Pyromania

I can recognize Pyromania is a decent album that has a few hits and some pretty approachable arena rock songs. I'd probably take this over Hysteria but either one is just an OK album that works in the right setting. Fine for a single listen but they don't do much to stay with me at all. I didn't realize Def Leppard sold as many records as they did. They have a handful OK songs but nothing that really lands with me. 2.72 stars

Good album, lower end of 4 but still overall a good listen. Would listen again but not necessarily everything front to back and in order. Some familiar songs but some new ones as well.

I love it when you get to join the dots between music - Rock of Ages must be a fave of the Offspring. Much more musical than I was expecting.

solid 4

Turns out I've heard more Def Leppard songs than I'd thought.

First cassette tape I ever bought. I was 10 yrs old. Still awesome. I understand why people don't think it belongs on this list. This album launched a 1000 other terrible albums from other bands and I'm here for it! Haters can eat a big fat d*&k!

This is a really fun album but it's not quite brilliant the way "Hysteria" is. I just like their style a lot though, they're going for it. They have a good singer, good sound, nice pop sensibility, a bunch of incredibly catchy hooks, what's not to like? I hadn't heard a couple of the deep cuts on here before, but some of them ("Die Hard the Hunter" and "Action Not Words" in particular) are nice songs.

Still not a Def Leppard fan. They can surely rock but they aren't for me.

I listened to pretty fly for a white guy 1 million times when it came out and only now decades later have the origin story of the intro sound clip. Does this come up in the Rock of Ages musical? How many other knowledge gaps in my brain could be filled simply by listening to more hair metal? Going to leave that a mystery, because of how bad this music sounds.

When I seen a second Def Leppard album on the list my initial thoughts were do we really need this along with Hysteria. After listening I think we do. Ignoring the fact it’s overblown over the top and just don’t take it too seriously, this was a real good fun album. You can see how it help bring metal/hard rock to the mainstream. It’s not in the same league as Hysteria, but still well worth a listen.

Albumi #36, 02.09.2024 Def Leppard on ainakin sanoitusten puolesta ollut vähän junttia brittiheviä, mutta kieltämättä jotain kiehtovaa näissä biiseissä kuitenkin on. Pyromania ei yllä ihan seuraajansa Hysterian tasolle, mutta tälläkin on hetkensä.

Mindless, fun rock, that packs a good punch, especially in Too Late For Love. Basically, I could write the same review for this as Heaven 17 (which I'm sure the Leppards will be thrilled about) - I enjoyed it, but won't be seeking it out.

Not a big Def Leppard guy. Some of the songs are okay, but most of the time I'd rather be listening to something else.

It's interesting to hear the template for Hysteria being developed here. Tight production and playing from the band from start to finish makes for about as pleasant experience I could expect from a genre (glam-metal) I'm not overly keen on. Many of these tracks were staples at rock nights back in the day and have aged surprisingly well. I was even tempted to give this 4 stars, but I'll save that for their next album.

Deducted a point for the awful cock-rockness if it’s opening track.

The whole album sounds like the ending song in A Goofy Movie

A pretty flawless example of a genre that just isn’t for me. Mega compressed production, catchy guitar riffs, flashy solos, big anthemy guitar riffs, provocative chanty riffs. Just sits so well in a big stadium, but from the production to the vocals and lyrics to the composition (mostly) there’s just no depth for me.

Could it really be a hard rock album from the 80s if the only 2 lyrical themes weren’t: a) rock b) sex That said, this album is a least more instrumentally interesting than Back In Black Fave tracks: Photograph Foolin’

Hell yeahh Power chords & pre-pubescent vocals what’s not to like

Cheesy 80's metal just isn't for me. 2/5

Favourite song - photograph

Cool and cheesy and lame at the same time, great mix.

Excellent 80s pop-rock album. Only discovered Pyromenia after Hysteria had already come out, and the latter is still my favourite DL album, with Pyromania 2nd. vote: 8/10 (where Hysteria is 10/10).

Very strong album, though it did not impress me as much as Hysteria.

Nothing exciting here.

a little too rowdy for me

Amazing. It doesn’t deserve the ire for selling out, it stands well on its own.

Def Leppard is not my jam. I don't like any of their hits, their vibes, their singer's voice, the topics of their songs, the simplicity of their drums or guitars (simple can be good but not here), or the way they do their vocal harmonies.

Music snobs can hate all they want. This album rules

Piacevolissimo, mi sembra strano dirlo ma molto più degli AC/DC

I really liked it! 4 stars

What a classic rock album. It’s exactly what I think of with Def Leppard and it was exactly what I wanted. Although in my opinion there is a lot of rock better than them, it’s just so classic and genuinely good tunes and ROCK, it’s hard not to love.

I owned this on cassette and probably bought it first week of release. Hence it's impossible to separate the now-reality of my listening to this album again from the nostalgia / memory of it / time of its release - i.e. this album was probably my 1983 soundtrack. Take me back to age 12 and i'd have put this as a 6 on a 5 scale. Although through today's ears the slickness (gang vocals sometimes/apparently upward of 80 bg vocal tracks(!), mechanized drums - probably one of the first albums to ever use drum samples like this? i.e. the snare is tough to listen to with no human variance at all; sounds like a gunshot) and clichéd hooks are probably the first thing I notice. Which admittedly is rather pissy, since there are undoubtedly great hooks and melodies with excellent pop songwriting throughout the album. Pyromania might have been the blueprint for mid-late 80s hair metal so you can either get angry at it/them for what it wrought or you can give it credit for being a catchy-as-hell and unique for the time pop+hard rock masterpiece - or acknowledge both can be true. I could never give this a 5 based on what I've been listening to since probably high school, but I'd be a cynical prick to not admit to having great memories of this album/time. Yeah it's dumb but man, it's a lot more *fun* than some of the serious(ly awful) indie/lo-fi drivel on this list and isn't that at least some of the point? For what it is, it really is a classic. 8/10 4 stars.

Very fun 80s rock album

Wasn't really my scene, but they were definitely in the air. Sure I know the words, and I probably secretly do like a few of the tracks. It was an era.

