On Through The Night Songs Ranked

On Through the Night is the debut studio album by the English rock band Def Leppard, released on 14 March 1980. The album was produced by Tom Allom. It charted at No. 15 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 51 on the Billboard 200. The album features re-recorded versions of “Rocks Off” and “Overture”, tracks from the band’s original independently released EP, The Def Leppard E.P. Other tracks are re-recorded versions of early demos, some of which later appeared on the 2020 box set The Early Years 79–81. The album was certified gold by the RIAA on 18 November 1983 and platinum on 9 May 1989. “Wasted”, “Hello America” and “Rock Brigade” were released as singles. However, the version of “Wasted” that appears on the single is a different recording from that of the LP, as is its B-side, “Hello America”. The spoken word intro to “When the Walls Came Tumbling Down” was performed by Dave Cousins of Strawbs. Joe Elliott had done the spoken portion in earlier live performances and demo recordings that showed up on some early bootlegs. In his biography, Cousins claims that he did his best Laurence Olivier’s impersonation for the song’s intro. Here are all of On Through The Night songs ranked.

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11. It Don’t Matter

“This song is something of an improvement on the album’s straight-forward rock numbers. The song relies mostly on the rhythm, with Rick Allen’s drumming keeping the on/off riffing in check. The chorus is bland and predictable, but the verses have enough punch to make it seem less important. One of the album’s stronger tracks.”

10. Answer to the Master

“This is one the band’s most straight-forward metal numbers, and it isn’t bad in a melodic sense, although it seems to borrow somewhat from Van Halen’s “Runnin’ With The Devil”. The pseudo-occult lyrics are rather poor and bring the track down. However, a tap solo and one of Rick Allen’s only drum solos brings the song back up in my estimation”

9. Satellite

“This space-themed piece is something of an improvement on the last piece and is perhaps an influence with their later hit “Rocket”. However, like the previous track, the song lacks any real passion and the band try to overdo it in some of the timings. However, the guitar sound is something of an improvement and a nice more peaceful section, however ultimately the somewhat uninspired melody and quite poor lyrics (stay on course/feel the force) let it down.”

See more: Def Leppard Albums Ranked

8. Overture

“The album closes on a somewhat unexpected note, with this Rush-styled prog number. It’s definitely typical of the band but the song is still very good. The band letting back and letting the melodies do the talking rather than walls of distortion. The song also lets the band stand out as an instrumental ensemble, using some tight lead harmonies whilst Elliot has less input as a singer. The lyrics are an improvement, and it generally seems to be a good song. Shame, it wouldn’t be a place where Leppard would go again.”

7. Rocks Off

“Early on, this was seen as the band’s theme song (their debut EP takes it’s name from the track) but it’s not their greatest piece. The lyrics are once again rather juvenile and uninspired. The dubbed in audience sound isn’t too great either. However, this is one of the best produced tracks on the album, featuring some stereo sound on the guitars. But it’s really the only strong poin”

6. Sorrow is a Woman

“This romantic rocker, again fits in with the great side of the album, it’s not exactly like Leppard’s later efforts, but it’s good regardless. Joe’s Elliot’s vocals go a little off-key in parts and with better mixing, the song could’ve improved, but it’s still a wonderful song on the album even highlighting the Thin Lizzy/Queen influenced harmonised lead guitars. Something which would be more or less disregarded in later years.”

5. When the Walls Came Tumbling Down

“An example of the band’s early prog leanings, the song seems to be about an apocalypse and alien invasion. The lyrics read like a bad sci-fi novel, but the melody is fairly good, and give the song a fittingly dramatic atmosphere. The band would later drop this kind of style for more radio-friendly songs, but with more improvement, this style could’ve fit quite well with the band.”

See more: Def Leppard Songs Ranked

4. It Could Be You

“This where the album seems to falter to me. This song is something of a bland rocker with a very annoying chorus. The band try to outdo themselves with some bizarre placing with guitar chords, and Joe’s voice is noticeably straining. The solo is a bit up and down having some great bits and bad bits but it’s a little inconsistent. Certainly not the album’s best track.”

3. Rock Brigade

“With the thrashing of Pete Willis’ and Steve Clark’s guitars, the album begins with this early Leppard anthem. Basically a call to arms song, nothing more, nothing less. Joe Elliot’s voice is still a little shaky and is some way off from the skill he employed some five years down the road. Rick Allen (at this point, still with two arms) plays some quite accomplished fills (being only about sixteen at the time) The skill isn’t amazing, but it suits a far purpose and is a great album opener.”

2. Hello America

“This song got the band into trouble in England early on, due to feelings that they’d sold out to the American market (where they also, had far more success, which is quite well known.) The chorus showcases some early use of Leppard’s legendary harmonies, which still need a fair amount of improvement. The lyrics are pure rock music ecstasy and the band even manage to add an almost Beach Boys kind of feel. The song is somewhat heavy on keyboards for Leppard in the chorus. But it still works. An undoubted stand-out of the album.”

1. Wasted

“The closest the band ever got to punk (the band openly detested the movement) it’s rough and violent atmosphere fits the band perfectly, on what ahs to be the album’s heaviest number. Over the years, this track has given off a somewhat eerie aftertaste as this is somewhat reminiscent of the death of guitarist Steve Clark (who also wrote all the song’s melody) but it’s still a great song”