The late 70’s saw a major transition in popular music. Disco was dominant. And the counterculture reaction to it was the emerging genre known has hard rock/heavy metal. Numerous bands were making their mark. Such as KISS, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Other genres were starting to take form. Such as punk and new wave. And through it all an emerging little (literally) band from Sydney Australia was gaining steam. AC/DC weren’t the powerhouse of popularity they would become just yet. But the ball got rolling with their third album ‘Let There Be Rock.’
Were AC/DC the heaviest band to pop up? Not particularly. That would be left to Sabbath and another up and coming outfit from Birmingham named Judas Priest. Were they the loudest? You bet. And there’s no better example than ‘Let There Be Rock.’ It’s immediately apparent on the banger of an opening track ‘Go Down.’ Angus and Malcolms guitar tone is so thick. So in the front of the mix. No one had ever really heard studio recordings that loud before. It sounded like a live show. And that was the point. Just really really heavy blues.
‘Dog Eat Dog’ is one of the rare AC/DC songs that doesn’t have the drums ride on the high hat. While the title track is a proto thrash metal song that’s still of legendary status. Again, something people hadn’t really heard before. A hard rock band with an immense amount of punk energy. Chronicling the history of rock music to that point. It’s still a concert staple. ‘Bad Boy Boogie’ is a prime example how AC/DC just keep it simple. Three simple chords used to great effect. ‘Problem Child’ follows in similar suit. But with a catchier chord progression and vocal attack.
‘Overdose’ is one of the strongest AC/DC songs that doesn’t really get the attention it deserves. Just so much attitude. So much passion, grit and determination. The guitar so loud that Angus actually blew his amp out during the recording. ‘Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be’ is a signature concert staple. Being played on almost every tour since the albums release. Most recently with the audience donning their flashing devil horn headsets during the song. But it’s the albums closer, ‘Whole Lotta Rosie,’ that really got heads turning towards AC/DC. The song, about Bon Scott’s love for BBW’s, is a banger live. And one of the final five in the set that the audience counts on every night. If it’s not played. It’s not considered a complete AC/DC set list.
Upon it’s release, ‘Let There Be Rock’ broke new ground. As simple as it can get, while also being as loud as it can get. The album also clocks in well over 40 minutes. Despite its track list being only eight songs. That’s a pretty long album for the time. Most records in the 70’s ended around the 35 minute mark. But AC/DC had a lot to prove. And they did that and then some with ‘Let There Be Rock.’ Crank it, live it, love it. Celebrate AC/DC’s ‘Let There Be Rock!’