Fun to listen to! Also: The beginning of the most iconic Offspring song is a sample from this album. My life is a lie!

Not for me!!!

Actually a really good listen. Maybe I'm biased because I had to listen to experimental German music right before it but hey whatever. I liked the more pop feel along with the traditional hard rock sound, especially when the keyboards took over and the vocals softened a bit.

Surprisingly appealing

Oh, Def Leppard. I've listened to plenty of Def Leppard's music in my life. I've never listened to one of their albums from start to finish, but I own one of their greatest hits CD's, which I used to listen to quite a bit. I've definitely soured on them though over the years; if I had a dollar for every time I've heard "Pour Some Sugar On Me," I'd be able to afford a physical copy of every album on this list in multiple formats. These days, I associate Def Leppard with the worst kind of people. Nothing is worse than seeing some boomer dance along to Def Leppard when some shitty cover band plays one of their songs twice a night at some hell-hole bar in the suburbs. These people would know more of the band's lyrics if they weren't too busy parroting the latest garbage they saw on Fox News. But I digress. I guess it's time to fire this one up and see if I hate it as much as I think I will. Well, I come to you now, hat in hand, to ask for forgiveness for my words above. I actually had a good time listening to this album, and I think it’s a great piece of eighties hard rock. I’m not a big fan of Joe Elliott’s vocals on a lot of this album, but the guitar melodies are really great, and Def Leppard has a sound that’s unique and also incredibly accessible. This album reminds of Metallica’s self-titled album, in that it took a somewhat niche sound to a wide audience, without sacrificing too much of its own roots. I was already familiar with “Photograph,” “Too Late for Love,” “Foolin’,” and “Rock of Ages,” but “Stagefright,” “Die Hard the Hunter,” and “Billy’s Got a Gun” were new to me, and I really enjoyed them. “Stagefright” had some great playing, especially leading into the chorus. The keyboards that played alongside them were great too (I had no idea Thomas Dolby was on this album). “Rock of Ages” had some great keyboards too, and “Photograph” had what was probably my favorite guitar parts on the album. There were a lot of little details that I’d never paid attention to before, like the flame crackling at the end of “Rock of Ages,” and the wind sounds on “Too Late for Love.” The backing vocals were great throughout the album, and they really helped create the band’s massive arena-rock sound. “Die Hard the Hunter” and “Billy’s Got a Gun” had the best lyrics on the album, and the instrumentals gave both of those songs a really haunting and dark tone that I’d never expect from Def Leppard. However, one of the biggest detractors for me on this album were the vocals. “Rock of Ages” and “Rock! Rock!” just feel like generic filler lyrically, especially when you compare them to “Die Hard the Hunter” and “Billy’s Got a Gun.” Also, some of the choruses on these songs just drive me bonkers, especially “Foolin’.” Every time that “F-f-f-foolin’” kicks in, I just want to scream. But the prechorus on that song is outstanding, with some great guitar playing, lyrics, and vocals. Overall though, this is a great album, and it was really fun to listen to through a pair of headphones. I really think FM radio ruined a lot of classic rock by playing the same damn songs over and over again, and it’s unfortunate that Def Leppard fell victim to that, at least for me. Mutt Lange’s production work on this album is fantastic, and this album is a perfect example of why Def Leppard was selling out arenas in the eighties, and why they still have a sizeable following to this day.

I was not a metalhead in the 80s, but we all loved Def Leppard. It was gateway metal, I guess. This gets a slight bump for nostalgia but it's also a good rockin' time.

Def Leppard was not ever one of my faves, and still just doesn't quite grab me for the duration of an album. I hit single or two, sure, but for the long haul, it is just alright.

Way to take me back to the summer of '83. Lots of nostalgia in this one.

Happy to have this on the list. That shimmery Def Leppard sound I love! They are one of the pinnacles of 80s rock so two albums on this list are twice the party. Terrific!

Not as good as its successor and sort of feel like once you've heard one track, you've heard it all.

All due respect, shit was ass

🤘🏼

This album is fine. You know the hits and the rest is filler.

Not bad

Classic album

AC/DC with chorus'd vocals and more synth. Good but not great.

Really fun.

Oh, Def Leppard, look what you've done to this rock and roll clown. What's become their breakthrough album also became a sign of things to come; the kind that would steer not only hard rock into its sleek sheen moment in the sun but the band into an unexpectedly prolonged stasis where tragedy and triumph collided into becoming a runaway train. Yet Pyromania is anything but tragic, it is a full on blast of exuberant rock and roll that would leave one banging their head from beginning to end. Perhaps this is the only dose of Def Leppard one would need, maybe there can be a thirst for more; whatever comes from this, at least it wasn't time wasted. Favorites: Rock! Rock! (Til You Drop), Photograph, Stagefright, Too Late for Love, Die Hard the Hunter, Foolin', Rock of Ages.

Def Leppard is mid. They are to 80s rock what Cheap Trick was to 70s rock. Cheap Trick might be generous...Journey might be better than this. There are a lot of hits on this album, Photograph, Foolin', Rock of Ages. I have always hated the German at the beginning of Rock of Ages. Actually, I hate Rock of Ages.

I thought it was pretty good, I only listened to half though

3.5 - I dunno how I feel. I liked it and it was good, but was it actually good or just a bit generic? Very American though

There were some moments I found tolerable - the chorus of "Stagefright"; the last minute of the last track, Billy's Got a Gun. But overall I really struggle to take this seriously. The song titles, the power chords, its all too much. It took me 3 sittings to get through the 11 track album - as I listened there was something disheartening knowing that the album just wasn't going to go anywhere interesting. 2.2/5

Hysteria is better.

Hysteria has a lot of hits. This album has several. It's just that the voice gets to be a bit much for me. I can take it in small doses and enjoy the occasional song, but listening to a whole album isn't something I really care to do with this group.

I know that if I heard this for the first time today -it’s a 3 a best, probably a strong 2. But so many lifetime memories were made with this album playing in the background. It was the high school soundtrack of 1983/84.

it may be no Hysteria and it may be cheesy but it has Photograph. Foolin' and Rock of Ages!

