Retro Spins: Def Leppard - Hysteria



After subjecting myself to that which is known as Communards, I had to take the easy route to something I knew would be fantastic.

I'm no stranger to Def Leppard, having a few of their albums at my disposal. However, at the same time, I'm no mega fan. I couldn't honestly tell you who any of the band members are. What I could tell you though, is Hysteria is a solid album! Probably their best. Nay, it is their best album, and the albums selling of over twenty-five millions, making it their best to date, proves it.

I think what makes the album such a masterpiece is the amount of time put into it. While you could say it was plagued by delays which continued to hinder the project, I would argue those delays were essential in producing the album into what it was. Issues such as losing their original producer, Mutt Lange, who later returned to the project. Recording sessions which the band were unhappy with, and later scraped. Even the tragedy of drummer, Rick Allen (thanks Wikipedia) losing his arm. All of this was essential to Hysteria becoming Hysteria. 

Featuring the amazing hits, Women, Rocket, Animal, Love Bites, Pour Some Sugar On Me, Armageddon It and Hysteria, the album leaves little to complain about. Mind you, those were just the singles released. My personal favorite Run Riot and noteworthy tracks Gods Of War and Excitable are also on the album.

Honestly, I could sit here all day telling you over and over how fantastic this album is, but instead I'll leave it with a strong recommendation that you instead just go listen to it. I'm sure, even if you don't own it, there's somewhere on the web you can play it - such as Youtube.

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6 comments:

  1. Yeah - this is a no brainer. Easy soft pitch for a grand slam. I was introduced to Def Leppard with Pyromania and they instantly became my favorite band. I even went back to buy High and Dry and On Through the Night with my Columbia Record and Tape membership. Then Hysteria came out. All the songs rock. Admittedly, Gods of War and Hysteria are probably my favorite after all this time. And you can't go wrong with Pour Some Sugar. I bought the vinyl record for my daughter for Christmas. It is a must have.

    Now the interesting thing is that while Hysteria has always been my favorite with Pyromania a very close second, over the years I've debated wither Adrenalize might have taken the top spot. Regardless, three great albums. I've also watched a documentary or two which shows Def Leppard have had as many hits or top albums as The Beatles, Stones, and other British Rock powerhouses.

    Finally, I saw them in concert in 88 during Hysteria. I also saw them in 2000 when I moved to Albuquerque after leaving the army. The payroll lady at my office was best friends with the tour manager. She actually purchased defleppard.com in the early days of the internet and he had to buy it from her. Anyway, a few of us went to the concert and were able to go backstage and meet the band. We had two cameras. One camera was lost when the owner moved across country the next week before developing the film. The other camera, our payroll lady's mom opened the camera and exposed the film. So no proof but it was fun to hang out and a great concert of course.

    Hoping you do a review of Pyromania and Adrenalize sometime. Hope to get your perspective on both, but especially Adrenalize. Could it top Hysteria?

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    1. You know, I have Pyromania, but have never listened to it. Not once. I keep meaning to pick up Adrenalize, but ignore it because of the 90's.

      A guy I work with used to be a roadie for bands, one of which was Def Leppard. He has a massive collection of autographed memorabilia.

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    2. For as many times as I've turned over my 80s street cred card to you for not knowing bands, turn yours in for never listening to Pyromania. Sheesh!

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  2. Also - you spelled Hysteria wrong on the post title. No need to post. Just wanted to let you know. Blasphemy! :-)

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