Def Leppard’s “Photograph” single was released on February 3, 1983.
The song was actually a leftover, albeit unfinished, track from the band’s High ‘n’ Dry recording sessions. Imagine just for a moment if “Photograph” ended up on High ‘n’ Dry, or if it wasn’t a part of Pyromania — both scenarios are difficult to contemplate!
“Photograph” Best Represents Pyromania
One thing is for certain: Pyromania would not have become such a massive success without “Photograph.”
The made-for-radio track was Pyromania‘s first and most successful U.S. single, peaking at #12 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles chart — quite impressive for the times, considering the chart was being ruled by songs that sounded nothing like “Photograph.” For example, the songs that comprised the Top 5 the week “Photograph” peaked: David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance,” Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” Irene Cara’s “Flashdance…What A Feeling,” Men At Work’s “Overkill,” and Thomas Dolby’s “She Blinded Me With Science.”
Billboard.com’s description of “Photograph” succinctly sums up why the song remains as pleasing to the ears today as it did back in 1983:
“The classic first chords of the No. 12-peaking “Photograph” are the equivalent of revving an engine before a drag race. Between [Joe] Elliott’s mile-high cries and [Phil] Collen utterly owning the solo on the Pyromania track, it’s one of the quintet’s most passionate and best-performed songs.”
A considerable amount of credit must go to Steve Clark for creating the song’s iconic guitar riff and producer Mutt Lange for not only coming up with the line “All I’ve got is a photograph,” but also putting all the pieces together to create one of Def Leppard’s greatest classics. (And what better time for Phil Collen to join the band and contribute his own unforgettable guitar solo to the song!)
Def Leppard’s “Photograph”: A Whole New Perspective
Speaking of Joe Elliott’s “mile-high cries” and Mutt Lange’s incomparable production, it’s fascinating to listen to “Photograph” with only the vocals spotlighted, especially knowing what the song will ultimately sound like in its final form.
Have a listen — here’s a video that showcases Joe Elliott’s vocal track(s):
For further indulgence, here’s a video exhibiting Joe’s vocals with additional backing tracks to support it:
Listening to these versions adds a whole new perspective and appreciation not only to the vocals but to the song in its entirety and Mutt Lange’s masterful production. (If you’d like a more detailed look at the layered tracks that went into creating “Photograph,” click here to read about Pyromania and watch a mesmerizing studio console demonstration.)
Photograph: Imitated But Never Duplicated
Over the years, Def Leppard’s “Photograph” has been covered by the likes of Chris Daughtry with Santana, Warrant’s Jani Lane, The All-American Rejects among others. They’re respectable efforts, and some versions are definitely better than others, but the original still reigns supreme.
Decades after its release, Def Leppard’s version still crackles with energy and remains just as contemporary.
This site ranks “Photograph” the #1 track on the Pyromania album. A snippet from the ranking:
“Just about as perfect as a Def Leppard power-pop song can get — filled with Steve Clark‘s massive, trademark guitar riffs (and a guitar solo courtesy of newcomer at the time, Phil Collen), soaring hooks, and unforgettable stadium-sized harmonies…”
A complete song ranking and review of all songs from Def Leppard’s original studio albums can be read here. (And if you really want to indulge in Def Leppard, check out this must-read book!)
Def Leppard: Photograph (Final Thoughts)
It’s fitting that a photograph can easily conjure up cherished memories and emotions, because the same can be said about Def Leppard’s “Photograph” — it is a timeless treasure.
