Back in Black – AC/DC – CD review –

A perfect storm of an album, Back in Black is an uncanny blend of metal and pop, and it still sells as if it were brand new.  Recorded right after the death of original singer Bon Scott, this could have been a real downer.  Instead, the remaining members regrouped with singer Brian Johnson and turned in the most inspired album of their career.

Johnson adds a level of toughness that was lacking with Scott.  He screams, but never averts to the hysterionics of other heavy metal singers.  The songs are propelled by simple, repetitive hypnotic guitar riffs and an incessant backbeat that’s reminiscent of the early rock of the 50’s. The same goes for the guitar work, many of the solos are blistering, yet they never overstay their welcome.  And, the production, by Robert “Mutt” Lange, who would later go onto even bigger success with Def Leppard and Shania Twain, is equally important.  The guitars are just gritty enough and the drums are upfront so you can feel the kick drum.

The album opens with the ominous “Hells Bells,” which starts out slow and picks up speed.  “You Shook Me All Night Long” proved that there could be metal for the masses.  Above all, this album does the impossible, it makes heavy metal that’s actually danceable.  This is body music, and whether that’s manifested in banging your head, shaking your ass, or swinging from a pole, it will get you one way or another. –Tony Peters