Review Summary: Ain't got a hope in hell, that's my belief.
Standing in the shadow of other 70’s AC/DC albums such as
Let There Be Rock and
Highway to Hell,
Powerage is among the band’s more overlooked albums. While this isn’t without good reason, as it isn’t the very best record to come out of the Bon Scott-era, it is certainly a highly enjoyable slab of signature AC/DC hard rock. English bassist Cliff Williams joined at this point to replace Mark Evans, and although you could say this is then the classic line-up, anything that has the Young brothers, Scott and Rudd is classic AC/DC. After all, who does ever hear the bass in this band?
Pretty much every AC/DC album has terrific opener, and
Powerage is no different.
Rock ‘N’ Roll Damnation has the band’s signatures written all over it, though it is a little slower, restrained even, compared to most of their material. This immediately sets the tone for the album, which contains quite some lower-tempo, slightly bluesy songs; a welcome difference that makes
Powerage slightly unique in the band’s discography. The mood continues with
Down Payment Blues and
Gimme a Bullet, but then the best, and most energetic track of the album kicks in.
Riff Raff is a deserved fan favourite, featuring Angus Young at his most overcharged and entertaining. Because of its recognizable intro and build-up, the song was often featured as concert opener during this time (until
Highway to Hell came in and gave it a good beating, obviously).
After the excellent
Sin City,
Powerage however wears out slightly. The last four tracks, while enjoyable, as almost anything from this era of the band is, are not quite up to speed with the first half of the album. This is the main reason it can’t quite hold up a candle to the band’s greater accomplishments, which are more consistent. Nevertheless,
Powerage remains another great AC/DC album with quality rock music that is both simple and effective.
High Voltage Rock ‘n’ Roll Songs:
Rock ‘N’ Roll Damnation
Down Payment Blues
Gimme A Bullet
Riff Raff
Sin City
Powerage’s AC/DC was:
- Ronald Belford ‘Bon’ Scott ~ Lead Vocals (R.I.P.)
- Angus McKinnon Young ~ Lead Guitar
- Malcolm Mitchell Young ~ Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
- Clifford Williams ~ Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
- Philip Hugh Rudd ~ Drums
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