Exploring Def Leppard's Ambitious and Nuanced Track 'Gods of War
Def Leppard's musical tastes were diverse, drawing inspiration from British pop and classic rock influences. Their breakthrough album, Hysteria, showcased a blend of melodic pop and hard rock, aiming to create a classic pop album akin to Michael Jackson's Thriller. Despite the album's commercial success, fan favorite 'Gods of War' stood out as a powerful and nuanced track, delving into political themes.
Written from the perspective of a man on the street amidst political tensions, 'Gods of War' featured intricate guitar work from lead guitarists Phil Collen and Steve Clark. Clark's creative contributions, including the main riff inspired by The Police's 'Message in a Bottle,' added depth to the song. The track also incorporated influences from Pink Floyd, evident in the outro's guitar picking reminiscent of 'Goodbye Blue Sky' from The Wall.
Def Leppard's willingness to explore complex themes and incorporate diverse musical influences resulted in 'Gods of War' becoming one of their most ambitious songs. Despite their reputation for melodic pop-rock hits, the band's deeper cuts revealed a willingness to address political issues and showcase their musical prowess beyond mainstream success.