AC/DC (Black Ice) 2008

AC/DC (Black Ice) 2008

Front Cover

Back Cover

Black Ice. I haven't listened to this one since my original review. So I have had the luxury of distance between the two and I can say that this one is so much better than I remember it being. And finishing this one off as the final studio album for this marathon of mine, I can finally put it in context with their entire catalog. First off, this is the most "melodic", radio-friendly AC/DC album. By that I mean, Brian Johnson with his voice clearly gone on the last album and road wear of tours year in and year out, he is forced to sing more rather than relying solely on his patented growl approach. And this is a good thing. Check out Anything Goes to hear what I'm talking about. Also of note is that Angus really has expanded his playing and doesn't rely solely on his bag of riffs. It's still vintage stuff, but so much more.

The songwriting is also a bit broader which lends itself nicely to distinguishing itself from one song to the next. So there is no "it all sounds the same" card to play from fans and non fans alike. For an example of how different this one is, just one listen to Rock 'n' Roll Dream is all you need to hear to know that they made a conscious effort to do something different. It's a great fucking song and so unlike anything Brian has sung before. Love it. 

So, I can definitely say this is their best album since For Those About To Rock. The only song that really falls into the vintage AC/DC of their classic songs would be their first single for Rock N' Roll Train, which is a great track by the way. So, I have to give this one a higher rating this time around.

Fave Songs: Rock N' Roll Train, Skies On Fire, Big Jack, Anything Goes, She Likes Rock N' Roll, Money Made and Rock 'n' Roll Dream. MVP goes to....Anything Goes.

I actually like the Album cover as well as the alternate covers that each came with different designs and not just different colored logos.

Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

Review by Chiprocks1

Black Ice Music Videos

AC/DC - Rock N Roll Train

AC/DC - Anything Goes