Top 10 Def Leppard Songs

Def Leppard practically invented the power ballad, and standout examples include “Love Bites,” “Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad” or “Too Late For Love.” But we’re selecting “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak,” a track whose music video was one of the first to be featured heavily on MTV. Since it’s sometimes bundled with the instrumental “Switch 625,”we’re combining them here to pay tribute to the late, great Steve Clark.

When Steve Clark passed on at the age of 30 he took some of the band’s magic with him. The guitarist was legendary for coining some of hard rock’s most memorable riffs, and the band’s first album was full of ‘em. While their debut also offered fans epic tracks like “Overture” and “When the Walls Came Tumbling Down,” it’s the ominously and ironically-titled “Wasted,” that displays Clark’s riffing skills best.

With all the songs off its A-side released, Hysteria proved to be the band’s best-selling album. Notable hits include “Women,” “Rocket,” “Animal,” “Love Bites,” and “Armageddon It.” But, it was the first track on Side B, “Gods of War,” that really highlighted the band’s musical prowess and lyrical maturity. That side also gave us…

The title track to the band’s massively successful album stands out thanks to its melody, which symbolized the detail-oriented method to the recording madness of producer Mutt Lange. Instead of the more conventional technique of strumming, the famous producer recorded every note one at a time. His hard work paid off when the single peaked at number-ten on the Billboard Hot 100.

Leppard’s second album may go down in history as arguably one of the best heavy metal albums ever, thanks to tracks like “Let it Go,” “Lady Strange,” and “Another Hit and Run.” But the highlight is definitely the Steve Clark and Joe Elliott-penned “Mirror Mirror.” Just have a listen for yourself to see why.

On the strengths of tunes like “Rock of Ages,” and “Foolin’,” Pyromania propelled Def Leppard to superstardom status. Though both are fine tracks that could merit spots on a Top 10 list, one of the album’s strongest songs is “Comin’ Under Fire:” it’s just a good old fashion rocker that showcases the band at its lyrical, musical and melodic best.

Each of Pyromania’s sides ends with dark songs. While Side B has the stellar yet gloomy “Billy’s Got a Gun,” we’re choosing Side A’s “ominous “Die Hard the Hunter” for our list. Why? Well, ‘cause this 6-minute track is one of the finest examples of Phil Collen and Steve Clark’s dual guitar style.

Despite hitting number-one in the U.S. and, UK, Adrenalize failed to match the euphoria of previous records, thanks in part to Nirvana and Pearl Jam having nuked the big hair, big sound of 1980s rock. Regardless, the album counted many successful singles like “Let’s Get Rocked,” “Heaven Is,” and “Make Love Like a Man.” But it’s “White Lightning” that’s one of their best songs ever.

With its catchy intro riff and memorable chorus, “Photograph” was the song that made Def Leppard into superstars in the USA. The Pyromania number was also accompanied by an irresistible music video featuring Marilyn Monroe, so there’s no way it wouldn’t make the list.

"Desert Song"
Retro Active (1993)

"From the Inside"
Retro Active (1993)

"Truth?"
Slang (1996)

Was there any doubt? Taking the top spot is arguably the hard rock tune of the 1980s. Mixing glam metal with their brand of rock ‘n’ roll, the song hit number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the late ‘80s. The single also sent sales of Hysteria soaring thanks to its crossover appeal. Overplayed? Certainly. Over-rated? Bite your tongue.

Do you agree with our list? Which Def Leppard song do you think is their best? For more top 10s about your favorite musicians, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.