Def Leppard is a British rock band formed in Sheffield, England, in 1977. They are known for their pioneering blend of hard rock, glam rock, and heavy metal, as well as their catchy hooks, melodic vocals, and multi-layered guitar harmonies. The band’s lineup consists of Joe Elliott (vocals), Rick Savage (bass), Rick Allen (drums), Phil Collen (guitar), and Vivian Campbell (guitar).
Def Leppard rose to prominence in the early 1980s with their breakthrough album “Pyromania” (1983), which featured hit singles like “Photograph,” “Rock of Ages,” and “Foolin’.” Their follow-up album, “Hysteria” (1987), became even more successful, spawning chart-topping hits such as “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Love Bites,” and “Hysteria.”
Despite facing setbacks, including drummer Rick Allen losing his arm in a car accident in 1984, Def Leppard continued to release successful albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including “Adrenalize” (1992), “Slang” (1996), and “X” (2002). They have sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Def Leppard’s enduring popularity and influence have earned them a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and they continue to tour and perform to this day, delighting fans with their energetic live shows and timeless rock anthems.
1. Armageddon It
“Armageddon It” is a song by Def Leppard, released in 1988 as the fifth single from their album “Hysteria.” The song was written by members of the band, including Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Rick Savage, and Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who also produced the album.
“Armageddon It” is a high-energy rock song characterized by its infectious hooks, catchy melody, and anthemic chorus. The lyrics playfully combine romantic and apocalyptic themes, with the title serving as a play on words (“Armageddon it” sounds similar to “I’m getting it”).
The song’s upbeat tempo, driving rhythm, and layered harmonies helped propel it to commercial success. “Armageddon It” became one of Def Leppard’s most popular songs, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including Canada and Ireland, and peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
The music video for “Armageddon It” features footage from Def Leppard’s live performances interspersed with humorous backstage scenes. The song remains a fan favorite and a staple of Def Leppard’s live shows, known for its energetic vibe and sing-along chorus.
2. Rocket
“Rocket” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard, released in 1987 as the sixth single from their album “Hysteria.” Def Leppard is known for their catchy melodies, heavy guitar riffs, and anthemic choruses.
“Rocket” is a high-energy rock song with a driving beat and powerful guitar riffs. Lyrically, the song pays homage to the history of rock and roll, with references to iconic musicians and bands from the past. The lyrics also touch on themes of nostalgia and the enduring power of music to bring people together.
The song’s chorus, with its memorable refrain “Rocket, yeah, satellite of love,” captures the exhilarating and uplifting spirit of the track.
“Rocket” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the charts in several countries. The song’s music video, featuring footage of the band performing live mixed with scenes of rockets and space travel, received heavy rotation on MTV and helped boost its popularity.
Overall, “Rocket” is regarded as one of Def Leppard’s standout tracks, loved by fans of rock music for its infectious energy and catchy hooks.
3. Hysteria
“Hysteria” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard, released in 1987 as the third single from their album of the same name, “Hysteria.” The song is known for its distinctive guitar riff, catchy melody, and powerful vocals.
“Hysteria” is a mid-tempo rock ballad with a driving beat and a soaring chorus. Lyrically, the song explores themes of passion, desire, and longing, with the protagonist expressing his intense emotions and yearning for connection.
The song’s chorus, with its anthemic refrain “Out of touch, out of reach, yeah, you could try to get closer to me,” captures the emotional intensity and urgency of the narrative.
“Hysteria” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the charts in several countries, including the US and the UK. The song’s music video, featuring the band performing against a backdrop of flashing lights and abstract imagery, received heavy rotation on MTV and helped boost its popularity.
Overall, “Hysteria” is regarded as one of Def Leppard’s signature songs, loved by fans of rock music for its memorable melody, powerful vocals, and emotional resonance.
4. Pour Some Sugar on Me
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” is one of Def Leppard’s most iconic and enduring songs, released in 1987 as the fourth single from their album “Hysteria.” Written by members of the band, including Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Rick Savage, Steve Clark, and Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who also produced the album, the song is known for its catchy melody, infectious hooks, and anthemic chorus.
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” is a hard rock anthem that became a massive commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and topping the charts in Canada. Its popularity was further boosted by its memorable music video, which received heavy rotation on MTV.
The song’s lyrics are playful and suggestive, with phrases like “Pour some sugar on me, in the name of love” evoking images of decadence and sensuality. The chorus, with its infectious refrain, has become one of the most recognizable and beloved in rock music history.
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” remains a staple of Def Leppard’s live performances and a favorite among fans of the band. Its enduring popularity has cemented its status as a classic rock anthem and a cultural touchstone of the 1980s.
5. Photograph
“Photograph” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard, released in 1983 as the lead single from their album “Pyromania.” The song is known for its catchy guitar riff, anthemic chorus, and memorable lyrics.
“Photograph” is a hard rock song with a driving beat and a melodic hook. Lyrically, the song revolves around themes of desire and longing, with the protagonist expressing his infatuation with a photograph of a woman. The song’s narrator is captivated by the image and yearns for a real-life connection with the subject.
The song’s chorus, with its memorable refrain “I want to touch you, I want to feel you, I want to love you,” captures the intense emotions and longing expressed in the lyrics.
