@M. White I hear ya!! I think they're just getting older and slowing down like their music. I thought "Pwr up" would be heavy as hell but got something else otherwise. "Demon fire" is a hell of a track when it kicks in. "Through the mists of time" is kinda like "You shook me all night long". I'm like you..what happened to songs like "For those about to rock"?? You would figure for Malcom they would go back to the heaviness and stop writing "radio friendly" type songs and kick some major ass. Im sure the lads felt like they've already done that and wanna do more layed back rock n roll. Maybe one day when we get older we'll look back at this new album and hear it alot different. Hopefully we can still hear at their age..haha look at poor Brian.
@M. White Yes!! And to be known as a band that never changes their sound i think the die hard fans like us beg to differ. They definitely have changed over the years.
OP doesn't realise that, too busy getting likes on youtube. At one point he says they are doing nothing new, at another point he celebrates that they are still the same old band. AC/DC don't change, yet one year (late nineties) NME is criticising them for not changing and a few years later, NME gives Stiff Upper Lip the greatest review I'd ever read in that magazine. Akker Dakker do what the fuck they want to do, deal with it journalists and crap youtubers. Just celebrate a band that changed rock music like Maiden changed metal, and stayed true to themselves at the same time.
New AC/DC album? Got it immediately without listening to a single track because i know exactly what i'm going to get, and i fucking LOVE IT! Welcome back fellas.
@Chris Lewis Nope Not AT ALL "dude". Your 1,000% off and delusional. Power Up stands along side with BIB FTATRWSY and Flick Of The Switch. It kicks all other albums ass released after FOTS 1983 and this is coming from a die hard fan too. Toche
@Chris Lewis And I didn't like Rock Or Bust,Half of Black Ice was ok,Stiff Upper Lip half was ok... Ballbreaker,Razor's Edge,Blow Up Your Video,Who Made Who,Fly On The Wall....NONE are even close to Power Up. You've officially LOST your ear for AC/DC guy.
Personally, Through the Mists of Time was the standout song for me. It was different than anything I've heard from AC/DC, and it felt like a real culmination of their career.
This is what 2020 NEEDS! So what if they're "repetitive". If ya think that isn't on purpose then you don't know AC/DC...it's their freakin' signature! Let other bands take the chance and get experimental and totally lose their way (ie KISS...yeah they're my faves, but I'm not so biased that had they just stuck to their OWN style, they'd be EONS ahead of where they are now) I believe this is a no-fail album considering that I think most of us thought that time had finally beaten them and they go ahead and beat the odds in a time where we need some straight-up Rock & Roll!!! \m/
Greatest band in rock and roll history, with the second highest selling album, Back in Black, of all time, behind Michael Jackson's Thriller album. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Legends!
I haven’t had a chance to hear this album yet. However, if it’s what you describe then I will most likely like it. One thing about AC/DC is that they don’t experiment. What you see is what you get. Good old fashion rock and roll.
@@russell2890 nahh, that just a cachy phrase. Bands, music and people evolve constantly,change constantly, AC/DC just got stuck, 0 evolution, 0 pregression. Sorry but that not músic for me, even some pop bands have more evolution than this.
speaking of Nazareth and Dan McCafferty.. The week Back in Black was released , me and a friend took the city bus to our favorite record store, opened it up, and saw the pics on the inner sleeve. Curious about the new singer..Brian Johnson. When we got back to my friends house, he threw it on his parents huge stereo console system, and after the first song, he said....HE sounds like the guy in Nazareth!
Power Up is easily their best album since Ballbreaker. Black Ice is arguably their worst since Ballbreaker, closely followed by Stiff Upper Lip. I mean it had great songs like War Machine and Rock & Roll Train, other than that it was mostly forgettable. Just my personal opinion.
@Chris Lewis I still need time to sit with this new album. As of now I do feel that Rock or Bust is a stronger, more AC⚡️DC sounding album; but I’ve been listening to it for 6 years now, it even has a nostalgia factor at this point. I think Shot in the Dark is very AC⚡️DC. It’s a banger and it’s like a cross between Stiff Upper Lip and Rock N Roll Train. I think as fans we have to let go of expectations and listen to the tracks until we understand where they were coming from. Apparently these were all songs that Angus and Malcolm worked on together over the years, but let’s face it, it’s the first album that was completely orchestrated by Angus without his other half. Even most of the songs don’t end with their traditional “bamp” at the end, which is fine but it’s definitely different than 90% of there other songs. I guess I’m not trying to change your mind, I just like talking about these guys. They’re the best band out there and the fact that they’re still rising from the ashes harkens back to Back in Black and is part of the reason these guys are incredible. I’ll follow them where ever they go and I’m gonna keep listening to this album until I understand where Angus and the boys were coming from. Side note: check out his interview with 60 minutes; the love and respect he shows for his brother is truly touching and inspirational.
Good sound. Definitely, 4 out of 5. IMO, Black Ice is not that good and Rock or Bust is better. This is better than both of those. They could get a better producer.
Yep and realise is great and kick you when your down demon fire and code red my faces. I'm 33 and seen them 2 twice at wembley and west ham's ground. One with brian johnson and other axl Who did a good job. But seeing Angus all that mattered to me. Considering I'm 33 I'm so happy I've got to see them before they retire I've got lucky. Ha ha
You couldn't score it a 5/5 though could you? That's reserved for classic status and this clearly isn't that good or would anyone in their right mind expect a DC album in 2020 to be. It's quite rightly a rock solid 4/5.
Best AC/DC Albums top six for me are in order : Highway to Hell, Let There Be Rock, High Voltage, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Back in Black, Power Up. So nice album, but not yhe best.
