AC/DC album by album

I can't say I'm a fan of AC/DC, they have generally appeared to me to be a rather derivative band, lacking in imagination and ideas, lacking in authenticity, and simply a commercial MOR rock band. However they have been phenomenally successful - they are one of the best selling musical artists of all time,  coming third after Led Zeppelin and Queen as the most successful hard rock act. And Back In Black is the third highest selling album of all time.  Clearly I am in the minority in not adoring them. I have tried now and again to get to grips with just why they are successful, but each time I listen to the band what I hear are copies of riffs and rolls created by The Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Who, etc. There's perhaps more melody in the music, and less challenge to the listener in that the music stays within its genre, unlike the sweep of ideas and genres that Zeppelin explored, or the ambitious themes that Townsend took The Who through. This is in effect easy listening music in a hard(ish) rock format.

Albums

High Voltage (1976) 

The band's first two albums,  High Voltage (Feb 1975) and T.N.T. (Dec 1975), were only released in Australia. A compilation of tracks from those albums were released in April 1976 as High Voltage.  It contains the familiar AC/DC riff driven sound, and though the vocals were done by Bon Scott, they have a similar sound to the vocals of Brian Johnson who replaced Scott in 1980, in time for the Back To Black album.  There are some songs which don't sound like AC/DC, and show that they could deviate if they wanted. "The Jack" is a blues based number which clearly takes ideas from  The Sensational Alex Harvey Band.  "Can I Sit Next To You Girl" is a glam rock number, again delivered in a SAHB manner.  "Little Lover" sounds like something T.Rex or Gary Glitter may have discarded as too dreary.  It's an OK album - a little more tongue-in-cheek and varied than later AC/DC, and so, for me, a little more likeable. But it's not an album I can see myself returning to as there's nothing particularly worthwhile here. Listenable, but not special. 

Released	30 April 1976
Recorded	November 1974 March – July 1975
Studio	Albert (Sydney)
Genre	Hard rock  blues rock
Length	44:23
Label	Atlantic
Producer	Harry Vanda  George Young

All tracks are written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young and Bon Scott except where noted.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)"	5:02
2.	"Rock 'n' Roll Singer"	5:04
3.	"The Jack"	5:53
4.	"Live Wire"	5:50

Side two

No.	Title	Length
5.	"T.N.T."	3:35
6.	"Can I Sit Next to You Girl" (A. Young, M. Young)	4:12
7.	"Little Lover"	5:40
8.	"She's Got Balls"	4:52
9.	"High Voltage"	4:04

• Bon Scott – lead vocals, bagpipes on "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)"
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, lead guitar on "Little Lover", backing vocals
• Mark Evans – bass guitar on tracks 1–6 (George Young – bass guitar on tracks 7–9)
• Phil Rudd – drums on tracks 1–6  (Tony Currenti – drums on tracks 7–9)

Wikipedia
AllMusic:  9
Score: 4

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)

This has a boogie sound, more ZZ Top than Canned Heat. There's some simple but engaging rock boogie like "Rocker", as well as more familiar AC/DC material like "Problem Child". The songs "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" and "Big Balls" are popular for their lewd humour. The album is fairly simple and obvious, but fun. Take it for what it is. This is entertainment for the masses. Fast guitars, raucous noise, and lewd songs. Hugely popular. 

Released	20 September 1976
Recorded	December 1975 – March 1976
Studio	Albert (Sydney)
Genre	Hard rock  blues rock
Length	42:24 (Australia) 39:59 (international)
Label	Albert  Atlantic
Producer	Harry Vanda  George Young

All tracks are written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"	3:52
2.	"Love at First Feel"	3:13
3.	"Big Balls"	2:38
4.	"Rocker"	2:52
5.	"Problem Child"	5:47

Side two

No.	Title	Length
1.	"There's Gonna Be Some Rockin'"	3:18
2.	"Ain't No Fun (Waiting 'Round to Be a Millionaire)"	6:58
3.	"Ride On"	5:54
4.	"Squealer"	5:15

• Bon Scott – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Mark Evans – bass guitar
• Phil Rudd – drums

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 10
Score: 5 

Let There Be Rock (1977)

