The Return of the Thunder-God! (1987)

The years following the release of the Pyromania were marked by turmoil for Def Leppard. On New Years Eve in 1984, drummer Rick Allen was in an awful car crash that cost him his left arm. How was the band going to continue production of their upcoming album? Adding insult to injury, the band would amass millions of dollars of debt while recording what would be known as Hysteria. Despite hectic times, the band would have faith in Allen's recovery and stick with him. Adapting to an altered electronic drum set, Allen would be back to recording starting in 1985-86.

Wanting to create a hard rock version of Michael Jackson's Thriller, the band hoped for every song on 1987's Hysteria to become a single. Although that did not necessarily happen, the band scored close with seven out of twelve songs becoming singles. The band's release of Hysteria would skyrocket them to new heights and become their best selling album. I absolutely love this album as it is my favorite out of Leppard's discography. Some of my favorite singles on the album are "Animal," "Hysteria," and "Armageddon It."

Beginning an album with a completely new style, the band opens with "Women." I find this song  interesting as it almost possess a heavier sound compared to the rest of the tracks. However, while mimicking their old style, it is an introduction to their new commercial "pop" sound on Hysteria. The third track on the album, "Animal," is definitely my favorite track. I think this may be the song that introduced me to the band many years ago (surprisingly, not "Pour Some Sugar on Me"). The sound on this track is just incredible; everything from the intro guitar riff, the oh-so powerful chorus, and the simple, but yet so good bass track. While in a small band years ago, I think this is the track we played the most (we were all huge Leppard fans).

While I am typically not a fan of songs that get heavy-air-play, "Pour Some Sugar on Me" was crucial to the band's success. This song features all of the key elements Def Leppard is known for―distorted guitars, Joe Elliott's large vocal range, and Rick Allen's new electronic drum set. When I ask people to name one iconic song from the 80s, they always list this song. I guess "Pour Some Sugar on Me" may be one of the best songs to stem from the 1980s.

My second-favorite song on the album quickly follows behind "Pour Some Sugar on Me," "Armageddon It." When I first heard this track, I immediately thought of the band T.Rex. That intro guitar riff and riffs throughout clearly give away one of Def Leppard's inspirations. I always thought this track clearly represented the strong connection guitarists Phil Collen and Steve Clark developed with each other. That bond almost reminds me of Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards from The Rolling Stones. Leppard's melodic guitarists' playing is so fluid and blends together magically. I heavily enjoy the chorus on this song for how powerful it is, and the two guitar solos are definitely a pleasure to the ear.

"Armageddon It" is the last single until listeners get down to "Hysteria" and "Love and Affection" towards the end. While the songs in between singles may not be as known, they are amazing tracks. "Gods of War" riots about warfare, specifically the Cold War, and includes voice overs of President Ronald Reagan to give it an eerie feeling. "Don't Shoot Shot Gun" and "Run Riot" are very upbeat, fast songs that contain high-tempo guitar riffs and harmonies. Many people tend to skip over these two tracks because they are not singles; however, they are very fun tracks!

The second to last single on the album, "Hysteria," is a masterpiece of a ballad. The clean guitar chords and occasional distorted riffs are just beautiful. While the song remains as a ballad entirely, tension is built up in the pre-chorus and transitions into an amazing solo performed by the late Steve Clark. This ballad will always be one of my favorites of the 1980s as it brings back many memories.

To end the best-selling Def Leppard album that shot them up to success, "Love and Affection" is last. From what I remember, this track was Steve Clark's favorite to play live. Similar to "Hysteria," the track is a little more upbeat. As a guitarist, the main part of this song that is prominent to me is the solo. Listeners can really tell Clark put his heart and soul into the composition of such a magnificent song.

The first time I heard this album years ago, I was blown away. The entirety of the album was on repeat for many days afterwards. Even though Def Leppard may have lost some fans that favored their older style of music, they sure gained many new ones. Hysteria sent the band to new heights while scoring them numerous successful singles. This album will forever be my favorite album of the 1980s. All the hard work including the vocals, instrumentation, and overall production is just excellent. What would have the 1980s been like without the music of Def Leppard?

Def Leppard's "In the Round" Concert―1987