AC/DC “Black Ice” Review
With Black Ice, AC/DC returns with a release full of typically straightforward songs about fighting, women and rock ‘n roll; the band’s fourth record since 1990 and its fifth in a row to kick off with the album’s lead single. Not being one to break out of the mold that it’s created for itself the album gives further evidence that AC/DC’s perpetual song is still its key ingredient for success. At fifteen songs and nearly fifty-six minutes the album is the band’s longest studio recording however, raising the question, in AC/DC’s thirty-fifth year of existence is another album of new material that sounds pretty much like every other AC/DC album honestly necessary?
When I first started listening to AC/DC the band was considered one of the preeminent Classic Rock bands; now, roughly a decade and a half later, little has changed. AC/DC is the consummate Classic Rock band – appealing to its fans by producing music that blends nicely with most everything else in the genre’s monotonous ecosystem. There is however something interesting about Classic Rock and its tendency for sounding the same that should be considered. The term, its fans, its radio stations and other proponents of the music are just as much at the heart of the genre’s like-sounding albums as the bands are themselves. And to a large extent this is why Classic Rock bands will, in the effort towards ongoing success, go forward in their careers sounding like nothing but Classic Rock bands.
About two years ago a friend and I dug into eleven of the year’s releases by Classic Rock bands, the conclusion being that the bands who sounded most like themselves tended to release the better albums. On one end of the spectrum was Meat Loaf’s god-awful Bat Out Of Hell III (which sounded little like Meat Loaf but more like a nü-metal rock opera) and on the other was Neil Young’s Living With War (which sounded like Neil Young). After listening to the various albums by Bob Seger, Elton John and Peter Frampton among others, it became fairly apparent that if the music sounded like one would expect it to it would, at the least, be tolerable. And the more the music diverted from the framework of Classic Rock the worse it was. The biggest mistake that a band like Cheap Trick can make is to not sound like Cheap Trick, and the biggest mistake a band like AC/DC can make is to not sound like AC/DC.
The evidence of this becomes fairly obvious after turning to the local radio station and listening to “Paradise City” for the 10,000th time. Fans who strictly enjoy Classic Rock really aren’t looking for anything different. About a month ago my thoughts on Metallica’s Death Magnetic drifted towards a similar subject, “Funny then that one of the main criticisms of Death Magnetic has been that it is self-plagiarizing, a term that could equally apply to a band like Slayer. It hasn’t though, primarily because Slayer has pretty much stuck with the same formula from the get-go; likewise, no one’s criticizing AC/DC for sounding too much like AC/DC with their new release, are they?” And the reason very few fans are criticizing AC/DC and Slayer is because for the most part those bands are still releasing music that rings true to what fans want to to hear. So it’s not that we (I include myself in this, as a fan of Classic Rock) want to hear “Paradise City” played on the radio again – it’s just that the song is something comfortable and a station might risk losing listeners if they played something unproven. Additionally, there’s a good chance that these bands might not want to be experimental. Maybe, just maybe – they’re happy recording the music they are no matter what the listener wants to hear. Those factors combined make it almost a sure thing that successful Classic Rock bands will always sound like successful Classic Rock bands.
Which brings us back to Black Ice. At this point in time it’s a little unnecessary to go too deep into describing AC/DC’s music. If for some reason you haven’t heard AC/DC before – you might have seen the Jack Black movie School of Rock. If so, you’ve heard what AC/DC sound like (sans children) and can probably figure the rest out. Black Ice is being released State-side exclusively through Wal-Mart (HMV in Canada), but such a formality really doesn’t raise too many red flags. Chances are (not to stereotype here…because I, too am an AC/DC fan) that Wal-Mart isn’t nearly as foreign to the band’s fans as online digital distribution is (something that is, again, being only offered through Wal-Mart’s digital store). But releasing an album via an outlet that is fairly broad and accessible doesn’t mean that nearly an hour of recycled music is actually necessary. But however unnecessary it may be, Black Ice is still as enjoyable to listen to as any other AC/DC album – that is to say, fairly.
(Official) (MySpace) (Wikipedia)
“in AC/DC’s twenty-fifth year of existence is another album of new material that sounds pretty much like every other AC/DC album honestly necessary?”