I remember AC/DC were one of the very first bands I listened to in the beginning of my metal life. For Those About To Rock and Metallica’s Master of Puppets changed my life.
Interesting that you didn't like Rock or Bust, but you liked "Play Ball." That seems to be song that draws the most criticism from folks who have issues with the album. Never understood the dislike of that album, though. A step down from Black Ice, but still a solid album, I think.
So, in my opinion, having listened to AC/DC since about 1980, I feel that this album could be plopped right between the purposefully under produced "Flick of the Switch" (which I love) and the over produced " Fly on the Wall." Johnson sounds great.
I haven't heard the album yet, so we'll see. Just based on the way the single sounds I think I'll like it. The production seems clean. I'm glad they made an album with this lineup. I'll say for sure that Brian's vocals are definitely sounding great. Thanks for the review, Martin!
They have always had practically every element to be a Metal band , but the closest they have ever gotten were the For Those About to Rock , and Flick of the Switch . Those were definitely Hard Rock , but I think the lack of dynamics have stopped AC / DC from transcending to Metal . Especially the predictable drum techniques. Other bands with much weaker vocals using the same chord progressions somehow captured a Metal sound . AC/DC must have always worked hard to deliberately cross that line . Anyway they have influenced many bands that played Metal . This album definitely sounds like a lot of their classic albums which is great
LOL 😂 You are literally the second person I've heard saying AC/DC do nothing new on "Power Up". I disagree. Only SOME are. And there's _nothing_ bad about that. * Take a listen to "Through The Mists Of Time" again. The drum beat at the intro is certainly very different. And calling it "pop", I mean come on, really? As for "Kick You When You're Down", Phil Rudd uses a lot more tom-toms than he usually does. The 'whoo-oooo' backing vocals on "Rejection" are also different to what you expect with AC/DC. And your comparatives to genres like "southern rock" and bands like Nazareth to me are a bit odd. * It's a shame you really don't like "Rock Or Bust". While I enjoy that album more than most, I enjoy "Power Up" even more. I actually think "Blow Up Your Video" is my most disliked AC/DC album of all time because of the weak production, everything is so reverberated that it drowns out Brian's vocals almost completely. I only ever really liked 2 or 3 tracks off that. * As for your grading; mixed feelings. 4/5 "skulls" I assume would equate to 8/10. Which to me is kind of pushing it. I still think "Power Up" deserves no lower than 9, and is a fitting tribute to Angus' late brother Mal. Brian sounds FANTASTIC on every track (especially "Mists Of Time"), as do all of the guys who are now in their 60's and 70's. The whole album packs a PUNCH 👊💥 No hate here, just my two cents. By the way, you do seem quite a chill guy. I detect a Canadian accent, do I not? 🙂
I’m not real sure what is happening....but This sound on the new album isn’t “new”, (thankfully) it’s AC/DC. AC/DC doesn’t do new, they just do ROCK. However I am breaking out with little bumps on the back of my arms. I’m fighting the urge to tap on anything, and my feet won’t be still. Please help. I’m hoping this lasts forever.
I really like it but it's missing something. I'd have liked a more raw production and some high energy songs like Riff Raff, Shoot To Thrill, Thunderstruck, Let There Be Rock, High Voltage, Sink The Pink, Heatseeker, You Shook me All Night Long, Highway To Hell, Hells Bells, Razors Edge,etc..But it was clear from the start that this wouldn't be the case.
(Through the mists of time) actually shows something different IMO & it’s quite experimental : & it’s mellower to the opposing range of the track demon fire : ? Not sure how you missed that? 5 skulls from me : hands down best album of 2020 : AC/DC forever !!!
The average age of these guys is 67. Obviously they are not gonna try to invent something new or revolutionise the genre. That's not what the album is or needs to be about. It's a throwback to the glory days and most of the songs on here sound like they were took out of their previous albums when they were at their peak. Put any of these songs in any of their bigger albums and it fits apsolutely perfectly, especially Shot in the Dark and Code Red. This is apsolutely the AC/DC we all know and love.
You can’t say you like Black Ice and then say you dislike Rock Or Bust... like how, its literally the perfect sequel, not better than the prequel but a worthy follow up.
Maybe it’s just this year has sucked so bad, but I needed this album from this band.... it’s my favorite since BIB. Predictable, but consistent. Brian sounds GREAT. Angus is tasteful and on fire 🔥 I dig it a lot🤘💥🔥🎶👍
Code Red sounds NOTHING like anything off of the Fly On The Wall album dude absolutely NOTHING like it. Code Red sounds like For Those About To Rock We Salute You and Flick Of The Switch
Wow this is so awesome this band did this album knowing its pretty much a wrap an they are older an starting to feel the affect of life but these guys get together one more time an they just rise above the spotlight an kick ass i am so impressed an you can just picture malcom smiling real big cause he knows his band rocked the world one more time. Way to go ACDC
dont know why you making review on ACDC you can't man, music is something personall you cant do revew like doing review for a phone or tv. I like Rock or bust.
On first listening THERE IS some innivation from AC/DC, one of the songs has the chords A Fsharp and E in the chorus AND it sounds like the F sharp is a minor so that's the first Minor chord I've ever heard on an AC/DC song. AND a few examples of bluesy slide guitar from Angus which is an innovation over the earlier classic albums, which although there was blues influence, not slide blues as we have gere in PWR UP!
I loved rock or bust but everything brendan o'brien does sounds super compressed and that's not how ACDC should sound. It's a shame they didn't give mutt lange another shot, he got the best out of them.
