange Remix,” became more widely known and successful, particularly in the United States.
The success of “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” contributed to Def Leppard’s growing popularity, and the song remains a fan favorite. Its enduring appeal lies in its emotional resonance, strong musical composition, and the band’s ability to deliver a powerful ballad that stands the test of time.
10. Love Bites
“Love Bites” is a power ballad by Def Leppard, released in 1987 as the third single from their fourth studio album, “Hysteria.” The song is characterized by its emotional lyrics, melodic guitar lines, and Joe Elliott’s soulful vocals.
The lyrics of “Love Bites” explore the complexities of love, heartbreak, and the pain that can accompany romantic relationships. The chorus features the memorable lines “Love bites, love bleeds, it’s bringing me to my knees.” The emotional depth of the song, coupled with its radio-friendly sound, contributed to its success.
“Love Bites” became one of Def Leppard’s biggest hits, reaching high positions on various music charts and earning critical acclaim. The ballad showcased the band’s versatility, demonstrating their ability to deliver both hard-hitting rock anthems and emotionally resonant ballads.
The enduring popularity of “Love Bites” has made it a classic in the power ballad genre. Its inclusion on rock ballad playlists and its continued presence on radio stations showcase the timeless appeal of Def Leppard’s balladry and their impact on 1980s rock music.
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.