AC/DC has been around since the early 70’s. Their first ep was 74′ Jailbreak.
You are off by a decade or so.
Check your facts.
Bon Scott is and will always be the real singer for AC/DC.
Brian Johnson has one classic album under his belt “Back in Black”, which is an untouchable album.
The new album is exactly what I would expect from them. It has a few good songs and sticks to their normal formula.
I couldn’t hope for anything else.
You’re right – 35, not 25…sometimes I get ahead of myself.
Though I don’t think it has as much to do with fact checking as me losing my damn mind. Hope I find it one of these days. Thanks for the heads up.
Sorry, but this is a lazy review- it ends just as I thought it was about to begin.
Yes, AC/DC have delivered another album that “sounds the same”, but just as Michael Jordan played the same game, the performances vary from passable to terrible and on to greatness.
I note you make no reference to a song like “Rainy May Day” where that old dog Angus pulls out a slide for the first time ever. Thats worth mentioning, espeicially when the song is such a cracker.
Further, you make no mention of the one thing that AC/DC have not managed in a long time; that being the mastery of loud/soft and light/dark. Take a listen to “Rock n Roll Dream” and tell me if this sounds like Soundgarden. It does. Then ask why the much yonger Chris Cornell is turning out drivel like “Carry On” while AC/DC are tearing it up on this new album.
“Decibel” is another example of why this album is far ahead of the likes of Ballbreaker, Flick of the Switch, Blow Up Your Video etc…
I am not an AC/DC fan per se; they have disappointed me so many times (late 80s-All the 90s), but this album is very, very good and shows that perhaps another 8 year hiatus is called for.
In short, you have gone for the low hanging fruit- bagging them and ignored the more important issue- this is a very good album.
Tom
Here’s my take.
Rock N’ Roll…with an edge
With an 8 year absence of any new studio recording AC/DC fans have had to make do with DVD’s of rare footage, most of which your average hardcore AC/DC fan already has. To hear Black Ice is refreshing. For a while Aussie unknowns, Airbourne, were taking over the kings of Aussie pub rock. Not now.
Black Ice has the usual riffs, drumbeats, heavy bass lines and screeching vocals that accompany any AC/DC record, production wise it’s infallible, Brendan O’Brien did a great job and deserves a mention as do the vocals of Brian Johnson.
Track by track
1: Rock n Roll Train.
Released a few weeks ago as a single, typical AC/DC, simple and foot stomping. By no means the strongest cut on the album but for marketing ‘Rock N’ Roll train will probably see shops stocking miniature trains with the AC/DC logo emblazoned on the side. Hey, I’m a cynic.
2: Skies On Fire
The harmony in this is what one would expect of Cliff and Malcolm, ‘SKIES ON FYYYYY YERRRR’. A mid-tempo beat which kind of gets going as it approaches its end. Brian excels with the vocals with Phil keeping things tight behind the skins.
3: Big Jack
This oozes rhythm, almost like a train rolling along, touches of Rock N’ Roll Damnation. An anthemic chorus that the kids [40 years plus] will love to sing along to at the up and coming gigs.
4: Anything Goes
There are a lot of hardcore fans I know that are kind of split with this song. Personally, I think it’s the best on the album. It’s AC/DC meets Nazareth meets The Darkness meets 80’s rock. Brian sings along Springsteen [Born in the USA] style while Phil beats the skins. It has a good feel factor about it and for some reason a Christmassy type of feel to it. Many will want to play it over and over, some will want to skip it after it’s first listen. I like it… I like it a lot.
5: War Machine
Surprisingly short in length but none the less a fairly decent song. Starts off moody and builds up momentum as it steams along. Malcolm holds things together whilst Cliff picks away. The guitar work of Angus along with Brian’s vocals make this a definite inclusion in any set list… Maybe the strip routine halfway through?
6: Smash n Grab
Great harmonies once again from Cliff and Malcolm, Brendan O’Brien seems to enjoy getting the backing vocals right throughout this album. It has a catchy chorus: “SMASH, GRAB AND TAKE IT”. Yeh, I’ll take it thank you very much.