Having fully listened to 'Power Up' numerous times since its release, I can definitely say it's their best album since 'Ballbreaker.' And I can tell you why I'm not a fan of 'Rock Or Bust.' It just drags. Everything sounds super slow, causing the energy to be very lackluster. And I know why. They were dealing with Malcolm's dementia and rapidly declining health. They honestly should've just taken a break, gone through their grieving process, then come back to make a record. By the way, I'm Stevie Young is a nephew to Angus. He's Stephen's son. Stephen is the oldest brother of the young family.
I'm one of the freaks that loved ROB. Title song, miss adventure, sweet candy, rock the house, my favs, rest were good too. Great album IMO. Guess people hear them different. I eventually miss every AC/DC album and put it on so I just don't rate them. This new one was unique great stuff too.
I've listened to it around half a dozen times and it has grown on me as a solid AC/DC album and I agree not overlong either. At this late stage in the game, solid is pretty good, especially as most probably thought we'd never get another album.
ACDC's Covid album that gives the punters what they wanted and were hoping for with the classic surviving lineup. It is what it is with Brian singing well again. No touring for at least a year so Brian can rest till the inevitable big tour. Final classic lineup tour perhaps?
@@smurphftw2008 ball breaker was when I stopped and being around seven or eight years old seeing the comic book illustrations inside of the booklet made the album even more awesome. And some of the songs had dark lyrics to them like the furor The Boogeyman and Burnin alive. Now they're playing it safe with the lyrics meh. A shot in the dark is a walk in the park? What does that even mean?
It’s not a 4/5 IMO. It ac/dc ‘product’ at the end of their career and the bulk of any live shows that go ahead will be ‘the classics’. One cannot expect the sonic fury of the late 70s into early 80s period (whether they essentially still play the same chord progressions or not). So it’s great to have but , ultimately, not that satisfyingly.
there are 3 great songs (shot in the dark, demon's fire, and realize)....the others are ok and/or too slow.....their past couple albums most of their songs are too slow (i mean their good but not great like some of their earlier albums)
Brilliant album Brian's vocals are spot on and the rest of the band just do what they have always done for decades, true professional rockersvand i love it I hope the guys follow up with a tour it would be on my bucket list to see them again, we are all getting older but ac/dc are one of the few things that are with you all your life, thanks guys keep rockin.
I agree! I'm a big BOC fan from way, way back, and I was a little worried about how it would turn out. But it sounds great, all songs are good, some are actually great! Favorites are That Was Me, and especially The Alchemist. That song coulda been on any of their mid 70's albums. Turn it up!!
Sorry mate, but you won't get any rawness with Brendan O'Brien as producer. He made their sound as streamlined and radio-friendly as possible, and I doubt this will be an exception.
If they would have cut the two worse songs, CODE RED and KICK YOU WHEN YOUR DOWN, it would have been a great solid 10 song record. All in all a very good release. Just not great though.
Old school ACDC. Listend to it twice on 24 in the car the otherday. Awesome. Loved it. Old Rockers never die , they just keep rockin. Echoes of older songs. Just great As an Aussie. ACDC will always be ours.
Another mid-tempo, lethargic offering from AC/DC. No energy since Stiff Upper Lip with the exception of Demon Fire. I do like the imagery and I'm also very happy to see them doing something this year. They look like they're having fun with this and I guess that's the point. I just miss the fast, balls-out energy. Not really digging this groove rock thing they're doing now.
I will always love and respect AC/DC. They are probably the most consistent sounding bands I know, and have a great attitude about rock. That sounds kind of strange but you know what I mean. Like, if a bunch of bands host parties, I'd be at the ACDC one. It's positive and energettic and you know everyone there. I like how you kind of categorized some of the prior work too. Ballbreaker and Stiff Upper Lip are kind of part 1 part 2 for me also. That very focused and direct sound no extra nonsense in the mix, just instruments and a room. Anyways gonna check this out further as I've only heard a song or two so far. peace
better yet..try NO adventure whatsoever !! AY..just sorta like was like in the passenger seat....( A HUGE AC-DC fan since '74 )...i'm just being real ( MY opinion folks..i'm just a fan among milllions )...
Great review. I agree with you on the production aspect. Brendan's known for some lean, muscular sonics (i.e. "Dogman" by King's X), and I do hear that on "Power Up," but it still feels spare, like one guitar track per side. Good balance of temperament, though - it's AC/DC after all, and sounding too massive may not be a good fit for them.
You know what? It's 2020 and everything sucks so this review is probably smeared with unbridled, lifelong fanboy stains; do heed your golf shoes. It's just fucking AC/DC. No more and CERTAINLY no less. An album built off the late great Founder & Cheif Malcolm Young's riff tapes... dedicated to his eternal flame which once again lights the thunder on what possibly(though not likely) could be their final slab of pure Rock 'N Roll as defined... faithfully delivered as always, in REAL shitty times... where can you go wrong? It's not Back In Black (what is?) It's not c.1973-78 raucous, slightly out of tune open power chord madness. But .. it's Brian sounding like outtakes from The Razor's Edge sessions. It's Angus picking some of the best bloozey licks & penta-manic flurries he has in awhile; with every time tested trademark along the way. It's Cliff & Phil pumping out that faithful Acca Dacca heartbeat, guaranteed to make the girls dance (as well as other things... I don't judge) It's Stevie Young doing his Uncle Mal honor by holding it all together on that ol' Jet Firebird. And most of all, it was something for me and a million others to look forward to when there's been so much to dread. Hopefully you too. 4 ⚡'s out of 5
Cd purchases are hard to find were I live but yesterday I finally came across a CD . I couldn't afford the $50 box set but at $10 I was stoked to add PWRUP to my AC⚡DC cd collection. My only complaint is the CD case. Yes I like the folding " vinyl record style " packaging AC CD are usually does but PWRUP I found was in a regular hard plastic cd package..... Oh....I don't agree with the opinion of " Rock or Bust " here. One of my favorite AC albums. RockorBust really motivates in the gym & though I've worked out to PWRUP from playing it off UA-cam with advertisements. I'm be hitting my " home gym " harder now since I have it on CD..... Thanks
best album since the razors edge, and one of the best of the brian era. Realize, Rejection, Shot in the Dark, Mists of Time, Kick You When You're Down, Demon Fire, Witchs Spell, Systems Down, Money Shot, Code Red....fucking awesome!!!!
