Top Ten Songs by Def Leppard

The Pop/Rock Juggernaut

Five young men from Sheffield, England were absolute rock music fanatics as teenagers. They worshipped the likes of T. Rex, Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppelin and David Bowie. Taking the name Def Leppard from singer Joe Elliot's imaginary band, they proceeded to set the benchmark for rock and roll success in the 1980's. With tens of millions of albums sold worldwide, Def Leppard staked a claim as one of the most successful music (not just rock) acts ever. 

Over 25 years since their debut, the band hasn't lost a step. Trends have come and gone, but Def Leppard has consistently delivered for their fans. Their story is made even more amazing when considered with the death of founding member Steve Clark and that the drummer, Rick Allen, lost his arm in a car crash. 

Allen's accident derailed Def Leppard temporarily as the stranglehold they had on radio with their multi-million selling Pyromania, raised the odds for their follow-up to be a sink or swim affair. 

After Allen relearned the drums on a customized drum kit, the band released Hysteria. The record charted six top twenty hits, has sold over ten million albums and made Def Leppard the unavoidable face of MTV in the late 80's. 

This would be the band's pinnacle, but they have soldiered on as a popular concert attraction and consistently good recording artist. The recent Leppard greatest hits disc is a sprawling double album with highlights from each of their albums. Here is just ten of the best. 

"High and Dry (Saturday Night)" from High and Dry – Before Def Leppard became a global pop/rock phenomenon they played loud AC/DC riff rock. The ballad "Bringin' on the Heartbreak" became the big hit but this track, along with a few others from their sophomore release had all the mullets banging. 

"Photograph" from Pyromania – This song is one in a long line of Def Leppard songs that is simply undeniable. It may have single-handedly spawned hair metal; at least the good hair metal.