Love the hits on this one. Hard to believe it was ‘83. However overall it is an uneven effort with the in between songs feeling weak. No deep cuts.

This version of Def Leppard features the use of 10 band member arms. They really hit their stride on the album after this where they cut the arm number down to 9.

Great record.

3.5/5. Nothing revolutionary but there are 3 tracks on here that are certified bangers and deservedly continue to receive airplay on your favourite classic rock stations.

Bello, bello bello. L'inizio è molto promettente, con una canzone giusta si becca le 5 stelle. Mi sa di no... Avrei inserito Hysteria al posto di questo...

I remember Def Leppard blasting down the halls in my college dorm. Head bangers playing their air guitars. I get they are legendary. Just not my genre.

In retrospect, this is a more important album to me than would be expected, but it was really critical in expanding my musical palette at the time. At heart, I’m an R&B kid, raised on it partly because it was pretty much all that my parents listened to, so I basically grew up on it. We tend to forget about it, but as late as the 80s, it was still very common to be judged by the kind of music you listened to, with racial biases still entrenched. MTV was truly revolutionary, but in ‘83 they were famously called out by David Bowie for largely not playing any black artists on the channel, with the official response that such artists “didn’t fit their demographics.” I do distinctly remember this period despite only being 15, and while I hated MTV’s position on this issue, I was watching all their content and Hair metal 80s bands definitely opened up my mind to so much (rock) music. Biggest regret? Not going to rock concerts with my white high school friends at the time. And Def Leppard would’ve been a highlight: they stood out amongst the other hair/metal bands of the day. More melodic songs, and easy to sing along, stadium ready choruses. Might be a nostalgia play for me, but I think we don’t get to Destiny’s Child announcing their unironic love for Nirvana and other grunge acts in the 90s without what began with “mini social musical revolutions” started by many 80s acts like Def Leppard that helped get us to the “genre-less” stage of music we appear to thankfully be enjoying today.

This is pretty damn cheesy and poppy. The didn’t fund this particularly interesting nor did it rock as hard as I hoped it would.

Photograph Stagefright Rock of ages

No me gusta el heavy

You hear one track and you've heard them all. This is just another 90ies hear rock band using the same pattern over and over again. Dull and boring.

Lots of energy for something quite so dull and repetitive.

A classic and genre-defining album for a genre I’ve heard too much of. Still, it’s the best of the best at what it’s going for.

I remember getting this (and then Hysteria) when they first came out and wondering what the rest of the world was waiting for. 12 months later.... Probably a 3.5 but just for giggles I am going to round up for a change. Because Photograph.

I luv rock mane

Things I realized listening to this album -i don't like Def Leppard very much -if you are going to make songs about rocking, they can't be overproduced.

My dad had this album on cassette. The ultimate dad rock record. Have you listened to a Def Leppard song back to back? It sucks. His voice is interesting when it pops on the radio after hearing Coldplay or something. But the same shrieking over and over and over again is rough.

# Playlist track - Rock of Ages # Notes - Solid hard rock, from start to finish. - I don't really have a sin to take out any stars. It's a really good album. It's fun and energetic. It's just *not amazing*. - Had a lot of fun recognizing the opening from Offspring's Pretty Fly (for a White Guy) on "Rock of Ages"

For an album that clearly had some great guitar and drums I found this enormously boring and samey

this is glam rock at its very best. overblown and theatrical to the max, when it works it 100% works. bridges and hooks that work their way into your brain and never leave

It did not transcend the time it was made in, unfortunately. There’s more unique and identifiable arena rock out there, if you ask me. Photograph on here even kinda just passes by as it’s hit song

Quite entertaining and catchy hair metal album :)👍

I did like this album. It's fun, it's upbeat. I enjoy melodic, dramatic rock the 80s. I don't know if I loved it, but it's a good, consistent album.

I'm not really a fan of glam metal of the 1980s, to me it is too superficious, shallow, simplistic rock music which isn't really interesting musically. This album wasn't unbearable to listen to but it was kind of boring overall, just like most glam metal from that era.

I thought this was good a few songs in but by the time I got to the last couple songs I realized they all sound the same. What has 7 arms and sucks?

I mean sure. Sign of the times.

Pretty irredeemable hair metal nonsense. Almost gave it a 3 for nostalgia, probably would have if it had pour some sugar on me on it, but alas.

Feels like British KISS (at least this album, albeit less about love). Pop metal confuses me, feels abit commercial at times, album is overall not bad but lacks abit of originality.

Brings me back to childhood…

Not my vibe!!

Classic hard rock sound where every song sound like it should be shouted in a football stadium. Had a lot of fun with this record, love the lead singer’s energy and the background vocals. Guitar work is impeccable and pure rock greatness.

Enérgico como siempre

5/5 - it’s a classic and it bangs

It should surprise no one that Mutt Lange produced this record. He also produced "Back In Black" by AC/DC, which I ironically got yesterday. The guitar tone is on-point for Angus Young, mixed with the smoke-and-lasers of Van Halen, and the insane levels of horniness of both. You could be forgiven (maybe) for calling it "derevitive", but people overlook how difficult it is to write a good song, even if it isn't anything that breaks the mold. The songs last a bit long at time, and it might just barely outlast its welcome, but man, I am not strong enough to yell "I DON'T WANT YOUUUU" during "Photograph". Favorite tracks: "Photograph", "Stagefright"

Felt a bit like generic hair metal. Kind of wafted over me for the most part, but I did find myself groovying along at times.

So ironically 80's. At the time I remember family members really grooving to Def Leppard and I likely grooved along too. I still love Photograph, but the rest don't really hit the same today as they did then. Not anything wrong with it, but now that we are out of the 80s the dramatic riffs and action movie oriented lyrics don't elicit the feelings they used to.

I was a big Def Leppard fan in my youth, so their music is nostalgic for me. A few fun hits on here, and definitely love me some Photograph, but overall this just sounds like any other 80s hair band now.

The album that started it all for me! Having grown up in East Germany, I only discovered this album in late 1990/early 1991 - but when I listened to it, I immediately fell in love with the music and the band. It's still one of my absolute favourite albums overall - there's not a single weak song on there, and even after the 100th spin I still discover new details.