ACCA "fuckin'" DACCA... Australia's finest. Ya get what you're given, love them or hate them, they are Rock personified. Glad you mentioned Flick Of The Switch, very underrated in my opinion. Nervous Shakedown, Rising Power and Landslide all gem rock choonz. R.I.P. the one and only Bon Scott and Malcolm Young one of the greatest Rythym guitarists of all time 🤘
Even without listening to the album I can guarantee how it sounds: exactly the same as everything they have ever done, because it all sounds exactly the same.
Acdc is always solid and is NEVER going to produce anything that just flat out SUCKS..... I think what many huge fans (myself included) is craving from this band on the last 3-4 albums is those 2-3 tracks that just make you stop what you are doing and say WTF is that the second it comes on. Many Many earlier offerings from Bon and Brian did just that. That is what the last several albums have been missing.
AC/DC are always sounds like AC/DC, that's their magic... if you expect something new or fresh in 2020 this is not the place to get it. A 3/5 or 4/5 rating are very fine for "Razor's Edge 8.0", sorry I mean "Power Up"....
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Stevie Young is theyre nephew not theyre cousin 👍
AC/DC still rockin in 2020. Awesome!.
Love the Amorphis tee Martin is wearing. Good to see him reppin’ a solid MDM band from Finland. And one of my favorites. 🤘🏼
There's gonna come a day when AC/DC will be no more. Let's appreciate anything we get from the lads. Every song counts!!
@M. White I hear ya!! I think they're just getting older and slowing down like their music. I thought "Pwr up" would be heavy as hell but got something else otherwise. "Demon fire" is a hell of a track when it kicks in. "Through the mists of time" is kinda like "You shook me all night long". I'm like you..what happened to songs like "For those about to rock"?? You would figure for Malcom they would go back to the heaviness and stop writing "radio friendly" type songs and kick some major ass. Im sure the lads felt like they've already done that and wanna do more layed back rock n roll. Maybe one day when we get older we'll look back at this new album and hear it alot different. Hopefully we can still hear at their age..haha look at poor Brian.
@M. White Yes!! And to be known as a band that never changes their sound i think the die hard fans like us beg to differ. They definitely have changed over the years.
@M. White Hell yeah!! They would be surprised by the positive reaction they would get from a heavy ass record.
What: AC DC is immortal, its traded, 13 year old like it, its forever 🍺
@M. White lol no you just don’t like them then all these songs are awesome
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Gotta love ACDC!
It's been broke since Brendan O'Brien came on board and proceeded to make them a blues pop rock band.
OP doesn't realise that, too busy getting likes on youtube. At one point he says they are doing nothing new, at another point he celebrates that they are still the same old band. AC/DC don't change, yet one year (late nineties) NME is criticising them for not changing and a few years later, NME gives Stiff Upper Lip the greatest review I'd ever read in that magazine. Akker Dakker do what the fuck they want to do, deal with it journalists and crap youtubers. Just celebrate a band that changed rock music like Maiden changed metal, and stayed true to themselves at the same time.
New AC/DC album?
Got it immediately without listening to a single track because i know exactly what i'm going to get, and i fucking LOVE IT!
Welcome back fellas.
Yea bro I just bought it on Vinyl, andi love it!
ACDC is like sex. There are only so many moves and you know'em all, but still, you can never get enough of it.
well I mean 90% of their songs are about sex.
@@yowodup6094 lol
Tremendous 🤘
@Bo Wu great description!
Well put Bo Wu....well put. I’ve had more great sex to HTH than any other album...she liked it done medium rare 👊🏼
Just when you thought all was lost in 2020, AC/DC arrives out of the blue to save the year.
Indeed.
This album along with Black are their best “sounding” records. The mix is epic. The bass even transfers well playing on a phone!
AC/ DC is like Coca Cola, Chevy Trucks, Steak and Eggs. You know what you're getting and it's usually pretty good 🤘
Whenever concerts come back, "Demon Fire" is gonna blow the roof off.
that song and Through The Mists of Time and Realize, i really hope they play live.
*Shot in the dark* 🤘🏻
No mans land plz
Ac/dc for the win! Delighted they're still puttin out solid rock n roll. Here's hoping they do a tour next year. All fingers crossed.
us too!
I don’t know what this guy’s deal is with Rock or Bust, it is a good album
AC/DC is not about reinventing anything. Never has been. You know what you get from them and it's nice to have a band like that🎸🎸🎸🍺
Like Slayer & Motorhead. RIP
Yup, ACDC is comfort food. Like the first single, very interested to hear the rest
0 progression, 0 evolution, lame Band
@@gerardoa9179 yeah, they won't get very far
@@EduFirenze músic for lazy people that like repetitive music
This is the best AC/DC album since Flick Of The Switch. Big time. Anyone who thinks different are utterly delusional
@M. White I couldn't disagree with you more. We will have to agree to disagree. Ultimately
@M. White I disagree this is a great album!!
@Chris Lewis what's laughable is your DAFT overview of Power Up. Period. End of Story.