This sounds so common place that I'm going to compare it with other hard rock albums released in the same period: Foreigner (March) - more melodic and spacious, but more obviously corporate and serious; Next (Journey - Feb) - very slow and boring; The Runaways/Queens of Noise (1976-1977) - guitar-driven pop-rock; Love Gun (Kiss - June) - similar riffing and simplistic drumming, but a more serious attitude, less partying and lewdness, less fun; Virgin Killer (Scorpions - Oct 1976) - similar; R.E.O. (June 1976) -  more country rock than hard rock;  Lace And Whiskey (Alice Cooper - April) - more complex song structure, more instruments, less focus on riffing;  No Heavy Petting (UFO - May 1976) - more varied, solos rather than riffing;  Rising (Rainbow - May 1976) - similar;  Rocks (Aerosmith - May 1976) - dull; Bat Out Of Hell (Meat Loaf  - Sept) - Awesome!; Motorhead (Aug) - packs a punch, loads of energy;  Cheap Trick (Feb) - more glam rock than hard rock; A Day At The Races (Queen - Dec 1976) - similar, less rocky, more varied, smarter, but more pop; Leave Home (Ramones - Jan ) - fast pop rock, melodic, amusing fun; Damned Damned Damned (The Damned - Feb) fast garage rock, limited, like early Alice Cooper;  I'm Stranded (The Saints - Feb) fast glam rock, like New York Dolls; Never Mind The Bollocks (Sex Pistols - Oct) - fast, tight, exciting, bold lyrics and attitude.  

On the whole this is a fun album. It's not as exciting or fun as the previous album, but it works well - perhaps better. The songs are better, and have endured.  Everyone does their job. It's better than some other hard rock albums in 1977, but not as good as others. "Whole Lotta Rosie" is probably the stand out track, but there are no real duffers. The album chugs along as you'd expect it to. There's no pretention here - just a bunch of lads out to have a good time and play some steaming rock. 

Released	21 March 1977 (Australia) 25 July 1977 (international)[1]
Recorded	January – February 1977
Studio	Albert (Sydney)
Genre	Hard rock  blues rock
Length	40:19 (Australia) 41:01 (international)
Label	Albert  Atlantic
Producer	Harry Vanda  George Young

All tracks are written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young and Bon Scott.

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Go Down"	5:31
2.	"Dog Eat Dog"	3:35
3.	"Let There Be Rock"	6:06
4.	"Bad Boy Boogie"	4:27

Side two

No.	Title	Length
5.	"Problem Child"	5:25
6.	"Overdose"	6:09
7.	"Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be"	4:14
8.	"Whole Lotta Rosie"	5:24

• Bon Scott – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Mark Evans – bass guitar
• Phil Rudd – drums, percussion

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 9
Score: 5 

Powerage (May 1978)

I've played this album a few times now, and my mind keeps wandering away. Nothing here holds my interest, let alone keep it. It all sounds old, cliched, and chug a chug repetitive. There is potential for excitement, but it's kinda held back. The awful cover doesn't help. It is liked and respected by some interesting people apparently, including Keef (though I'd like to see the actual quote and the circumstance before accepting that). A temporary score until I come back and give it another chance. 

Released	28 April 1978 (UK)[1] 25 May 1978 (US)[2]
Recorded	January – March 1978
Studio	Albert (Sydney)
Genre	Hard rock  blues rock
Length	39:47
Label	Albert  Atlantic
Producer	Harry Vanda  George Young

All tracks are written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young and Bon Scott

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Rock 'n' Roll Damnation"	3:37
2.	"Down Payment Blues"	6:04
3.	"Gimme a Bullet"	3:21
4.	"Riff Raff"	5:12

Side two

No.	Title	Length
5.	"Sin City"	4:45
6.	"What's Next to the Moon"	3:32
7.	"Gone Shootin'"	5:06
8.	"Up to My Neck in You"	4:13
9.	"Kicked in the Teeth"	3:54

• Bon Scott – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals 
• Phil Rudd – drums

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 7
Score: 4 

If You Want Blood You Got It (Oct 1978)

Live album. It's a good one. Proper straight-ahead rocking. 

Released	13 October 1978
Recorded	30 April 1978
Venue	The Apollo (Glasgow)
Genre	Hard rock  blues rock
Length	52:42
Label	Albert  Atlantic
Producer	Harry Vanda  George Young

All tracks are written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young and Bon Scott

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Riff Raff" (from Powerage)	5:59
2.	"Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be" (from Let There Be Rock)	4:10
3.	"Bad Boy Boogie" (from Let There Be Rock)	7:29
4.	"The Jack" (from T.N.T.)	5:48
5.	"Problem Child" (from Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap)	4:40

Side two

No.	Title	Length
6.	"Whole Lotta Rosie" (from Let There Be Rock)	4:05
7.	"Rock 'n' Roll Damnation" (from Powerage)	3:41
8.	"High Voltage" (from T.N.T.)	5:05
9.	"Let There Be Rock" (from Let There Be Rock)	8:33
10.	"Rocker" (from T.N.T.)	3:24

• Bon Scott – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Phil Rudd – drums

Wikipedia
AllMusic:  7
Score: 6

Highway To Hell (July 1979) 

I'm liking the Highway To Hell album. Proper rocking album. Scott has a proper rock voice and energy. Solid boogie rhythm by the band. Tight, simple, clean, unpretentious. Good, contained licks by  Angus - nothing fancy or over the top - proper chops and trills. Take it on its own terms, and this is a classic hard rock album. 

Released	27 July 1979[1]
Recorded	December 1978 – April 1979
Studio	Albert (Sydney) Criteria (Miami) Roundhouse (London)
Genre	Hard rock  arena rock  blues rock
Length	41:38
Label	Albert  Atlantic
Producer	Robert John "Mutt" Lange

All tracks are written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Highway to Hell"	3:29
2.	"Girls Got Rhythm"	3:24
3.	"Walk All Over You"	5:10
4.	"Touch Too Much"	4:28
5.	"Beating Around the Bush"	3:55

Side two

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Shot Down in Flames"	3:23
2.	"Get It Hot"	2:35
3.	"If You Want Blood (You've Got It)"	4:38
4.	"Love Hungry Man"	4:18
5.	"Night Prowler"	6:13

• Bon Scott – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams – bass, backing vocals
• Phil Rudd – drums

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 10
Score: 6 

Back in Black  (1980)

Third best selling album of all time. Most popular rock album of all time. Contains all the elements that people associate with mock rock - screeching vocals, repetitive power riffs, thumping drums that keep the beat, combined with a melodic sound, and nothing challenging or unexpected. This is easy listening cliched rock for the masses.  Almost demonic metal, but mostly good time sex and partying, with riffs that bring a smile to the face they are so joyfully cheeky. Yeah, I'm starting to get it. Forget serious, forget art, forget originality, just let go and enjoy the ride.

Released	25 July 1980
Recorded	April–May 1980
Studio	Compass Point (Nassau)
Genre	Hard rock  heavy metal  arena rock
Length	42:11
Label	Albert  Atlantic
Producer	Robert John "Mutt" Lange

All tracks are written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young and Brian Johnson

Side A

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Hells Bells"	5:10
2.	"Shoot to Thrill"	5:17
3.	"What Do You Do for Money Honey"	3:33
4.	"Given the Dog a Bone"	3:30
5.	"Let Me Put My Love into You"	4:16

Side B

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Back in Black"	4:15
2.	"You Shook Me All Night Long"	3:30
3.	"Have a Drink on Me"	3:57
4.	"Shake a Leg"	4:06
5.	"Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution"	4:15

• Brian Johnson – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Phil Rudd – drums

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 10
Score: 7 

For Those About to Rock We Salute You (1981)

The follow up to Back In Black feels rather flat and mundane. The usual things are here, but there seems an effort about it, rather than a pleasure. Johnson seems to be pushing his voice rather than it sounding natural. Not my thing. 

Released	20 November 1981
Recorded	May – September 1981
Studio	Family (Paris) H.I.S. (Paris)
Genre	Hard rock
Length	40:10
Label	Albert  Atlantic
Producer	Robert John "Mutt" Lange

All tracks are written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young and Brian Johnson

Side A

No.	Title	Length
1.	"For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)"	5:43
2.	"Put the Finger on You"	3:25
3.	"Let's Get It Up"	3:53
4.	"Inject the Venom"	3:31
5.	"Snowballed"	3:23

Side B

No.	Title	Length
6.	"Evil Walks"	4:23
7.	"C.O.D."	3:19
8.	"Breaking the Rules"	4:23
9.	"Night of the Long Knives"	3:25
10.	"Spellbound"	4:28

• Brian Johnson – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Phil Rudd – drums

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Score: 4

Flick of the Switch (1983)

Dreadful cover. Plodding uninspired music with Johnson pushing his scream so it all sound false and uncomfortable. There's little here on first listen that I can get into. 

Released	19 August 1983
Recorded	April – May 1983
Studio	Compass Point (Nassau)
Genre	Hard rock
Length	37:02
Label	Albert  Atlantic
Producer	AC/DC

All tracks are written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young and Brian Johnson

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Rising Power"	3:43
2.	"This House Is on Fire"	3:23
3.	"Flick of the Switch"	3:13
4.	"Nervous Shakedown"	4:27
5.	"Landslide"	3:57

Side two

No.	Title	Length
6.	"Guns for Hire"	3:24
7.	"Deep in the Hole"	3:19
8.	"Bedlam in Belgium"	3:52
9.	"Badlands"	3:38
10.	"Brain Shake"	4:00

• Brian Johnson – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Phil Rudd – drums

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 4 
Score: 3 

Fly on the Wall (1985)

An improvement on the last album, though still rather leaden. A promotional video was released with the same name, Fly On The Wall. It involves the band playing in mock bar with cliched seedy characters badly acted, badly directed, playing four songs from the album, while an animated fly moves around the bar. Hmm. 

Released	28 June 1985
Recorded	October 1984 – February 1985
Studio	Mountain (Montreux)
Genre	Hard rock  heavy metal
Length	40:30
Label	Albert  Atlantic
Producer	Angus Young  Malcolm Young

All tracks are written by Malcolm Young, Angus Young and Brian Johnson

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Fly on the Wall"	3:44
2.	"Shake Your Foundations"	4:10
3.	"First Blood"	3:46
4.	"Danger"	4:22
5.	"Sink the Pink"	4:15

Side two

No.	Title	Length
6.	"Playing with Girls"	3:44
7.	"Stand Up"	3:53
8.	"Hell or High Water"	4:32
9.	"Back in Business"	4:24
10.	"Send for the Man"	3:36

• Brian Johnson – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Simon Wright – drums, percussion

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Score: 4 1/2

Blow Up Your Video (1988)

This feels somewhat tired and weary, as though even AC/DC have given up trying to find something that could follow up Back in Black.  Interesting that they go back to the original producers from the days of Scott in order to recover some of their early fire and fun. 

Released	18 January 1988
Recorded	August – September 1987
Studio	Miraval (Correns)
Genre	Hard rock
Length	42:48
Label	Albert  Atlantic
Producer	Harry Vanda  George Young

All tracks are written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young and Brian Johnson

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Heatseeker"	3:50
2.	"That's the Way I Wanna Rock 'n' Roll"	3:45
3.	"Meanstreak"	4:08
4.	"Go Zone"	4:26
5.	"Kissin' Dynamite"	3:58

Side two

No.	Title	Length
6.	"Nick of Time"	4:16
7.	"Some Sin for Nuthin'"	4:11
8.	"Ruff Stuff"	4:28
9.	"Two's Up"	5:19
10.	"This Means War"	4:21

• Brian Johnson – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Simon Wright – drums, percussion

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 5 
Score: 4

The Razors Edge (1990)

Opening with "Thunderstruck", this is a return to form for the band. While not quite having the sweep and majesty of Back in Black, this does restore the energy, confidence, and fun back to the band, and it proved to be a commercial success.  Brian Johnson doesn't contribute to any of the writing on this album. 

