2 of 2 thought this review was well writtenOK, so even great bands have their feeble moments. It’s true that you can’t turn out a
Ride The Lightning or a
Piece Of Mind every time. But the qualitative slump that AC/DC suffered in the 80’s was just too extreme.
Everybody knows the story: in 1980, AC/DC release their megahit
Back In Black, which immediately becomes one of the top-selling albums in rock history. Then the following year, the crash began with the dire
For Those About To Rock…We Salute You. Their following albums had their moments, but failed to repeat the brilliance of their 70’s output. The final indignity was 1987’s
Blow Up Your Video.
BUYV can be described as, purely and simply, the weakest AC/DC album. There are hardly any riffs to speak of – surprising in Angus Young! – the choruses are either predictable or dumb and the production is tinny (the Young Brothers wisely gave up producing their own work after this album). Like every other AC/DC album, this one has its moments, but the overall result is weak.
This album also marks the departure of excellent drummer Simon Wright, after having left his mark on this and the previous album. He would be replaced first by Baldy himself, Chris Slade, and then by a returning Phil Rudd. However, he remains my favorite AC/DC drummer, and he is sorely missed.
These are the tracks that compose the album:
1 – Heatseeker
This song became a minor AC/DC hit, appearing in their
Live album and the respective video, but the fact is it’s not great. Sure, the riffing’s good, and so is the chorus, but for a band like AC/DC it’s just a bit too lackluster. The lyrics are about both sex and violence, and somewhere in the song Brian states that he needs «no life preserver». Ooookay, Mr.Johnson…however way you desire it… All in all, a good song, not great, and not up to par with other AC/DC opening tracks (
Hell’s Bells, anyone?)
(3/5)
2 – That’s The Way I Wanna Rock’n’Roll
Ooh yeah! Now this is more like it! The only song on this album that is interchangeable with any other AC/DC song, this one is kind of an homage to the 50’s, both musically and lyrically. The lyrics actually quote certain song titles from that era, such as
Glory Hallelujah or
Be-Bop-a-Lula, all set against a fast paced and hella catchy backdrop. Angus really lets rip with the solo, and overall this is by far the most satisfying song on the album, and arguably the only one worthy of a
(5/5).
3 – Meanstreak
I used to be really into this song, and think it was one of AC/DC’s lost gems. Nowadays, I still think it’s a great song, but some of the magic has gone, so to speak. The lyrics are great and so is the up-and-down guitar and bass line, but this one is missing one of those massive crunchy rock’n’roll riffs this band usually delivers. Overall, a great song in the context of this album, but mediocre when pitted against the rest of the AC/DC roster.
(4,5/5)
4 – Go Zone
Another one of the best choruses in here, but once again it’s missing a good riff. Also, like some of the other songs, it’s let down by the poor production: Brian’s vox sound too distant and the song is never allowed to shine. Together with
That’s The Way… , this is probably the second best song on the album, but still a far cry from previous AC/DC filler efforts. Once again, a song that is only good in context.
(4/5)
5 – Kissin’ Dynamite
Filler, pure and simple. So/so chorus, so/so, riff, but it never for once stands out or particularly grabs our attention. Not much to say about this one, it’s merely average and it will be rated as such.
(2,5/5)
6 – Nick Of Time
Stronger riffing on this one, but perhaps the best feature here is the small fill behind the vocals on the chorus, when he says «Saved by…». Other than that, it’s just an average AC/DC track, which seems to be the pattern for this album.
(2,5/5)
7 – Some Sin For Nuthin’
One of the two weakest tracks on this album. I like the way Brian sings the verses, but the entire song is a tad too average for its own good. The chorus is typical mid-80’s AC/DC, and the solo is as unmemorable as most on this album. Another unremarkable cut.
(1,5/5)
8 – Ruff Stuff
Painful filler, among the worst AC/DC ever wrote. I won’t even describe this song, it’s too painful for me to even think of it. Let’s just say that it’s bad.
Really bad.
(0/5)
9 – Two’s Up
Surprisingly good song. Make no mistake, it’s still not a classic, but at least it’s better than the last five songs or so. Crunchy riffing makes one of its very few apparitions here, and the solo is good old fashioned AC/DC. It gets tiredsome fast, but it’s better than most of this album.
(4/5)
10 – This Means War
The same can be said of this one. Moving along at a somewhat faster pace than the rest, it at least features a mildly memorable chorus and a ripping roaring solo. Nice way to finish a mediocre album. «….Means War!!»
(3,5/5)
All in all, one for the fans and completists only.