@Chris Lewis Nope Not AT ALL "dude". Your 1,000% off and delusional. Power Up stands along side with BIB FTATRWSY and Flick Of The Switch. It kicks all other albums ass released after FOTS 1983 and this is coming from a die hard fan too. Toche
@Chris Lewis And I didn't like Rock Or Bust,Half of Black Ice was ok,Stiff Upper Lip half was ok... Ballbreaker,Razor's Edge,Blow Up Your Video,Who Made Who,Fly On The Wall....NONE are even close to Power Up. You've officially LOST your ear for AC/DC guy.
Super happy to see AC/DC putting out new music in 2020, they still kick ass👍👍
Sounds like SOLID ACCADACCA and that’s all that counts
Personally, Through the Mists of Time was the standout song for me. It was different than anything I've heard from AC/DC, and it felt like a real culmination of their career.
yup..awesome song
Standout track for me as well.
Agree. I was shocked. A ballad, essentially. I skip it a lot bc it makes me feel misty 😢
This is what 2020 NEEDS! So what if they're "repetitive". If ya think that isn't on purpose then you don't know AC/DC...it's their freakin' signature! Let other bands take the chance and get experimental and totally lose their way (ie KISS...yeah they're my faves, but I'm not so biased that had they just stuck to their OWN style, they'd be EONS ahead of where they are now) I believe this is a no-fail album considering that I think most of us thought that time had finally beaten them and they go ahead and beat the odds in a time where we need some straight-up Rock & Roll!!! \m/
Greatest band in rock and roll history, with the second highest selling album, Back in Black, of all time, behind Michael Jackson's Thriller album. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Legends!
I haven’t had a chance to hear this album yet. However, if it’s what you describe then I will most likely like it. One thing about AC/DC is that they don’t experiment. What you see is what you get. Good old fashion rock and roll.
Good old repetitive and monotone band
@@gerardoa9179 that's the best
@@gerardoa9179 don't fix what's not broken
@@russell2890 nahh, that just a cachy phrase. Bands, music and people evolve constantly,change constantly, AC/DC just got stuck, 0 evolution, 0 pregression. Sorry but that not músic for me, even some pop bands have more evolution than this.
@@gerardoa9179 Yeah well you know. That's just like your opinion, man.
I loved this album... Best since flick of the switch!
speaking of Nazareth and Dan McCafferty.. The week Back in Black was released , me and a friend took the city bus to our favorite record store, opened it up, and saw the pics on the inner sleeve. Curious about the new singer..Brian Johnson. When we got back to my friends house, he threw it on his parents huge stereo console system, and after the first song, he said....HE sounds like the guy in Nazareth!
Stevie. 63 (64 next month)
Angus 65
Phil. 66
Cliff. 70 (71 next month)
Brian. 73
Damn senior hooligans keeping up the retirement home peeps.
Power Up is easily their best album since Ballbreaker. Black Ice is arguably their worst since Ballbreaker, closely followed by Stiff Upper Lip. I mean it had great songs like War Machine and Rock & Roll Train, other than that it was mostly forgettable. Just my personal opinion.
Not crazy about Black Ice either but c’mon Stiff Upper Lip is great 🔥🔥
@Chris Lewis I still need time to sit with this new album. As of now I do feel that Rock or Bust is a stronger, more AC⚡️DC sounding album; but I’ve been listening to it for 6 years now, it even has a nostalgia factor at this point. I think Shot in the Dark is very AC⚡️DC. It’s a banger and it’s like a cross between Stiff Upper Lip and Rock N Roll Train. I think as fans we have to let go of expectations and listen to the tracks until we understand where they were coming from. Apparently these were all songs that Angus and Malcolm worked on together over the years, but let’s face it, it’s the first album that was completely orchestrated by Angus without his other half. Even most of the songs don’t end with their traditional “bamp” at the end, which is fine but it’s definitely different than 90% of there other songs. I guess I’m not trying to change your mind, I just like talking about these guys. They’re the best band out there and the fact that they’re still rising from the ashes harkens back to Back in Black and is part of the reason these guys are incredible. I’ll follow them where ever they go and I’m gonna keep listening to this album until I understand where Angus and the boys were coming from. Side note: check out his interview with 60 minutes; the love and respect he shows for his brother is truly touching and inspirational.
It's not bad...The Mal factor is an issue.Can't quite put my finger on it...Kinda AC/DC light?Still a fan either way...
Shot in the dark definitely has back in black roots.
Stevie is Angus and Malcom’s nephew and he toured with AC/DC in the late 80’s when Malcom was in alcohol rehab.
I agree Rock or Bust wasn’t great,but loved Black Ice.
As long as it’s better than the last album it’ll be great.
I love that they stuck to there Guns and didn't try to reinvent the wheel. AC/DC Rock n Roll will never die!
Good sound. Definitely, 4 out of 5. IMO, Black Ice is not that good and Rock or Bust is better. This is better than both of those. They could get a better producer.
Not sure if this has already been mentioned, but Stevie Young is a nephew of Angus/Malcolm - not a cousin.
Black ice was one he'll of an album.
This album along with Black are their best “sounding” records. The mix is epic. The bass even transfers well playing on a phone!
Why not include For Those About To Rock ? That was a solid album
Not enough people are talking about Through the Mists of Time
The fact he sort of glosses over it is not giving it the respect it deserves. Awesome track
Yes I've had that tune on repeat constantly. Great album aswell
Same here. Systems Down has been on repeat too. Can't believe how, this far in, AC/DC is still putting out such great tunes
Yep and realise is great and kick you when your down demon fire and code red my faces. I'm 33 and seen them 2 twice at wembley and west ham's ground. One with brian johnson and other axl
Who did a good job. But seeing Angus all that mattered to me. Considering I'm 33 I'm so happy I've got to see them before they retire I've got lucky. Ha ha
Agreed! Just fantastic and endearing!