. This is probably as good as hair metal gets. The song's been suck my head since I finished it

Funny 80‘s Hard Rock. 7/10

Music, like art in general, is of course subjective, and people will have different opinions when it comes to it. That being said, people trashing this album know fuck all about music

Someone already said "big dumb fun" and I can't think of a better review.

dude, Def Leppard rocks. i really enjoyed this album. i like the hair metal scene. i like this vibe. this album just rocks all the way through. i recognized photograph, which was a dope song. rock of ages clearly has made history with becoming the title of a broadway play... and also the intro to that song was clearly taken up by The Offspring for their 'Pretty Fly for a White Guy', so its easy to see the impact they have had in the music scene. fire album

A mid album, not the biggest fan of their stuff Top tracks: Photograph, Rock of Ages

Okay.

Það eru element í þessu sem ég fíla en lagasmíðin heillar ekki alveg.

Not bad, not incredible, just not bad.

In all it’s 80s glory it’s not memorable.

Du gros fun contagieux, des refrains mémorables.

I love the vibes. They’re camp-y and catchy and perfect for the summer.

Nice, energetic opening song. Really fun album. Some interesting war imagery. Will have to do research on those songs. Too Late for Love is my favorite song on this album. Really good energy throughout. Not boring to me at all. Really, really strong finish with Billy's Got a Gun.

DUDES ROCK

Бодрый скуф-рок. Как я уже говорил про гансэндрозес - пока трансформация в скуфа не прошла полностью ставлю 3

This album was a big deal hair band favorite when it came out. It was not something I gravitated to but it's worth a listen.

Like a lesser version of 80’s ozzy.

Band was excellent but I am not of fan of screaming in place of singing. Never was a fan.

sounds like poop

103/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑

This is a rocking hair-metal staple, it’s a total riot the whole way through. Just over the top cheese and charm in equal measure. I’ll always have a soft spot for skiddy 80’s rock like this. Hysteria is their better offering, but Def Leppard rules. I love these guys.

1. rock till you drop - 1 2. photo - 2 3. fright - 1.5 4. too late - 1.5 5. the hunter - 1 6. foolin - 1.5 7. rock of agez - 1 8. under fire - 1 9. action - 1 10. billy - 0

Photograph Die Hard the Hunter Foolin’ I don’t understand and find it cringy to make songs about loving rock and roll and wanting more of it. Imagine if Taylor swift was like “pop pop till you drop. We want more pop. We love pop” average old rock band

There are a few good songs in here but the sheen of the production wears thin after a bit. Maybe that's just a contemporary sensibility. Still I won't be running back to this record, though I wouldn't be in a hurry to turn it off if it was already playing.

Blergh Bastaaaa dad rock

rock till you drop isch seehr silly aber finds no funny. photograph het afoch e saaaugueti hook. und de prechorus isch super catchy. oke s review wo bi qobuz debi isch beschribt huere guet wie pop das album eigntlich isch und wie overproduced aber s funktioniert. stagefright findi etz weniger catchy aber au no funny bridge und so. too late for love findi scho ehner öangwilig und d drums sind mit de ziit immer glich und huere viel. die hard the hunter meega langs instrumental. foolin will e rockballade sii maaann isch das cheesy. oke. nicher wirds rockiger und het meeega viel cowbell haha. rock of ages isch typisch jooo RROCK emfall ich lieb ROCK okay jo für da hets recht viel synthibass. comin under fire isch au wieder mega en ROCK song. aso finds nice aber jäää ACTION! haha sie wüssed dass cheesy sind. vocal harmonies schono viel hahah wenigstens hets gitarresoli und so. guillermo tiene una arma. der wilhelm hat en pistol. haha s foht so ernst ah und de prechorus isch soo cheesy mit de vocals hahahah. gitarre ide zweite strophe isch cool.

ES HET WIEDER QLLED GLÖSCHT BRUDI ALSO sehr nostalgisch für mich aber mit eim lied hesch meistens scho alli gloset. ABER trotz allem gueti lieder, comin under fire und too late for love fichtig geil

Bit sick of boring 80s heavy metal. Not much more to say

I’m sure lots of people love this, but not for me

Theme tune for the first wave of Mullets should be called 'absolute arse'

Dreadful cock rock. Put some more hairspray on it and burn it.

Pretty bland.

I can't quite figure out why there are 2 Def Leppard albums in the 1001, surely Hysteria was enough to cover the 80s hair metal quota!! That said, I didn't hate it, just felt dated and pointless. 2.5

Listened and enjoyed but forgot to review. Saved 4/10 songs so I’ll give it a 3

This album a little bittersweet for me. On one hand, this album was huge my sophomore and junior years in high school. Pretty sure every road trip for our baseball team, this cassette (yes, I said cassette) was constantly played in a boombox. We always traveled with the girls softball team too and that was really cool because my sister was star softball player. But this album makes me think of some many good times and people from high school. I know a few us went to see them at Joe Louis arena in August of 83. Now I say bittersweet because Def Leppard was just coming off the high and popularity of their best album they have ever made and this is High 'n' Dry. And at that point, they were a rock n roll band. This album is the beginning of their cheesy rock pop to appeal to the masses. Yea, they sold their rock n roll soul to reach a greater audience and while I think this is a very good album, they were no longer the headbangers I grew to appreciate with their On Through The Night and High 'n' Dry albums. Back to this album, again, many wonderful memories associated with this album and most of the songs are decent tracks. No doubt the best song off the album is Photograph. And after seeing Miley Cyrus sing this at the Taylor Hawkins tribute show, will always hold a special place in my heart....damn I still tear up a bit thinking of his passing. Anyway, Miley explained why she sang this, even playing the voice mail from Taylor where he explains she would kick ass singing this tune. And she did and she did it for Taylor. She released the voice mail and it's out there somewhere on the internet so you can hear for yourself. Back to Pyromania, very good album. Too Late For Love makes me think of Becca and Chris from high school. The entire album makes me think of the baseball/softball team bus trips and summer of 83. Some very good times and solid album. But this is the beginning of the end of me being a big fan of their music. After you listen to this, go check out High 'n' Dry. They should have stayed a rock n roll band, but I'll still give this album a solid 4. 4

