With its thunderous riffs, piercing vocals, driving groovesand all too memorable licks, Back in Black has rock anthem after rock anthem engraved throughout. Although it follows the same formulaic method as their previous records, the album managed to revitalise rock and roll forever, elevating the band to new commercial heights at a crucial point in their career.
After the breakthrough release of Highway to Hellonly a year prior, it looked like AC/DC were onan upwards trajectory, winning the hearts of fansand storming albumcharts around the world. Shortly after its release, however, tragedy struck. The groups charismatic front man, Bon Scott, heartbreakingly died from asphyxia caused by alcohol poisoning.
The loss of Bon Scott had left AC/DC with a deep wound, ultimately pushing them to consider ending it all.With these terrible circumstances looming, it wouldn't be a travesty if AC/DC packed it all up and called it a day - instead, the group kept on chugging and delivered what many believe to their best effort ever, and certainly one of rock's all time greatest albums.
After some encouraging words from Scotts parents to carry on, andmyriad failed auditions, AC/DC reached out to a frontman that Bon himself had highly regarded:32-year-old Brian Johnson of the English band Geordie. Upon being called in for an audition, Johnson delivered an astoundingrendition of Tina Turners Nutbush City Limits to the delight of the Young brothers, and as they say,the rest was history.
Despite concerns from their fanbase, the transition of the band's lead singers was ultimately seamless. Unlike other singers joining a pre-existing band,Johnson didnt attempt to hijack or change theirtrajectory. Instead, he knew his place. And like the other members, he did his part to make the best rock and roll they possibly could. Even with all this change, Scotts influence still loomed large; some new songs had already taken shape while the legendary frontman was still alive. The very essence of the album still felt like Bon was around, and this was something the original members werent willing to change.
Regrouping to the Bahamas with producer Mutt Lange,AC/DC bunkered down to beat a seven-week turnaround imposed on them by their label. Fuelled by the desire to create a profound effort to honour Scott's memory and double down on their own prowess, Lange and AC/DC worked in the studiopersistently, andunder extraordinary circumstances, miraculously put together one of thebest-selling albumsof all time.
Like its namesake, the albums opener Hells Bells begins with a haunting bell, alluding to the band coming out of a dark place, one of memorial and mourning. Enveloping listeners with a sombre mood, Angus Youngs entrancing riff and Phil Rudds drumming enters in perfectly. The power of Brian Johnson's voice mesmerises audiences. With everything so tightly knit, this was the opener of all openers. If anyone had ever doubted, AccaDacca were back.
On Shoot to Thrill, an upbeat riff and faster tempo takes audiences out of the gloomy mood completely - Johnsons electrifying voice now more controlled, but equally as loud: I shoot to thrill, and Im ready to kill. The ending sees a floaty riff, tight drumming andsome groovy bass, all before an uproar of rock crescendo comes crashing down.
A product of its own era, the middle section of Back In Blackis pepperedwith more than a fewquestionable lyrics about sexuality, and also puts forthsome rather damning lyrics about women. Although the music itself is at the same level of excellence as the previous songs, many criticshave questioned the lyrical content and its appropriateness in retrospect, and honestly, we can't blame them.
Regardless of this, AC/DC carry on with similar themes. Have A Drink On Me, follows the bands same harrowing lyricism. Seemingly unfitting due to the way Bon Scott passed, the song sits perfectly with the bands wit and dark sense of humour. The title track is a highlight of the album. Consisting of more intricate lyricism: yes Im let loose, from the noose, and forget the hearse, cause I never die, I got nine lives. Angus and Malcolm'srhythm and lead parts cleverly interweave, resulting in one of the most recognisable guitar riffs of all time. Cliff Williams bass is dominant, while Paul Rudds drumming is perfectly timed, making a heavy impact.
Back in Black not only marks the commercial peak of a legendary outfit: it is also a fitting tribute to a frontman who helped the band reach grand heights. Without Bon Scott, AC/DC would not be where they are now, let alone in a position to create their magnum opus.
The reason they resonate with their listeners is that theyre a no-nonsense type of band. You either love them or you hate them; they couldnt give a rat's ass. Their brutal, catchy riffs pull listeners in, captivating them into feeling like they belong to something important. Accadacca make anthems: anthems for the hard-working, the battlers, the ordinary person that just wants a go. For many, Back in Black encapsulates all of this, cementing AC/DC as rock and roll royalty who changed the genre forever.
While you're here - revisit the legacy of Malcolm Young with this tribute to the steady right hand of AC/DC.
