← Back

High 'n' Dry

by Def Leppard

Released: July 06, 1981

Heavy metal, hard rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

High 'n' Dry is the second studio album by the British rock band Def Leppard. The album is noted for its heavy tracks and lyrical substance. High 'n' Dry features one of the band's most well-known songs, "Bringin' On the Heartbreak".

Inside the Recording

Released on July 11, 1981, it was produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Being one of the first rock songs to…

Being one of the first rock songs to use layered production and guitar effects, it later became a hit when it was remixed and re-released in 1984 with a promotional music video.

High 'n' Dry marked the final appearance of…

High 'n' Dry marked the final appearance of Pete Willis as a member of Def Leppard in the capacity of a full band member.

His rhythm guitar tracks remained, though Phil Collen…

His rhythm guitar tracks remained, though Phil Collen would replace him for the album's promotional activities and become a permanent member of the band.

Despite Def Leppard's later success with the albums…

Despite Def Leppard's later success with the albums Pyromania and Hysteria, band members have frequently stated in interviews that High 'n' Dry was their favorite Def Leppard album.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Def Leppard - High 'n' Dry

Open in Albums Gallery

Then

Reception

While it didn't achieve significant commercial success at its initial release, High 'n' Dry went on to be certified double platinum in the United States, indicating it was a slow-burning hit.

Now

Legacy

The album is also widely regarded as one of the key releases of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

High 'n' Dry is the second studio album by the British rock band Def Leppard. Released on July 11, 1981, it was produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange. While it didn't achieve significant commercial success at its initial release, High 'n' Dry went on to be certified double platinum in the United States, indicating it was a slow-burning hit.

The album is noted for its heavy tracks and lyrical substance. High 'n' Dry features one of the band's most well-known songs, "Bringin' On the Heartbreak". Being one of the first rock songs to use layered production and guitar effects, it later became a hit when it was remixed and re-released in 1984 with a promotional music video.

High 'n' Dry marked the final appearance of Pete Willis as a member of Def Leppard in the capacity of a full band member. His rhythm guitar tracks remained, though Phil Collen would replace him for the album's promotional activities and become a permanent member of the band.

Despite Def Leppard's later success with the albums Pyromania and Hysteria, band members have frequently stated in interviews that High 'n' Dry was their favorite Def Leppard album. The album is also widely regarded as one of the key releases of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement.