A Tumultuous Transition (1983)

Originating during the late 1970s as a heavy metal band, Def Leppard experienced a crucial transition in the style of their music. In between their heavy metal roots and pop-rock sound discovered in 1987, Def Leppard would release Pyromania in early-1983. I am pretty excited to be writing about this album because Def Leppard has been my favorite band for a long time. Many listeners are very critical about the band taking a different approach to their sound; however, I think all of their material is excellent. Pyromania, the last album featuring that early-Leppard sound, contains four singles titled "Photograph," "Rock of Ages," and "Foolin," and "Too Late for Love."

Confusion and turmoil was upon the band between late-1981 and into 1982. Pete Willis, guitarist and co-founder of Def Leppard, was fired and replaced by Phil Collen. Many fans were upset by this decision as Willis had recorded almost all the guitar tracks on the upcoming album, Pyromania. Collen was quickly able to adapt to the new band and help finish the album before its release. Even though Collen may have a different style compared to Willis, I still heavily enjoy the work he contributed to the band's skyrocketing success.

The band opens the album with the powerful "Rock Rock (Till You Drop)." The gritty guitar riff, Phil's first solo on the album, and Joe Elliott's high-range vocals prepare listeners for the masterpiece ahead of them. Years ago, the first song that introduced me to Def Leppard was "Photograph." Today, after listening to the band non-stop, I think this single is what defines the band. Not too heavy, however, not too pop-like. This track sets the band up for what the material off of 1987's Hysteria would sound like. An iconic, fun guitar riff, amazing vocals, and the beautiful harmonizing in the background is what makes me love this song and band so much.

Taking more of a slow approach; the track "Foolin'" appears halfway through. Possessing more of a heavier sound than "Photograph," the song begins with an almost ominous arpeggiated guitar riff and synth track. Shortly after the intro, the song becomes more upbeat in the chorus which also contains the iconic Def Leppard harmonization that we all love.

One of my favorite tracks on the album, "Rock of Ages," helped propel the band towards the mainstream direction. The kooky introduction phrase is definitely an eye-raiser for those who have never heard it before. According to an interview with the band, the phrase muttered by producer Mutt Lange is just Geman gibberish. Besides that, Joe Elliott quotes a phrase that is still one of my favorites today: "It's better to burn out/Than to fade away." The phrase slowly leads listeners into a more slowed down, forceful song still containing that heavy sound with a slight hint of pop.

To conclude this transitional album, the band includes three songs that are not recognized like the others. While I do enjoy all of the songs on the album, the last three sound pretty similar to each other. I think the band could have included a song that is of a slower tempo instead of three heavy songs. Even though a ballad would have been nice, Def Leppard would not produce those kinds of songs till the Hysteria era. Although the three conclusion tracks lack difference, I do enjoy how the guitars in "Billy's Got A Gun" sounds a lot like Dio's "Holy Diver."

Even though Pyromania may be Def Leppard's last heavy album and mark a significant change in sound, it would launch them into success. The band would overcome the inner turbulence and release a fantastic album that would spawn many prominent singles and help it achieve the number two spot on the Billboard 200 in the United States. To this day, it is nice to go back and listen to Leppard's excellent musicianship on Pyromania.

Def Leppard in 1983