Search - Ac/Dc :: Back In Black

Conrad H. from PARKERSBURG, WV
Reviewed on 1/30/2009...

It would be tempting but pointless to describe this disc as "for fans only" since the worldwide sales of AC/DC's landmark album, Back In Black, run into millions upon millions: it is very much an item which would appeal primarily to fans of the band and of this album in particular; but when its fanbase is already so vast and sprawling (probably literally, if the band's advice to "Have A Drink On Me" is taken to heart) who is to say this excellent item would do anything other than further increase its appeal? I confess immediately that I'm old enough to have been someone who bought a vinyl LP copy of this when it was first released in 1980 and I loved it then as I love it now. As many will know, this was the band's first release following the untimely death of AC/DC's charismatic, hard-drinking and iconic lead singer, Bon Scott, who fell victim to his own lifestyle at a tragically young age, and the album was intended as a tribute to him. It transpired to be that, and much more: it was, in truth, not only an immediate rebirth for the band - now featuring new frontman, Brian Johnson - but also a platform for launching the band to worldwide success on a scale of which the surviving members (guitar-wielding siblings Angus and Malcolm Young, bassist Cliff Williams and drummer Phil Rudd) had probably never dreamed. Having previously bought this album on record back in 1980 then subsequently in a high quality CD version, my further purchase might seem rather superfluous: not so. The sound quality on this 5.1 surround disc absolutely justifies the further outlay. The expression, "clear as a bell," has never been more aptly applied than in relation to this recording which, after all, famously opens with the sound of a bell tolling in sombre memory of the band's fallen singer, before breaking into the electric opening notes of the song,"Hells Bells". Having dealt with the bells of the title, the band then unleashes the hell, ripping into one of the most memorable opening tracks in rock history and, as if that were not enough, even has the temerity to top it in the following song, "Shoot To Thrill", one of the greatest in this, or any other band's history. The overriding sense throughout this fabulous, eternally listenable album, despite the gloomy portent of the opening bell, is one of joy. The title track of the record, despite its dark name, carries a sense of elation seldom achieved elsewhere in rock music, and listening to this and the many other wonderful tracks on the album in a new, improved format only serves to enhance what was always a deeply pleasurable experience for its admirers. The dual disc is so called because it bears both a CD and DVD side, and the DVD carries an excellent 30 minute documentary including rare interviews with the band members, as well as intimate guitar-only performances of some key tracks from the album by Malcolm and Angus. Magical stuff. I am, of course, utterly biased by my long-time love of band and album, but so what? If I could have requested one other feature in the package it would have been song lyrics, but I guess you can't have everything all at once. Highly recommended. Buy this.

Lisa B. (Lisa) from CTR TUFTNBORO, NH
Reviewed on 9/16/2006...

This is THE AC/DC crank it party album.

The Quintessential AC/DC Album Is Now Even Better!

highway_star | Hallandale, Florida United States | 03/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Released in 1980, "Back In Black" featured new lead singer Brian Johnson who replaced former singer Bonn Scott who died months earlier. With the death of Scott, there were sceptics that thought this was the end of the hard rocking Aussy band. But to their surprise "Back In Black" was a huge success with absolutely no filler tracks. The album produced a number of hits with the title "Back In Black", "Hells Bells" and "You Shook Me All Night Long". In my opinion some of the best songs on the album were not hits such as "Shoot To Thrill", "What Do You Do For Money Honey" and "Shake A Leg". With the addition of Johnson to the line up the band seemed to be stronger than ever, and Angus Young's guitar licks are absolutely amazing. Just listen to the lead guitar in "Shake A Leg" and I'm sure you'd agree. Numerous soundtracks have included AC/DC songs from this album, notably the Steven King film "Maximum Overdrive" which featured "Hells Bells" and "You Shook Me All Night Long". This newley remastered edition of "Back In Black" now on the Epic Label surpasses the older 1994 remastered version in that the volume is pumped up higher, there's definately more bottom end and mid-range. I actually listened to both versions of the disc and this new one blows the other away. The digipack that stores the new remastered version is attractive and there's an excellent booklet inclosed with color photos, etc. of the band. If you want to hear hard rock the way it was meant to be then pick this superb cd up and enjoy."

"Back in Black" - Remastered.

The Groove | Boston, MA | 05/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At this point, I really don't need to tell you the story behind "Back in Black." You already know that it's the first AC/DC album since founding member Bon Scott's death and the first featuring replacing singer Brian Johnson. You already know that it's one of the biggest-selling albums around the world. And you already know that it's the Aussie-based group's best album to date. What you may NOT know is that the repackaged and remastered edition is a must-have, even if you already own prior versions on LP, cassette, or CD. Re-released around the time the band received Rock and Roll Hall of Fame status, "Back in Black" appears in a Digipak cover with cool photos of the band, as well as a nice booklet with more pictures and a well written commentary by Rolling Stone veteran editor David Fricke. And the sound quality? I personally listened to the previous CD edition and this version back to back, and not only can you hear the difference but also FEEL the difference. The new version projects with more force and clarity. The previous CD was okay as it was, but Sony really took it to a whole new level. You'll get to hear tracks like "Hells Bells," "Back in Back" and "Shoot to Thrill" like you never heard them before. So this review should end any speculation as to whether you should buy "Back in Black" again. You can never own too many copies of an album like this, and Sony gave it the upgrade it richly deserves."