The Greatest Def Leppard Songs

2025-01-21

Joe Elliot of Def Leppard performing live.

Crank it up as Audio Ink Radio counts down the greatest Def Leppard songs ever, because these guys have some of the best rock anthems. – Author: Cat Badra, Photo via Anne Erickson

Def Leppard is one of those bands that just makes you want to get out of your chair, dance like nobody is watching and forget all your worries. They ruled the rock airwaves in the 1980s and had a hair metal element, but by no means was Def Leppard straight-ahead hair metal, so that made them stand out. Sure, call them glam rock, classic rock or the new wave of British heavy metal, but whatever way you slice it, Def Leppard simply rock hard. They have some of the greatest rock anthems of their generation. So, crank it up as Audio Ink Radio counts down the greatest Def Leppard songs ever.

It’s worth noting that Def Leppard has achieved great chart success in the U.S. They have 19 Billboard Hot 100 hits to their name, and 11 of those are in the top 20, as well as 29 songs on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart. The band’s 1983 opus, “Pyromania,” sold more than 10 million copies in the U.S. alone. Not too shabby.

Def Leppard Songs That Make You Want to Rock

“Pour Some Sugar on Me”

Was there really a question as to whether or not Def Leppard with “Pour Some Sugar on Me” would be on this tally? If so, there shouldn’t have been, because this is the definitive Def Leppard song. “Pour Some Sugar on Me” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 back in the day and is still a super popular rock anthem. It’s fun, cheeky and wild, just how we like it.

“Photograph”

Decades before Nickelback released their omnipresent “Photograph,” Def Leppard unleashed a song by the same name. Joe Elliott shines on here, as his powerful vocals lay perfectly with Phil Collen’s wild guitar work. It’s one of the band’s most popular songs and one of the greatest Def Leppard songs of all time.

“Rock of Ages”

While “Rock of Ages” didn’t hit quite like “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” it’s still one of Def Leppard’s most recognizable hits. Those who love guitars that make you want to throw your fists into the air will surely appreciate Collen’s blistering solo on this one. It’s a classic rock gem.

“Too Late for Love”

It’s never too late for love, but we still give Def Leppard’s “Too Late for Love” a pass, because it’s such a great song and video. Off “Pyromania,” this song just hits differently from the rest. It’s a ballad but has a hard rock edge. If you’re trying to get over a breakup, crank this track as loud as possible.

“Animal”

Of all the Def Leppard songs on this tally, “Animal” really has an irresistible anthemic rock sound that makes you want to sing along. While all of Def Leppard’s songs are catchy, this one is possibly the catchiest and has the best hooks. It’s a hair-raising, fist-pumping rock numbers with lots of melody.

“Love Bites”

There’s no getting around that love sometimes, well, bites. Def Leppard has the quintessential breakup anthem in “Love Bites,” and it’s one of their most cherished ballads. The rhythm guitar on here really sparkles.

“Foolin'”

Here’s another hit off “Pyromania.” The song “Foolin'” hit big on MTV, and it has that awesome rhythmic vocal that has Elliot stuttering in the chorus. It’s another monster hit and one of the greatest Def Leppard songs of all time.

For more 1980s fun, watch Audio Ink Radio’s video about the best ’80s ballads below. Also, check out our in-depth interview with Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen, where he talks about his art and more.

Cat Badra
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Posted by Cat Badra | Features, Music, Rock

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