AC/DC: Back In Black

Back In Black is arguably one of the greatest hard rock albums of all time. When you consider how this record came to be, it makes you appreciate how difficult it must have been for the band to pull this record together. However, as is the case for many of the greatest records ever recorded and greatest organizations and people for that matter, adversity, turmoil, and suffering can be harnessed to drive the creation of something great.

In February 1980, Bon Scott, the band’s lead singer, was found dead in the backseat of his car. Scott died from alcohol poisoning after going on a drinking binge. Instead of disbanding, the Young brothers decided to move forward and recruited Bryan Johnson to assume lead vocals for the band. Johnson was previously a vocalist for the band Geordie. The rest is history, as Back in Black became AC/DC’s biggest album, catapulting them to superstar status.

TRACK LIST
1. Hells Bells
2. Shoot to Thrill
3. What Do You Do for Money Honey
4. Given The Dog A Bone
5. Let Me Put My Love into You
6. Back in Black
7. You Shook Me All Night Long
8. Have a Drink on Me
9. Shake a Leg
10. Rock N’ Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution

There are mixed reviews about this pressing and reissues since the original release. Some have said that the first few tracks on each side are clean, free of noise and sonically strong. They then report that the remaining tracks on each side are distorted and almost unlistenable.

I have not had this same experience with this reissue from 2013. I find it to be consistent all the way through from “Hells Bells” to “Rock N’ Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution”. The record is clean, has good range, the bass is dynamic, the vocals and lead guitar present, and it is for the most part free of distortion. The jacket is embossed and sturdy. The vinyl is a nice weight at 180 Grams. If you cannot find a clean copy of the original release, I would recommend that you take your chances on this version. It is a solid copy of a classic hard rock album. 💰

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