Pyromania - Def Leppard (CD 1987)

Want to feel old? Consider this. Anyone who was born during the time when Def Leppard released their breakthrough, multi-platinum, enormously popular album Pyromania can now drive, vote and, in some places, drink beer legally.

18 years.

It's been 18 years since this somewhat soft metal band released that album that would change everything for them. Everything for the better, and everything for the worse.

Prior to 1983's release of Pyromania, Def Leppard, an English hard-rock/metal band, garnered limited success with their debut album entitled On Through the Night (1980) and more wide-spread success with their sophomore release High 'n' Dry (1981) which was helped by the smash single Bringin' on the Heartbreak.

And perhaps it was the success of that single that pointed this band in a slightly new direction. Powerful, sometimes ballad-like lyrics behind strong guitars, pounding drums and rhythmic beats. Somehow, they crafted the magic behind that one single into an album packed full of #1 hits. The result was 1983's Pyromania which hit the scene with the first monster single in Photograph and never looked back - nor did the band.

It's a shame that, with their new found fame, so much real heartbreak would hit this band, what with the tragic accident of their drummer, which left him with one arm, the constant rumors of their total demise as a band and, later, the death of their lead guitarist through an accidental drug/alcohol overdose. But despite these down sets, Def Leppard succeeded even further with a future as bright as any band of the 80's, 90's or even today.

But first, we have their original masterpiece - Pyromania.

1. Rock! Rock! Till You Drop
The album starts off with a bang. No, make that a blast, with this fast paced, guitar heavy piece that showcases the vocal talents of lead singer Joe Elliott. Few lead singers in today's rock world can hit the highs that Elliott can obtain. Yet, equally impressive is his ability to range down low so well. The combination is rather appealing and definitely unique. A solid rock tune, this one is a clear winner.

2. Photograph
Every (popular) artist has that one break through song that made them the band they are/were. For Def Leppard, that song is undeniably Photograph, a rock-strong ballad that captures the real essence of the musical stylings of Def Leppard. Not just another head-banging, hair band from the 80's, Def Leppard proved they had musical abilities superior to most coupled with some generally thought provoking lyrics. The combinations, especially in the case of Photograph, was clearly successful and fresh. 18 years later, and Photograph is still a popular song on the airwaves.

"I see your face every time I dream
On every page, every magazine
So wild and free, so far from me
You're all I want, my fantasy..."

3. Stagefright
Another power-packed song that showcases the percussion mastery and guitar expertise that Def Leppard clearly contains. Some time changes worthy of Rush, Stagefright is a catchy tune that did well as a follow-up single to Photograph. A wild song when performed live as well, this one's yet another in the long string of hits that this album produced. Great stuff.

4. Too Late
Slowing down the tempo with their first real ballad on the album Too Late is a song with some depressing, yet interesting lyrics. But the vocal representation of these lyrics are what really carry this tune. An inspirationally performed guitar solo in the middle of the track is another highlight. Brought together, you have another song that became a staple for the band for years to come. It may be too late for love, but it wasn't too late for Def Leppard to produce a great ballad.

5. Die Hard the Hunter
A track that didn't get much airplay, but is still worthy of addition on this fine album, Die Hard the Hunter takes a dark look at some of the perils of war and violence imbedded in each of us. Expertly performed once again with some interesting musical twists, this is one that is clearly appreciated more and more with every listen.

"You got no enemy, no front line
The only battles in the back of your mind
You don't know how to change from bad to good
You brought the war to your neighbourhood
You can't do that, no, you can't do that ..."


6. Foolin'
Arguably the second biggest hit behind Photograph is Foolin', another great mix of almost ballad like performances, with classic Def Leppard vocals and melodies. This is a great tune to rock to and drive to, and one that has the crowd always exploding when performed live. The stuttering-like vocals just add to the overall appeal of this song which states, strongly, that I'm not foolin' myself.... Don't fool yourself either, this is a great, great song.

7. Rock Of Ages
From it's opening lyrics, sung maniacally by Elliott...

"Gunter glieben glauchen globen ...

Alright
I got something to say
It's better to burn out than fade away
All right
Gonna start a fire ... "

to its constant ripping guitar licks, this is another classic Def Leppard tune that's as popular as any other in their entire catalog. Getting the albums name from the line "Rock on, rock on. Drive me crazier, no serenade. No fire brigade, just pyromania...", Rock Of Ages brings to light the fact that Def Leppard employs some great dramatics in their songs behind the nicely arranged back up vocals of the other members. While there's no denying that Elliott is the lead singer, he's nicely aided in this tune (and others) by his band mates. It makes for a great song that has contained enough energy to last through the years and beyond. Volume to 10 on this one folks. Volume to 10.

8. Comin' Under Fire
Another song that didn't get much air play, but certainly deserved to. Comin' Under Fire is another catchy tune with a great story behind it about the temptations of a woman - something I assume the members of Def Leppard are quite accustomed to. Not a ballad, and not a hard-rocker like Rock of Ages, this song is somewhere in the middle, where Def Leppard actually garnishes most of their success.

9. Action! Not Words
Perhaps one of the weaker songs on the album, but still a unique Def Leppard entry, Action! Not Words pushes the vocal abilities of Elliott to the limit as he more screams and less sings the majority of this song. Still, his screeching along with the solid guitar and bass line make for an interesting tune. Not the albums best song, but still enjoyable and still Def Leppard.

10. Billy's Got a Gun
The last track of the album is one of its most moving songs. Billy's Got a Gun has some powerful lyrics married to some exceptionally performed music. Slower paced, but not a ballad, the story of Billy and his gun (possibly Billy the Kid) are crafted throughout the song and actually hold on to you until the final two crashing lyrics of 'bang, bang...'. Powerful to be sure and another example of the exceptional lyrical abilities of this band.

"Oh he was locked inside a room without a door
His innocence he suffered for
In a world of black and white, they were wrong and he was right
Just looking for a clue, it's a nightmare come true
He's going underground to track that danger down
Oh Billy, hey why you got that gun? "

10 great songs, one album, millions of copies sold - and still going strong after 18 years. Few, if any, albums can make that claim. And Def Leppard was only warming up...

Thanks, as always, for reading...