Few bands have left a mark on rock music quite like Def Leppard. Emerging from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal in the late ‘70s, they quickly evolved into one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of the ‘80s. With their explosive riffs, anthemic choruses, and a knack for crafting unforgettable hooks, Def Leppard dominated the airwaves and filled arenas across the globe. Their music is the perfect blend of hard rock intensity and pop sensibility, making them a household name and a staple of classic rock radio. But which of their tracks have stood the test of time, rising above the rest to become the definitive Def Leppard anthems? In this article, we’re counting down the top 10 most popular Def Leppard songs of all time. These are the tracks that have not only defined the band’s career but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of rock fans everywhere. Whether you’re a lifelong Leppard fan or a newcomer to their electrifying sound, these songs are sure to get your adrenaline pumping and your air guitar shredding. Crank up the volume and let’s dive into the ultimate Def Leppard playlist!
1. “Pour Some Sugar on Me” (1987)
Released on May 6, 1987, “Pour Some Sugar on Me” became an anthem for the glam metal era, blending catchy hooks with a driving beat that captivated rock fans worldwide. It’s a powerhouse of a song that encapsulates the excess and exuberance of the late ’80s. With its infectious chorus and layered production, it quickly became a staple at concerts and on rock radio. The song, which was a late addition to the Hysteria album, played a crucial role in catapulting Def Leppard to global superstardom, making it one of their most enduring and recognizable tracks.
2. “Photograph” (1983)
Released on February 3, 1983, “Photograph” was the lead single from Def Leppard’s breakthrough album Pyromania. The song’s bright, melodic riff and catchy chorus made it an instant hit, helping to define the sound of ‘80s rock. It’s a perfect blend of hard rock and pop sensibilities, with Joe Elliott’s yearning vocals adding emotional depth to the track. “Photograph” is often credited with helping to establish Def Leppard as one of the biggest bands of the decade, and it remains a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances.
3. “Rock of Ages” (1983)
Released on May 6, 1983, “Rock of Ages” is a quintessential Def Leppard track, known for its iconic intro and anthemic chorus. The song, from their Pyromania album, is a celebration of rock ‘n’ roll itself, with lyrics that emphasize the power and energy of the genre. The track’s opening line, “Gunter glieben glauten globen,” is a nonsensical phrase that adds to its quirky charm. “Rock of Ages” became a massive hit and is still a go-to track for fans looking to experience the raw energy of Def Leppard’s music.
4. “Love Bites” (1987)
Released in July 1988, “Love Bites” stands out as one of Def Leppard’s most successful ballads. Featured on the Hysteria album, the song showcases the band’s ability to craft emotional, melodic rock that resonates with a wide audience. It’s a hauntingly beautiful track with lush vocal harmonies and a poignant guitar solo, illustrating the band’s softer side without sacrificing their signature sound. “Love Bites” reached the top of the charts, becoming Def Leppard’s only number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100, a testament to its wide appeal and enduring popularity.
5. “Hysteria” (1987)
Released on November 16, 1987, “Hysteria” is the title track of Def Leppard’s mega-successful album. The song is a sonic masterpiece, blending intricate guitar work with smooth, layered vocals. Its dreamy and atmospheric quality sets it apart from other rock ballads of the time, making it a unique and memorable track. “Hysteria” captures the essence of the album’s production, with its polished, radio-friendly sound that still retains a rock edge. The song’s soothing melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a favorite among fans, and it continues to be a highlight of Def Leppard’s live shows.
6. “Armageddon It” (1987)
Released in November 1988 as the sixth single from the Hysteria album, “Armageddon It” is a high-energy track that epitomizes the band’s ability to blend rock riffs with pop hooks. The song’s playful lyrics and infectious beat make it an irresistible listen, and it quickly became another hit for the band during their peak years. “Armageddon It” is a fun, feel-good anthem that showcases Def Leppard’s knack for creating music that’s both catchy and substantial. Its success further solidified Hysteria as one of the defining albums of the ‘80s rock scene.
7. “Animal” (1987)
Released on July 20, 1987, “Animal” was the first single from Hysteria and marked the band’s return after a long hiatus. The song is a perfect example of Def Leppard’s polished, multi-layered sound, with its driving rhythm and sing-along chorus. “Animal” was a significant departure from their earlier, more raw sound, showcasing the band’s evolution and their commitment to creating meticulously crafted music. The track was a huge success, reaching the top 10 in the UK and helping to build anticipation for the album’s release, which would go on to become one of the best-selling records of all time.
8. “Foolin'” (1983)
Released in August 1983, “Foolin’” is another standout track from the Pyromania album. The song starts with a haunting acoustic intro before exploding into a powerful, guitar-driven anthem. Joe Elliott’s emotive vocals and the song’s dynamic structure make it a compelling listen that captures the essence of Def Leppard’s early sound. “Foolin’” was a radio favorite in the ‘80s, and its blend of melodic hooks and hard rock energy helped solidify Def Leppard’s place in the pantheon of rock legends. It remains a beloved track among fans, showcasing the band’s ability to blend power with emotion.
9. “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” (1981)
Released on November 13, 1981, “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” is one of Def Leppard’s earliest hits, featured on their High ‘n’ Dry album. The song is a powerful ballad that showcases the band’s ability to write emotionally charged music with a hard rock edge. The combination of Joe Elliott’s passionate vocals and Steve Clark’s soulful guitar work makes this track a standout in the band’s early catalog. Although it didn’t achieve massive chart success upon its initial release, “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” has since become a fan favorite, often cited as one of the band’s most influential early songs.
10. “Let’s Get Rocked” (1992)
Released on March 16, 1992, “Let’s Get Rocked” was the lead single from the Adrenalize album, marking Def Leppard’s return after the tragic loss of guitarist Steve Clark. The song is a fun, upbeat track that captures the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll with its playful lyrics and infectious energy. “Let’s Get Rocked” was a huge hit, especially in the United States, where it received heavy rotation on rock radio and MTV. The song’s catchy chorus and tongue-in-cheek attitude made it an instant favorite among fans, and it remains one of Def Leppard’s most popular tracks from the ‘90s.
Samuel Moore 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.
