Photograph vs. Photograph

I'm sure you know that Nickelback has a very famous song called "Photograph." Well over two decades ago, Def Leppard recorded a song of the same name. I 100% prefer the Def Leppard version - but you might prefer Nickelback. That's all up to you.

I think Nickelback got the song idea from Def Leppard. I mean, there are variations to themes and words - but basically it's all about looking at an old image with a lusty, heavy heart. Yes, you can be lusty looking at photos of your childhood. It's all about perspective and wishing for something you no longer have such as youth or, you know, a supermodel.

Here is the evidence. Do you think Nickelback ripped off Def Leppard? Who has the better song?

Comments

[Michael]

Def Leppard obviously has the better version, though Nickelback's one is pretty good too. I highly doubt that Nickelback was inspired by Def Leppard in any of their songs. Heck I'd be surprised if Chad Kroeger has even heard the song before.

[Heather]

Def Leppard wins, hands down.. although I do like the Nickelback song too. I'm not sure they ripped the idea off tho. If Nickelback is guilty of anything, I guess it's lacking originality.

[Lucifer]

mmm Def Leppard :)

[Kenny Ozz]

Definately Def Leppard. Nickelback is the definition of what is wrong with new rock music. Bland and boring. I recently named the singer of Nickelback "his name doesnt even deserved to be mentioned" the person I would most like to punch in the face. He just barely edged out Kanye West.

[red6ixx]

i see no connection here at all - one is a fantastic track the other is by nickleback.

[Motleycrue666]

They r both good but leppards is way better. I don't think they ripped em off but they prob. Did know the song

[Christian]

I guess it depends on the definition of rip off. The Nickelback song blows and sounds nothing like Def Lep. The idea is similar enough that they probably got it from Def Lep, maybe they figured no-one had heard of them to notice ?

[Xandra73]

Or there was no ripp-off at all and looking at old photographs just give you ideas like this. It's not the first time bands sing about the same topics. ;)

[PlainJane83]

Nickelback is so awful.

[Bryon]

I like both versions and I don't think they are related at all. Say what you want, but Nickelback writes damn catchy songs. In fact, people say the same things about Nickelback (all flash, no substance, misogynistic lyrics, etc.) that they used to say about bands like Crue & Poison back in the day. I haven't seen them live, but I've heard that they put on a killer show.

[CK]

Def Leppard is much much better. It was written when they were a viable rock band that didn't make a CD called songs from a Crappy record!