(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 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. Have a listen - here’s a video that showcases Joe Elliott’s vocal track(s):įor further indulgence, here’s a video exhibiting Joe’s vocals with additional backing tracks to support it:
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. (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 Between Elliott’s mile-high cries and Collen utterly owning the solo on the Pyromania track, it’s one of the quintet’s most passionate and best-performed songs.”Ī 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. 12-peaking “Photograph” are the equivalent of revving an engine before a drag race. 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.”ī’s description of “Photograph” succinctly sums up why the song remains as pleasing to the ears today as it did back in 1983:
The made-for-radio track was Pyromania‘s first and most successful U.S. One thing is for certain: Pyromania would not have become such a massive success without “Photograph.” 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 The song was actually a leftover, albeit unfinished, track from the band’s High ‘n’ Dry recording sessions.
Def Leppard’s “Photograph” single was released on February 3, 1983.