When it comes to rock anthems that stand the test of time, few bands deliver the kind of electrifying energy and unforgettable hooks quite like Def Leppard. Bursting out of the UK’s hard rock scene in the late ’70s, Def Leppard quickly became one of the biggest names in rock music, defining the sound of the ’80s with their fusion of melodic riffs, soaring vocals, and arena-shaking choruses. Known for their polished production and larger-than-life sound, the band’s music is synonymous with the golden age of rock, from the raw power of their early albums to the multi-platinum success of Pyromania and Hysteria.
In this article, we’re counting down the top 10 most popular Def Leppard songs of all time—tracks that have not only ruled the charts but have also become the soundtrack to generations of rock fans. Whether it’s the fist-pumping intensity of their hardest hits or the heartfelt power ballads that made them global icons, these songs capture the very essence of Def Leppard’s enduring appeal. So, crank up the volume, grab your air guitar, and get ready to rock as we dive into the definitive songs that made Def Leppard one of the greatest rock bands in history!
1. “Animal” (1987)
“Animal” was the first single from Hysteria, and its release in 1987 marked a significant moment in Def Leppard’s career. After spending years in the studio perfecting the album, “Animal” was the track that finally broke through, reaching No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 19 in the US. The song is a perfect example of the polished, radio-friendly rock sound that defined Hysteria, featuring a driving rhythm, layered guitar work, and a chorus that sticks in your head for days. Its lyrics, filled with wild imagery and primal energy, captured the band’s untamed spirit and set the stage for the massive success that Hysteria would eventually enjoy.
2. “Armageddon It” (1987)
Released as a single in 1987, “Armageddon It” is pure rock-and-roll fun. With its cheeky title and infectious energy, the song embodies Def Leppard’s ability to create upbeat, arena-ready rock anthems. The track’s playful guitar riffs and catchy chorus made it one of the standout songs from Hysteria, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s title is a pun on the phrase “Are you getting it?” and its lighthearted lyrics and high-energy vibe made it a fan favorite. “Armageddon It” is a testament to Def Leppard’s mastery of blending rock with pop sensibility, delivering a sound that was both commercially successful and just plain fun.
3. “Foolin'” (1983)
Another hit from Pyromania, “Foolin’” is a mid-tempo rock ballad that showcases the band’s knack for combining emotional depth with hard rock elements. Released in 1983, the song tells the story of heartache and deception, with Joe Elliott delivering an impassioned vocal performance. The song’s acoustic opening transitions into a powerful electric chorus, exemplifying Def Leppard’s dynamic songwriting. “Foolin’” reached No. 9 on the Billboard Rock Chart and has remained a fan favorite for its emotional resonance and powerful delivery. The song’s blend of vulnerability and power is a hallmark of the band’s early sound.
4. “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” (1981)
Released in 1981 from their High ‘n’ Dry album, “Bringin’ On the Heartbreak” was one of Def Leppard’s first major hits and laid the groundwork for their later success. The song is a power ballad, featuring a slow build-up that erupts into a powerful, guitar-driven chorus. It became one of the band’s signature songs and was notable for its early use of layered guitar harmonies, a technique that would later become central to their sound. Though it didn’t initially chart high, the song gained popularity over time, especially after it was re-released in 1984 with a new music video on MTV, helping to solidify Def Leppard’s presence in the American market.
5. “Let’s Get Rocked” (1992)
Released in 1992 as the lead single from Adrenalize, “Let’s Get Rocked” is a fun, rebellious anthem that saw Def Leppard return to their upbeat, hard-rocking roots. Written as a lighthearted ode to teenage rebellion, the song’s cheeky lyrics and infectious energy made it a massive hit, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and top 20 in the US. With its playful attitude, driving guitar riffs, and catchy chorus, “Let’s Get Rocked” was a perfect introduction to Adrenalize, an album that followed the immense success of Hysteria. The song’s carefree spirit and stadium-ready sound made it an instant classic in the band’s catalog.
6. “Pour Some Sugar on Me” (1987)
Released as part of Hysteria in 1987, “Pour Some Sugar on Me” is arguably Def Leppard’s most iconic anthem. Written during the final stages of the album’s production, the song emerged when lead singer Joe Elliott started playing around on an acoustic guitar, leading to what would become one of the most recognizable choruses in rock history. Its infectious, sing-along hook and irresistible energy made it a staple of 1980s rock, blending glam metal with a pop sensibility that helped Hysteria sell over 20 million copies worldwide. The track’s sexy, playful lyrics and hard-hitting beats catapulted it to massive success, becoming a defining track of both the band’s career and the larger rock scene of the decade. It hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a concert favorite, encapsulating the excess and fun of the era.
7. “Photograph” (1983)
“Photograph” was the breakout hit that took Def Leppard from rising British rockers to international superstars. Released in 1983 as the lead single from Pyromania, this track perfectly captured the band’s ability to fuse melodic hooks with hard rock riffs. The song tells the tale of an unreachable love, symbolized by a photograph, and Joe Elliott’s yearning vocals make it a powerful anthem of romantic longing. With its infectious guitar work and a chorus that’s impossible not to sing along to, “Photograph” dominated rock airwaves, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Rock charts. Its success was pivotal in establishing Def Leppard as a leader in the arena rock movement of the 1980s.
8. “Hysteria” (1987)
The title track from their 1987 album, “Hysteria,” is a lush, emotional ballad that showcases Def Leppard’s more introspective side. Unlike their more aggressive hits, this song leans into a dreamy, almost ethereal sound with its soaring melodies and intricate production. Written after drummer Rick Allen’s car accident, which resulted in the loss of his arm, “Hysteria” reflects the band’s perseverance and emotional depth. The song’s layered guitars, steady rhythm, and heartfelt lyrics made it a massive hit, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s one of the defining tracks of Hysteria, an album that helped cement Def Leppard’s status as rock legends.
9. “Love Bites” (1987)
Released as the sixth single from Hysteria in 1987, “Love Bites” became Def Leppard’s first (and only) No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. This power ballad showcased the band’s versatility, slowing things down with a heart-wrenching song about lost love and emotional pain. Unlike their more upbeat rock anthems, “Love Bites” is steeped in melancholy, with Joe Elliott’s vocals dripping with emotion. Its slow, deliberate build-up and haunting guitar lines create a sense of longing, making it one of the most memorable rock ballads of the era. The song’s success helped propel Hysteria to global superstardom and remains a fan-favorite for its raw vulnerability.
10. “Rock of Ages” (1983)
“Rock of Ages” is a pure, adrenaline-pumping rock anthem that helped define Def Leppard’s early sound. Released in 1983 from their Pyromania album, the song opens with the famous nonsensical phrase, “Gunter glieben glauten globen,” a playful studio outtake that has since become legendary in its own right. The song’s infectious riff, combined with its rebellious lyrics about living life to the fullest, struck a chord with rock fans everywhere. Peaking at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Rock of Ages” became one of the band’s signature songs and remains a concert staple. It’s a quintessential slice of 80s rock, blending heavy guitars with an anthemic chorus that’s impossible not to chant along with.
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.
