Published on Nov 29, 1998
Can I just say “Get It” and be done with it? Can I, Chris?
Ahhh….I guess I better say more, right?
As the ’70s were coming to a close, AC/DC was poised and ready
to strike it big on the music scene. Hard work had begun to pay off
and they had become one of the big up-and-coming bands. Then, they
released this little album and blew the roof off the mutha.
Changing producers and recording settings apparently does a lot of
good. Enough talk, here’s the album.
The title track is one of rock’s greatest songs. Like
Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” and Van Halen’s “Jump,” this song will
remain with us long after the members of AC/DC have gone onto
better places. For the record, this song is not about devils and
true “hell.” It’s about gaining fame and losing yourself. (Gee,
when people like Bruce Springsteen do it, it’s seen as progressive.
If AC/DC does it, it’s moronic. Jeez!).
Along with that, there’s “Girls Got Rhythm,” “Shot Down In
Flames” and “If You Want Blood” – all of which fit the trademark
AC/DC rock requirements. “Girls” features some sweet boogie and
rhythm while “Shot Down” has got to be one of the funniest songs
Bon Scott ever wrote.
Furthermore there’s the mean “Walk All Over You” – which must be
every sadist’s favorite song – and the “ballad” “Touch Too Much.”
The song about a girl that’s too much is great. (And if you’ve
heard
Bonfire, both versions truly kick ass). Even the more
pop-oriented “Love Hungry Man” and “Get It Hot” are fun.
Then, there’s “Night Prowler.” Now, Washington Wives pay
attention! This song has NOTHING to do with the famous Night
Stalker. This song is about that deep, dark, scared feeling you get
when you’re alone in the night. You know. It’s dark in your house
and you’re walking up your stairs and all of a sudden you get this
scared feeling? That’s what “Night Prowler” is truly about. (At
least, if you ask me.)
With this album, AC/DC crossed into the “mainstream” and showed
the world what they were about. “Mutt” Lange’s production in here
is good and allows each part of the band to shine – from the rhythm
section to the sweet Angus solos to the “Shazbot! Nanoo Nanoo!” of
Bon Scott. He is still missed.
Highway To Hell proved to be the foot that broke the door
down for AC/DC. Their next album, while surrounded in tragedy,
became a rock staple, just like this one. Like I said above, just
get it.