AC/DC’s Power Up had me making a connection with the modern Star Wars fan. I never could understand how they could get all geared up for something was mostly likely to be below the standards of what came before it.
But, here we are in the lousy year of 2020, and I was ready to accept whatever AC/DC had coming with excitement. Mediocre or otherwise. I just needed something to look forward to.
Well, now the finished product is here and I am happy to report that I don’t have to settle for mediocre. Power Up is different at times. I know, unthinkable for AC/DC to do something different. But it is good different. And it blends nicely with the their “usual”.
I do have a couple of minor gripes though.
At times, I find there has too much going on at once. The opening track, Realize, does this at its launch with every instrument and the vocals chiming in at the same time. One of my favorite things about AC/DC is how the band usually builds toward coming together, like on Thunderstruck or Hells Bells. It is not something the happens a lot and not always at the beginning of a song. I just found it a little jarring whenever it did.
Also, Brian Johnson’s lead vocals are sometimes a little low in the mix. No where near as bad as they were on Fly On The Wall but it is surprising since producer Brendan O’Brien is behind the board again. And his work on the bands previous two albums, Black Ice and Rock Or Bust was flawless.
Anyway, as I said, minor gripes. The majority is solid.
The second tune, Rejection features a great bluesy solo from Angus and Shot in The Dark is the album’s first single that has really grown on me since its release from few weeks ago.
Through the Mists of Time is my instant favourite. This one is totally out there, starting with the lyrics…
Through the mists of time
The mists of time
All the restless cries
Through the mists of time
On a mountain high
Through the mists of time
I’ve never heard anything like it from AC/DC before. This is the same band who wrote “Honey Roll over, and Lettuce on top”.
Kick You When You’re Down feels like a mash up of blues lyrics from Powerage with the angry groove of Flick of the Switch. Witch’s Spell features Cliff Williams sliding down the bass with Angus hammering out a jangly lead riff that works really well. Demon Fire has an I Feel Safe in New York City vibe, but with a more interesting riff. It just wouldn’t be an AC/DC album without some sort of devilish reference, eh? This one is a toe tapper for the fans and I can see it getting played at the live shows… at least for the supporting tour… if it happens.
Wild Reputation feels like a left over from Stiff Upper Lip while No Man’s Land sounds like the sequel to Fly on the Wall’s Stand Up. I mean these both as a positive. Angus shows off the incredible sustain his guitar tone has on Systems Down as they book end the tune’s bouncing riff.
And just when you thought you were going to get an AC/DC album without any sleaze, Money Shot steps in for the penultimate track. In one of the many interviews Angus has done lately, he claimed to not have known what a “Money Shot” is in relation to pornography. It is just a term he had heard while on set shooting music videos. Now, after hearing the chorus…
Doctor, what’s the antidote?
Lady, try the money shot
Doctor, what’s the antidote?
Lady, just try the money shot
(Best taken when hot)
All I can say to that is…
It has a playful vibe and is a fun track. Especially with Brian putting on “the voice” for the line “Best taken when hot”. Best not to take it too seriously.
The album wraps up with Code Red which has Brian wrapping off lyrics as quick as he did in Back In Black. The riff might only be half of Beating Around the Bush but it works. The only thing with it finish off the album is how it leaves you leaves hanging on a cliff when it is done. You want more, dang it!
Realistically, Power Up does not have a single track that is likely to set the world on fire. I’ll be surprised if any of them continues to get regular airplay once the promotional machine dwindles down, but that hardly matters. Radio hits are for Taylor Swift. A consistent good rock ‘n roll album is what we have come to expect from AC/DC. They delivered.
As an AC/DC album: 4/5
Compared to everything else: 4.1/5
Awesome write up Kev. I have listened to it once right through and some songs here and there. Pretty damn fine album. I like the tempo of the album. Decent pace for an album by dudes in there mid 60’s and early 70s lol…
Your the second review I have read and both have been awesome.
Great stuff man..
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Thanks Deke! And I agree. I haven’t read anyone else’s reviews yet since I wanted my opinion to be my own but I’ll be checking them out tomorrow.
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I think Mists of Time has the potential to be a future AC/DC classic but we’ll see. I have so much new music here that I have not been able to give Power Up a proper listen yet. I’ve played with the box a lot. I saved that weird piece of cardboard by sticking it to the other side, to the door side. Terrible design there.
Anyway I’m happy you were first out of the gates, I’ll tag Chris Sarre on this because he always likes to hear what YOU think about AC/DC. He bought it yesterday too.