3 I never realized how much the lead singer of Def Leppard sounds like Brian Johnson. I’m not saying they sound exactly the same by any means, but there are a few moments here I swear it comes damn close. Anyway, there were two songs here that I enjoyed, and those happened to be the two songs that I already knew prior - Photograph and Rock of Ages. To its credit, Photograph really is a fantastic tune and quite possibly among the best from this era of hair metal, and there’s a certain charm/borderline sense of epicness to Rock of Ages, if a bit on the nose and cheesy (though, for better or worse, I always assume I’m about to hear The Offspring whenever I hear the opening now). The two are also the only Def Leppard songs I’ve seen live, in this case, at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Show. Coincidence they ended up being my favorites here? Probably not. Either way, shoutout to Miley Cyrus for killing the vocals on Photograph. As for the rest of this album - yeah, pretty standard rock fare for the era. Not a lot stood out to me, though, I will say, as douchey as this is probably about to sound, Too Late For Love went up a couple points in my book when it provided me a sense of “walk-up song” as I approached the squat rack to attempt my max at the gym. For as much as I think this album tries a bit too hard at times, it’s mostly enjoyable overall. Definitely not any kind of all-time great in my book, but I’d never complain to hear anything here mixed in the shuffle.

Old School rock and roll!

LP

I wish I was "def" after listening to them. So boring and dated. I just can't do this classic rock kinda stuff. Never could.

I wanted to just enjoy it for what it is and have fun with it but it's all the worst lyrics of hard rock with none of the skill.

A decent slice of pop hair metal. Well produced.

The drummer had two arms on this album, but we now know that he could play these songs with just one. I am not supporting this freeloading sandbagger.

Not as bad as some of the other 80s glam rock/metal on this list, because some of the hooks kinda pop, but this still does absolutely nothing for me. Give me 70s glam over this shit any day.

My parents bought me this album when it came out in 1983. Everything this band did after this is insufferable fucking garbage, but I think this album really holds up.

A couple of really strong songs helps lift it

Honestly this always had a ceiling of like 3 stars.

Glam metal, pop metal, hair metal, cock rock, butt rock. Whatever you want to call it, this music is fun. At some point people decided rock stars partying and sleeping with women was a bad scene. I disagree. And this is good.

Way better than I was expecting. Butt rock doesn't all suck.

Soild arena rock. Very nice tone on the guitars. Overall nothing mind-blowing but still a lot of fun.

Do the hair bands represent the nadir of good music? This album makes a strong case for such proposition.

Good for what it is.

High 2, doesn't warrant 3* 52/100

5 full stars without question for this one. I listened today, but didn’t even have to because this is so engrained in my memory and still called up periodically in my rotation. Released just about 2 weeks before my 14th birthday, I ran to the Peaches record store with high anticipation to get my hands on this ASAP. This one really broke DL into the mainstream and launched them to stardom. A production masterpiece by the band and Mutt Lange, every track is a standout. My favs would have to be Foolin, Too late for love, and of course Photograph. I was already well familiar with the band from their 2 prior albums, most notably their debut released in ‘80 “On through the night”. It ranks just as high in my book, being a little heavier sound and style with their original guitar player Pete Willis. DL’s first 3 releases really bridge the heavier rock from the late 70’s to that classic 80’s metal sound. Killer album cover too.

1001 listens to an album you must hear before you grow up. This was one of the first cassettes I ever bought and helped me realize how uncool I was…until I of course went to Chess King and bought my own sleeveless DL Union Jack t-shirt, checkered bandana and parachute pants to complete the rock n roll package. After that my path to coolness was just fine. Upon relistening I didn’t realize how much synth was actually used on the album, and along with the signature shotgun snare sound I was immediately transported back in time. Yes Mutt Lange’s meticulous style of recording seems to have stripped away some of the grit and edge of the previous two albums, but it’s hard to argue with any track. Just an amazing influential rock album complete with banger after banger played by tight musicians. And to think that drummer Rick Allen was only 19 when they recorded this. Just plain sick. Rock for the Ages? You betcha.

Rock, rock, til you drop?? Don’t mind if I do! This album made me want to play hooky. I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. I thought Def Leppard was just a band you heard at… well you know. Anyways this was great, will def revisit.

Man, I forgot how much I love Def Lep. I think hysteria is a better album but this is great. A few notes: - such a bold move to include a two exclamation points AND parenthesis in a song title. Crazy how much Rock! Rock! Sounds like AC/DC - photograph is a great song. Love the main riff and then when the chugging rhythm guitar comes in. They were brilliant at layering. And some good cowbell. Miley Cyrus has a great cover of this song. - Too Late for Love has everything you want in a cheesy 80s hair metal song. Foolin’ is even better and brings back the cowbell. - Rock of Ages. More cowbell. I love this song. The call and response where the band goes “I want rock and roll” and the third time when Joe Elliot goes “you betcha” is when of my fav song moments. - I did not know that Billy had the gun first. Needless to say, I enjoyed this album. A strong 4 from me. 🤘

Can't say glam metal (or however you want to define their music) is my favorite style, but dang do some of these songs slap. Not a 5* for me, but a very strong 4*. Photograph, Too Late for Love, Foolin', and Rock of Ages are just too much fun. 4/5

I've never purposely listened to Def Leppard before but this wasn't as bad as I thought it would be...

Def Leppard songs were such a mainstay of high school dances in the 80s

relatively easy listening classic hard rock - enjoyable and good melodies, albeit a little repetitive.

80s pop rock does not do it for me.

Strange to hear the offspring referenced this

Still great.

Not as big as Hysteria, but Photograph itself is worth the whole album

C+ Rock Rock (Till You Drop) 3 Photograph 3 Stagefright 3 Too Late For Love 3 Die Hard The Hunter 3 Foolin' 3 Rock Of Ages 3 Comin' Under Fire 3 Action! Not Words 2 Billy's Got A Gun 2 This was pretty boring. Sorry Def.

