For Week Ending:
18 January 2025

AC/DC - Powerage [A.U. Edition] (1978)

[Hard Rock]

Somewhere deep inside of us is the need to hear rhythms. Back to the days of our ancient ancestors, they banged drums and danced and sang. Much like the need to eat and drink, it is built into all of us in some way. AC/DC taps into that primal needs in a way no other band can, and Powerage is the album that shows this best. It is both simplistic and yet complex, in that the instruments are rough and raw and deceivingly primal, but only after repeat listens do the structures of the songs really reveal themselves as perfectly crafted. There is a method to the madness, like some great architect planned every chord to unlock something in the mind, and no doubt that was the intention when writing these riffs. 'Rock 'n' Roll Damnation' opens the album with a groove that is irresistible, and with a simplistic riff the band creates their most 'pop' like song, whilst still keeping every ounce of muscle. Bon Scott's vocals are restrained, showcasing his singing, but he still takes the opportunity to unleash that all too familiar wail when he can. The challenge to the listener is to try not to sing along, especially when that chorus soars. Any chance of the opening track showing a new 'lighter' direction for the band is quickly squashed once the main riff of 'Down Payment Blues' kicks in. The songs gives us a darker side of the band than the usual tongue-in-cheek attitude. This isn't Bon Scott the dreamer - this is Bon Scott the realist, barking of his real life woes. In fact, this sets the tone for most of the rest of the album, with most of the lyrics sounding quite personal for the first time ever. In 'Gimme A Bullet' we learn that the cheeky smile on Scott's face can turn to a grimace when necessary, as he curses a female ex-lover for her past transgressions. There is a lot of repetition in the riffs throughout the album, and in some places they almost become a drone, adding creating a sensation of claustrophobia. This is perfect for the tone the album is feeding the listener - with it's dark and biting lyrics. The leads of Angus Young are as always sublime and perfect in every way, but brother Malcolm is the true star here, crafting a mood in the way he plays. The irresistible groove of the main riff of 'Riff Raff' kicks in and it feels like going home, as it is so drenched in the AC/DC charm it couldn't have come from any other band. Scott now really opens up for the first time, and that familiar banshee wail locks this into the 'classic' category of any fans collection. Phil Rudd holds down a steady beat on the drums, and Cliff Williams plays in a very economical style the album, allowing the songs to glide on his steady bass thumps rather than filling the empty spaces with unnecessary notes. 'Sin City' follows, and once opened side 2 of the album with a mid-paced punch the stomach. The guitars are tight and biting, and the tone is perfect. These songs have a feeling of urgency, like there is some sort of anticipation of something nefarious following behind, driving them at pace. "What's Next To The Moon' showcases this feeling, with the riffs all feeling like they are pushed to the limit. Things finally slow a little by 'Gone Shootin'', a laid back blues groove, and the lyrics take us into the more familiar territory of the band, dropping the vitriol for just a moment. It is easily the weakest song on the album, but is needed to break the pace. The final two tracks, 'Up To My Neck In You' and 'Kicked In The Teeth' are more in the style of the earlier tracks on the album, with barnstorming riffs and vocals, and lyrics hotter than a summer's day. Scott really had a chip or two on his shoulder when writing the lyrics of this album, but this proved to be a good thing, as many of the lyrics here are the most accessible and relatable he ever penned. It moves the tone of the album from powerful to downright aggressive at times. For the casual AC/DC listener, this may not be an album with many well-known songs and may be overlooked - but for the die-hard fan this is an album that generally sits near the top of any album ranking.

Arist Information
AC/DC are a British-Australian rock band formed in Sydney, Australia, in 1973. The band's line-up remained the same for 20 years until 2014, when Malcolm retired due to early-onset dementia, from which he died three years later. They were founded by brothers Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar and Angus Young on lead guitar. They are cited as a formative influence on the new wave of British heavy metal bands, such as Iron Maiden and Saxon.

Release Information
'Powerage' is the fifth studio album by AC/DC. This was the band's first album to feature Cliff Williams on bass guitar.