7: Spoilin’ For A Fight
Pure AC/DC, This is what they are all about. ‘Shot of Love’ + 10. I tend to follow Malcolm whenever I listen to AC/DC albeit on my air Gretsch. Things are picking up now on this album.
8: Wheels
Oh my! Add a piano and some brass to this little beauty and you have a masterpiece. Of course I jest, I don’t think AC/DC would ever go down that route but close your eyes for a second and you can hear a piano and a fanfare of trumpets blow in appraisal of this killer track. How do the Young brothers come up with such great, yet simple riffs?
9: Decibel
Hmmm, really not sure about this one. For me, it doesn’t really get going. It’s not weak and certainly not a filler. Maybe it is positioned wrong on the album? Some great guitar work from Angus but it loses pace for me midway through.
10: Stormy May Day
There was a lot of talk before the ‘unofficial’ launch of this album via torrent sites that Angus used slide on one of the songs. This is the song, although it’s not spectacular slide, it is a change for Angus Young. Imagine the mood of ‘Badlands’ from ‘Flick of the Switch’
11: She Likes Rock n Roll
Who invented the term ‘Rock N’ Roll’? They should have trademarked the term, they would have made a tidy sum of money from AC/DC. Not one of my favourites though the chant in the middle is ‘interesting’
12: Money Made
One has to look [listen] past the vocals of Brian to hear the genius of the Young brothers on this track. Psychic, they really work off each other on this piece. I don’t know what Brendan O’Brien said to them when they laid this down but whatever it was, it worked. A song to drool over.
13: Rock n Roll Dream
Starts off very slow, unusual for a song with ‘Rock N’ Roll’ in its title. Anyone who said Brian Johnson cannot carry a tune, listen to the opening sequence. It moves from slow to upbeat to slow to upbeat. Hard to fully let yourself go and almost definitely not one for the set-list.
14: Rocking All The Way
Ah, keep smoking those cigarettes Brian, the gravel voice at the start of this track more or less tells you what you are in for. Jump aboard the Malcolm Young showboat. This little baby rolls and is infectious. Slightly repetitive chorus line but hey, that’s AC/DC.
15: Black Ice
Kept thinking of Blackmore’s Rainbow when I first heard this track… until I heard Angus. To be honest, a bands title track should be remembered. ‘Highway to Hell’, ‘Back in Black’, ‘Let There Be Rock’ etc. Black Ice, the track, can’t stand next to any of the aforementioned. Sadly, this is the one filler on what is otherwise an enjoyable album.
8.5/10
Fid
Thomas R: But Michael Jordan didn’t play the same game throughout his career. If he had continued to play the way he did in his prime when he hit the Wizards, I imagine he’d probably still be playing.
And I appreciate what you’re saying here – clearly you’re very passionate on the subject – but our separate realities just became obvious. I don’t see the inclusion of a slide as an earth shattering event, and “Rock n Roll Dream” sounds nothing like Soundgarden whatsoever – not the young gritty Sub Pop Soundgarden, nor the “rock star” ‘Down on the Upside’ Soundgarden. Even if those two songs vary from norm for the band, we’re still left with 13 more that bring us back to reality. It’s a fine album, just not nearly as good as you’re making it out to be.
There are two things we seem to agree on however. The first being that Chris Cornell hasn’t made a decent album in years (though this has nothing to do with AC/DC). The second being that another 8 year hiatus is called for…at least 8 years.
Yup this is a lazy review, ac/dc with more than 200million record sold, deserved a more in depth review, too bad that the reviewer here isnt a fan of classic rock music, because even if all ac/dc songs sound basically the same, they are really not. Thus I agree with the guy that pointed out songs like stormy may day and rnrd and I add anything goes, sounds fresh and experimental, but still sounding like ac/dc. AC/DC is one of the biggest selling artist in the world, and has millions and millions of fans, these fans deserve a better review from you….
Black Ice is the best since BIB, its that good, the band was really inspired, you can hear it on the songs of this great album:)
Fair enough. Never have I questioned the band’s capability to sell albums or the fact that they have “millions and millions of fans.” If you’re agreeing with the sentiment that this is a lazy review, I’d be curious to know why – all you’ve done is is essentially agreed with me by commenting, “because even if all ac/dc songs sound basically the same, they are really not.”
