It’s one of the biggest selling albums of all time. As in top five best selling albums of all time. It represents the true, raw power of pure rock n roll better than almost any album. It’s spirit, it’s drive, it’s legacy. This is AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black.’
A more appropriate album title would be a challenge to find. Considering where AC/DC were just a few short months prior to its release. Their famed and now legendary front man, Bon Scott was found dead after contracting alcohol poisoning. Right when the band were starting to break commercially in the United States. As well as many other large, international markets. But the Young brothers and co forged forward. Recruited Geordie singer Brian Johnson. And got to work. The result? The highest selling hard rock album of all time. A true classic that’s worshipped on the daily. The forever immortal, ‘Back in Black.’
It’s a straight down record. From ‘Hells Bells’ to ‘Rock ‘N Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution.’ There’s not one dud in the bunch. Of course, it’s not the only AC/DC album to claim that prize. But it’s the most significant. ‘Shoot to Thrill’ is one of the only AC/DC songs I can listen to at any time. It’s simply one of their best tracks. And then there’s the iconic title track. Followed by the legendary ‘You Shook Me All Night Long.’
But once again, it’s the deep cuts that make the album so special. The mega bluesy ‘Have a Drink On Me’ is a perfect dive bar rocker. As well as its fifth track counterpart ‘Let Me Put My Love Into You.’ Especially with it’s tasty pre-chorus guitar lick. The power of ‘What Do You Do for Money Honey’ rings at eleven during the intro. ‘Given’ the Dog a Bone’ might be the most ripped off riff of all time. The album ends with one hell of a one two punch. First, the adrenaline fueled ‘Shake a Leg.’ One of the strongest riffs the band have even put out. And it also maybe Angus Young’s finest guitar solo. He just absolutely rips it to shreds. Then the record ends with ‘Shake a Leg”s counterpart, ‘Rock N’ Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution.’ Maybe the most iconic album closer of all time. However, there are a lot of contenders in that category. It’s blues pocket is undeniable. The anthem chorus rings out. And when they did it live on the ‘Rock or Bust’ tour, singing it with 55,000 people was quite an experience. One of those magical live moments that you’ll never forget.
When the album dropped, fans were accepting. But it wasn’t quite the phenomenon it would become. But soon, ‘Back in Black’ started selling, and selling…and selling. And has sold over 25,000,000 in the United States alone. Not to mention the millions it’s sold in other markets such as France and Germany. It has crossed the triple Diamond mark and continues to influence generations of heavy music lovers to this day. It’s apex raw, hard rock at it’s finest.
