Before I start, I’ll preface this by saying that while I’ve always enjoyed hearing AC/DC hits like “Dirty Deeds” and “Tnt” at parties and on the radio, I’m not a die-hard AC/DC fan.  Hence, the review you’re about to read is not coming from an AC/DC authority. Rather, I write to you as an average listener and appreciator of all music.  (If you want to read some reviews from others who are better versed in the AC/DC world, I suggest this AC/DC review or this one).

Having said all that, most of the reviews I’ve read have said the same thing: Black Ice is good, but not great.  I agree.  The music is energetic and enjoyable to listen to.  Jed Gottlieb of the Boston Herald notes that the album, “errs on the side of blues, not metal, which is a good thing.”  I think this factor is exactly what I liked about the album – it was bluesy, but still hard and forceful.  In fact, I found the album was pleasant to listen to while working at my home office (I found the song, “Money Made,” with its lyrics “work, work/money made/you keep it up, you get it made,” particularly motivating).  

On the other hand, the album didn’t seem to offer anything new.  This isn’t entirely a bad thing – after all, their formula has pleased fans for over three decades (and I suspect it will continue to do so).  But in some ways, it seems like the band played it safe with this release.  Sure, you’ve got the awesome guitar riffs and gravelly voice of Brian Johnson – but there didn’t seem to be any big, break out hits on this album.  I didn’t hear any “Dirty Deeds” or “Highway to Hell” songs on this album. 

Lyrically, too, the album lacks a little bit.  As Jed Gottlieb’s review notes: “Where’s the wonderful/terrible crass poetry of ‘Givin’ the Dog a Bone,’ ‘Sink the Pink’ and ‘Big Balls’?  The best we get is ‘Big Jack’ – seemingly an ode to Brian Johnson’s, uh, johnson.” Again, I agree.  There’s no gutsy, in-your-face songs like “Big Balls” on this album.

All in all, I suspect fans will enjoy the album – but I don’t think it will go down as one of their greatest.  

P.S.  If you’re still looking for AC/DC tickets – check here – AC/DC Tickets.  

P.P.S.  In case you’re interested, AC/DC is having a youtube contest, where they’re asking fans to make their own version of the “Rock N Roll Train” video.  You just have to upload your video to youtube and give it a tag of “ACDCGiveItAllYouGot.”  The best cover of the song wins two signed guitars and five signed copies of the Black Ice album.  Here’s the video of Brian Johnson explaining the contest: