Def Leppard is an English rock band formed in 1977 in Sheffield, England. The band’s lineup consists of Joe Elliott (vocals), Rick Savage (bass guitar), Rick Allen (drums), Phil Collen (guitar), and Vivian Campbell (guitar). Def Leppard rose to prominence in the 1980s and became one of the most successful rock bands of that decade.
Def Leppard’s music is characterized by its blend of hard rock, glam rock, and heavy metal influences, featuring catchy melodies, powerful vocals, and infectious guitar riffs. The band achieved mainstream success with their breakthrough album “Pyromania” (1983), which included hits like “Photograph” and “Rock of Ages.”
Their follow-up album, “Hysteria” (1987), further solidified their status as rock icons, producing numerous hit singles such as “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Love Bites,” and “Armageddon It.” “Hysteria” is one of the best-selling albums of all time, selling over 25 million copies worldwide.
Throughout their career, Def Leppard has continued to release successful albums and tour extensively, earning a reputation for their energetic live performances and enduring appeal. The band has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Def Leppard’s impact on the rock music landscape is significant, influencing countless bands and leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most iconic and beloved rock bands in history.
1. Armageddon It
“Armageddon It” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard, released in 1988 as the sixth single from their album “Hysteria.” The song was written by members of the band, including Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, and Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who also produced the album.
“Armageddon It” is a hard rock anthem known for its catchy hooks, infectious melody, and energetic guitar riffs. The song’s lyrics explore themes of love and desire, with the narrator expressing his longing for a romantic connection with someone he admires.
Musically, “Armageddon It” features Def Leppard’s trademark sound, with powerful vocals, layered harmonies, and a driving rhythm section. The song’s dynamic arrangement and polished production showcase the band’s musical versatility and commercial appeal.
“Armageddon It” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the charts in several countries and becoming one of Def Leppard’s most popular and enduring songs. Its memorable chorus and anthemic quality have made it a favorite among fans of 1980s rock music, and it remains a staple of the band’s live performances to this day.
2. Rocket
“Rocket” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard, released in 1989 as the fifth single from their album “Hysteria.” The song was written by members of the band, including Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, and Steve Clark, and it was produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange.
“Rocket” is a hard rock anthem known for its energetic guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and catchy chorus. The song’s lyrics pay homage to the history of rock and roll music, with references to iconic bands, songs, and events from the genre’s past.
Musically, “Rocket” features Def Leppard’s trademark sound, with powerful vocals, layered harmonies, and a melodic guitar solo. The song’s dynamic arrangement and polished production showcase the band’s musical craftsmanship and commercial appeal.
“Rocket” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the charts in several countries and becoming one of Def Leppard’s most popular and enduring songs. Its memorable hooks and nostalgic lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of 1980s rock music, and it remains a staple of the band’s live performances.
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. The song was written by members of the band, including Joe Elliott, Rick Savage, and Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who also produced the album.
“Hysteria” is a rock ballad known for its powerful vocals, emotional lyrics, and memorable guitar solo. The song’s lyrics explore themes of passion, longing, and desire, with the narrator expressing his intense emotions for someone he loves.
Musically, “Hysteria” features Def Leppard’s trademark sound, with lush harmonies, melodic guitar riffs, and a driving rhythm section. The song’s dynamic arrangement and polished production showcase the band’s musical versatility and commercial appeal.
“Hysteria” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the charts in several countries and becoming one of Def Leppard’s most popular and enduring songs. Its heartfelt lyrics and anthemic quality have made it a favorite among fans of 1980s rock music, and it remains a staple of the band’s live performances.
4. Pour Some Sugar on Me
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard, released in 1987 as the fourth single from their album “Hysteria.” The song was written by members of the band, including Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, and Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who also produced the album.
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” is a hard rock anthem known for its infectious groove, catchy chorus, and suggestive lyrics. The song’s lyrics use metaphors of sugar and candy to convey themes of lust, desire, and sexual innuendo.
Musically, “Pour Some Sugar on Me” features Def Leppard’s trademark sound, with powerful vocals, crunchy guitar riffs, and a driving rhythm section. The song’s dynamic arrangement and polished production showcase the band’s musical versatility and commercial appeal.
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top ten on the charts in several countries and becoming one of Def Leppard’s most popular and enduring songs. Its memorable hooks and anthemic quality have made it a favorite among fans of 1980s rock music, and it remains a staple of the band’s live performances.
5. Photograph
“Photograph” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard, released in 1983 as the lead single from their album “Pyromania.” It was written by the band’s lead vocalist Joe Elliott, guitarist Steve Clark, bassist Rick Savage, and drummer Rick Allen.
