10 Overrated Hard Rock Albums Of The '90s
6. Def Leppard - Adrenalize (1992)
The perennially cursed Sheffield glam rockers had to overcome unenviable odds once already, releasing 1987's 'Hysteria' following an accident to drummer Rick Allen which cost him his arm. Just as the band were pulling themselves back together, and re-establishing some normality, guitarist Steve Clark died of an accidental overdose.
For the band to carry under the circumstances is genuinely incredible. What is also incredible (albeit for much different reasons) is how much 'Adrenalize' resonated with fans and how warmly it was received on music alone.
Debuting at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and US Billboard 200, before going on to sell over 7 million copies, the album is considered Def Leppard's last true commercial success and the final dying ember of glam metal, as the world turned gloomier and heavier with the rise of grunge.
Lead single "Let's Get Rocked", with the most terrifying 90s animation music video ever, is still a mainstay of live performances today, and "Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad" made a pre-COVID acoustic return during their Les Vegas residency, with the rest of the album's tracks fading into obscurity, showing that even the band are aware of 'Adrenalize''s hard pop drabness.