Yeah just pointing out that your review never mentioned from this album, if you listened to the songs we “the fans” pointed out, you will find some difference…
Take pointers from this reviews
http://www.bravewords.com/hardwares/1001380
http://www.craveonline.com/articles/music/04651886/review_acdc__black_ice.html
Since you read the previous comment about my suggested laziness I can assume that you’ve read the other comment I made responding to the suggestion that the inclusion of a slide and a Soundgarden-sounding song are outstanding innovations and should be applauded. While I addressed those two songs, I still don’t think it’s necessary to give a track by track breakdown as our friend Bob did a few comments back. And there lies the point – on the whole the songs sound the same, why would I describe them individually in detail? Such a breakdown clearly wasn’t the point here – so criticizing that is (as you might say) lazy.
The point is, we’re all going to look at this, as with everything in life, from different perspectives. It just so happens that while we both enjoy the album, our reasons why differ greatly. That being said, I think it’s a bit humorous that you suggest that I should only take pointers from reviewers who agree with you about the overall magnificence of the album (the reviews giving “Black Ice” 9/10 & 9.5/10 respectively).
If you’re this hard on someone who thinks that “Black Ice” is an enjoyable listen, I can only imagine what you’ve got to say to those who think it sucks.
I think the new album is great. There are a couple of “fillers”, but it has been the best realease in awhile. Its at least as good a the “Razor’s Edge”. Maybe as as good as FTATRWSY.
Brian’s voice is awesome. Its the best its been in a long time.
Angus and the gang sound tight and very good. If you are a die hard fan, there are several unique songs on this album…..besides the slide guitar (which is very cool).
Clean your ears out. I am always astounded by those who think each AC/Dc album is the same. The differences between, say, Highway to Hell and Ball Breaker are profound. I cannot but help believe that those who believe that it is all the same understand nothing about rock music what so ever. Just got the CD an hour ago from Wal-mart (I held my nose and breath while there LOL), and the songs just keep getting better. AC/DC is the premier hard rock band of all time, and they have just demonstrated it once again.
I love the AC/DC sound, that’s why I like them. What makes AC/DC great is that they know who they are, no pretensions. I mean what do critics expect from AC/DC, social commentary?
Nice, arrogant touch on AC/DC fans not being digitally inclined. Frankly, I like albums! Today’s artist can’t make albums, Love Metallica’s new release, let’s hope great music makes a comeback, see ya timberlake and snoop!
ROCK N ROLL CAN NEVER DIE!
But unfortunately you and I aren’t in the majority when it comes to music fans (in general) being “digitally inclined” – it’s a nice thought, but it’s just not the case.
I respect the fact that you’re not a hard-core AC/DC fan. I am, and while I acknowledge that this is not a perfect effort, you have to give the boys some credit for going strong into well into their third decade.
To the point: The Young brothers continue to kick, Johnson’s voice sounds rejuvenated, and the material on the album is somewhat repetitive. So what? It’s rock.
The only thing I regret is that AC/DC threw a little pop into this album (more so than on Stiff Upper Lip, two-thirds of which I thoroughly enjoyed). At this point, though, the band is entitled to play/do whatever they want.
Way to carry on the traditions of old school rock, boys!
Absolutely – I agree that releasing solid music over three decades is a fantastic achievement, something definitely worthy of respect.
Being a long time fan of AC/DC and Pearl Jam, I was intrigued by the choice of Brendan O’Brien to produce the new album. Technically, it’s one their best albums of the Brian Johnson era – and how did Brian get his voice back? What I take away from Black Ice is a mature/professional effort that is a lot of fun to listen to. In these trying times, a little bit of fun escapism (even if it is Classic Rock) is just what the doctor ordered.
Has it really been 8 years? Well worth the wait!Certainly their best since Back in Black. Play it loudly on your car stereo to annoy everyone else!
People People People….
Jesus, Its very simple… !!
To those of you who say “it sounds just like the usual AC/DC stuff” …You have no F+(*&^%ing idea.
