Share

AC/DC - Rock or Bust

accreditation
AC/DC. (Photo: Supplied)
AC/DC. (Photo: Supplied)

In 1980, AC/DC's very existence was at stake: singer Bon Scott died just as the band was starting to get big. They used the uncertainty and grief to dig down deep, and the result was one of the greatest albums in rock history, Back In Black.

In 2014, AC/DC is once again in turmoil: founding rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young had to leave the band due to dementia, and drummer Phil Rudd recently saw charges that he hired a hit man to kill someone dropped, but still faces serious legal matters. And once again, the band has come up big, with Rock or Bust.

The album is based on lead guitarist Angus Young's butt-shaking, foot-stomping guitar riffs, elegant in their simplicity and their ability to burn themselves into your brain. The title track, and the first single, "Play Ball," are perfect examples of this.

"Miss Adventure" adds a "nah nah nah" chant to a bouncy blues beat in the same way that chants benefited their previous hit "Thunderstruck." And "Emission Control" is one of the all-time great song title double entendres.

But the happiest surprise here is the re-emergence of Brian Johnson's voice. During the 90s and early 2000s, you could literally hear it crumble before your ears, seeming to get weaker with each new album.

Whether it has re-energised during the time off since the band's tour wrapped in 2010, or is just miked and processed better, it sounds strong and vibrant again — an essential element of the classic AC/DC sound.

Listen to the album here.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE