From The Archives: Def Leppard – Hysteria

This is “From The Archives” a feature where we take a trip back to a previous decade and discuss an album! We will talk about highlight tracks that should not be missed. As well as reasons why we think the album was so influential and successful.

The Album Breakdown

When Hysteria was released in 1987 it was immediately a landmark record in rock history. It blends hard rock with pop stylings in a way that ensured it was always going to be a commercial success. Every single track feels produced to perfection, with massive hooks and choruses that were made for stadiums.

It followed a difficult period for the band, including something that would have ended most careers… This album stands are a real sign of resilience. It also helped define the sound of the end of the 80s.

Highlight Tracks

The crowing jewel in the album, and some would argue the bands history. It mixes emotion with shimmering guitars and a vulnerable yet powerful vocal display. It’s timeless and instantly recognisable.

Def Leppard – Pour Some Sugar On Me (All Rights Are Retained By Def Leppard)

Slightly leaning more into atmosphere and melody this track builds slowly with harmonies and textures until it hits it’s massive chorus. The production on this track is the best on the record too.

Def Leppard – Hysteria (All Rights Are Retained By Def Leppard)

One of the heavier moments on the album with riffs hitting hard and a driving tempo. A little of the rawness of rock pokes its head out from under all the polish on top. Power and precision in a perfect marriage.

Def Leppard – Animal (All Rights Are Retained By Def Leppard)

Other Notable Albums From The Band

Pyromania

Adrenalize

High ‘n’ Dry

All rights to the songs used in this post are retained by the band/artist. This site claims no rights over them.

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19 responses to “From The Archives: Def Leppard – Hysteria”

  1. Clive avatar

    A great album. I had it on cassette and played it to bits on my Walkman, while doing the evening bottle washing, sterilising and feed preparation for our baby daughter.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Peter Mallett Racing avatar
      Peter Mallett Racing

      I had a really good response to this, then my fat thumbs deleted instead of posting. So I’ll just say they are a great band. 😞

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

        That’s ok 🙂 Knowing you like them is enough, so a few more Def Lep things will be included 🙂

        Like

    2. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

      What a great memory that is! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Clive avatar

        A good time in my life!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar
  2. traciesulpazo avatar

    Pour Some Sugar on Me was THE song when I graduated high school in 1988. It was everywhere.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

      Not a bad song to graduate to! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. traciesulpazo avatar

        Not at all, it was the song of the summer

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

          I wish my graduation song was as good as it!

          Liked by 1 person

          1. traciesulpazo avatar

            I said it was popular that year, but our prom theme was time of my life from dirty dancing, also popular in 1988

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

              Ok so that song is a massive downgrade haha

              Liked by 1 person

              1. traciesulpazo avatar

                Lol, but to be fair…it was practically everyone’s prom theme that year.

                Like

                1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

                  Yeah fairly understandable 🙂

                  Liked by 1 person

  3. richardbist avatar

    A good album, but I feel this is where they moved away from rock/hard rock towards pop-rock. I still feel On Through The Night and High ‘n Dry are their two best albums.

    Like

  4. Johnathan Fontenot avatar

    I remember when this album was released. It cannot be overstated how big a deal and how popular this was at the time. My friends and I listened to it over and over. I still listen to the songs when they come on the radio or my streaming service. I also saw them in concert about two years ago and they were amazing. One of my all time favorite bands!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

      Love that you still thought they were great 2 years ago! 🙂

      Like

  5. robjtriggs avatar

    It’s funny how forgotten Def Leppard have become. I mean, they’ll always be loved, but they’re something of an ‘oh yeah, them’ band – an afterthought. Which is weird because they sold an incredible number of records – but I can’t really think of any bands that were influenced by them; there isn’t really a Def Leppard ‘sound’. You can trace Metallica, Maiden, even some AC/DC, but not Leppard. Maybe Skid Row? But that whole scene seems to have been dead-ended.

    I blame Seattle . Usually a safe bet

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Fox Reviews Rock avatar

      Haha it’s a safe bet indeed, but seriously why dont more people think of Def Lep!

      Like

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