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Top 20 “Def Leppard” Songs Greatest Hits 1-10Jan 26 '11 (Updated Apr 16 '11) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line They were one of the bands that help make the 80's so good in music as a whole. Also, they have one of the best all-time albums in Hysteria.
These guys have always been one of my favorite bands of all-time. The thing I like the most, outside of their music itself, is that they are never too series. They have always just been a band that you could play anywhere at any time. Most of their songs are just fun with some romantic ballads tossed in here and there. To me, they have always been noted for their great rhythms, excellent vocals and backup signing, with very catchy beats. If you are someone not really familiar with them, I strongly suggest giving some of these a listen too. You may be surprised at how much you may enjoy them. Def Leppard is an English metal/rock band that was originally formed in 1977 under the name Atomic Mass. But, after additions and changes to the original members they used a name came up by Joe Elliot Deaf Leppard. Fearing the title sounding to much like a “punk” rock band they shortened it just Def and the rest is history. Like most bands, they did find instant success. Their first album “On Through The Night” was a success reaching the top 15 in the UK but, quickly fell of the charts once the band starting touring in the US. Many fans overseas felt the band was trying to get the Americans to like them more and they quickly turned away. However, it was a good move by the band and while touring with AC/DC John “Mutt” Lange liked what he heard. He then help produce their second album “High n’ Dry”. The album was a quick success but quickly fell. As a whole the album only produced 1 hit but, that hit put them on the map. “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak” was one of the first metal songs to be in rotation on MTV and with this they quickly became known in the US. It was not until their next two albums did the band hit famous status. Although their exposure in the mainstream was not as high others, their albums sold more than any other rock bands in the 80’s. The album “Pyromania” followed and the band was an instant success with again help from John “Mutt” Lange reached #2 in the US and #18 in the UK on the billboards. With the single hit Photograph (which reached #1), and later Rock of Ages and Foolin’, the band was now very well known in the UK and US but, they were still not as popular in their homeland then they were outside of it. It took the band a long four years to record their best album, and one of the best of all-time, “Hysteria”. Of course, a lot of this wait was not planned do to drummer Rick Allen losing his left arm in an automobile accident. At this time, the band showed that they were a tight group as they decided to not replace, or get a fill in drummer, and waited. Allen still wanted to be with the band and basically learned how to play the drums again with 1 arm and a lot of legs. A special drum set was built and, after a long wait, the album was released. It took no time for it to hit #1 in the billboards and won the band 2 awards in 1989 for “Favorite Metal/Heavy Rock artist” and “Favorite Heavy/Metal Rock Album”. The album produced a very large number of singles at 7 with many of them reaching the top singles list. The Songs “Hysteria”, “Animal”, “Pour Some Sugar On Me”, “Love Bites”, “Armageddon It”, and “Rocket” each reaching the top 15 in their own rights (some as high on the charts as 2 and 3). These two albums will be mostly what the band will be remembered for but, since then they have had some scattered hits. The band is still going even after over 30 years and released an album in 2008, “Songs from the Sparkle Lounge” followed by a tour that featured REO Speedwagon and Styx in some areas. 10: Rock! Rock! Till you Drop (Pyromania) Starting off the list is without much doubt their fastest song. They had a "knack" of putting a, "turn up the music", fast song first on their albums and this is where it started. For example, on "Hysteria" there was "Women", "Adrenalize" had "Let's Get Rocked", and here on “Pyromania” you have Rock Rock (Till you Drop). It’s one of those song the pushed them in the metal genre in that era and not just rock. Fast guitar, strong bass play, very heavy drums, and Elliot singing with conviction. Leppard never really had songs with two guitar solos but, they sneak another quick one at the end which of course fits the pace of song. This is by no means a song for the ages so to speak but, was one of those “fun” songs that they came to do well. It has no meaning but what the title states and that is what makes it fun really. Just a good party dance song that I have to admit I head banged too back then with my long hair. "Women to the left, women to the right Their to entertain and take you through the night So grab a little heat