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Class 6(66)
AC/DC: Back in black
15/07/08 || theProphet
Released: 1980
Introduction
It was recently (more or less) announced that legendary band AC/DC is set to release a new album. To help building expectations, I’m going to take you back in time. Back to before I was conceived, even… In the year of 1980, tragedy struck the world of hard rock. AC/DC’s frontman Bon Scott was found dead after a drinking binge resulting in him choking on his own vomit. In spite of this, the band decided to carry on, and a replacement, Brian Johnson, was hired. Most of the music for a new album had already been written prior to Scott’s death, and this work was completed together with Johnson before the year was over. Thus, “Back In Black” was born.
Songwriting
9. Amazing. No band writes songs like AC/DC. I’m not saying that no band writes better songs, but no band can churn out no-brainer rock n’ roll riffs like this and create hit after hit. This album holds so many classics it’s ridiculous, I don’t know which one of the Young brothers is responsible for what, so I’ll praise them both equally, songwriting-wise. Songs such as “Hell’s Bells”, “You Shook Me All Night Long” or the title-track are forever untouchable icons of rock, and therefore also metal.
Production
8. What is there really to say? “Back In Black” sports the classic AC/DC sound, not overly distorted, bluesy guitars with a bit of a rough edge, pounding bass, well audible in the mix and drums that sound fucking organic and REAL. Everything here is well balanced and no instrument is overpowering the others. Topping it off is Johnson’s awesome vocal performance blending in perfectly with the overall sound.
Guitars
10. Angus Young is a bonafide guitar hero if I ever saw one. Having ventured into the realms of technical death metal, I can definitely name a dozen that are faster, yet (as we reviewers, who often delve much deeper into the music than the general populace, are well aware of) being a good guitarist has nothing to do with being able to play the most notes per second, Angus Young cock-slaps that Necrophagist guy any day of the week. Also (fuck, this section is getting meaty, well, AC/DC always were a guitar oriented band. I fully realize this bullshit parenthesis made it even longer.) his brother deserves praise for the awesome rhythm work he’s responsible for, one of the best guitar duos there ever was.
Vocals
9. Yes, a fucking nine. I always preferred Brian Johnson to his deceased predecessor, the flat-cap adorned car enthusiast might not be the charismatic performer that the late Scott was, but this is a SOUND recording and charisma doesn’t count for that much here. Johnson’s voice is like a high pitched snarl, somewhat akin to the sound of a whirring engine, if the analogy is permitted. Anyway, it succeeds in giving the songs a raw edge and making the overall sound a little meaner.
Bass
7. The bass on here is the musical equivalent of a regular, ordinary fuck. Just a steady pumping rhythm and nothing flashy about it whatsoever. While not entirely satisfying, it’s certainly way better than a night out that ends with you staggering home to a cold empty bed. Incidentally, the musical equivalent of that is badly produced black metal.
Drums
6,5. A bit like with the bass, but instead this is like watching a quite boring fight. However, as you are a little occupied with having ordinary sex and listening to those awesome guitars, you don’t really care. Still every now and then the odd THUNDERSLUG manages to grab your attention.
Lyrics
7. About as subtle as flailing you manhood at an intended mate. Still, “Let Me Put My Love Into You” was awarded with a place in the infamous “Filthy Fifteen” list, instigated by the PMRC, so at least they’ve gotta be incredibly outrageous and provoking, right?
Let me put my love into you, babe
Let me put my love on the line
Let me put my love into you, babe
Let me cut your cake with my knife
… right…
Rock n’ roll lyrics by numbers, not the worst I’ve heard. By fucking far.
Cover art
8. A classic, simple as that.
Logo
9. Not the height of aesthetic achievement perhaps. Nevertheless, the AC/DC logo is one of the most recognizable in rock history, not always a positive thing as a big golden M is recognizable as well, although not in rock history. Still, it invokes nothing but good feelings in me and most metal fans out there. In all cases, it stands proudly (?) as the most parodied and homaged band logo ever.
Booklet
5. Or whatever. If a booklets not incredibly good (such as Deathspell Omega’s “Kénôse”) I don’t tend to care very much. Safe to say this has never offended me…
Overall and ending rant
8,5. “Back In Black” is an album that will never disappoint you. I seldom find myself really yearning to listen to it, yet every time I do I come to the same conclusion: this is a fucking fantastic album. From the ominous bell in “Hell’s Bells” ‘til the final power chord of “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution”, “BIB” contains quality riffs, licks and sex analogies galore. I doubt that many of you have missed this absolute gem, but if you have, I have now enlightened you of its existence so you no longer have a valid excuse for not loving this. This is the “Sgt. Pepper’s” of rock n’ roll (I would point out that this is the second best selling album by anyone in the history of THE WORLD, but that only means it got second to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”).