My little brother loved this album back in the day. It makes me laugh that it made this list. Pretty straight-forward middle of the road stuff.

Favourite songs: Photograph, Rock of Ages, Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop), Foolin', Too Late For Love, Comin' Under Fire, Action! Not Words, Billy's Got A Gun Least favourite songs: Die Hard the Hunter 5/5

Big no thx

abbastanza ripetitivo

Piacevolissimo, mi sembra strano dirlo ma molto più degli AC/DC

Didn’t like it much. Doesn’t do anything for me.

Rock ochentero, de película de los 80s, instituto.

Kind of boring. Didn’t have any standout songs. Not a huge fan of glam/hair rock, but this wasn’t at least fun like some others. 2/5 Won’t listen again

No sé quién pensó que el pelo cargado y las voces agudas eran lo mejor para el heavy metal.

Album Nr. 83 Einfach ein gutes Rock-Album.

Not too bad for the genre (just not personally my favorite) and there are some surprising and intriguing moments. Definitely makes sense to include on the list at least from a historical perspective.

I sort of like the style, but I feel like it all blended together and nothing stood out to me. Not bad, not great.

Great album to have on the list! Def Leppard is one of those bands I always knew of but was interested to actually listen to. So ideal for the list! I enjoyed it. I hope we will get more from them.

Did anyone else’s dad refer to Def Leppard as Blind Cheetah? Just mine? There are a couple classic songs on this album and the rest has that quintessential 80s hair metal sound. Nothing too wild on here, just some solid rock. The only thing, is like most hair metal, it all eventually blends together. I’ll give it a three because I enjoyed it and Photograph is probably one of the most famous songs of the era.

I accidentally started out listening to the wrong Album. Rather than listen to Pyromania, I listened to the first half of Hysteria (the one with Pour Some Sugar On Me on it). After listening to hit after hit, I was really disappointed that I had to shift from Hysteria to this album. I came in not expecting much, but began to realize that I knew more off of Pyromania than I thought. "Photograph" is an all time classic (second best song titled Photograph right behind Nickelback). "To Late to Love", and "Rock of Ages" are both great. Overall a solid album.

3.5

Rock ochentero, de película de los 80s, instituto.

Sounds like music for a cheesy rock n roll musical

Good 80s rock

Good sound

3.5, but I'm rounding up to 4. I'm being a bit generous here, I think, but I enjoyed it.

Sorry, heavy metal fans. The combination of screamy vocals and heavy metal with a hint of blues(?) just didn't work for me.

Wasn’t terrible but I wasn’t blown away

Nice

It's good ol' fashioned rock with a bit of a metal feel and pop sensibilities. This is like the musical version of a greasy diner hamburger, and I don't mind that one bit.

Fabulous 80's pop/metal. Hair band excellence. Apart from the known tracks, the others flow and fit nicely in the overall work.

It doesn't sound as bad as they look. But seriously, the drummer sounded one-handed when he had two arms. Decent riffs, but over produced. The less said about the solos the better. There is nothing as bad as lame and long.

Best left in the 80s

I feel like this would be awesome at a concert, but not to just listen to

I absolutely despise this genre of rock as I grow older. Younger me would’ve ate this up like laffy taffy. What is bro growling about? This sounds like all those hair metal tracks of this era, so I wanna know why this is a stand out. Like genuinely most of this record just sounds like one really long song, and yeah this shit was probably hard in the 80’s but today? Just gross to me and doesn’t do it. I wish Samuel wasn’t fraudulent and came here to defend this, cause I need boomer thoughts

forgettable forgettable forgetable I want my time back Jesus this was so boring and I have no idea what legacy this record has I know it is acclaimed but this is just 80s music but it is so like washed there is no edge I hate it. I never want to listen ever again this would be a 0/10 if i could.

Amazing what a drummer can do with 2 arms

Didn't care for this.

I would have hated the 80s. 2.7.

Photograph is one of those songs that I will stop and listen to if it comes on the radio (do people still do that?) but I have never owned this album and always felt it was mostly commercial product. I guess I still do but I can appreciate the sounds and the production, especially the "whoosh" of the drums and the backing vocals. The production is the real star here. Can't really comment on the actual lead vocals because they are so processed. And the songwriting seems pretty basic. Cheesy? perhaps. A cool sound? definitely.

I think it’s cool not mindblowing tho

Un excelente disco de Glam Rock, con interpretaciones intensas, versos y coros pegajosos y una producción que lo hace sumamente entretenido. No creo que aporte nada sumamente innovador al panorama de la música (pero soy bastante ignorante en tanto al movimiento hard-rock post 70's). De todas formas lo recomendaría para cualquiera que quiere escuchar un buen LP de glam rock que no raya en los excesos, a diferencia que las bandas que le siguen como Poison o Motley Crue.

Meh

I was pretty reluctant to listen to another Dusty album so soon, but it was a lot better than the last. Definitely listenable.

I now know why my parents had so many “greatest hits” albums by 80s bands… because every song sounds identical here

Replacement level power rock, but fine enough. I don’t understand why bands from this era write songs about how much they need to rock

Grant’s favorite genre of hair band. Recognizable songs that I liked some but otherwise don’t love this kind of music

Boring uninspired generic hair metal/ glam rock: a genre I realized I hated by always being repulsed by the Sirius xm channel.

Gotta love this 80s sound

Rock on my dudes. This is surprisingly awesome.

Couple songs I knew, overall a really fun listen. The excess of 80s hair bands but some real subtlety hidden there

3++

Bit torn here. Having ripped into appetite for destruction on Monday can I praise this? Probably not, although I did like it more. It is mostly just 80s cock rock though which I always mostly disliked with the odd exception sometimes enjoyed unironically. Perhaps I'll save my praise for the follow up which contains the one Def Leppard song I know and like. Depends what else is on it though. Obviously this isn't really metal, I'd argue Hair Metal isn't even a sub genre of metal as it's so far removed, but whatever. This was ok. I completely tuned out after a few tracks. 2.

Surprisingly good... knew a LOT of these songs from the radio. A couple of skips.