and come along with me 'cause your mama don't mind what your mama don't see" 9: Women (Hysteria) With all of their hits off the album Hysteria, this one just got over shadowed. That’s too bad as it is one of their best in my opinion. It has, by far, the catchiest beat of any of their songs and much deeper lyrics as a whole. Taking us through Adam and Eve and the first time man was tempted by women. Still, it’s all about the bass rhythm, drum beat and riffs, a great guitar solo, and the way Elliot sings it. It was the first single released off the album in the States and did help the album get a good start with its air time. However, once other singles started flowing off the album, and not as much air time, it just kind of fell to the waist side. If you have not listened this song, I recommend you do because is really that good. “He was born with a passion, love and hate A restless spirit with a need for a mate But there was somethin' that was missin', somethin' lost So he came with the answer, here's what it cost” 8: Too Late For Love (Pyromania) This song may not make the top ten with other Def Leppard fans but, I have always really liked this song. It has a softer side that starts slow but, picks up after the first verse. It also has a unique intro with the sound of wind and a catchy little guitar riff. When the song picks up, a slow heavy drum beat enters the mix along with a faster guitar riff. It also supports a pretty solid solo and some interesting lyrics. It’s just one of those songs that got under my skin and always has stood out to me in a good way. As a single to song did good in its own rights reaching #9 on the Mainstream Rock charts. "Somewhere in the distance, I hear the bells ring Darkness settles on the town as the children start to sing And the lady cross the street, she shuts out the night There's a cast of thousands waitin' as she turns out the light" 7: Photograph (Pyromania) This is probably the one song that may come with controversy on this list. It is a solid rock song and deserves to be on this top 10 list. But, it will not be as high on my list as I’m sure a lot of others would put it. It has a nice solid beat, good rhythm, fun lyrics, and of course good background vocals. However, there really isn’t any single part that really stands out to me that would push this song any higher. It’s your basic solid rock song that flows well and does have a pretty catchy rhythm that is truly Leppard. It is not one that I have any trouble listening too or would ever skip over but, not one that I would play more than the others that are higher. Again, I’m sure most will disagree where this song is on the list but, this is truly where I feel it belongs. "I see your face every time I dream On every page, every magazine So wild and free, so far from me You're all I want, my fantasy" 6: Rock of Ages (Pyromania) This is the first song that really stood out to me when I first heard this album and it still sticks with me today. As a whole the album shows some versatility in the band and this one helps show their faster side. Despite having a catchy guitar rhythm, nice hard beat, and a solid solo, it’s Elliot’s voice that puts this song over the top. He sings with great conviction in his voice but, doesn’t overdue it. He sings in more of a higher, scratchy tone, that fits the song. As for most of the band’s songs, it’s just fun and fits the album title perfectly. It is really the cover song for the album but, it’s done in a party style. A solid rock song that I think gets over looked by some of their hits and kind of forgotten. The lyrics may not be extremely well thought out and other songs sing about rockin’ on but, the music itself puts this song where it is on my list. "Rise up! Gather round Rock this place to the ground Burn it up let's go for broke Watch the night go up in smoke" 5: Love Bites (Hysteria) It doesn’t get much better when it comes to rock ballads than this one and it’s the only single that ever hit #1 for the band. This is the kind of song you bring your lighter out at their concerts the whole way through. It’s really just a beautiful song but, with pretty harsh lyrics. It’s not a song to get romantic with your significant other that’s for sure. It starts slow, ends slow, and slow in-between. It has an extremely catchy rhythm with a heavy slow beat. The main reason why this song is so good is the tone Elliot sings in and background vocals in the chorus. I know I mention their background vocals a lot but, it’s because they really sounded good together. This is yet another song that showed that off. This is a unique song that puts rock and slow rock together in a great way. “I don’t wanna tough you too much baby ‘Cos makin’ love to you might drive me crazy I know you think that love is the way to make it But I don’t want to be there when you decide to break it” 4: Foolin’ (Pyromania) This is one of the best songs that shows just how universal this band can be. It starts off slow with