Def Leppard is an English rock band that was formed in Sheffield in 1977. The band consists of lead vocalist Joe Elliott, guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell, bassist Rick Savage, and drummer Rick Allen. They are known for their distinctive sound, which blends hard rock and heavy metal with pop and electronic elements.
Def Leppard’s music is characterized by their melodic vocals, catchy hooks, and powerful guitar riffs. They are known for their hits such as “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Love Bites,” and “Photograph.” Their music videos, particularly those for “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Hysteria,” are also iconic.
Throughout their career, Def Leppard has released 11 studio albums and won multiple awards, including multiple MTV Video Music Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They are also known for their live performances, particularly their residency in Las Vegas in 2019.
Def Leppard’s music and legacy continue to be celebrated and admired by fans around the world. They remain one of the most iconic and influential bands in the history of rock music, and their contributions to the genre will be felt for generations to come.
1. “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak”
With its unforgettable guitar riff and signature drum beats, this classic rock tune is a standout track on Def Leppard's sophomore album. "Bringin' on the Heartbreak" showcases lead singer Joe Elliott's soaring vocals and the band's expert musicianship. The song's emotional lyrics about love gone wrong resonate with fans to this day. Its popularity led to a influential music video featuring a sci-fi romance plotline. Overall, "Bringin' on the Heartbreak" remains one of Def Leppard's most beloved and enduring hits. According to Loudersound.com, it was also ranked as number nine on their Top 20 Greatest Def Leppard Songs list in 2019.
Strike a pose, snap a pic, and let Def Leppard's 'Photograph' be the soundtrack to your rockstar life.
2. “Photograph”
This Def Leppard classic, known as one of the most iconic love songs of all time, holds a significant place in the band's catalog. The lyrics tell a tale of longing and desire, with Joe Elliott's soaring vocals leading the charge. The catchy guitar riffs and driving drum beats are quintessential Def Leppard elements that make this song an undeniably memorable hit.
"Photograph" has remained in the public consciousness since its release in 1983. It reached number one on the Billboard Top Tracks chart and peaked at number twelve on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its success paved the way for more hits from Def Leppard, solidifying their position as rock icons.
What sets "Photograph" apart is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while still maintaining its relevance decades later. Its infectious chorus and catchy melody have made it a staple of classic rock radio that never gets old.
Pro Tip: When listening to "Photograph," pay attention to the intricate harmonies in the chorus that add another layer of depth to an already rich and full-bodied song.
Listening to 'Rock of Ages' is like time-traveling back to the 80s – just make sure to bring a hairspray and a mullet wig.
3. “Rock of Ages”
One of Def Leppard's most iconic tracks, this classic anthem delivers a powerful combination of hard rock riffs and catchy pop hooks. With its infectious chorus and memorable guitar solo, "Rock of Ages" stands out as one of the band's signature songs. Its enduring popularity has ensured that it remains a staple of rock radio playlists and live shows to this day. Additionally, the song's title was inspired by a biblical reference to the phrase "rock of ages" in Psalm 94:22, which speaks to the idea of finding refuge and strength in God. This intersection between spiritual themes and hard rock attitude helped cement "Rock of Ages" as one of Def Leppard's greatest hits.
Listening to 'Foolin' is like getting a glimpse into the band's therapy sessions – except with more guitar solos.
4. “Foolin’”
This track, a classic from the Hysteria album, is undoubtedly one of Def Leppard's best. The intense guitar riffs mixed with Joe Elliott's striking vocals create a powerful rock ballad that speaks to the heart. "Foolin'" is a must-listen for any fan of Def Leppard and classic rock alike.
In every verse of this song, Elliot's voice resonates with emotion as he sings about love lost. The chorus then bursts into an explosion of sound, showcasing the band members' talents and prowess in creating lively music. The bridge adds another layer to this piece, where they slow down but still maintain their signature sound.
What makes "Foolin'" stand out is its ability to capture both the spirit of rock'n'roll and moments of vulnerability. Its lyrics are relatable and universal, making it easy for anyone to connect with them. This song has remained relevant even after decades since its initial release.
As told by guitarist Phil Collen, the inspiration behind "Foolin'" comes from a visual: a woman standing on her balcony smoking a cigarette and wearing leather pants. This image inspired him to write the riff that would later kickstart the song. Collen also admitted that "Foolin'" took several writing sessions before they could finally arrive at what we now know as one of their greatest hits.
Get ready to unleash your inner animal with this Def Leppard classic – just don't blame us if you end up howling at the moon.
5. “Animal”
One of the top songs by Def Leppard is an upbeat classic called “Animal”. This song was released in 1987 and has since become a fan favorite for its catchy melodies and electrifying guitar riffs.
For a quick summary of the song’s information, refer to the table below:
| Song | Release year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| “Animal” | 1987 | Hysteria |
What makes “Animal” unique from other Def Leppard hits is its opening drums, which immediately grab the listener's attention. Additionally, the guitar solo towards the end adds a powerful punch to each performance.
Pro tip: When listening to “Animal”, pay attention to how the band uses layered vocals to create a full sound. This technique adds depth to their music and enhances any live performances.
Listening to 'Hysteria' is like taking a time machine back to the 80s, but without the bad fashion choices.
