Def Leppard’s Hysteria: A Masterclass in Pop Metal

Taglines for a Blockbuster

Every moment of Hysteria resonates at an epic scale. The opening lines of its first three tracks—“In the beginning,” “White lights,” “A wild ride”—serve as captivating taglines reminiscent of blockbuster movie trailers. While many singles from Hysteria could have benefited from a minute being trimmed off their run time, these “single edits” often stripped away essential elements like backmasked intros, pitch-shifted narration, and extended guitar harmonies. Such edits reduced the album to mere rock, ignoring its operatic and symphonic qualities that appealed to a broader audience, even those who might never attend an opera or symphony performance.

Critical Reception vs. Audience Connection

Critics yearned for the raw energy of Pyromania, dismissing Hysteria as a departure from the band’s youthful exuberance. A review in Creem likened the album unfavorably to Metallica’s The $5.98 EP, using a metaphor of extended constipation to express dissatisfaction. This critique missed the essence of Hysteria, which captivated adolescents drawn to the spandex, exaggerated physiques, and implied sexuality, while adults could appreciate the album’s physicality and grand stakes. The primary detractors were those who couldn’t relate, muttering, “this isn’t real, you know.”

The Creative Process Behind Hysteria

The sound of Hysteria was never meant to reflect five musicians jamming in a room. Instead, Def Leppard openly embraced their creative process, deconstructing pop metal to create something larger and more vibrant. Guitarists Phil Collen and Steve Clark recorded their parts using a compact Rockman—a headphone amp designed by Tom Scholz of Boston fame. While Marshall stacks are visually striking on stage, in the studio, their crunch and grit overshadowed the melodic elements that characterize pop music: the vocals and rhythm.

Engineering for Perfection

Hysteria is often misremembered as an album where every chord was meticulously overdubbed string by string. While this idea reflects producer Mutt Lange’s pursuit of mechanical perfection, it’s worth noting that this approach was only employed for the pre-chorus of the title track, which ironically has the most organic-sounding guitar part on the record. Collen recounted a moment in the studio where a friend questioned his method of playing one note at a time, to which he simply replied, “Wait ’til you hear it all together.”

Influences and Inspirations

Unlike other bands that transitioned from rock to a more robotic sound out of boredom or doubt, Def Leppard’s journey was rooted in admiration for their influences. Lead singer Joe Elliott drew inspiration from British pop icons like Mott the Hoople, T. Rex, and the Rolling Stones, as well as contemporary pop acts such as INXS, Prince, and Michael Jackson, particularly his hit “Beat It.” Rather than enlisting celebrated guitarists like Eddie Van Halen or members of Toto for collaboration, the band sought inspiration from a diverse array of musical genres.

Conclusion

Hysteria stands as a testament to Def Leppard’s innovative spirit, merging rock with pop sensibilities to create an album that resonates across generations. Its theatricality, grand production, and unyielding ambition define it as not just a collection of songs, but a cultural phenomenon that captured the imagination of its audience. In doing so, Def Leppard carved out a unique space in the music landscape, proving that rock can indeed evolve into something extraordinary.

FAQs

What makes Hysteria different from previous Def Leppard albums?

Hysteria features a more polished and grandiose sound compared to earlier albums like Pyromania, incorporating pop elements and an operatic style that broadens its appeal.

Who were the main influences behind the sound of Hysteria?

Joe Elliott cited British pop legends such as Mott the Hoople and T. Rex, as well as contemporary artists like INXS and Michael Jackson, as significant influences on the album’s sound.

How did the production process influence the final sound of Hysteria?

Producer Mutt Lange’s meticulous approach to recording, including unique techniques like overdubbing and using the Rockman, contributed to the album’s distinctive sonic quality, making it feel larger than life.

What was the critical reception of Hysteria upon its release?

While Hysteria received mixed reviews from critics who preferred the band’s earlier, raw energy, it ultimately resonated with a vast audience, particularly adolescents drawn to its theatricality and catchy hooks.