AC/DC - Back In Black (1980)

Marking a rebirth of AC/DC, Back In Black was recorded just months after original singer Bon Scott had died – the album title being reference to this. Scott’s replacement was ex-Geordie vocalist, and Geordie, Brian Johnson who was somewhat daunted by stepping into Scott’s shoes and the possible backlash from the fans so decided to scream as high, loud and powerfully as he could throughout the album.

He needn’t have worried, his vocals on this (and successive releases) are outstanding for the genre and ear-shredding in their intensity throughout. From the opening chimes of Hell’s Bells to the closing bluesy-riffed Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution, this album has ‘classic’ stamped all the way through it.

The fans agreed too and snapped it up making it AC/DC’s best selling album ever and selling in excess of 49 million copies worldwide! Back In Black carries the hallmark AC/DC sound but with the humour element brought by Scott replaced by a more aggressive vocal delivery and maturity.

In my opinion AC/DC lost their way during the later 1980s but this is a fine testament to a great rock band producing a masterpiece out of the most trying of circumstances. Such was the album’s impact, drumming metronome Phil Rudd can even be heard producing a drum roll in Back In Black immediately upon the song coming out of Angus Young’s solo – wonders will never cease!

• Angus Young — Guitar
• Brian Johnson — Vocals
• Malcolm Young — Guitar
• Cliff Williams — Bass
• Phil Rudd — Drums