Released	24 September 1990
Recorded	1990
Studio	Little Mountain Sound (Vancouver)
Genre	Hard rock
Length	46:11
Label	Albert  ATCO
Producer	Bruce Fairbairn

All tracks are written by Angus Young and Malcolm Young

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Thunderstruck"	4:52
2.	"Fire Your Guns"	2:53
3.	"Moneytalks"	3:48
4.	"The Razors Edge"	4:22
5.	"Mistress for Christmas"	3:59
6.	"Rock Your Heart Out"	4:06

Side two

No.	Title	Length
7.	"Are You Ready"	4:10
8.	"Got You by the Balls"	4:30
9.	"Shot of Love"	3:56
10.	"Let's Make It"	3:32
11.	"Goodbye & Good Riddance to Bad Luck"	3:13
12.	"If You Dare"	3:08

• Brian Johnson – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Chris Slade – drums, percussion

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Score: 5 

AC/DC Live (1992) 

A solid live album. Polished yet also energetic and fun. Decent stuff. AC/DC are clearly a live band. 

Released	12 October 1992
Recorded	1991
Genre	Hard rock
Length	1:11:12 (Single disc edition) 2:12:08 (Double disc edition)
Label	Albert  ATCO
Producer	Bruce Fairbairn

All tracks are written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young and Brian Johnson, except where noted

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Thunderstruck" (Donington Park, Leicestershire, England; 17 August 1991)	A. Young, M. Young	6:34
2.	"Shoot to Thrill" (NEC, Birmingham, England; 23 April 1991)		5:21
3.	"Back in Black" (Donington Park, Leicestershire, England; 17 August 1991)		4:28
4.	"Who Made Who" (NEC, Birmingham, England; 23 April 1991)		5:15
5.	"Heatseeker" (NEC, Birmingham, England; 23 April 1991)		3:37
6.	"The Jack" (Tushino Airfield, Moscow, Russia; 28 September 1991)	A. Young, M. Young, Bon Scott	6:56
7.	"Moneytalks" (NEC, Birmingham, England; 23 April 1991)	A. Young, M. Young	4:18
8.	"Hells Bells" (Northlands Coliseum, Edmonton, AB, Canada; 21 June 1991)		6:01
9.	"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" (NEC, Birmingham, England; 23 April 1991)	A. Young, M. Young, Scott	5:02
10.	"Whole Lotta Rosie" (Tushino Airfield, Moscow, Russia; 28 September 1991)	A. Young, M. Young, Scott	4:30
11.	"You Shook Me All Night Long" (Donington Park, Leicestershire, England; 17 August 1991)		3:54
12.	"Highway to Hell" (S.E.C.C., Glasgow, Scotland; 20 April 1991)	A. Young, M. Young, Scott	3:58
13.	"T.N.T." (NEC, Birmingham, England; 23 April 1991)	A. Young, M. Young, Scott	3:47
14.	"For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)" (Northlands Coliseum, Edmonton, AB, Canada; 22 June 1991)		7:09

• Brian Johnson – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar, backing vocals 
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams – bass, backing vocals
• Chris Slade – drums, percussion

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Score: 5 

Ballbreaker (1995)

The edge that the band had found again with The Razors Edge was lost here. Mediocre rock songs done professionally, but without any spirit. Best track is the opener "Hard as a Rock". 

Released	26 September 1995
Recorded	1994–1995
Studio	Record Plant (New York City) Ocean Way (Los Angeles)
Genre	Hard rock
Length	49:11
Label	Albert  East West
Producer	Rick Rubin  Mike Fraser

All tracks are written by Angus Young and Malcolm Young

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Hard as a Rock"	4:31
2.	"Cover You in Oil"	4:32
3.	"The Furor"	4:10
4.	"Boogie Man"	4:07
5.	"The Honey Roll"	5:34
6.	"Burnin' Alive"	5:05

Side two

No.	Title	Length
7.	"Hail Caesar"	5:14
8.	"Love Bomb"	3:14
9.	"Caught with Your Pants Down"	4:14
10.	"Whiskey on the Rocks"	4:35
11.	"Ballbreaker"	4:31

• Brian Johnson – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Phil Rudd – drums, percussion

Wikipedia
AllMusic: 6
Score: 4 
   

Stiff Upper Lip (2000)

This carries on the band's main sound - the rock boogie and hot electric licks of  ZZ Top with Young's Ben Scott type shrieks.  It does it quite well, with mature energy and sustained boogie. A decent album. 
 