Read this article:
40 years of Back In Black: a celebration of AC/DC's hard rock opus - Mixdown
- Niskayuna comptroller suspended after blackface accusation - The Daily Gazette [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2020]
- From the Band to Beyonc: concert films to fill the live music black hole - The Guardian [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2020]
- The Geffen Years: How Neil Young Followed His Muse In The 80s - uDiscover Music [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2020]
- Yo or Hell No? Kangana Ranaut's White Pantsuit for Virtual Inauguration of India Pavilion at Cannes 2020 - Report Door [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2020]
- Rockall, a Broadridge Business | Broadridge [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2020]
- Rockall Rockall, Scotland - Atlas Obscura [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2020]
- Rockall - gov.scot [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2020]
- Rockall - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: June 24th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 24th, 2020]
- Power Distribution Market 2020 With Top Countries Data: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Top Key Players Analysis and Forecast Research - Cole of Duty [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2020]
- The Best Metal on Bandcamp: June 2020 - bandcamp.com [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2020]
- This Bold Makeup Bundle Is the Perfect Way to Show Your Pride All Year Long - POPSUGAR [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2020]
- Your daily 6: Gambling without booze or smoking, Hong Kong crackdown and virus 'grim and getting worse by the day' - STLtoday.com [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2020]
- Here Are the Best Fourth of July Sales This Year - Thrillist [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2020]
- Front-Row Seat: Striking the chords for live musics return - MPNnow.com [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2020]
- The Big Thank You...to Northampton Borough Council, collecting our rubbish, looking after the vulnerable and keeping us safe - Northampton Chronicle... [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2020]
- RED WHITE AND CHIC: 4th of JULY SHOPPING GUIDE - vmagazine.com [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2020]
- Coaches must remember kids coming back to sport just want to have fun again - Echo Live [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2020]
- Author says 2400-year old coin artifact may be proof that Atlantis is real - EconoTimes [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2020]
- 'The Office,' '30 Rock': All the TV shows to pull blackface scenes - Los Angeles Times [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2020]
- Pride-inspired accessories you can rock all year round - Hindustan Times [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2020]
- The All-American Glory of Yacht Rock - National Review [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2020]
- Brexit fishing battle: Britain and Ireland 'to clash over ownership of tiny rock' - Express.co.uk [Last Updated On: July 5th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 5th, 2020]
- Color Star Technology Announces the Addition of Renowned Musician Larry Carlton to its Color World Online Education Platform - Salamanca Press [Last Updated On: July 8th, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2020]
- Were the Rolling Stones Better in the '60s or '70s? Roundtable - Ultimate Classic Rock [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2020]
- Meet REDSIX, the Indonesian band crafting addictive, pop-punk classics - Happy [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2020]
- "The follow through decides where it's going to go" - Kick it like Matty Forde - SportsJOE.ie [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2020]
- In praise of the masked man - Winnipeg Free Press [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2020]
- There's no plaice like home: Why we should be eating British fish - The Conservative Woman [Last Updated On: July 23rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 23rd, 2020]
- Sony WH-1000XM4 review - Sound Guys [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- Maybe I'd Seen Too Much of The Walking Dead - Premier Guitar [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- Get Out and Vote / Municipal Elections Held TODAY (Tuesday, August 25th) in Cherokee County - weisradio.com [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- Letter: Senator Ed Markey is the true progressive in the race - SouthCoastToday.com [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- On the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh: The way of the sword, and the way of the monk - Moneycontrol.com [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Chris Rock talks about unmade all-black Oceans Eleven remake with Trump as the villain - Republic World - Republic World [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Ugg footwear discounted up to 70 percent at Zappos and more top brands - New York Post [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2020]
- Internet Banking Market 2020 Global Innovations, Competitive Analysis, New Business Developments and Top Companies Global Forecast to 2026 - The... [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2020]
- Online Banking Market Overview with Qualitative analysis, Competitive landscape & Forecast by 2027 - Khabar South Asia [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2020]
- Internet Banking Market By Key Players, Product And Production Information Analysis And Forecast To 2026 - Murphy's Hockey Law [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2020]
- Scientists Are Sharing The Miscommunications That Bug Them The Most - IFLScience [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2020]
- Boston College vs. Virginia Odds & Picks: Should the Eagles Really Be Favorites in Charlottesville? - The Action Network [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2020]
