Hysteria
Released: 1987

Hysteria

by Def Leppard

The 794th greatest album of all time

Hysteria, released in 1987 by Def Leppard, blends hard rock and glam metal with AOR and arena rock sensibilities, characterized by highly polished, multilayered production, dense vocal harmonies, and tightly arranged, hook-driven songs. Produced over an extended period with a meticulous focus on multitracked guitars, vocal overdubs, and processed drum sounds, the album emphasizes big choruses and radio-friendly arrangements that move between driving rockers and widescreen ballads. Its sound marked a shift toward a glossy, stadium-ready aesthetic while retaining the band's hard rock roots.