AC/DC | Back In Black | Retro Album Review

Atlantic Records

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Almost 40 years ago, the Australian band AC/DC released Back In Black, a tribute album to the former lead singer, Bon Scott, after his death. The background of this album contributes to its free-living lyrics and overall rock-’n’-roll vibe. As with most of this band’s songs, there are many with heavy sexual themes, but the best tunes are the ones about taking-no-$#%! and coming back from a death with a headstrong attitude.

The first song, “Hell’s Bells,” starts off with church bells chiming solemnly, only for the epic guitar intro to build up the momentum. The opening lyrics, “I’m rolling thunder pouring rain / I’m coming on like a hurricane,” tell listeners death is not capable of taking the spirit out of the band or the men in it.

“Shoot to Thrill” brings the mood up from the previous song with its fast tempo and heavy drumbeat. The head-banging song seems like just the tune one would put on when getting ready for a night out on the town. Sexual or not, everyone is bound to feel pumped after listening.

The album’s namesake, “Back In Black,” is arguably one of the best rock songs ever written. The lyrics, “Forget the hearse cause I’ll never die,” give the audience a feeling of what-doesn’t-kill-you-makes-you-stronger invincibility. The unforgettable guitar solos and swagger-filled lyrics make “Back In Black,” both the album and song, one for the ages.

This comeback album has 10 songs, most of which are the band’s most popular beats. Listeners might recognize “Shoot to Thrill,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution.” This album seems a fitting tribute to the original singer while also being one of the top rock albums ever made. As the song says, “Rock ‘n’ roll ain’t gonna die,” and this album won’t either.