Amazon.com: Rock or Bust: CDs & Vinyl
I'll probably get some blow back on this review, but I can only rate this new AC/DC release as I hear it. I've been a big fan of AC/DC since first hearing their "Highway To Hell" '79 release...on 8-Track. I was hooked on that sound and that voice from the first note. Didn't know anything about AC/DC before that. I immediately went back and bought all the previous LPs and was amazed that I hadn't heard any of their material before this...maybe I just wasn't paying attention. Mr. Bon Scott was taken from us shortly after discovering "Highway To Hell". A sad day for all who live for the Hard Guitar driven Rock! In stepped Brian Johnson, and the boyz didn't miss a beat, as they released "Back In Black" in '80. This was when everyone who didn't already know AC/DC got their introduction as it seemed to be playing everywhere. My Dallas/Ft. Worth radio station KZEW actually realized the err of their ways and started playing all the earlier Bon Scott material. Don't get me wrong, they did play three songs off of the "Highway To Hell" release regularly. Then we got "For Those About To Rock...We Salute You" '81. This new release, which I was a bit skeptical of when it was announced, is the best studio release they've put out since "For Those...". I know and understand everyone has their own likes based on personal preferences and the tyming of said releases. Other than "Powerage" '78, I rate all the Bon Scott releases higher, but since Brian Johnson has joined the band and become the voice of the band, I think "Rock Or Bust" is every bit as good as "For Those..." and better than every other following release by the band. Only "Back In Black" would be preferred over this new one. It's just my opinion, don't be a hater.. I think every AC/DC release should be in each and every Hard Rockers collection. Each and everyone of the releases after "For Those..." has had quality songs, just not always every song. I can't imagine anyone who has been a fan of AC/DC over the years, not thoroughly enjoying this new release. It has such a better sound and feel than their '08 "Black Ice". Again, not saying that was bad, just that this new one is much better. I'll rate the Brian Johnson era AC/DC: I'll stop there as "Flick Of A Switch" 83, "Fly On The Wall" '85, "Who Made Who" '86, "Blow Up Your Video" '88 & "Black Ice" '08 just don't stand up to those six...in my opinion. I think I'll go back and reintroduce myself to these last five, just to make sure my taste and appreciation of this genre of music has not changed. I admit that occasionally I find myself liking an album I didn't think so highly of on earlier listens. Maybe I'll be surprised!! Free Hugs!! Changin' The World One Ear At A Tyme!!
1) "Back In Black" '81
2) "Rock Or Bust" '14
3) "Razors Edge" '90
4) "For Those About To Rock...We Salute You" '81
5) "Stiff Upper Lip" '00
6) "Ball Breaker" '95
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Keep A Rockin' In The Free World!!