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Yes, I agree with the extra bit. I think the button on the side was a design flaw. Probably would have the thing going off during shipping. So they came up with the extra piece as a compromise. I’d like to hear what Chris has to say!
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I feel like there is so much going on right now, we could easily do a show based on just one album, a new release like Power Up. I could talk about it a lot.
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It seemed like for a while that 2020 was going to be a bust for new music. But here I am, taking in Storm Force right now. Another great from 2020!
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Could be my #1 album of the year! We’ll just have to see how it goes. I’m writing up Power Up now.
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Great perspective, awesome read!
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Thanks, man!
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“Through the Mists of Time” is my favorite track as well, like you said, it’s so different from what they’ve done before and it’s got a magical feel to it. “Witch’s Spell” is good too. I can see where you’re coming from with “Kick You When You’re Down,” it’s got a good groove, courtesy of Phil Rudd and Cliff Williams. It’s got a bit of a funk too, which I think is badass! Great review Kevin! The real question is, was the lightbox worth the money?!?
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Ha, good question. It has no practical value but it is neat. So, I would say it is not worth it but I’m glad I have it. I hope that makes sense, lol.
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That makes sense haha. I know you spent quite a bit, since you also bought the vinyl too. But as long as you’re fine with it, then that’s cool.
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Oh yeah, the vinyl is still coming in too. Geez, I may have a problem, lol
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I remember you mentioned that during the new releases livestream, and I was like, “You got the lightbox and the vinyl?!?! Man that takes guts!!” Lol. Does the vinyl have anything special or it just have the same tracks?
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Nah, they are the same tracks.
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Huh, well at least it’ll be a new addition to your vinyl collection.
Hey Kevin, I’m trying to do the infinite scroll thing for my blog. I clicked the button to enable it, but it’s not working did yours take a while to get that option?
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I think it has to do with the layout you choose for your blog. I could be wrong though.
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Oh layout, not the theme?
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Theme, yes. That’s what I meant.
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Oh the theme? That makes sense, shoot thanks! My blog is going through a bit of a overhaul haha!
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Still waiting for my Goddamned picture disc to arrive …
It better not be another Blow Up Your Video, that’s all I want. I’d be happy if it’s as good as Razor’s Edge.
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Definitely better than Blow up Your Video. I’d set my expectations to Stiff Upper Lip.
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Great review Kevin. It is about to get its first in depth listen with headphones. I have a question, did you take the cardboard off from around the light box button?
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Yes. It is only glued on so I twisted it until it popped off. Mike taped it onto the other side with the door. I might do the same.
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I haven’t taken it off yet. But I have been cranking the CD all morning and loving it. I was able to update my new releases page and prep the November 27th New Release post.
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I ended up sticking it to the door side like Mike did. It works.
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I still haven’t decided, but that seems like a good enough place.
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Nice one, Kevin – and an apt comparison with the plight of the long-time Star Wars fan.
I’m pleased to read AC/DC still delivers as expected!
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They’re a good meat and potatoes band that rarely screw up an order!
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Good review. Live the Star Wars analogy. My friend Doug said the same when Hardwired To Self Destruct of new Metallica music. He liked It. And he loved The Force Awakens. I do too. PWR/UP is great fun
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Great fun it what I look for the most in an AC/DC album!
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Nah nah nah can’t hear you. I have not bought this album yet. Must hear it before I read this review. This week fo sho mofo.
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I wrote it quickly so I could read other’s reviews!
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I’ve been spinning it and that riff in Demon Fire just gets me jamming. The album is a great tribute to Malcolm.
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I agree! Demon Fire is a great track! Probably the best rocker on the album.
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I read this even though I wasn’t going to because I haven’t heard the album yet (I still don’t even own the last one). But your post makes me want to get a copy (not the fancy box but hey). Thanks!
Also, did you take those photos? Is that a shelfie of your collection? I love those!
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Yes, that is Sarah and I’s collection in the back. I probably should do a post about the collection and the listening set up. I might encourage others in the community to do the same.
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Shelfies! Wait, you mean I’d have to clean up my room?
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Well… I mean… let’s not go crazy!
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Too late, brother, I am already there!
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Excellent review. I know when alot (most) older bands try to make a come back album, it tends to be subpar, but from what you describe here, ACDC does not disappoint, which is great to hear. They are always one of my favorite bands as well, so definitely wanna check this out now.
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Thanks, Kyle! It is no return to the glory days but I think it is a solid rock album.
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