This would be awesome if I put this on while I was banging a girl named Debbie after I drank 10 Schlitz beers. Sadly, I just listened to it while I walked my dog, so 2/5.

At my most objective, I suppose this joins some dots between older UK metal and the kind of more fun rock thing which US bands like Bon Jovi did a bit later on? Maybe? But it's already apparent that whoever picked 1001 albums is a bit too interested in a particular aspect of the route that involves men and guitars. As important and cool as that route has been, I'm not convinced that we need to listen to every single nuanced step along the way. This is a solid rock album, but doesn't feel very important to me.

As a card-carrying hater of all things metal, I have to say I rather liked this. Expecting to enjoy Hysteria even more so am saving a 3 star for that….

Felt exhausted before I’d started listening. The first 20 seconds of the first track was promising but then it all felt quite leaden. But then it is heavy metal. Man.

Just not my style.

Sheffield Hair Metal that was world conquering. You can taste the hair spray in your mouth, you can hear the shredding on guitars, you can hear terrible lyrics that you can help but sing along to, you can smell the sweat of a one armed drummer. What's not to like?

What is this?

It was great yeah yeah why are there only rock albums on hete

Really enjoyed this one, full of bangers

not my thing but still good

Whether you like them or not, there are certain bands who were around and did the right thing at the right time. Def Leppard is one of those. Truth be told, before today I had never heard a song from this band. It’s possible that I might have been actively avoiding them, but that was probably back when I refused to give any music from the 80’s a chance. But I’m a different person now. And although their music might not be the most critically acclaimed when it comes to music nerds, people love this band. AC/DC falls into the same category. And I can’t deny the small part of my heart that has a real soft spot for this kind of music. Because when it’s done right, it hits in a way other kinds of rock just don’t. It’s basically guilty pleasure music. And I like this. Plain and simple. This is like if Bon Jovi was bigger and better in pretty much every way. More interesting music, less repetitiveness, more skill from the band members, and the lack of a voice that makes my ears bleed. I don’t think you should expect anything too complex or mind blowing. But I was actually surprised at the level at which they are playing at. Especially the drummer. This will also come into play in a future review, due to tragic circumstances that take place later in his life. This is some explosive, over the top 80’s rock music that borders on the theatrics of glam rock. If you like hard rock, you have probably already heard this. If not, give it a chance. Rating: 7/10

What's got 9 arms and sucks?

Thinking back, this album was probably my gateway to metal. On relisten didn't hate it like I thought I would. Hysteria leaves me cold, this still has knuckles, Mutt polished them out of Hysteria. Still, the worst of the NWOBHM bands

Never was my jam.

It's decent pop-y rock! But I grew up with this being the norm, so it doesn't really track as innovative for me.

Fuzzy

Classic hair metal

Love 80's rock/hair metal, 5/5

I quite enjoyed Hysteria when that came up earlier. This was more of the same but just seemed even more uninspired and impotent. Just not for me at all

Rock! Rock!

Fun listen.

Gefällt mir.

It's a little difficult to listen this album because this kind of 80s rock is so cliche now. The defined guitar riff, the strained, loud vocals, the themes of partying and lost/found love. They are all present. It's a cool album to listen to and I'm not sure how era-defining it is, but it certainly ticks all the hallmarks of 80s metal bands. Also, I had no idea the opening german gibberish from “Pretty Fly for a White Guy” was from “Rock of Ages!”

It's not awful but I really didn't care for it. Kind of like bubblegum pop hard rock

\"Pyromania\" by Def Leppard, released in 1983, is a quintessential hard rock album that epitomizes the sound of the '80s. It's an anthemic, guitar-driven powerhouse that solidified Def Leppard's place in rock history. The album features hits like \"Photograph\" and \"Rock of Ages,\" showcasing the band's knack for catchy hooks and memorable choruses. With its polished production and melodic sensibilities, \"Pyromania\" captures the spirit of the era. Earning a solid 4/5, this album is celebrated for its impact on the glam metal scene and its enduring popularity. While some may find it emblematic of a particular time, there's no denying the infectious energy and craftsmanship that make \"Pyromania\" a classic in the hard rock genre.

I really didn't like this album. Bad voice, bad riffs, boring rhythms. Shitty cock rock. Will I listen to again: 0%

What's not to like? I especially like the drums in "Photograph." All four of the songs I recognize from rock radio I now know are Def Leppard songs. Prior to today, those songs were in the "Unsorted Rock, 1980s" pile. Thanks, 1001 Albums Generator, for forcing me to ID a handful of that very big pile of generic rock music. 3.5 rounded up to 4.

i found it very hard to take this album seriously. i recognize logically that def leppard is probably the target sound for every tv commercial or show that wants 80s rock-sounding incidental music, but the whole album sounded like that.

Sounds like stereotypical 80s rock LOL but I like it! This album gave me a lot of nostalgia because I used to listen to some of the songs a ton growing up (“Photograph” is one of my mom’s favorite songs). I especially liked the vocals, including the background vocals, which I thought were really well arranged.

was not feelin' it. 1.5

this simply did not give me any strong feelings

I think that the way many people felt about the AC/DC album is how I feel about this album. Every song was the same song except a little different. All of them were what would be playing if you went to your friend's house in high school and their dad came in from the garage, no shirt and acid washed jeans on, music still blasting on the boombox, and got a beer and then offered you one and laughed his head off when you looked panicked. Somehow after every single verse I expected "f-f-f-foolin'" to be sung except I also didn't even notice when Foolin DID play.

No parts that I super disliked but yeah, it was just fine. I kind of wish that the vocals were louder or like pulled forward from the music. I found it hard to tell what they were were saying because it blended too well with the music

Not usually a hard rock fan but these songs are just so darn catchy. I think further listening would bump this up a star

This album rocks from start to finish

Because it was better than the others, but I can’t say I’ll listen again.

Good music that I didn't pay much attention to

Familiar, fine, but forgettable for me.

soulless and ass

Fun classics.

Love it!

Another favorite of my dad’s that brought me straight back to childhood. Super fun album, no skips!

Glam metal has never been my genre, and Def Leppard has never rocked quite as hard as they claim to for my taste. Still, songs like “Photograph” and “Rock of Ages” have a certain poppy charm.

