- Year Released: 1981
- Not released as a single
- Still rranked #33 on VH1's 40 Greatest Metal Songs
The title track from Def Leppard's second album, High 'n' Dry, played a significant role in defining the band's hard rock sound during the early 1980s. As one of their initial hits, it was instrumental in shaping their musical identity.
- Year Released: 2002
- Peak Mainstream Rock Airplay Position: 26
- Weeks on Chart: 11
Released in 2002, "Now" stands as one of Def Leppard's more contemporary successes, reaching #23 on the Hot 100 and highlighting the band's lasting popularity. The song features a very distinct drum sound. This wasn't achieved in the usual way by recording the drum set. Instead, they used a technique called "gated reverb" where the reverb effect on the drums is cut off with a noise gate except for when Rick Allen, the drummer, actually hits a drum. This creates a really tight and punchy sound that stands out in the mix.
- Year Released: 1983
- Peak Mainstream Rock Airplay Position: 9
- Weeks on Chart: 15
Despite not making it onto the Hot 100, "Too Late for Love" remains a beloved track among fans and highlights Def Leppard's diverse musical abilities. This early piece from the band is notably influenced by punk rock.
- Year Released: 1999
- Peak Mainstream Rock Airplay Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 19
From their album Euphoria, the track "Promises" climbed to #1 on the Billboard Peak Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, embodying Def Leppard's distinctive rock essence. So it was popular among rock music listeners but didn't necessarily break into the popular mainstream. This song, characterized by a slower tempo, highlights the band's melodic capabilities.
- Year Released: 1987
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 80
- Weeks on Chart: 5
Although "Women" only reached #80 on the Hot 100, it stands out as a powerful rock song from the Hysteria album. This track served as the B-side to their single "Animal."
- Year Released: 1993
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 62
- Weeks on Chart: 9
"Tonight," a rock ballad from the Adrenalize album, reached #62 on the Hot 100 and continues to be a beloved track among fans. This song stands out with its notable keyboard section, which introduces a unique layer to the band's typical sound.
- Year Released: 1984
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 61
- Weeks on Chart: 8
First released in 1981, this power ballad marked Def Leppard's debut single. It was re-released in 1984, reaching its peak position at #61 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- Year Released: 1992
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 34
- Weeks on Chart: 15
"Stand Up," a high-energy track from the Adrenalize album, reached as high as #34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It holds significance as the first Def Leppard song to feature Phil Collen on guitar following the death of Steve Clark.
- Year Released: 1983
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 28
- Weeks on Chart: 14
"Foolin'," a timeless rock ballad from the album Pyromania, climbed to #28 on the Hot 100 and continues to be beloved by fans. This track stands out in the hard rock genre with its distinctive use of a mandolin.
- Year Released: 1987
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 19
- Weeks on Chart: 19
"Animal," a standout rock track from the album Hysteria, climbed to #19 on the Hot 100 and quickly became a beloved radio hit. The song, inspired by a documentary on cheetahs, is notable for its unique double-tracked vocal melody.
- Year Released: 1983
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 16
- Weeks on Chart: 15
A standout track from the Pyromania album, "Rock of Ages" climbed to #16 on the Hot 100 and solidified its place as an iconic piece of 80s rock music. Frequently played on classic rock radio, this anthem is a jubilant tribute to the spirit of rock and roll.
- Year Released: 1992
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 15
- Weeks on Chart: 18
From their album Adrenalize, this track combines elements of hard rock and pop, reaching #15 on the Hot 100. Known for its high energy, it has become a mainstay at Def Leppard's live performances.
- Year Released: 1989
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 12
- Weeks on Chart: 13
Renowned for its dynamic guitar riffs and commanding vocals, "Rocket" reached the #12 spot on the Hot 100 chart. The track includes a spoken word introduction that draws inspiration from Elton John's "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting."
- Year Released: 1983
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 12
- Weeks on Chart: 17
"Photograph," one of Def Leppard's early successes, reached #12 on the Hot 100 and played a significant role in defining the band's rock style. This iconic track, inspired by a childhood picture of Joe Elliott's girlfriend, remains one of their most well-known songs.
- Year Released: 1993
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 12
- Weeks on Chart: 20
Highlighted in the movie Last Action Hero, this ballad climbed to #12 on the Hot 100 chart and emerged as one of Def Leppard's most beloved tracks. The song's infectious chorus invites listeners to sing along, contributing to its widespread popularity.
- Year Released: 1992
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 12
- Weeks on Chart: 20
Another standout track from the Adrenalize album, this song highlights Def Leppard's talent for merging rock and pop influences, reaching a peak position of #12. This powerful ballad was penned by vocalist Joe Elliott following a difficult breakup.
- Year Released: 1988
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 10
- Weeks on Chart: 16
The title track from Def Leppard's best-selling Hysteria album, this song, which delves into themes of obsession, reached #10 on the Hot 100. It exemplifies the band's signature melodic rock style and is distinguished by its intricate, layered guitar sound.
- Year Released: 1988
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 3
- Weeks on Chart: 18
Another standout track from the Hysteria album, this song exemplifies Def Leppard's distinctive rock style and climbed to #3 on the Hot 100 chart. Interestingly, the "gettin' it" line originated from a studio error when Joe Elliott misspoke, but it was ultimately kept in the final version of the song.
- Year Released: 1988
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 2
- Weeks on Chart: 24
One of Def Leppard's most legendary tracks, celebrated for its catchy chorus and powerful rock vibe, climbed to the #2 spot on the Hot 100 chart. The song's title and some of the lyrics were inspired by a quote from Mutt Lange, the song's producer. When listening back to vocalist Joe Elliott's performance, Lange said, "It needs a bit more sugar on it, Joe."
- Year Released: 1988
- Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 1
- Weeks on Chart: 23
Released as a single from their album Hysteria, this power ballad became the only Def Leppard song to top the Hot 100 chart. The track is highlighted by a blistering guitar solo performed by Phil Collen.