6. “Hysteria”
This Def Leppard classic earned its place as one of the greatest rock power ballads of all time. Its massive guitar riffs alongside Joe Elliott's soaring vocals captivate listeners with an exceptional showcase of the band's talents. The song perfectly captures the '80s-era sound with synthesizers and catchy hooks, resulting in a memorable chorus that remains stuck in our heads long after hearing it. "Hysteria" is a timeless hit and a staple of Def Leppard's career, cementing their status as legendary rock icons.
Continuing with their trend of larger-than-life anthems, "Hysteria" showcases intricate guitar work and exceptional harmonies that compliment each other perfectly. It encompasses everything fans have come to know and love about Def Leppard, from their impeccable instrumentalism to their boundless energy on stage. Its universal message about the struggles we face in life resonates even more than 30 years after its release.
Interestingly, while recording this song for their 1987 album 'Hysteria,' drummer Rick Allen suffered a tragic accident, losing his arm in an automobile crash. With sheer determination and perseverance, he learned to play with only one arm and triumphantly recorded this masterpiece. The story behind "Hysteria" adds another layer to its already epic status as a symbol for overcoming adversity through music.
Warning: Listening to 'Pour Some Sugar On Me' may cause an uncontrollable urge to dance and a sudden craving for baked goods.
7. “Pour Some Sugar On Me”
This iconic track by Def Leppard is a timeless classic that continues to capture the hearts of fans worldwide. With its catchy chorus and electrifying guitar riffs, this song has become an anthem for rock enthusiasts across all generations. Despite being over three decades old, “Pour Some Sugar On Me” still manages to evoke feelings of joy and excitement in listeners today.
The memorable lyrics of this song make it stand out from other rock tracks of the era. Joe Elliott's powerful vocals combined with the band's electrifying instruments are a match made in heaven, making it impossible not to sing along. The catchy hook and infectious beat ensure that once you hear it, you won't forget it anytime soon.
One unique aspect of “Pour Some Sugar On Me” is that it manages to appeal to both hard-core metalheads as well as music fans who prefer a softer sound. It’s likely one reason why it has remained a fan favorite for so long- It’s versatile enough to be accessible to everyone.
For those looking to recreate the atmosphere of this song, try cranking up the volume on your speakers or headphones while singing along with friends or family members. Or create a fun stripped-down acoustic version and enjoy jamming out with your fellow musicians.
Warning: listening to 'Love Bites' may result in an uncontrollable urge to air guitar and make questionable life choices.
8. “Love Bites”
This section explores one of Def Leppard's classic songs that still resonates with audiences. The song in question titled "A Powerful Love Bite" captures the band's prowess in crafting a memorable ballad that hits all the right notes.
- Released in 1987, "A Powerful Love Bite" immediately became a hit for the band and remains a fan favorite to date.
- The song boasts an impressive opening riff that sets the tone for its melancholic narrative about love gone wrong.
- Joe Elliot's unmistakable vocals laced with Steve Clark's guitar solo give this song an emotional punch that has stood the test of time.
- "A Powerful Love Bite" is a song about heartbreak and regret, and it captures these emotions so effectively that it still evokes intense reactions from audiences.
- The song's music video featuring caricatures of band members further solidified this song as one for the ages.
What makes this particular Def Leppard hit stand out is how well it balances vulnerability with musical excellence. While many ballads lose emotional resonance due to their musical arrangements, "A Powerful Love Bite" effortlessly marries both elements to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Pro Tip: Listening to "A Powerful Love Bite" while focusing on each instrument and vocal layer can help you appreciate its complexities even more.
Even though it's a ballad, "Two Steps Behind" will make you feel like a rockstar in a slow-mo music video.
9. “Two Steps Behind”
This Def Leppard classic, ranked at number 9, showcases the band's softer side and acoustic prowess. "Two Steps Behind" is a ballad about being there for someone in their time of need and standing by them through thick and thin. The song gained popularity after it was featured in the Arnold Schwarzenegger film, Last Action Hero.
The sentimental lyrics and melodic guitar solos make "Two Steps Behind" a fan-favorite among Def Leppard enthusiasts. The stripped-down version of the song is just as mesmerizing as the original, highlighting Joe Elliot's emotive vocals and Phil Collen's impressive acoustic guitar work.
Despite being released almost three decades ago, "Two Steps Behind" continues to be a mainstay on classic rock radio stations and has been covered by several artists over the years.
For those unacquainted with Def Leppard's slower tracks, "Two Steps Behind" provides a gateway to exploring their softer side. Additionally, the song serves as a reminder that amidst the hard-hitting rock anthems that made them famous, this band never lost its soulful touch.
"When Love and Hate Collide" proves that even the most dysfunctional relationships can still inspire a killer ballad.
10. “When Love and Hate Collide”
This Def Leppard classic delves into the complexities of human emotions with a memorable melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song poignantly explores the uncharted territory of two opposing feelings colliding, thereby setting it apart from other love ballads. Additionally, its timeless appeal is attributed to Joe Elliott's powerful vocals and soothing harmonies that seamlessly blend together.
Pro Tip: Listen to this track on repeat for an instant mood lifter.
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.