“Photograph” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the charts in several countries, including the US and the UK. The song’s music video, featuring the band performing against a backdrop of flashing lights and pyrotechnics, received heavy rotation on MTV and helped boost its popularity.
Overall, “Photograph” is regarded as one of Def Leppard’s most iconic songs, loved by fans of rock music for its catchy melody, powerful vocals, and infectious energy.
6. Rock of Ages
“Rock of Ages” is a song by Def Leppard, released in 1983 as the second single from their album “Pyromania.” The song was written by members of the band, including Joe Elliott, Steve Clark, Rick Savage, and Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who also produced the album.
“Rock of Ages” is a hard rock anthem characterized by its driving rhythm, infectious guitar riffs, and catchy chorus. The song’s lyrics celebrate the power and energy of rock music, with lines like “Rock of Ages, rock of ages, still rollin’, keep a-rollin’,” evoking the timeless appeal of the genre.
“Rock of Ages” became one of Def Leppard’s most popular songs, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number 41 on the UK Singles Chart. Its success helped propel “Pyromania” to multi-platinum status and solidified Def Leppard’s status as one of the leading bands of the 1980s rock scene.
The song’s anthemic quality and energetic vibe have made it a staple of Def Leppard’s live performances and a favorite among fans of the band. Its enduring popularity has ensured its place as a classic rock anthem and a highlight of Def Leppard’s extensive catalog of music.
7. Foolin’
“Foolin'” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard, released in 1983 as the fourth single from their album “Pyromania.” The song is characterized by its driving beat, catchy guitar riffs, and powerful vocals.
“Foolin'” is a hard rock anthem with a melodic chorus and a sense of urgency. Lyrically, the song deals with themes of heartbreak and betrayal, with the protagonist expressing his frustration and disillusionment with a past relationship. Despite the pain, the narrator remains determined to move on and find closure.
The song’s chorus, with its anthemic refrain “Is anybody out there? Anybody there? Does anybody wonder? Anybody care?” captures the emotional intensity and longing expressed in the lyrics.
“Foolin'” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries, including the US and the UK. The song’s music video, featuring the band performing against a backdrop of flashing lights and pyrotechnics, received heavy rotation on MTV and helped boost its popularity.
Overall, “Foolin'” is regarded as one of Def Leppard’s signature songs, loved by fans of rock music for its infectious energy, memorable melody, and powerful lyrics.
8. Animal
“Animal” is a song by Def Leppard, released in 1987 as the lead single from their album “Hysteria.” The song was written by members of the band, including Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Rick Savage, and Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who also produced the album.
“Animal” is a hard rock song with a catchy melody, infectious guitar riffs, and a driving rhythm. The lyrics of the song are suggestive and playful, with references to animalistic desires and instincts. The chorus, with its memorable refrain of “I want to feel you from the inside,” has become one of the most recognizable and iconic in Def Leppard’s catalog.
The song’s music video, featuring the band performing against a backdrop of colorful lights and imagery, received heavy rotation on MTV and helped propel “Animal” to commercial success. The song reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and became a top-ten hit in several other countries.
“Animal” remains a fan favorite and a staple of Def Leppard’s live performances. Its infectious energy and catchy hooks have solidified its status as one of the band’s most enduring and beloved songs.
9. Bringin’ On the Heartbreak
“Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard, released in 1981 as the third single from their album “High ‘n’ Dry.” The song is characterized by its melodic guitar riff, emotive vocals, and powerful chorus.
“Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” is a rock ballad with a soaring chorus and a sense of longing and vulnerability. Lyrically, the song deals with themes of heartbreak and emotional pain, with the protagonist expressing his anguish over a failed relationship. Despite the pain, there is a sense of resilience as the narrator confronts the challenges and struggles to move on.
The song’s chorus, with its anthemic refrain “You’re bringin’ on the heartache, takin’ all the best of me,” captures the emotional intensity and turmoil expressed in the lyrics.
“Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the charts in several countries, including the US and the UK. The song’s music video, featuring the band performing against a backdrop of moody lighting and dramatic visuals, received heavy rotation on MTV and helped boost its popularity.
Overall, “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” is regarded as one of Def Leppard’s classic songs, loved by fans of rock music for its emotive lyrics, powerful vocals, and memorable melody.
10. Love Bites
“Love Bites” is a power ballad by Def Leppard, released in 1988 as the lead single from their album “Hysteria.” The song was written by members of the band, Joe Elliott and Rick Savage, and produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange.
“Love Bites” is characterized by its emotional lyrics, soaring melody, and heartfelt vocals. The song explores the pain and heartache of love, with lyrics that depict the emotional turmoil of a tumultuous relationship. The chorus, with its haunting refrain of “Love bites, love bleeds, it’s bringing me to my knees,” captures the raw intensity of romantic longing and loss.
“Love Bites” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and becoming one of Def Leppard’s most iconic songs. Its emotional depth and powerful delivery struck a chord with audiences, making it a favorite among fans of the band and a staple of their live performances.
The song’s music video, featuring the band performing against a backdrop of dramatic lighting and imagery, received heavy rotation on MTV and helped propel “Love Bites” to further success. It remains one of Def Leppard’s most enduring and beloved ballads, cherished for its timeless appeal and emotional resonance.
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.