just a nice slow guitar riff with Elliot singing in a soft tone. The beat enters slowly and then by the chorus the song takes off. Everything speeds up from the beat, rhythm, tone, and conviction in Elliot’s voice. The same of how fast the picks up, it slows right back down for the second verse. There are a lot of songs that go from fast to slow out there but, not a lot of them blend really that well. This song blends together perfectly. And like most of their songs, it supports some very well done background vocals as well. It’s just a great all around song that is extremely catchy and one of those songs you just can’t help but move some body part to the beat. "Lady luck never smiles So lend your love to me awhile Do with me what you will Break the spell, take your fill" 3: Pour Some Sugar on Me (Hysteria) The credentials of this song speak for themselves. Even though the song really wasn’t a hot until it was later released as a single, it single handedly brought “Hysteria” to number after its release. It reached #2 in the US, #1 in Canada, #18 in the UK, and even #26 as far away as Australia the song help place the album rating as one of the best metal/rock albums of all time. It truly defines Leppard as a band and was actually one of the last recorded songs for the album. To describe the song in one word it would have to be “heavy”. It has a solid hard drum beat, a nice catchy bass rhythm, and excellent sex innuendos in the lyrics. Basically, it’s just a fun song that without a doubt will help put you in a good mood. It’s also an excellent dance song as well because it just keeps that fast pace the entire song. The song is one of the best “fun” songs ever written and if you have not watched the UK video of this, find it. It fits perfect with the song being, just fun. “You gotta squeeze a little, squeeze a little Tease a little more Easy operator come a knockin' on my door Sometime, anytime, sugar me sweet” 2: Bringin’ on the Heartbreak (High n’ Dry) The song that put Def Leppard on the music charts, Bringin’ on the Heartbreak is an excellent rock ballad. The song was not released as a single from the original album but was later in 1984. Even 3 years later the song did manage to make #61 on the billboard hot 100. It really represents the band as a whole with its catchy guitar rhythm, great bass play, excellent vocals and background singing, and just enough punch in the right moments to keep the song flowing at a perfect pace. From the first few guitar riffs right off the top you can tell this song is something special as it just draws you in. There are not many songs that can actually change your mood; usually they just intensify it. However, this one can do that and in a good way. The choruses can pump you up while the verses will relax you. No matter what part of the song you’re hearing, you are just drawn into it. “You’re bringin’ on the heartbreak Bringin’ on the heartache Bringin’ on the heartbreak Bringin’ on the heartache Can’t you see?” 1: Hysteria (Hysteria) My favorite song by these guys was an easy pick for me. Hysteria is not only my favorite song by them but, one of my all-time favorite songs period. I’m not saying that this song just out does the rest on this list by a long way but, it’s just that good. Supporting great lyrics, a very catchy beat, great slow guitar rhythm, and solid background vocals there are no holes in this song. I can’t stress enough just how catchy this song with the soft guitar. This is also, I believe, the best singing Elliot ever did. The music was just perfect for his voice as he sings this in a soft up-tone and matches the background vocals perfect. Reaching #1 as a single on the charts and rightfully so, I can’t imagine anyone no matter your favorite music genre or age not at least liking this one. There is no way you can stop yourself from singing the chorus all the way through. I gotta know tonight If you’re alone tonight Can’t stop this feelin’ Can’t stop this fire Conclusion: If you don’t know these guys or have heard much of their music, find some of these songs. They are a band that helped re-define rock in the 80’s and have some of the best songs I have ever heard even today. And for the younger generation out there that may have never heard of them, you should. They will sound familiar with a lot of the bands out there today that you may already like. In that great era of music in the 80’s, they were a band that stood on their own and made a mark in the rock/metal genre. Remember, if there is a song that you think should make the top 10, there will be another list that it will probably make it. The Band: Vocals: Joe Elliot Guitar: Phil Collen Guitar: Steve Clark (passed away) Guitar: Vivian Campbell Bass: Rick Savage Drums: Rick Allen Other Top 10 Song Lists I have reviews if your interested. Metallica Greatest Hits 1-10 Scorpions Greatest Hits 1-10 Scorptions Greatest Hits 11-20 Top 10 Soundtracks  |
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