Released	28 February 2000[1]
Recorded	September – October 1999
Studio	The Warehouse (Vancouver)
Genre	Hard rock
Length	46:57
Label	Albert  East West  Elektra
Producer	George Young

All tracks are written by Angus Young and Malcolm Young

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Stiff Upper Lip"	3:34
2.	"Meltdown"	3:41
3.	"House of Jazz"	3:56
4.	"Hold Me Back"	3:59
5.	"Safe in New York City"	3:59
6.	"Can't Stand Still"	3:41

Side two

No.	Title	Length
7.	"Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll"	4:02
8.	"Satellite Blues"	3:46
9.	"Damned"	3:52
10.	"Come and Get It"	4:02
11.	"All Screwed Up"	4:36
12.	"Give It Up"	3:54

• Brian Johnson – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar, backing vocals 
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Phil Rudd – drums

Wikipedia 
AllMusic: 8

Score: 5 1/2 

Black Ice (2008)

AC/DC by the numbers. Solid but uninspired. 

Released	17 October 2008
Recorded	3 March – 25 April 2008
Studio	The Warehouse (Vancouver)
Genre	Hard rock
Length	55:38
Label	Columbia
Producer	Brendan O'Brien

All tracks are written by Angus Young and Malcolm Young.

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Rock 'n' Roll Train"	4:21
2.	"Skies on Fire"	3:34
3.	"Big Jack"	3:57
4.	"Anything Goes"	3:22
5.	"War Machine"	3:09
6.	"Smash 'n' Grab"	4:06
7.	"Spoilin' for a Fight"	3:17
8.	"Wheels"	3:28
9.	"Decibel"	3:34
10.	"Stormy May Day"	3:10
11.	"She Likes Rock 'n' Roll"	3:53
12.	"Money Made"	4:15
13.	"Rock 'n' Roll Dream"	4:41
14.	"Rocking All the Way"	3:22
15.	"Black Ice"	3:25

• Brian Johnson – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Phil Rudd – drums, percussion

Wikipedia

AllMusic: 6
Score: 4 
  

Rock or Bust (2014)

Just going through the motions. 

Released	28 November 2014
Recorded	3 May – 12 July 2014
Studio	The Warehouse (Vancouver)
Genre	Hard rock
Length	34:55
Label	Columbia
Producer	Brendan O'Brien

All tracks are written by Angus Young and Malcolm Young.^[23]

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Rock or Bust"	3:03
2.	"Play Ball"	2:47
3.	"Rock the Blues Away"	3:24
4.	"Miss Adventure"	2:57
5.	"Dogs of War"	3:35
6.	"Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder"	3:22
7.	"Hard Times"	2:44
8.	"Baptism by Fire"	3:30
9.	"Rock the House"	2:42
10.	"Sweet Candy"	3:09
11.	"Emission Control"	3:41

• Brian Johnson – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Stevie Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams – bass, backing vocals
• Phil Rudd – drums

Wikipedia 

AllMusic: 
Score: 4 

  

Power Up (2020) 

For various reasons the band had broken up by the end of the tour supporting Rock or Bust. Johnson was going deaf, and  had to be replaced by Axl Rose. Rudd was having legal problems so had to be replaced by Chris Slade. And Williams had had enough, so left the band at the end of the tour.  With the death of Malcolm Young, that seemed the end of the band. But Angus decided to get everyone back together to do a tribute album to his brother, using songs they had written together but not used for the Black Ice album. The album sold well because of its similarity to Back in Black, that this was an album made in the memory of a dead member of the band. But it's a plodding affair. The band do their usual professional job, but the material is not up to much - which is probably why it hadn't been used when it was fresh. 