There are only 2 fillers on this album ( wheels & decibel) there is 1 very average song (war machine) and a song that starts with the disappointment of a SUL track or a Ballbreaker track (big jack) but after a few seconds … kicks ass!!.
There is Slide guitar on 1 track ! there are 4 guitar parts on a few tracks… Cliff is actually in the mix, AND hes playing bass lines that he hasnt played since POWERAGE. Brian is more melodic in his vocal lines than he has been for almost 30 years.
The guys have picked keys to suit his voice… The key of A has been synonymous with AC/DC for their entire existene, Theres a few in G here, Obviously suits brians voice (Producer.. or Band ?? )… There are some Guitar tune ups .. Downs that one hasnt heard from the band before.. !!. (Apart from Long way to the top which was only nescessary beacause bagpipes cannot be tuned to suit guitars hence it is ib B flat) !
Who the F&$K said Soundgarden.. ? IDIOT !
1: Rock n roll Train, Standard fair, But its what we expect and want.
2. Skies… Bass line makes the song !
3. Big Jack… What the hell is angus doing playing lines like that in the chorus ? (they all sound the same ??) WTF , Hes never been so melodic !! ever!! Love it !
4.Everyone keeps sayin’ Born in the USA.. theres a couple of vocal lines that follow the same melody yeah.. Try thinking of “the who” (Pete Townshend, one of mals heroes).
5.War machine.. Hmm , yeah, a bit like one of the fillers on ballbreaker. its ok.
6.Smash Grab.. Its kewl, keep listening and you’ll stop skipping it eventually.
7.Spoilin. Another example of using multiple guitar tracks on a song that can still be played “live” with 2 guitars and smack your ass to hell !
8.Wheels ..B-side Ballbreaker track
9. Decibel ..As above
10.Stormy…Nice one boys.
11.She likes …Its okay .
12.Money made.. Well F&%K me if the boys havent pulled out a track that shows rockers and blues afficianados how “Hard Rock”.. “R&R” woteva you want call it, This is what a freakin awesome song is about !!!! It does not get ANY better than this. By far the best thing …anything EVER written since Back in Black.
13. R&R dream. Think Bad Company. Not only the title (Rock n roll fantasy) Paul Rodgers is quite possibly the blackest white singer EVER.. Simon kirke is one of Phil Rudds heroes.. Paul Kossoff is one of Angus’s heroes…
14.Rockin all the way.
Yeah,skippable.. it will never be played live !
15. Black ice.. If your not from australia, dont worry about it, Rose Tattoo .. Look em up. Phil played in Buster Brown before AC/DC with the singer from “The Tatts” and AC/DC started on thew road with The Angels and Rose Tattoo at the same time. All of them legends of rock in oz. Thats what it was about.. Bit like Big Balls !
At the end of the day, It is without a doubt the most invigorating thing the best band in history have done since Back in Black….
Hell, even Back in black has 1 very average song on it, (let me put my love into you) and its still one of the best albums in history alongside Powerage !
Now buy black ice and love it, .. or piss off and buy the new Madonna album and die with a nagging feeling that your soul is incomplete !!!!!!!!!!!!
For those looking to follow James’ suggestion it is valid to mention that “Hard Candy” is in stores everywhere.
I was a teenager when Back in Black hit in 1981.
I went the first day Black ICE came out to Wal-Mart and bought a copy. What a feeling! LOVE this Album, made me feel like a teenager allover again!
Having been a fan since 1978
when I was 10 years old,I have felt disapointment over some songs and albums as a whole,but I really like the “new one” over all.It has a darker tone and heavyness that they have not exibited in some time{1982}?
15 tracks could have been culled to 10 and there are some fillers{for me},but most people i know, all like the songs that I don’t?I think its fantastic that a hard”rock”band can get any mention at all in the media these days!There will never be another “BON”,however this album is very strong and exciting for all ac/dc fans,and we would hate to wait another 8 years!Thanks for the great effort boys ,hope to see ya soon!
R&R Dream is definately a big nod to Bad Company’s Rock and Roll Fantasy. I like it and as Paul Rodgers will tell you. Making a Classic Bad Company song is bloody hard even though it appears bloody easy or effortless. Well done AC/DC for having the guts to try.
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