So Martin is an Amorphis fan? Awesome! I’m guessing it’s a Silent Waters shirt judging by the design
@Martin Popoff Awesome Martin, that's my favorite Amorphis album, and one of my all-time favorites in general
Songs are short cause Angus wanted to get back to 60s blues radio played songs that could really only be 3-4 minutes. He did same on Rock or Bust
“It is a perfect 4 out of 5.”... what is perfect about not giving a 5 out of 5?!?
I think he meant a neutrual 4 out of 5. Like, not a strong or weak 4, but just a 4.
You couldn't score it a 5/5 though could you? That's reserved for classic status and this clearly isn't that good or would anyone in their right mind expect a DC album in 2020 to be. It's quite rightly a rock solid 4/5.
Because it's surprisingly good album but not as good as "back in black", "highway to hell" or "let there be rock"
etc.....
11 on a 10 scale
Flick of the Switch? UNDERRATED! Popoff rates it a 10/10 and I agree...it's a face melter!
Best AC/DC Albums top six for me are in order : Highway to Hell, Let There Be Rock, High Voltage, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Back in Black, Power Up. So nice album, but not yhe best.
Never been a huge fan of AC/DC, but I have to appreciate their longevity as a band. I love Popoff's Amorphis T-shirt, though.
I remember AC/DC were one of the very first bands I listened to in the beginning of my metal life.
For Those About To Rock and Metallica’s Master of Puppets changed my life.
Now u listen to the Toad God Abbath
@@matt.pma.kresnaputra5458 Yup black and progressive metal are what I listen to, currently.
For me it was Back In Black and Kill Em' All, with Unleashed In The East in between.
Love the fact you mentioned Flick Of The Switch and Fly On The Wall. Two of their most underrated. Two of my favourites! Your's are signed too!
Interesting that you didn't like Rock or Bust, but you liked "Play Ball." That seems to be song that draws the most criticism from folks who have issues with the album.
Never understood the dislike of that album, though. A step down from Black Ice, but still a solid album, I think.
So, in my opinion, having listened to AC/DC since about 1980, I feel that this album could be plopped right between the purposefully under produced "Flick of the Switch" (which I love) and the over produced " Fly on the Wall." Johnson sounds great.
I haven't heard the album yet, so we'll see. Just based on the way the single sounds I think I'll like it. The production seems clean. I'm glad they made an album with this lineup. I'll say for sure that Brian's vocals are definitely sounding great. Thanks for the review, Martin!
Looks like you were desperate to find something wrong with it just for an argument and really you couldn't.
This CD kicks ass, period. AC/DC & BOC each released a record this year? He'll yes!!!
They have always had practically every element to be a Metal band , but the closest they have ever gotten were the For Those About to Rock , and Flick of the Switch . Those were definitely Hard Rock , but I think the lack of dynamics have stopped AC / DC from transcending to Metal . Especially the predictable drum techniques. Other bands with much weaker vocals using the same chord progressions somehow captured a Metal sound . AC/DC must have always worked hard to deliberately cross that line . Anyway they have influenced many bands that played Metal . This album definitely sounds like a lot of their classic albums which is great
LOL 😂 You are literally the second person I've heard saying AC/DC do nothing new on "Power Up". I disagree. Only SOME are. And there's _nothing_ bad about that.
* Take a listen to "Through The Mists Of Time" again. The drum beat at the intro is certainly very different. And calling it "pop", I mean come on, really? As for "Kick You When You're Down", Phil Rudd uses a lot more tom-toms than he usually does. The 'whoo-oooo' backing vocals on "Rejection" are also different to what you expect with AC/DC. And your comparatives to genres like "southern rock" and bands like Nazareth to me are a bit odd.
* It's a shame you really don't like "Rock Or Bust". While I enjoy that album more than most, I enjoy "Power Up" even more. I actually think "Blow Up Your Video" is my most disliked AC/DC album of all time because of the weak production, everything is so reverberated that it drowns out Brian's vocals almost completely. I only ever really liked 2 or 3 tracks off that.
* As for your grading; mixed feelings. 4/5 "skulls" I assume would equate to 8/10. Which to me is kind of pushing it. I still think "Power Up" deserves no lower than 9, and is a fitting tribute to Angus' late brother Mal. Brian sounds FANTASTIC on every track (especially "Mists Of Time"), as do all of the guys who are now in their 60's and 70's. The whole album packs a PUNCH 👊💥 No hate here, just my two cents.
By the way, you do seem quite a chill guy. I detect a Canadian accent, do I not? 🙂
I’m not real sure what is happening....but This sound on the new album isn’t “new”, (thankfully) it’s AC/DC. AC/DC doesn’t do new, they just do ROCK. However I am breaking out with little bumps on the back of my arms. I’m fighting the urge to tap on anything, and my feet won’t be still. Please help. I’m hoping this lasts forever.
I really like it but it's missing something. I'd have liked a more raw production and some high energy songs like Riff Raff, Shoot To Thrill, Thunderstruck, Let There Be Rock, High Voltage, Sink The Pink, Heatseeker, You Shook me All Night Long, Highway To Hell, Hells Bells, Razors Edge,etc..But it was clear from the start that this wouldn't be the case.
(Through the mists of time) actually shows something different IMO & it’s quite experimental : & it’s mellower to the opposing range of the track demon fire : ?
Not sure how you missed that?
5 skulls from me : hands down best album of 2020 : AC/DC forever !!!
5 OUT OF 5!!! This is Brian Johnson's 'PowerAge'
The average age of these guys is 67. Obviously they are not gonna try to invent something new or revolutionise the genre. That's not what the album is or needs to be about. It's a throwback to the glory days and most of the songs on here sound like they were took out of their previous albums when they were at their peak. Put any of these songs in any of their bigger albums and it fits apsolutely perfectly, especially Shot in the Dark and Code Red. This is apsolutely the AC/DC we all know and love.
The voice of Brian Johnson! OMG! He made a deal with de devil. That´s for sure.
You can’t say you like Black Ice and then say you dislike Rock Or Bust... like how, its literally the perfect sequel, not better than the prequel but a worthy follow up.
AC/DC songs are pretty much south of the belt buckle!!!
This album caught me so off guard, sat down to research a video on AC/DC and found Shot in the Dark.
Pumped to hear it Greetings from Norway
Maybe it’s just this year has sucked so bad, but I needed this album from this band.... it’s my favorite since BIB. Predictable, but consistent. Brian sounds GREAT.
Angus is tasteful and on fire 🔥
I dig it a lot🤘💥🔥🎶👍
Code Red sounds NOTHING like anything off of the Fly On The Wall album dude absolutely NOTHING like it. Code Red sounds like For Those About To Rock We Salute You and Flick Of The Switch
A "massive" AC/DC fan would have known Stevie is Mal and Angus's nephew instead of "one of the cousins".
Wow this is so awesome this band did this album knowing its pretty much a wrap an they are older an starting to feel the affect of life but these guys get together one more time an they just rise above the spotlight an kick ass i am so impressed an you can just picture malcom smiling real big cause he knows his band rocked the world one more time. Way to go ACDC
dont know why you making review on ACDC you can't man, music is something personall you cant do revew like doing review for a phone or tv. I like Rock or bust.
I like Rock or Bust too 🔥
Stevie Young is actually Angus nephew.
From memory he is the son of Stephen Young, the oldest of the four Young brothers (the others being George, Malcolm, and Angus).
@@XlouietheflyX there's other brothers---alex, john, william and a sister margaret
Just about every song sounds the same.
Like nearly everything after flick of the switch. Do like Power up though its a really good album.
You know what you get with AC/DC kick ass no frills Rock and roll one of the greatest bands ever huge step up from Rock or bust
On first listening THERE IS some innivation from AC/DC, one of the songs has the chords A Fsharp and E in the chorus AND it sounds like the F sharp is a minor so that's the first Minor chord I've ever heard on an AC/DC song. AND a few examples of bluesy slide guitar from Angus which is an innovation over the earlier classic albums, which although there was blues influence, not slide blues as we have gere in PWR UP!
I loved rock or bust but everything brendan o'brien does sounds super compressed and that's not how ACDC should sound. It's a shame they didn't give mutt lange another shot, he got the best out of them.
Not huge on this band but watched for Popoff
Having fully listened to 'Power Up' numerous times since its release, I can definitely say it's their best album since 'Ballbreaker.' And I can tell you why I'm not a fan of 'Rock Or Bust.' It just drags. Everything sounds super slow, causing the energy to be very lackluster. And I know why. They were dealing with Malcolm's dementia and rapidly declining health. They honestly should've just taken a break, gone through their grieving process, then come back to make a record. By the way, I'm Stevie Young is a nephew to Angus. He's Stephen's son. Stephen is the oldest brother of the young family.
I'm one of the freaks that loved ROB. Title song, miss adventure, sweet candy, rock the house, my favs, rest were good too.
Great album IMO.
Guess people hear them different. I eventually miss every AC/DC album and put it on so I just don't rate them. This new one was unique great stuff too.
I've listened to it around half a dozen times and it has grown on me as a solid AC/DC album and I agree not overlong either. At this late stage in the game, solid is pretty good, especially as most probably thought we'd never get another album.
ACDC's Covid album that gives the punters what they wanted and were hoping for with the classic surviving lineup. It is what it is with Brian singing well again. No touring for at least a year so Brian can rest till the inevitable big tour. Final classic lineup tour perhaps?
I stopped buying AC/DC albums after The Razor’s Edge, but they’re definitely legendary.
Wow thanks Matt.......
Ballbreaker is killer
@@smurphftw2008 ball breaker was when I stopped and being around seven or eight years old seeing the comic book illustrations inside of the booklet made the album even more awesome. And some of the songs had dark lyrics to them like the furor The Boogeyman and Burnin alive. Now they're playing it safe with the lyrics meh. A shot in the dark is a walk in the park? What does that even mean?
@@no_stick_drummer2735 "A shot in the dark
Beats a walk in the park"
It’s not a 4/5 IMO. It ac/dc ‘product’ at the end of their career and the bulk of any live shows that go ahead will be ‘the classics’. One cannot expect the sonic fury of the late 70s into early 80s period (whether they essentially still play the same chord progressions or not). So it’s great to have but , ultimately, not that satisfyingly.
I will say Ballbreaker is very underrated.
there are 3 great songs (shot in the dark, demon's fire, and realize)....the others are ok and/or too slow.....their past couple albums most of their songs are too slow (i mean their good but not great like some of their earlier albums)
Brilliant album Brian's vocals are spot on and the rest of the band just do what they have always done for decades, true professional rockersvand i love it
I hope the guys follow up with a tour it would be on my bucket list to see them again, we are all getting older but ac/dc are one of the few things that are with you all your life, thanks guys keep rockin.
Demon Fire!!! Finally, a song that perfectly encapsulates "The Road Virus Heads North" - a short story by Stephen King.
Oh...and I also highly recommend the new BOC album. Don't sleep on it. At least give it a chance, everyone.
