I managed to get my hands on
Black Ice one week before its original release and it seems to grow on me more and more. Been listening to it for a couple of days, so I decided to make an in-depth album review, featuring each song (excuse my shitty English where necessary).
Rock ‘n Roll Train – You probably already heard this one. Great album opener, kind of Highway to Hell-like riff. It’s like listening to Brian 20 years ago, and the chorus just ‘sets my balls on fire’. Nice video too! Definitely a concert song!
Skies On Fire – I know that Brian worked his voice for this album, but man, the chorus part when he screams is just mind-blowing. And when Ang begins his solo, that skies are literally on fire!
Big Jack – After hearing the intro I expected a For Those About To Rock kind of song. Wasn’t that much alike, but it gets close! Sounds a bit like Night Of The Long Knives (which is great, IMO), with a more up-beat tempo. Anyhow, the chorus doesn’t kick so much ass! And by the way, it doesn’t have anything from the good, old The Jack song.
Anything Goes – Now this is the song that many people hate (or don’t like that much like the rest of the album). It’s more of a country song, doesn’t exactly follow the AC/DC formula, but I still think it’s pretty good (growing on me). The bridge riff reminded me of the one from FTATR song. It’s not the anthem FTATR was, but as I said, I think many people will find it…at least interesting.
War Machine – Probably heard this one too. Didn’t pay too much attention to the lyrics, but seems that it has some political stuff in it (which is not AC/DC-like). One of the best and heaviest songs from the album with a simple, but killer riff.
Smash ‘N Grab –
Come on and blow your mind / You’re outta time. This one is pretty much typical AC/DC, with really nice vocals, but it’s not that outstanding. A good song, anyway.
Take it while you can!Spoilin’ For a Fight – Now this one is a song from the AC/DC we all know. Angus fires up some solos up and down the fretboard, with those pinch harmonics we love. He is pretty busy on his Gibson this time!
Wheels – This is rock ‘n roll! I personally love this song, Brian screams great on this one (I wonder if he can pull out this one live). Along with War Machine, a pretty heavy song for this album. Angus’ solo sounds very familiar and explosive. I don’t know why the intro reminded me of Day Tripper. Anyway, this song stuck in my head for some time. Another one for ‘The best stuff on Black Ice’!
Decibel – This one has a bluesy feel, sounds a bit like Gone Shootin’ from Powerage. Some people seem to love this song, some don’t like it at all. I actually think it’s very, very good (me likes bluesy stuff). It’s a really toe-tapping song and I love those guitar bits Angus does towards the end of the song (more like his Bon-era stuff).
Stormy May Day – The slide guitar stuff everyone’s been talking about. Led Zeppelin fans will recognize this one pretty quick. I was kind of skeptical about this song, but it turned out as one of the best ones on the album. Sounds like Badlands as well. Again a bluesy feel with a great chorus, and that bit (end of the song) when Brian has the soft singing part is pure awesomeness. Unfortunately, it’s too short (3:12) and it does not feature a solo.
She Likes Rock ‘N Roll – This one sounds so much like Brian! Cliff has a nice bass part here. Not that outstanding, but it has AC/DC-ish lyrics and, again, a mind-blowing chorus.
Money Made – The intro is similar to Decibel, but slowed down a bit. It will probably become a radio hit. It has a great feel and it definitely sounds like AC/DC !
Rock ‘N Roll Dream – This one is that controversial ballad. The guitar, drums and bass, all fall in their places along with the vocals, making a great song (it’s in my Top 5 songs from this album). The drums part when the chorus begins gives me chills. IMO, they tried to use the same formula as for Ride On. I would have been disappointed actually if this album didn’t have a song like this one.
Rocking All The Way – The chorus and solo are kind of similar to the ones from Highway To Hell. Well, RATW it’s not that kind of anthem, but it still better than some songs on this album.
Black Ice - …and when I thought it couldn’t get any better, Black Ice kicks in. This is both heavy and bluesy, with a ferocious chorus and with angry solos. This may be the last song from the band’s last album, so take a good listen!
All in all, Black Ice is one of AC/DC’s best albums and it will probably sell millions of copies. As someone stated on a forum, Black Ice is Powerage 2008.
Brian’s voice improved a lot, Angus is eager to ‘blow your mind’ (as the song goes), and the band is more tight than ever! The boys were really inspired and came up with great tunes, and, as Brian said, this album shows the versatility of this band.
When they were 17, they wrote songs from 17 years old kids. When they’re in their 50’s, even in their 60’s (Happy Birthday Brian!) they still write songs for 17 years old kids.
Great job, AC/DC ! Keep on rockin’!
