AC/DC - Power Up
The Band That Powers Up to 17
Written by: Wild Dann Razor - Sense Music Media | Tuesday 6 September 2021
In the many years I have listened to the greatest rock bands during my 28 years on Earth, AC/DC has always been a very special band. These guys have been and always will be pioneers of good old Australian rock music, which is in a class of its own. Back in the day the band had achieved great success with the legendary Bon Scott who sang on their debut records High Voltage, TNT and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. After losing Bon in 1980, former GEORDIE singer Brian Johnson became the lead singer for AC/DC and has been ever since. With Brian Johnson behind the mic, AC/DC they have released a string of very successful albums like Highway to Hell and Back in Black, all the way up to last year's release with the album Power Up. Let's get straight to the review and on with the show.
Pictured: Cliff Williams, Phil Rudd, Angus Young, Brian Johnson + Stevie Young - AC/DC
Photo by: Josh Cheuse
The Review
AC/DC, where does one begin to describe the impact and legacy that this band has created? While I do prefer Bon Scott over Brian Johnson, AC/DC would have hung up they’re guitars if he didn’t come along, so to see Brian back on the vocals for this album means that for me I expected to go into the album and expect that simplistic but very effective formula that AC/DC has used in their sound. And I was not disappointed, songs like shot in the dark, a real favourite of mine really gets you into that pumped up feeling of just rocking out, the songs are short but that is AC/DCs formula a few short songs that are not bad and not too long and every track off of power up has left me wanting to just put the album on again, but then this review would take longer to complete. According to the band's guitarist, Angus Young, the album is a tribute to his late brother Malcolm Young, the bands former rhythm guitarist. Songs like Demon Fire really stuck out to me Demon Fire reminded me of Whole lotta Rosie with the way its structured, it’s a sound that’s pure and raw rock n roll.
Shot in the Dark is a straight up rocker of a song that makes you just want to hear it live when AC/DC tour again. I don’t know when that will be but hopefully it’s soon cos I wann see some of the songs from this album live, especially Shot in the Dark. It's no surprise that it was the big hit single from Power Up.
Witches Spell is another great track from this album as is the track called Money Shot. These songs I have listed are just a handful of my favourites so there may be a little personal bias in the songs I describe in this album.
Brian’s voice on this album still sounds like a mad max vehicle just tearing up the highway. And Angus can still shred that guitar like He’s shredding up the road in the most awesome of ways. Stevie Young has big shoes to fill for his Uncle Malcolm, but I had seen Stevie perform on the Rock or Bust tour and he did his uncle proud. He continues to do so, giving that crunchy, aggressive and biting sound that AC/DC needs right next to Angus going wild and just being himself. Phil Rudd behind the kit is a welcome return and this guy is the best drummer for AC/DC I reckon. The return of the formerly retired bassist Cliff Williams is a great addition to the album. To put it simply retirement sucks, so I’m really glad that he’s come back for this album. We might even get some more work from him too if he decides that he doesn’t want to go back into retirement.
Pictured: Brian Johnson, Angus Young + Cliff Williams - AC/DC
Photo by: Daniel Pockett - Getty Images
The Verdict
Together they make a sound that is unique and has remained the same formula for years. This album is another gem collection, to go along with the rest of the big-name albums, from AC/DC. In other words, the album is awesome and if you’re a fan AC/DC, or just a straight up fan of rock music who is just hungry for some more toe tapping, head banging music, do yourself a favour and check out this album because it’s a great one. You will be powered up after the very first track, and that will really get the rock ‘n’ roll motor running. That’s about all. Stay sharp.
9.5/10
Power Up is out now through Sony Music via Columbia Records
More from AC/DC…
Pictured: Cliff Williams, Phil Rudd, Angus Young, Brian Johnson + Stevie Young - AC/DC
Photo by: Josh Cheuse