I agree! I'm a big BOC fan from way, way back, and I was a little worried about how it would turn out. But it sounds great, all songs are good, some are actually great! Favorites are That Was Me, and especially The Alchemist. That song coulda been on any of their mid 70's albums. Turn it up!!
BOC> AC/DC
I thought it was the end ... And now they're back!!
flick of the swich is a great album,I bet this one is too
I was hoping for another Flick Of The Switch. I love the stripped down rawness that album contains.
Sorry mate, but you won't get any rawness with Brendan O'Brien as producer. He made their sound as streamlined and radio-friendly as possible, and I doubt this will be an exception.
@Martin Popoff Flick Of THE Switch is criminally underrated.
Me too! Flick of the switch is an awesome album..
If they would have cut the two worse songs, CODE RED and KICK YOU WHEN YOUR DOWN, it would have been a great solid 10 song record. All in all a very good release. Just not great though.
Through The Mists of Time is awesome.
Old school ACDC. Listend to it twice on 24 in the car the otherday. Awesome. Loved it. Old Rockers never die , they just keep rockin. Echoes of older songs. Just great
As an Aussie. ACDC will always be ours.
So hyped for this but not sure if my expectations are too high...
You won´t be disappointed. You´ll get what you expect...maybe more.
Another mid-tempo, lethargic offering from AC/DC. No energy since Stiff Upper Lip with the exception of Demon Fire. I do like the imagery and I'm also very happy to see them doing something this year. They look like they're having fun with this and I guess that's the point. I just miss the fast, balls-out energy. Not really digging this groove rock thing they're doing now.
I will always love and respect AC/DC. They are probably the most consistent sounding bands I know, and have a great attitude about rock. That sounds kind of strange but you know what I mean. Like, if a bunch of bands host parties, I'd be at the ACDC one. It's positive and energettic and you know everyone there.
I like how you kind of categorized some of the prior work too. Ballbreaker and Stiff Upper Lip are kind of part 1 part 2 for me also. That very focused and direct sound no extra nonsense in the mix, just instruments and a room. Anyways gonna check this out further as I've only heard a song or two so far.
peace
Love the album, and love the fact that Martin is wearing an Amorphis shirt.
better yet..try NO adventure whatsoever !! AY..just sorta like was like in the passenger seat....( A HUGE AC-DC fan since '74 )...i'm just being real ( MY opinion folks..i'm just a fan among milllions )...
Great review. I agree with you on the production aspect. Brendan's known for some lean, muscular sonics (i.e. "Dogman" by King's X), and I do hear that on "Power Up," but it still feels spare, like one guitar track per side. Good balance of temperament, though - it's AC/DC after all, and sounding too massive may not be a good fit for them.
I love the new album
You know what? It's 2020 and everything sucks so this review is probably smeared with unbridled, lifelong fanboy stains; do heed your golf shoes.
It's just fucking AC/DC. No more and CERTAINLY no less. An album built off the late great Founder & Cheif Malcolm Young's riff tapes... dedicated to his eternal flame which once again lights the thunder on what possibly(though not likely) could be their final slab of pure Rock 'N Roll as defined... faithfully delivered as always, in REAL shitty times... where can you go wrong?
It's not Back In Black (what is?)
It's not c.1973-78 raucous, slightly out of tune open power chord madness.
But
.. it's Brian sounding like outtakes from The Razor's Edge sessions.
It's Angus picking some of the best bloozey licks & penta-manic flurries he has in awhile; with every time tested trademark along the way.
It's Cliff & Phil pumping out that faithful Acca Dacca heartbeat, guaranteed to make the girls dance (as well as other things... I don't judge)
It's Stevie Young doing his Uncle Mal honor by holding it all together on that ol' Jet Firebird.
And most of all, it was something for me and a million others to look forward to when there's been so much to dread.
Hopefully you too.
4 ⚡'s out of 5
Cd purchases are hard to find were I live but yesterday I finally came across a CD . I couldn't afford the $50 box set but at $10 I was stoked to add PWRUP to my AC⚡DC cd collection. My only complaint is the CD case. Yes I like the folding " vinyl record style " packaging AC CD are usually does but PWRUP I found was in a regular hard plastic cd package..... Oh....I don't agree with the opinion of " Rock or Bust " here. One of my favorite AC albums. RockorBust really motivates in the gym & though I've worked out to PWRUP from playing it off UA-cam with advertisements. I'm be hitting my " home gym " harder now since I have it on CD..... Thanks
best album since the razors edge, and one of the best of the brian era. Realize, Rejection, Shot in the Dark, Mists of Time, Kick You When You're Down, Demon Fire, Witchs Spell, Systems Down, Money Shot, Code Red....fucking awesome!!!!
ACCA "fuckin'" DACCA... Australia's finest. Ya get what you're given, love them or hate them, they are Rock personified.
Glad you mentioned Flick Of The Switch, very underrated in my opinion.
Nervous Shakedown, Rising Power and Landslide all gem rock choonz.
R.I.P. the one and only Bon Scott and Malcolm Young one of the greatest Rythym guitarists of all time 🤘
Even without listening to the album I can guarantee how it sounds: exactly the same as everything they have ever done, because it all sounds exactly the same.
Acdc is always solid and is NEVER going to produce anything that just flat out SUCKS..... I think what many huge fans (myself included) is craving from this band on the last 3-4 albums is those 2-3 tracks that just make you stop what you are doing and say WTF is that the second it comes on. Many Many earlier offerings from Bon and Brian did just that. That is what the last several albums have been missing.
AC/DC are always sounds like AC/DC, that's their magic... if you expect something new or fresh in 2020 this is not the place to get it. A 3/5 or 4/5 rating are very fine for "Razor's Edge 8.0", sorry I mean "Power Up"....