“Photograph” is one of Def Leppard’s most iconic and enduring songs, known for its catchy melody, powerful vocals, and memorable guitar riffs. The song’s lyrics depict the narrator’s obsession with a photograph of a former lover, expressing longing and desire for the person captured in the image. The title “Photograph” serves as a metaphor for the memories and emotions evoked by the photograph.
Musically, “Photograph” features a driving beat, crunchy guitar riffs, and anthemic chorus, characteristic of Def Leppard’s signature sound. The song’s infectious melody and energetic performance contributed to its commercial success and popularity.
“Photograph” was a commercial success, reaching high positions on the charts in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It remains one of Def Leppard’s most beloved and enduring songs, cherished by fans for its catchy hooks and nostalgic lyrics.
6. Rock of Ages
“Rock of Ages” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard, released in 1983 as the third single from their album “Pyromania.” The song was written by members of the band, including Joe Elliott, Steve Clark, and Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who also produced the album.
“Rock of Ages” is a hard rock anthem known for its catchy guitar riff, energetic rhythm, and anthemic chorus. The song’s lyrics celebrate the power and spirit of rock and roll music, with references to iconic rock songs and bands from the past.
Musically, “Rock of Ages” features Def Leppard’s trademark sound, with crunchy guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and a driving rhythm section. The song’s dynamic arrangement and polished production showcase the band’s musical craftsmanship and commercial appeal.
“Rock of Ages” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the charts in several countries and becoming one of Def Leppard’s most popular and enduring songs. Its infectious energy and memorable hooks have made it a favorite among fans of 1980s rock music, and it remains a staple of the band’s live performances.
7. Foolin’
“Foolin'” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard, released in 1983 as the third single from their album “Pyromania.” It was written by the band’s lead vocalist Joe Elliott, guitarist Steve Clark, bassist Rick Savage, and drummer Rick Allen.
“Foolin'” is known for its anthemic chorus, powerful vocals, and catchy guitar riffs. The song’s lyrics depict the narrator’s struggles in a rocky relationship, expressing feelings of heartache and longing. Despite the challenges, the narrator remains hopeful and determined to make things work, refusing to give up on love.
Musically, “Foolin'” features a driving beat, soaring guitar solos, and melodic hooks, characteristic of Def Leppard’s signature sound. The song’s dynamic shifts and infectious energy contributed to its commercial success and popularity.
“Foolin'” was a commercial success, reaching high positions on the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It remains one of Def Leppard’s most beloved and enduring songs, cherished by fans for its powerful vocals and relatable lyrics.
8. Animal
“Animal” is a song by the English rock band 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, Rick Savage, and Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who also produced the album.
“Animal” is a hard rock song known for its catchy guitar riff, infectious melody, and anthemic chorus. The song’s lyrics explore themes of desire and attraction, with the narrator expressing his fascination and infatuation with someone he admires.
Musically, “Animal” features Def Leppard’s trademark sound, with crunchy guitar riffs, powerful vocals, and a driving rhythm section. The song’s dynamic arrangement and polished production showcase the band’s musical versatility and commercial appeal.
“Animal” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the charts in several countries and becoming one of Def Leppard’s most popular and enduring songs. Its memorable hooks and energetic vibe have made it a favorite among fans of 1980s rock music, and it remains a staple of the band’s live performances.
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.” It was written by band members Steve Clark, Pete Willis, and Joe Elliott.
“Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” is known for its powerful vocals, emotional lyrics, and memorable guitar solos. The song’s lyrics depict the pain of heartbreak and longing for a lost love. Despite the emotional turmoil, the narrator remains determined to move on and find closure.
Musically, “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” features a melodic guitar riff, soaring vocals, and a dramatic arrangement, characteristic of Def Leppard’s early sound. The song’s dynamic shifts and anthemic chorus contribute to its emotional impact and enduring popularity.
“Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” was a moderate success upon its release, but it gained widespread popularity when it was re-released in 1984 with a remix featuring additional electronic elements. The song remains one of Def Leppard’s most beloved and enduring tracks, cherished by fans for its raw emotion and powerful performance.
10. Love Bites
“Love Bites” is a song by the English rock band Def Leppard, released in 1987 as the lead single from their album “Hysteria.” It was written by band members Rick Savage, Joe Elliott, and Robert John “Mutt” Lange.
“Love Bites” is known for its soaring vocals, catchy melody, and memorable guitar riffs. The song’s lyrics depict the pain and vulnerability of love, exploring the complexities of romantic relationships and the emotional toll of heartbreak. Despite the challenges, the narrator remains hopeful and determined to find love again.
Musically, “Love Bites” features a powerful vocal performance by Joe Elliott, accompanied by melodic guitar solos and a driving beat. The song’s dynamic shifts and anthemic chorus contribute to its emotional impact and enduring popularity.
“Love Bites” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It remains one of Def Leppard’s most iconic and beloved songs, cherished by fans for its heartfelt lyrics and powerful performance.
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.
