457. Back in Black - AC/DC

Of course I own this album - name me a former Metalhead who doesn't. Given that it's available for £1 from the bargain bin of pretty much every record store in existence, there's little excuse not to have it. Having not listened to it in its entirety for a while though, I wasn't sure whether it would still pack the punch I remember it having.

This was the band's seventh studio album, and their first after the death of their original lead singer, Bon Scott. Following his death in London after a night of heavy drinking, the band, having nearly packed it in, selected Brian Johnson from their auditions, and his first album with the group went on to become one of the biggest selling of all time, with over 26 million sales globally. It is still heralded as one of the finest rock albums of all time, and the influence it had on 80s music is clear; Van Halen wouldn't have raised their game without this album. The album's black cover is in tribute to Bon Scott, and it was only allowed by the record label on the agreement that the embossed lettering would have a grey outline.

Hell's Bells kicks proceedings off with a bell purpose-forged for this moment, before a ridiculously good riff kicks in. From that moment on, the album showcases Angus Young at his absolute best. The variety and skill he shows paved the way for much of the 80s shred guitarists, for better or worse. Shoot to Thrill doesn't quite reach the high points of the rest of the album, but is still enjoyable enough. What you do for Money Honey is the song that shows Status Quo what you can actually do with a simple chord progression. Whilst some of the lyrics are borderline slut-shaming, "they're standing in a queue just to spend a night with you/ it's business as usual again", the chorus is pure stadium singalong joy. Givin' the Dog a Bone is one of the least subtle songs about oral sex ever penned, and also one of the weaker songs on the album. Let Me Put my Love into You is one of the least subtle songs about sex ever penned, so let it not be said that the band lack variety. Whilst the lyrics of this song are possibly even more problematic, "Don't you struggle/Don't you fight/Don't you worry/'cos it's your turn tonight", musically it is astoundingly good. It is genuinely anthemic, and with more measured words could be an epic tale in the style of Led Zep. Back in Black has one of the greatest riffs ever, its simplicity and catchiness vying with Smoke on the Water. You Shook Me All Night Long is one of the least subtle songs about sex, etc, etc, but it's also ridiculously punch-in-the-air great for all the right reasons. Have a Drink on Me is one of the great lock-in songs, if such a sub-genre exists. Shake a Leg stands alongside Shoot to Thrill as a decent song, but without anything special to help it in such. Rock and Roll ain't Noise Pollution is a chugging locomotion of a song, but works well for that, and happily extends a middle finger to all the band's critics in anything but a subtle manner.

Overall, this album was simply a joy to listen to. It is in no way clever, or subtle, and the lyrics are questionable at times. However, it does what it does very simply, and very well, and that is put a smile on the face of the listener. Well, some listeners - Chloe wasn't so keen. 

Chloe's album rating: 5
Chloe's favourite track: 7. You Shook Me All Night Long
Olly's rating: 8
Olly's favourite track: 6. Back in Black

Next week we have moved from one of the best selling albums of all time to another one. It is the utter joy of 278. The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd.