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Aptly named, Back in Black marks AC/DC's return with a new frontman, Brian Johnson. It seemed the rock world was just getting to know the potential and wistful energy of Bon Scott, and in 1979, his life was wasted...literally. Quick to find a replacement, AC/DC recorded their new album in less than a month and took on the world with a fresh batch of songs - ten in all - written by Johnson and arranged by Young brothers Angus and Malcolm.
The album opens with a throng of bell tolls from Hell, a beginning quite apropos for a dark album. Young then slowly plucks an ominous riff, followed by thunderous drum accompaniment from Phil Rudd. Then, at long last, the new voice of AC/DC harkens to the the rock lords:
"I'm a rollin' thunder, a pourin' rain!
I'm comin' on like a hurricane!"
There is no letup from here; forty minutes of no-holds-barred, thunderous and unchained hard rock, a devil's banquet of selections: fancying pleasure (What Do You do for Money Honey, You Shook Me All Night Long), eternal life raising Hell (Back in Black and Shoot to Thrill), boozing with your mates (Have a Drink on Me)...this album is self-described noise pollution: dirty, loud and nasty. Who would have thought that could be so nice?
The album opens with a throng of bell tolls from Hell, a beginning quite apropos for a dark album. Young then slowly plucks an ominous riff, followed by thunderous drum accompaniment from Phil Rudd. Then, at long last, the new voice of AC/DC harkens to the the rock lords:
"I'm a rollin' thunder, a pourin' rain!
I'm comin' on like a hurricane!"
There is no letup from here; forty minutes of no-holds-barred, thunderous and unchained hard rock, a devil's banquet of selections: fancying pleasure (What Do You do for Money Honey, You Shook Me All Night Long), eternal life raising Hell (Back in Black and Shoot to Thrill), boozing with your mates (Have a Drink on Me)...this album is self-described noise pollution: dirty, loud and nasty. Who would have thought that could be so nice?
I'm not sure if there is anything more to be said about one of the most famous, beat-selling albums in the history of rock, but I will put in my two cents. This was AC/DC's first album after the death of lead singer Bon Scott. The remaining band members, including brothers/guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young, bassist Cliff a Williams and drummer Phil Rudd decided to carry on. "Back in Black" was intended as a tribute to Scott, as well as being an introduction to new lead singer Brian Johnson.
And it was successful in both counts. "Back in Black" had sold over fifty million copies, putting it in the top three best selling albums of all time. The album has stood the test of time for the Australian band, as the title track has become one of the most popular ringtones of all time, being certified as double platinum in 2007. At the time of the albums release in 1980, hard rock/heavy metal was something of an underground phenomenon, and having the cross-platform, even cross-generational appeal was unthinkable.
But the album is certainly more than sales. This is hard rock, but with a highly melodic selection of songs. Once it passed the stigma of heavy metal, fans of all genres realized there was something special to this album. It's a sustained high energy that doesn't drop for an instant... there is no tender ballad here, this is non stop rock. But there is a clear musicianship that isn't found in a lot of metal. Every note feels fully committed, fully planned and rehearsed until perfect. The lyrics aren't Shakespeare, but they shouldn't be. They act add an extension of the band, an additional instrument.
One of the best things about AC/DC, particularly here, is their song intros. The steady beat that leads into the launch of"Back in Black"; the twanging guitar that drives into "You Shook Me All Night Long". AC/DC may be the best band ever at crafting introducings to their songs, giving the listener that anticipation until the heart of the song bursts from their instruments. It is truly evident here, the group starts taking you one way, then slams on the brakes and spins you in another. It makes for a great ride.
If you are someone who hasn't yet bought this album, you owe it to yourself as a music fan to do so. This whole album rocks, forget the singles, get the whole thing, it's not just a great piece of rock, it has become a piece of history.
And it was successful in both counts. "Back in Black" had sold over fifty million copies, putting it in the top three best selling albums of all time. The album has stood the test of time for the Australian band, as the title track has become one of the most popular ringtones of all time, being certified as double platinum in 2007. At the time of the albums release in 1980, hard rock/heavy metal was something of an underground phenomenon, and having the cross-platform, even cross-generational appeal was unthinkable.
But the album is certainly more than sales. This is hard rock, but with a highly melodic selection of songs. Once it passed the stigma of heavy metal, fans of all genres realized there was something special to this album. It's a sustained high energy that doesn't drop for an instant... there is no tender ballad here, this is non stop rock. But there is a clear musicianship that isn't found in a lot of metal. Every note feels fully committed, fully planned and rehearsed until perfect. The lyrics aren't Shakespeare, but they shouldn't be. They act add an extension of the band, an additional instrument.
One of the best things about AC/DC, particularly here, is their song intros. The steady beat that leads into the launch of"Back in Black"; the twanging guitar that drives into "You Shook Me All Night Long". AC/DC may be the best band ever at crafting introducings to their songs, giving the listener that anticipation until the heart of the song bursts from their instruments. It is truly evident here, the group starts taking you one way, then slams on the brakes and spins you in another. It makes for a great ride.
If you are someone who hasn't yet bought this album, you owe it to yourself as a music fan to do so. This whole album rocks, forget the singles, get the whole thing, it's not just a great piece of rock, it has become a piece of history.