Band: Ac/dc
Title of Album: Stiff Upper Lip
Genre: Hard/ Blues-rock
I have read the majority of the reviews already posted and I have noticed a trend within them all. They are all well written and highly detailed, a very important factor in a review. They were all somewhat true and obviously the authors were well educated in the history of ACDC. This is all well and good, but for a music review to be truly useful and relevant, one must delve into the subject unbiased and put forth a purely objective description of the album. Im not saying that opinion isnt okay; in fact, opinion is what writing a music review is all about. The problem comes when one begins to give a bands album a five, just because they liked their old stuff and for that reason, likes any crap they put out.
So, for those reasons, I will be using previous albums, the publics reaction, and the all around musical quality of the record as the criterion to which I will grade by.
Track 1 - Stiff Upper Lip
The opening song to Acdcs newest album, I feel is nothing more than a reassurance to die hard fans that they are still a rock band and old age has in no way downed their energy. The album opens with a bang, showcasing lead singer Brian Johnsons continually rotting voice. (It sounds like he must gargle hot oil every morning.) You can definitely hear the difference between Back in Black and present day. Anguss guitar soloing has slowed a bit but in no way is that a bad thing. Lacking speed allows for more expression in every note of the solo. The backup vocals throughout the song are reminiscent of Acdcs days of youth with Bon. The title track is a good solid song that does not disappoint; yet unfortunately it does impress either. Acdc back to its roots.
(Rating: 3.5/ 5)
Track 2 Meltdown
The song opens with a familiar Acdc rhythm, performed in an unfamiliar way. Angus begins with a (dare I say), happy sounding swing rhythm. Phil comes in along with Malcolm and something quite strange is created. Its a peculiar track that shows Angus and Malcolms own desire to put out something different. The entire thing just doesnt feel right, which in this case is not necessarily a bad thing. The quick chants of Hot! Hot! Hot! from BGVs sound good and refreshing. Acdc knows what there good at; yet as musicians are known to do, enjoy experimenting.
(Rating: 3.5/5)
Track 3 House of Jazz
Man! Brian has a wicked voice. I dont care what people say, Acdc would not be what they are today without the searing vocals of Brooklyn bad boy Brian Johnson. We cant leave Angus out of this either. The quick choppy intro gave me goose bumps. It felt like a modern day Dirty Deeds. Im not sure that I get understand the chorus though, but then again we dont listen to it for the lyrics now do we. This song represents what I like about Acdc. Its dirty, nasty, has probably a dozen sexual references and doesnt make you feel like an idiot. This song is awesome.
(Rating: 4/5)
Track 4 Hold Me Back
Im not sure I exactly like this song. It begins with an almost exact copy of For those about to rock and holds this same riff through out the entire song. The full four-minute song has a crescendo feel, but there is just one problem. It never hits a peak of excitement. Sure there is a solo, but it not as explosive as it should have been. Either Angus is getting lazy or they just wanted the song to be annoying. Because even during the solo it still has a certain building quality. I guess its because Led Zeppelin has already taken the idea of a song/ crescendo combo, and lets be honest. Theres no comparing Acdc to Stairway to Heaven.
(Rating: 2/5)
Track 5 Safe in New York City
Call me crazy but this song sounds like a super hero theme song.
It has a very thick driving feeling, thanks to Phil Rudds slightly late drumming technique. Not much to say about this song. I dont know why, but I like it. It just sounds good. It also has one of the best solos on the album.
(Rating 4/ 5)
Track 6 Cant Stand Still
Another song that is evocative of For those about to rock. But unlike Hold Me Back, this song achieves the desired effect. It offers a more bluesy feel and contains some amazing solo guitar licks on Anguss part. Brian has laid off the harsh rasp of previous tracks and creates something almost harmonious. The intro riff sticks through the entire song and almost becomes addictive. Its a nice quiet track, and offers a break between much harder rocking songs. It again proves that Acdc wanted to try some new stuff this time around. There efforts paid off.
(Rating: 4/5)
Track 7 Cant Stop Rock and Roll
Once again, another song preaching the good news of rock and roll. And the intro is so unmistakably Acdc, it makes you grin when you here the first ringing power chords wailed out by Anguss Gibson SG. Everything about this song is 100% raw power and in every way explains Acdcs feeling about Rock. It has a great solo that is longer than others and gives you a feeling in your gut that every word Brian screeches is the truth. Its a rockin song.
(Rating: 5/5)
Track 8 Satellite Blues
This track easily has the best solo work on the entire cd. With driving power chords, a solo reminiscent of You Shook Me All Night Long and five second breaks for Brian scream about the blues, you cant help bobbing your head. Its got everything. A great guitar riff, great lyrics, awesome solo, and an unrelenting sense of energy. It conjures images of a crazy eyed, longhaired Angus ripping around the stage like a psychotherapy patient. This is also a great song that shows off Phil Rudds impeccable timing and ability to make the simplest drum rhythm sound perfect. Everything about this song is what we have all come to know Acdc.
(Rating: 5/5)
Track 9 Damned
Two simple perfect rock songs in a row. We havent seen this since Back in Black. If it was possible to make Brians voice any more disgraceful and disgusting, this song proved it. Theres just something about him screaming Daaaaamned! that raises the dirty factor a few points. Good chorus, good solo. What more could we ask for.
(Rating 4/5)
Track 10 Come and Get it
Two words
Zz Top.
With the first time through the single note riff of the song I immediately see two bearded old men seeing bout Texas.
Nonetheless, this is a fun song to listen to and has one of the best solos in the album. The part that really caught my attention though was the haunting back up vocals during the chorus. When Malcolm and Cliff groan out Come and get it. It sends shivers up my spine. They also tried this type of thing on Fly on The Wall, and well
we all know how well that went over. But I think that Acdc pulled it off this time, mainly by filling every lyric with sexual innuendos at every chance. Plus, that main riff is just sooo sweet!
(Rating: 4/5)
Track 11 All Screwed Up
Hate to say it, but this song seems just too much like a filler song. Theres nothing wrong with it, but it sounds like they just wanted to have 12 songs in the album so they just threw this one in out of nowhere. Its Acdc though and of course has a rather good solo. That is its only saving factor.
(Rating 2/5)
Track Give it up
Offering an almost 80s sounding song as the finale, Acdc gives a simple all around good song to finish everything up. The intro is probably the best attribute and that same quality continues throughout the entire song. The sound of the song as a whole takes me back to the High Voltage years. And as a reminder to all the song talks about being ready rock, and simply tells the listener that Acdc aint goin anywhere. (I love the part where Brian sings, and then Angus matches it with a searing guitar lick of his own.)
(Rating: 5/5)