This album is like the definitive 80's butt rock album for me. It's not totally for me, but I see the appeal; the blend of gated reverb, square-wave synth and 80's high gain power chords with multi-tracked vocals is a powerful sound. And the beginning yell of Stagefright sounds 100% like Dr. Rockso! All fun enough to get a medium score from a genre that might otherwise rate poorly.

Was ready to not like this after Hysteria, but this is the better album by far, even though it's very glam metal-ish. Decent album despite me not liking butt rock in general. 3.25/5

I think Hysteria is a classic, but Pyromania blows it out of the water. An absolutely massive sounding and still killer hard rock album with unforgettable hooks and tight performances throughout. It’s pop, it’s rockin, it even still has a touch of metal. Cannot recommend it enough. A-

A decent rock album but I have to confess I've never been a fan of Def Leopard, listening to them again after all these years has nothing to convince me otherwise. They just seem to lack "something".

Get the sugar because it's pouring time! I'm just going to end up listening to a bunch of the hits, no need to listen to this full album, shit rocks the corporate casbah

bad pop rock

Meh

Not a fan of boomer rock

A great example of 1980's rock albums. I would crank up the radio every time a song from this album came on. It's a must have for your collection

Kind of wish now I had heard this before Hysteria. I knew the story of Def Leppard mostly from the episode of Classic Albums where they touch on this one a bit, then what happens with their drummer and how they had to adjust for the next album. I enjoyed this a lot. Hysteria is still top though.

Those bombing 80s pop rock songs you hear in stranger things. discovered that these kind of mucus actually is pleasing to my ears

Yeah it was alright. Gets your engine reving.

I'm not F-f-f-foolin', oh, f-f-foolin' F-f-f-foolin', oh, f-f-foolin', This is a classic.

This was not as bad as I feared it would be, as I was expecting more metal, but it’s still not my jam. Photograph was the high point and not great. Slightly curious to know if I was wrong about Def Leppard being harder or if this was a weird time for them.

Belangloser 80 Rock.

A couple absolutely great songs ... but after listening to Hysteria last week, this album couldn't live up to that one. Still a solid 3+

I struggled a bit at the start but then a few of the hits came in and it perked up and then I just went with it. Fun, ridiculous rock.

Netter Rock

Kickass album

Nice Classic Hard Rock

💯 would rather listen to Steel Panther. Glad this junk didn’t poison my music taste back in the day.

Aika perus hardrockplatta. Arvostan bändin rumpalia kyllä koko yksikätisyyshomman takii, mutta se tais käydä vasta koko tän levyn julkaisun jälkeen. Niin ja toki ihan kiinnostavaa tuo että rummut on äänitetty levylle vasta kielisoittimien jälkeen. Jää kyllä silti kakkosen ja kolmosen väliin! 2,5/5

Kansitaidetta myöten aikamoinen vitsi.

Ihan sillee hauska levy, mut pop-metalli ei genrenä kauheesti kiinnosta ja ennen pitkää alkaa lehmänkellon takominen rasauttaa. 2/5

OHs nos. Fine sure. But not four stars.

Their first two albums were the best hard rock records AC/DC never made . Then they moved Stateside to make this and their fans never forgave them. And so it’s a good job the record was so modern, relevant and with good enough tunes that the Mutt Lange production would make them global megastars with this and the next record. It’s all in the production it seems. The intro to Rock Rock (til you drop) heavy with keyboards, the more lush feel than High and Dry and overall, well, slickness. Photograph caught the zeitgeist and win then America. Quite rightly. Elsewhere though, the songs aren’t great and this Eighties production jars. Die Hard the Hunter jugs along in a less satisfying way than Iron Maiden were doing at the time and Too Late For Love isn’t a strong enough ballad to get them into that soft metal market. Yet. That would come in 1987 with Hysteria. Rock of Ages is a commercial enough second single. You can almost see the blueprint for Pour Some Sugar on me. Interestingly, the live album with the deluxe version is far more balanced with tracks from the first two albums too and a less glossy production. Pyromania was a prototype for Hysteria. Which makes it an interesting - if not satisfying - record.

One of the few British bands that fared better in the U.S. than the UK, at least in their formative years. I wasn’t a big fan of DL until Hysteria, but this album isn’t as terrible as some of the reviews make out.

Teenage rock - not for me.

Surprisingly good, was expecting worse, but it didn't blow me away either.

Quite ok with it

Good fun 80s rock. 3.5 stars.

Happy xmas eve

Rock ochentero, de película de los 80s, instituto.

Never been a fan of hair metal. This confirms it once again. Utterly forgettable.

For what it was and when it was, it's perfect. I'm not sure how much it holds up in 2023, but it's still a fun listen.

Big fan of this record. Before Def leppard went soft

Let’s get this over with. Pyromania is the most generic 80s pop rock hair metal band you can get. I firmly believe they are all talented musicians, but they are making awful music. The production is alright, but the writing is atrocious, the songs go on way too long, the vocals are obnoxious in a way only a coked out frat boy from the 80s could enjoy, and there is little to no range on this project and it all blends together. It’d be difficult to try and tell these songs apart. On the positive, though, they have a unique and immediately identifiable sound. However, this just makes it more easier and quicker to change the channel when I hear them come on. In a word: obnoxious. 2/5

Great

Big dumb fun

Hairable. 2 stars for Foolin’. Foolin’ me into listening to this.

Fairly enjoyable

I see this album as the good ending of a band like Bon Jovi. It still isn't anything special, but at least there are some competent tracks present on this album to make it stand out a little bit. Stuff like Rock of Ages and Photograph are at the very least enjoyable in the moment, and there are some solid hooks for hair metal. Again, it isn't something worth going out of your way to listen to, but I can only assume this is on the positive side of the glam metal movement. The fact that said positive side only reaches a 2.5 for me is not a great sign, however.

Comment veux-tu que Def Leppard ait une quelconque crédibilité dans ce générateur si même mon père n'est pas fan.

ça gueule de partout dans la joie la plus totale, ce qui n'est pas pour nous déplaire