Released	13 November 2020
Recorded	August – September 2018 Early 2019
Studio	The Warehouse (Vancouver)
Genre	Hard rock
Length	41:03
Label	Columbia
Producer	Brendan O'Brien

All tracks are written by Angus Young and Malcolm Young.^[14]

Side one

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Realize"	3:37
2.	"Rejection"	4:06
3.	"Shot in the Dark"	3:06
4.	"Through the Mists of Time"	3:32
5.	"Kick You When You're Down"	3:10
6.	"Witch's Spell"	3:42

Side two

No.	Title	Length
7.	"Demon Fire"	3:30
8.	"Wild Reputation"	2:54
9.	"No Man's Land"	3:39
10.	"Systems Down"	3:12
11.	"Money Shot"	3:05
12.	"Code Red"	3:31

• Brian Johnson – lead vocals
• Angus Young – lead guitar
• Stevie Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Phil Rudd – drums

Wikipedia

AllMusic: 8
Score: 4 

Discography

High Voltage (1975) (Australia only)
T.N.T. (1975) (Australia only)
High Voltage (1976) (international version)
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)
Let There Be Rock (1977)
Powerage (1978)
Highway to Hell (1979)
Back in Black (1980)
For Those About to Rock We Salute You (1981)
Flick of the Switch (1983)
Fly on the Wall (1985)
Blow Up Your Video (1988)
The Razors Edge (1990)
Ballbreaker (1995)
Stiff Upper Lip (2000)
Black Ice (2008)
Rock or Bust (2014) 
Power Up (2020)

Best Songs

Back In Black 5+2+1+1+1+1+5+5+5+5+5+5+5+5 (+2) =53 

Highway To Hell 5+1+1+1+2+2+5+3+1+1+3+2+1+2+3 (+3) = 36

Thunderstruck 3+1+1+5+1+1+1+3+3+1+3+1+3+1 (+2) = 30 

Whole Lotta Rosie (live) 2+3+1 = 6 

Whole Lotta Rosie 1+1+1+3+1+1+1+1+1+3+ (+2) = 16 (=22)

Dirty Deeds Done Cheap 1+1+1+5+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+ (+2) = 17

You Shook Me All Night Long 2+1+1+1+1+2+1+2+1+1+1+1 (+2) = 17
It's A Long Way To The Top 3+1+5+1+1+1+1+1+1+ (+1) = 16 

Let There Be Rock 1+1+1+1+2+1+2+2+2+ (+1) = 14 

Hells Bells 1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+2+1+1+1+ (+1) = 14 

TNT 1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+ (+1) = 12

For Those About To Rock 1+3+1+1+1+1+1+1 (+1) = 11

Shoot To Thrill 1+5+1+1+1+ (+1) = 10 

Live Wire 2+
Live Wire (live) 5+

Down Payment Blues 1+1+1 = 3
Ride On 1+1+1 = 3

Touch Too Much 1+1+

What's Next To The Moon 1+1
Riff Raff (live) 1+ 
Big Balls 1+ 
Sin City 1+1
Jailbreak 1+1+
If You Want Blood 3+ 
Walk Over You 1+ 
Problem Child 1+1+1 
Gone Shooting 1+ 

Moneytalks 1+
Rock n Roll Train 1+1 
Are You Ready 1+ 
The Jack 1+

No1 = 5 points, 2 = 3 points, 3 = 2 points, 4-10 = 1 point 

Sources
* planetradio 
* Rollingstone readers poll
* Guardian 
* Rollingstone 

* Kerrang 
* Loudersound 

* Rockandbluesmuse 
* Singersroom 
* Bluesrockreview 
* Therock
* Culturetrip 
* Officialcharts 
* Ultimateclassicrock 
* Toptens 
* Loudwire

 An 80 minute CD

01 It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll)

02 Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

03 If You Want Blood (You've Got It)

04 Highway to Hell

05 Jailbreak

06 Live Wire

07 Let There Be Rock

08 Ride On

09 Touch Too Much

10 Night Prowler

11 Shot Down In Flames

12 The Jack (Live Apollo Glasgow 1978)

13 Whole Lotta Rosie (Live Apollo Glasgow 1978)

14 Back In Black

15 Shoot To Thrill

16 Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution

Summary 

[Note: Aspects which go toward final score are given a rough percentage figure of how much that aspect may have influenced the overall score. However, some bands may well exceed that percentage, particularly if their main focus is in that area.]

