CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: AC/DC
Album: Black Ice (2008 Columbia)
Tracks: 15
Artist website: http://www.acdc.com
REVIEW OVERVIEW:
Consistency, it’s the one word that best describes AC/DC. Their sound is unmistakable. This is their 15th studio album over a career that has spanned almost four decades! The energy and integrity that they had at the onset of their career is still there. Not many artists with a career spanning 5 years can say the same about their sound. This band doesn’t follow the trends – they are the trend and the ones who set the bar for the genre.
Every single song on this album is solid. Is that by design or because these guys have really carved out their niche so well that they know it? I think it is more of the latter. That’s not to say that every single song sounds the same. There is definitely variation in the over tone of each track; however, each track has that signature stamp on it. Whether it be in the form of Brian Johnson’s vocals, Malcolm’s and Angus’ oh so familiar guitar interplay, or the tight low end pump that Williams and Rudd are in charge of; this formula works. As the old saying goes: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Black Ice is a really enjoyable to listen to from start to finish. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves the old school hard rock. For those about to rock with this album, I salute you!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Big Jack, Anything Goes, Spoilin’ For A Fight, Stormy May Day
PLAY BY PLAY REVIEW
Track 1 – Rock N Roll Train
This song has every facet one has come to expect of AC/DC.
Track 2 – Skies On Fire
This sounds a bit different than the average AC/DC track. Good stuff.
Track 3 – Big Jack
This song gets a highlights mention for the riff in the chorus and the solo.
Track 4 – Anything Goes
Is this a return to the 80’s? It certainly has that feel to it. Awesome song! Takes me right back. It’s a ballad without being a power ballad or a real ballad – it’s a ballad that rocks!
Track 5 – War Machine
This track is a great example of that classic AC/DC pump.
Track 6 – Smash N Grab
Here’s a good example of the classic slow AC/DC pump.
Track 7 – Spoilin’ For A Fight
This song caught my attention. I can’t explain what I hear that is so different or extraordinary in this particular song, but it rocks and that is reason enough to pay attention. Great riffs and solo!
Track 8 – Wheels
Just when you thought that AC/DC couldn’t rock any harder, they do.
Track 9 – Decibel
Another “slow” pump. Consistent? Yes. Different and interesting? There are probably better songs like this in the AC/DC catalog. Nonetheless, it has that unmistakable AC/DC sound and style. Good solo though…
Track 10 – Stormy May Day
VERY COOL!!! This is one of the few AC/DC songs that has a slide guitar part. It’s a great sound for these guys. This is the kind of “different” that I wish AC/DC would go after to add a little more flavor to their otherwise consistent sound. It’s not that this song doesn’t sound like them, it’s a different sound for them. That’s what makes it jump out and stand out.
Track 11 – She Likes Rock N Roll
What’s a Hard Rock record without one of these songs thrown in for good measure? Every rock band needs to have a song or two about a woman rocking out on their record.
Track 12 – Money Made
This, right here, is that groove and style that made AC/DC. Awesome that they can still write new material that does this.
Track 13 – Rock N Roll Dream
I honestly did not care for this song because I felt like it dragged on a bit. Worst song on Black Ice.
Track 14 – Rocking All The Way
Another solid AC/DC song.
Track 15 – Black Ice
Solid by AC/DC standards, but I was a bit underwhelmed by this title track to be honest.