AC/DC – Black Ice
Their best work since The Razor’s Edge and maybe even Back In Black – unlike Stiff Upper Lip and Ballbreaker, which acted more like maxi-singles with an hour worth of filler, there’s less filler here, and thanks to Brendan O’Brien everything is tight and well-produced.
Best moments: The singles “Rock ‘n Roll Train” and “War Machine” are vintage AC/DC. The guitar work is fresh and the searing and slashing vocals hold more energy than most recent AC/DC albums.
The cover: AC/DC will not be remembered for having innovative album covers, and Black Ice is no exception. Is that a golf ball?
A Wal-Mart exclusive: Following in the footsteps of The Eagles, Bryan Adams, and Journey, AC/DC has signed with Wal-Mart to have the mega chain distribute Black Ice exclusively – quite possibly the most perfect pairing for the gargantuan goliath yet, because if there’s anyone that can speak to the white trash trailer park sect of AC/DC fans, it’s Wal-Mart.
Grade: 3.2 / 5
Columbia
October 18, 2008