Voice/Musicianship (15%)

There is professional competence in the band. Both singers have a stock rock scream which works, though carries little weight or significance. Scott's voice had way more character, and is similar in drawl and intent to Alex Harvey. Angus Young plays fast licks on his guitar which the target audience like. There was more variety, guts, and character to his guitar in the early days. 7%

Image/Star quality (5%)

OK. 2%

Lyrics/Music (20%)

Simple. Derivative. Chugs along. 7%

Impact/Influence (10%)

Some folks say they have been influential. Must be in a narrow field for they have done nothing original. That's not what they are about. The impact they had was in releasing the Back In Black album after Scott's death, and it being hugely popular. 4%

Popularity (5%)

Their entire popularity rests on the album Back In Black. But it has been HUGELY popular. Should the score go to the band or the album? 3%

Emotional appeal (5%)

Basic good time music. Not intended to be intellectual or emotional. Just good fun. But good fun has an emotional appeal. 2.5%

Authenticity (15%)

Not really. Find a groove that pays. Follow it. 7%

Art (5%)

No. 1%

Classic albums/songs (5%)

Back In Black is a classic not because it's good, but because it's been so HUGELY popular. 2.5%

Originality/Innovation (5%)

They would be the first to say they are about just having a good time. 

1%

Legacy (10%)

Not much really. They are popular because of one album. The music is very limited and has remained limited for their entire career. 
 4% 

Total: 41/100

Conclusion: While exploring I was struck by there being in effect two distinct bands. The original band with Ben Scott is the more authentic and likeable. Loose, rocky, irreverent, fun - a band that didn't take themselves seriously and had a good time. They remind me of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, and Scott, who admired Harvey, sounds like Harvey, and some of the songs have similar themes, attitudes, and sound. Though Harvey's band was more arty, more adventurous, more intelligent, and more interesting. I like the Ben Scott band. Not as much as I like Alex Harvey, but getting there. The second band is the one that carried on immediately after Scott's death. Roping in Bruce Dickson on vocals, who has good power and harmony. That first album after Scott's death, Back In Black, is what AC/DC's success is built on. It is a solid rock album with some solid songs. It obliquely references Scott's death with the funeral bells, and the sense that the band and Scott continue even though he's dead: "Forget the hearse 'cause I never die ... Yes, I'm back in black". The good time rocky effectiveness of the album, plus that it came out straight after Scott's death with the references to carrying on in a manner that is so rock and roll, ensured it would sell well; and then the album becomes its own legend, and now sells because it's the best selling rock album of all time. Rock and rock will never die, baby! After Back In Black, the band didn't progress, indeed, couldn't ever effectively come close to the feel let alone the success of Back In Black. But it didn't matter, their reputation was made. Everyone wanted to see the band who made that album, and who had the guitarist who dressed like a schoolboy and acted like a nutter. The band now move away from the loose and irreverent rock of Scott's band, move away from the feel of Alex Harvey, and more into the smooth commercial boogie rock of ZZ Top. It's easy, it's likeable, and it can be flashy and exciting, but ultimately it's empty. The songs the band do can be very likeable, and the more I listen to Back In Black, the more I like it. But, to be fair, this is not a band for me. I have made up an 80 minute CD, but after playing it for a while in the car I find I'm skipping a lot of the tracks. There's really not a lot here to hold my interest. The band are limited and superficial. Yes, there is some appeal to their simple let's just have some fun and boogie approach, but it really does wear out quickly.  File next to Status Quo, and move on to more enduring music....

Links

* AC/DC 

* ACDCFans 

* AC-DC.Net 

* FanPop ACDC 

* Hall of Fame 2003:

Consistency, thy name is AC/DC. Since 1975, the Australian band have churned out album after album full of scorched-earth, metallic hard rock which has rarely deviated from a template of headbanging-inducing guitar riffs, flashy drums and banshee-yell vocals. In the process, AC/DC have carved out a niche somewhere between hard rock and heavy metal that's been an inspiration to aspiring musicians—and given us crank-up-the-volume radio staples "Back In Black," "Highway to Hell" and "You Shook Me All Night Long."

***

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