Def Leppard's Hysteria

April 24, 2011

Blast from the past
Def Leppard's Hysteria

Faizul Khan Tanim presents an album by the glam-metal legend
Hysteria is probably one of glam-metal’s most definitive albums. Released on August 3, 1987, it spawned seven hit singles and sold over 20 million copies worldwide.

Though Def Leppard had already released three albums, this one pushed them into the spotlight. With producer Mutt Lange on board, they successfully altered their sound towards more mellow hard rock, rather than heavy metal, to break through.

The album peaked at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and the UK Albums chart. Most importantly, this was the first release after the tragic car accident that left drummer Rick Allen with only one arm, but using a custom-made electronic kit, Allen continued to drum for the band as their inspiration.

Hysteria became more successful than their previous record, Pyromania, and helped to revolutionise the music industry with an album length at 63 minutes, at a time when album length lay stagnant at 45 minutes long.

The songs are a blast to listen to and come with catchy hooks that will stay in your head for a long time, from the flirtatious lyrics in Pour Some Sugar On Me to the guitar solos in Animal. Songs like Hysteria and Rocket feature memorable riffs, catchy choruses and fantastic vocal harmony.

Animal is till date one of their most exciting music videos.

Hysteria went on to dominate album charts around the world for three years with RIAA x 12 platinum sales in America in 2009. It is the 51st best selling album of all time there, and spent a record 96 weeks in the US Top 40.

The band is believed to have been influenced by T Rex, Led Zepplin and AC/DC and in turn has influenced the likes of Bon Jovi, Poison, Slaughter, among others.

If you are looking for good music, do make sure to not pass this album up and take a listen. You may be surprised.