A Revelation of Def Leppard's Hysteria: A Critical Look at 1987's Monolith

When Def Leppard released Hysteria in 1987, the music world was abuzz with anticipation. Known for their early metal masterpieces, like the iconic Pyromania, the band had a lot riding on Hysteria. This article explores the album's impact, reception, and how it measures up against Def Leppard's other works and the music of the era.

The Build-Up and Expectations

The hype surrounding Hysteria was tremendous. Articles and interviews from magazines like Kerrang! focused extensively on Joe Elliott and the album, suggesting an almost mythical return from the band. My own experience bears this out. As a fervent Def Leppard fan, I was eager to procure a copy the moment the album was announced. My young, naive self held out the hope that Hysteria would live up to the immense hype and surpass Pyromania.

The Reality and Reception

Unfortunately, the purchase of Hysteria resulted in a level of disappointment that ran deep. The opening track, 'Women,' was marginally enjoyable, but the rest of the album was a letdown. Hysteria could best be described as overproduced pop-rock, a stark contrast to the metal mastery evident in earlier works. My frustration was palpable, and while I continue to appreciate Def Leppard's output, Hysteria remains a pivotal disappointment in my collection.

Compared to the zeitgeist of 1987, Hysteria was overshadowed. That same year, expectations were heightened by other classics like Nirvana's Memtion for Destruction and Tesla's Mechanical Resonance. Even Saxon, a NWOBHM colleague of Def Leppard, produced an album that, though not their best, was superior to Hysteria.

As a fan, I would argue that Def Leppard, while talented and powerful, were better than this album. Any judge of their work would do well to ignore Hysteria and appreciate their earlier and later works. For my personal taste, it is decidedly not their finest moment. That said, the negative reception of Hysteria should not overshadow the enduring popularity of the album among many fans. Perhaps this is why Cold Steel can only dream of having a Hysteria in their portfolio.

The Intricacies of 'Hysteria'

Among the standout tracks on Hysteria is the titular song, 'Hysteria.' This track delves into the depths of human emotion and feeling, capturing the struggle and intensity of love and emotions that transcend words. The lyrics explore a feeling that persists, even when attempts are made to suppress it. This concept is encapsulated in the line: 'Can’t compare it to anything I get / Something I feel all the time.'

'Hysteria' is not just a song about love but a vivid portrayal of a feeling that lingers and cannot be explained, even by the abstractions of scientific understanding. The emotional journey captured in the lyrics is a testament to the power of music to evoke and convey complex feelings that are inherently difficult to articulate.

Ultimately, Hysteria presents a mixed bag for Def Leppard. A product of their time, it showcases both the highs and lows of their journey. For a critical listener, it serves as a reminder of artistic evolution and the importance of measuring an album against the artist's entire body of work.