Few bands have reached the level of commercial success that ACDC has.

Since forming in 1973, ACDC has sold well over 200 million records worldwide, and its “Back in Black” album is the second highest selling album of all time (Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is number one on the list).  ACDC rocks hard, and a case could be made that they are the fathers of hard rock music.  That being said, when I heard that ACDC was going to release a new album after an 8 year hiatus, I was ecstatic.  And so, on October 20^th, 2008, after hiding away for 8 years, ACDC released their newest album, titled “Black Ice.”

 “Black Ice” is the longest ACDC album ever released, containing 15 songs spanning an epic 55 minutes and 30 seconds.  The record was composed by the regular ACDC cast:  Brian Johnson on vocals, Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass, Phil Rudd on drums, and, my favorite, Angus Young on lead guitar.  Although the album retains many of the classic ACDC sounds that we all love, the band shows some originality in the “Money Made,” “Stormy May Day,” and the title track.

The first song on the CD, “Rock ‘n Roll Train,” sets the mood for the entire album.  It starts with a classic Angus Young guitar riff, distorted and simple, followed by a head-banging drum pattern and then Johnson’s scratchy, strained vocals.  The chorus is spectacularly catchy, with backup vocals that make the listener reminisce of past ACDC classics like “Shook Me” and “Highway to Hell.”

My personal favorite is “Skies on Fire.”  The guitar is memorable and simple, the chorus is beautiful, and the overall effect is uplifting and exciting.  It still leaves me feeling inspired, even after listening to it on repeat for two hours while I’m writing an anthropology essay.  I can’t help but sing along with Johnson as he yells, “Skies on Fire.”

The majority of the CD follows the old-school ACDC song model: hard guitar riffs, metronomic drums, screechy vocals, and a feeling of drive throughout (Unfortunately, the album lacks a surplus of memorable face-melting solos that are typical of Angus Young and ACDC).  However, the band does show some creativity in three songs.  “Stormy May Day” almost sounds country-ish with a riff that is uncharacteristic of Angus Young.  “Money Made” has a unique beginning and also has a country-esque sound to it.  And finally, the title track has an odd, descending progression that does not remind me of any past ACDC song.

Overall, “Black Ice” kicks ass.  I definitely recommend everyone take the time to listen to at least one or two of ACDC’s new songs.  Although it comes up short of “Back in Black,” it is strong album worth picking up from your local Wal-Mart.

8/10

Youtube Now:  Rock ‘n Roll Train and Skies on Fire