AC/DC - Black Ice (2008)

[Riff Raff]

Tracklist

1. Rock N Roll Train
2. Skies on Fire
3. Big Jack
4. Anything Goes
5. War Machine
6. Smash N Grab
7. Spoilin for a Fight
8. Wheels
9. Decibel
10. Stormy May Day
11. She Likes Rock n Roll
12. Money Made
13. Rock n Roll Dream
14. Rockin All The Way
15. Black Ice

Thought Id do a little review on Ac/dcs last album Black Ice which was released just over 2 years ago.
Was 8 years in the waiting since Stiff Upper Lips release and Ac/dc 16th album.

To put it simply its really not hugely different from what Ac/dc has done in the past, War Machine has that real hard rock edge, Stormy May Day ( a personal favourite) has that bluesy slide guitar, Money Made some brilliant rhythm guitar by Malcolm. Even the song Black Ice has a nice basic beat to it. Rock n Roll Dream mellows down a lot from the rest of the album, I have really started to like that song.

As far as the singing goes I think its Brian Johnson at his best still considering the band is getting on a bit agewise, but nevertheless they all still pack that punch they had when they released Highway to Hell and even Back in Black.

Overall I wouldnt say its the best album but it definitely was worth the wait in my opinion. Rock n Roll Trains the perfect song to start the album with.

Rating - 8 out of 10,

 

[aeroplane]

Re: Ac/dc Black Ice review (2008)

Good review.

I would have this album by now but unfortunately I have asked for it for 2-3 consecutive Christmas's now and am not likely to get it again this year based on where my family usually do their holiday shopping.

What makes AC/DC a favorite of mine is the consistency in always having a good idea of what you are going to get from one of their studio albums. You don't have to deal with them trying to be introspective, going through midlife crises or wanting to change the world.

You also have a band that does surprisingly well at keeping their mouth shut to the press, unlike the Bon Jovi's or Aerosmith's of the world, and a band who also is lucky to not have any members who believe they are bigger than the band.

 

[Riff Raff]

Re: Ac/dc Black Ice review (2008)

Good review.

I would have this album by now but unfortunately I have asked for it for 2-3 consecutive Christmas's now and am not likely to get it again this year based on where my family usually do their holiday shopping.

What makes AC/DC a favorite of mine is the consistency in always having a good idea of what you are going to get from one of their studio albums. You don't have to deal with them trying to be introspective, going through midlife crises or wanting to change the world.

You also have a band that does surprisingly well at keeping their mouth shut to the press, unlike the Bon Jovi's or Aerosmith's of the world, and a band who also is lucky to not have any members who believe they are bigger than the band.

totally agree. They are a no nonsense dont take shit type of band, they go about their business and dont sell out to trends. My respect for Brian Johnson is way up, he filled some big shoes, noone knew how he was gonna go but soon as you hear Hells Bells you can hear the talent and ability he has and instantly know he is the suited replacement for Bon. Bon will forever be in fans memories, Brian to me is just as much a rock legend now.

 

[Cosmic Harmony]

Re: Ac/dc Black Ice review (2008)

A solid review Riff Raff. I have to be frank though in saying that I thought "Black Ice" was real disappointment. What I expected out of it was for it to be basically the same thing that AC/DC has been doing for years and years and that would've been fine. However it was like they looked back on everything they've done and then did it worse for this album. "Rock N Roll Train" was a sturdy song but after that the album was all downhill for me.

 

[Riff Raff]

Re: Ac/dc Black Ice review (2008)

^^ Thats a fair call, I thought Stiff Upper Lip overall was a better album to be honest, some tracks on Black Ice I feel are weaker then a lot of others, Skies on Fire is one of my least favoured on the album.

 

[Cosmic Harmony]

Re: Ac/dc Black Ice review (2008)

I will definitely agree with you about "Skies On Fire".

 

[METALPRIEST]

Re: Ac/dc Black Ice review (2008)

Cool review...I don't think it's one of their best...BY FAR, but I still enjoyed it. I'll have to give it a spin again one day soon.

 

[aeroplane]

Re: Ac/dc Black Ice review (2008)

A solid review Riff Raff. I have to be frank though in saying that I thought "Black Ice" was real disappointment. What I expected out of it was for it to be basically the same thing that AC/DC has been doing for years and years and that would've been fine. However it was like they looked back on everything they've done and then did it worse for this album. "Rock N Roll Train" was a sturdy song but after that the album was all downhill for me.

Perhaps the album will grow on you over time?

I didn't like Stiff Upper Lip at all when it first came out. To me, it sounded a little lazy and uninspired. A little too autopilot. However, it has since become an album I really enjoy listening to. It was at least a couple of years before I warmed up to that album.

I like to think some of the people here who are lukewarm to Black Ice will eventually come around a little bit.

That being said, I still haven't heard it yet seeing that nobody has gotten around to putting it under my Christmas tree over the past 2-3 December's

 

[fielding]

Re: Ac/dc Black Ice review (2008)

This is just what I expected, a typical AC/DC album. A couple of good songs there, but I didn't expect this to be much. I like Big Jack and Rock N' Roll Train, but the other tracks don't blow me away. If I reviewed this, I would've given a 6 or 7/10. Worth listening to tho. But I have to say, they sounded good live!

 

[LG]

Re: Ac/dc Black Ice review (2008)

Nice summary Riff, although I will always be an early ACDC fan I have to give Brian credit for filling Bon's shoes.

As far as the album goes, I enjoyed it like Aero said you know what you are getting from this legendary band when you buy one of their CD's. Considering the time in between releases I thought they did just fine with Black Ice.

I would rate it about 6.9/10 on Joe's rating scale.