- Gastroenterology Education and CPD for trainees and ... [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2020]
- Who owns Rockall? A history of disputes over a tiny ... [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2020]
- Rockall (band) - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 6th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2020]
- Internet Banking Market 2020 Analysis by Demand, Business Growth, Evolving Technologies, Emerging Trends, Key Players and Forecast to 2025 -... [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2020]
- Parenthood: The Important Profession on Planet - Brighter Kashmir [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2020]
- #16 Iowa 28, Wisconsin 7: Home Is Where The Heartland Is | Go Iowa Awesome - Go Iowa Awesome [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2020]
- article image Rock group Motrhead and their music is still as relevant as ever - Digital Journal [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2020]
- Lil Kim Teams Up With PrettyLittleThing for a Super-Hot Capsule Collection - Us Weekly [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2020]
- Broadridge - Technology & Operations, Communications, Data ... [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2020]
- Total Bank Solutions and Rockall Technologies Collaborate ... [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2020]
- Monday Night Football: Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs carry Bills to 38-9 win over Patriots - NBC Sports [Last Updated On: December 30th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 30th, 2020]
- BLACKLOUD ties off 2020 with stimulating 'Synesthesia' EP - EARMILK [Last Updated On: December 30th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 30th, 2020]
- Kurtas & Crop Tops To Lehengas: Take Cues From Divyanka Tripathi On How To Cue Your Every Outfit To Perfection - IWMBuzz [Last Updated On: January 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 3rd, 2021]
- Mobile Groove's Peggy Anne Salz on 'the year that forced many to rewrite the marketing playbook' - Pocket Gamer.Biz [Last Updated On: January 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 3rd, 2021]
- Ireland to net 1.05bn of EU Brexit Reserve Fund heres some of worst-hit sectors who can expect to benef - The Irish Sun [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2021]
- IMPACT Wrestling's Kiera Hogan discusses her team with Tasha Steelz, going for the gold at Hard to Kill, and more (Exclusive) - Sportskeeda [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2021]
- Dave Grohl's teenage obsessions: 'I learned drums by arranging pillows on my floor' - The Guardian [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2021]
- Irish Fishing Fleets to Lose More Than One Quarter of Western Mackerel Quota Share in Post-Brexit Transfers to UK - Afloat [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2021]
- 5 Years Ago Today: The Eagles' Glenn Frey Dies at 67 - Taste of Country [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2021]
- EU disaster: Irish fishermen turn on Brussels as 93% of ships BARRED from UK waters - Daily Express [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2021]
- Roots Rock All Winter Long - Shepherd Express [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2021]
- Irish fishery rights to Rockall must be protected - MacManus - Leitrim Observer [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2021]
- When Paul McCartney Braved the Set of Roger Cormans The Masque of the Red Death - Den of Geek [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2021]
- Keller Williams, the one-man band - Livemint [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2021]
- Louisahhh crafts industrial pop on debut album, The Practice of Freedom - The Vinyl Factory [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2021]
- Between Takes: Space is the Place for Sun Ra and John Sinclair - WDET [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2021]
- Pokemon: 10 Key Moves That Shaped Competitive Battling - TheGamer [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2021]
- Woman who paid to have husband killed, accomplice plead guilty - News Room Guyana [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2021]
- Tug-of-war developing between three Dail committees over Watt investigation - Extra.ie [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2021]
- Watch the Eagles Jam With Jackson Browne + Linda Ronstadt - Taste of Country [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2021]
- PS5 Launch Collection Features Official Hat, Water Bottle, & Socks - Screen Rant [Last Updated On: January 27th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 27th, 2021]
- Covid-19: A sport-by-sport look at the cost to grassroots games - Irish Examiner [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- Global Internet Banking Market 2020 Size Share Upcoming Trends Segmentation And Forecast To 2026 NeighborWebSJ - NeighborWebSJ [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- 'How I cope after losing a dad to suicide and a mum during the pandemic' - Wales Online [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- Did Ohio States 2017 recruiting class live up to the hype? - Land-Grant Holy Land [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- Balls.ie's Ranking Of The Top 10 Irish Sporting Secondary Schools - Balls.ie [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- University of New Hampshire's dean's list for the fall 2020 semester - The Laconia Daily Sun [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- Trojans Renew Rivalry With Warhawks Friday and Saturday - THV11.com KTHV [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- New exhibition to recall Denmark's worst ever maritime disaster - The Post - The Copenhagen Post - Danish news in english [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]
- From red tape to Rockall: 10 effects of Brexit, one month on - Independent.ie [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2021] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2021]