Ann 2
Alain
JennYAC/DC - Black Ice Album Review
October 26th 2008 00:47
Genre: Hard Rock
Length: 55:30
Label: Columbia
2008 is looking to be the year of rockers with so many bands coming back from a prolonged absence – from mainstream-friendly Coldplay to metal gods Metallica to AC/DC (and there's even the long-awaited Chinese Democracy coming up), everyone has been pleased this year. AC/DC's Black Ice is their first album in eight years, their last being Stiff Upper Lip released back in 2000. As if the band members wanted to convince us that rock is back, four out of Black Ice's fifteen tracks contain the word “rock” in their title: opening track Rock 'n Roll Train, She Likes Rock N Roll, Rock N Roll Dream, and Rocking All The Way.
The album isn't a classic though. Most of it is a showcase of Angus and Malcom's skills on the guitars. Angus has some sick solos throughout the record; there's no denying that he's one of the greats. Musically, the only weakness the album has is a repetitive structure on the tracks. Sure, the melodies are different but the base of it stays the same: guitar intro, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, guitar solo, verse and/or chorus. By the third track, you could easily anticipate the solo coming. Yes, most rock songs are similarly structured but the problem on Black Ice is that too many tracks feel mechanical instead of having a seamless blend between parts.
Lyrically, nothing special stands out. The chorus on Rock 'n Roll Train and Smash N Grab feel a bit forced as they don't really go with the songs' rhythm. Brian Johnson seems to be moving away from the scream that was reminiscent of Bon Scott, and sounds a bit deeper now.
Rock 'n Roll Train Video
This review doesn't sound really flattering when I think about it, but it shouldn't stop you from getting this album. The Young brothers are solid and consistent. Rock 'n Roll Train and War Machine both have a familiar sound. The intro on the former sounds a bit like “Highway To Hell” while the bass on the latter is similar to the bass in “Giving The Dog A Bone.” All in all, I give this album a 4/5. It's not one of their bests but it's still a solid effort.
Complete Tracklist: (with links)
1. Rock 'n Roll Train
2. Skies On Fire
3. Big Jack
4. Anything Goes
5. War Machine
6. Smash N Grab
7. Spoilin' For A Fight
8. Wheels
9. Decibel
10. Stormy May Day
11. She Likes Rock N Roll
12. Money Made
13. Rock N Roll Dream
14. Rocking All The Way
15. Black Ice
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