Wow so many candidates for worst ACDC album! Do you have a worst? Which is the best? Support us on Patreon or Ko-Fi: www.patreon.com/contrarians ko-fi.com/thecontrarians Buy an official T-Shirt: www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/24904510-the-contrarians?fbclid=IwAR2lDP55OhgsPrt9Gh8o99CShB2xhqaf6erW2xtZAVUVHZO1PTXoJJRaxUU
I also LOVE Flick of the Switch (Rising Power without question my No. 1 AC/DC song of all time). Best production ever on an AC/DC album too, and that's saying a lot coming from a MAJOR Mutt Lange fan
Rock or Bust is my least favorite as well. When an album is so short, if you dislike most of it, there just isn't much to bring it back. Powerage will always be my favorite though.
I’ll never understand why everyone ranks Stiff Upper Lip last. I feel it is at least middle of the pack. Very groovy and although not nearly as good, it has a similar feel to Back in Black and the Bon era to me.
I pretty love anything AC/DC even their lesser albums have stuff I like. Can’t argue with this one. Rock or Bust is their most forgettable. I do love the title track and Dogs of War though.
1-Ballbreaker (love Malcolm's more 'subtle' guitar tone here, it's almost Lou Reedish - so you have your "something new"); 2- Stiff Upper Lip; 3- Black Ice; 4- Power Up; 5-Rock Or Bust. I used to enjoy Black Ice more than Stiff, but I've bought Stiff on vinyl this year and I've been "rocking" it quite a lot. I've got a new appreciation for it. Ballbreaker has a nostalgic feeling on me. I listen to those songs and remember how much I liked it when it came out in 95. I don't like the first 2 singles in the beggining of the album (I never ever care for Cover You in Oil) but the rest of the album is pretty damn good and it sounds a lot better and more natural than Razor's. Like Martin, I can't stand the distorted washed sound on the hi-hat on the Brendan produced albums (Power Up has that hi-hat sound too). Also, Brian doesn't sing memorable melodies or hooks on the verses anymore, just on the chorus (he doesn't write the songs, let's be fair). But it is really hard to remember or to hum along a verse melody from the last 2 albums. Try it.
I'm listening to Rock or Bust now, but thanks to Martin's "line-dancing" comment, I now can't stop picturing Brian Johnson doing a boot-scootin' boogie in spurred boots to every song, but especially Dogs of War. Make it stop!
@@thecontrarians2438 I can't help it, man. I have a vivid imagination. When I listen to Rainbow's "Stone Cold", at the part where he sings "You put me in the deep freeze!", I actually picture Joe Lynn Turner singing it from inside a chest freezer!
I wouldn’t call it their worst by a long shot. Blow Up Your Video is my let’s favorite. I thought Angus’s solos were particularly good on this album. I think he must have felt a need to up his game with the loss of Malcolm. I also thought Brian’s vocals were the sounding in years.
Long story short: I fully share Martin's opinion on "Rock or Bust", his review was on point and completely appropriate. I see the dilemma with this great band similar to KISS, sadly to be a typical example of how to miss the perfect moment to leave with a real banger, a true brilliant final achievement. To be honest, the last really huge album is "The Razors Edge", after that it went steadily downhill into insignificance. For me, the last three albums in particular are mostly bland, calculated ordinary Blues Rock, which you can of course respect, but nothing more. And yes: "Fly on the Wall" IS definitely underrated in terms of substance and was ruined primarily by it's production lacking the necessary tightness.
Good to know I'm not the only one who has Stiff Upper Lip among my least favorite AC/DC albums. Fly On The Wall is underrated. A lot of people pick it as a weak album but I disagree. Fly On The Wall, Shake Your Foundations, Sink The Pink... There's some good stuff on that album.
Frankly "Stiff Upper Lip", "Ball Breaker", "Black Ice" & "Rock or Bust" do nothing for me. I don't hate them but there's nothing memorable about any of them. At least "Rock or Bust" is short :-) Cheers!
I am a wierd dude. I was looking at my cd collection some time ago, and it occured to me I LOVE the post Razor's Edge Brian Johnson albums the best. Where I am from that is Blasphemy. Most of the older knuckleheads I grew up around who absolutely worship AC/DC hold the Bon Scott years in utmost reverence. It is a given that the classics from the 70's are sacrosanct. I was looking at Ballbreaker right through to Power Up. Stiff Upper Lip and Rock Or Bust get plenty of spin around my way, I feel like they have it down, a machine rolling at full function and capacity. R.I.P Malcolm. Thanks go to the greatest rock band ever from the land down under.
No fucking way, Rock or Bust is WAY better than Black Ice, and their best record since at least The Razors Edge. My sons and I love it. Power Up fell flat by comparison(although it may grow on me).
My least favorite AC/DC albums are 'Blow Up Your Video' (1988) and 'Rock or Bust' (2014). Interestingly enough, the band was going through a rough time during the making of both albums. Malcolm Young was dealing with his alcohol addiction during the 'Blow Up Your Video' sessions and couldn't finish the tour even. Phil Rudd was going through legal troubles and Mal was forced to retire from the group when it was time to record 'Rock or Bust.' Then, Brian Johnson had to leave the group during the tour or risk hearing loss and Cliff Williams decided to retire at the end of the tour. Due to what was going on behind-the-scenes, both albums felt disorganized. I really feel like 'Rock or Bust' is cursed though. Also, I think it's nuts there are people out there that rank 'Flick of the Switch' so low!
I love most AC/DC songs, I do think this is not really a Contrarian choice as worst album is either this or Fly on The Wall, but even these two have some good moments but overall can't argue with this choice.
Super AC/DC fan since I was a kid...they nailed the 70's and early 80's LTB Rock, Powerage, HWThell , Back in Black and Flick is totally underrated. To be honest after Flick they are super spotty but as us Hard Rock fans you still buy listen a few times and in the crate they go....record collectors ugh...bad habits!
You should do one on the debate that gets people fired up CD vs Record ( in my day the were just called records not vinyl’s ) I am happy with CD if you have good playback on a good stereo system they sound great plus I am 51 and to turn a record over is a pain in the arse every 20-25 minutes when I am my recliner drinking beer.
Im bad, i like digital i think Spotify is incredible i sold all my CDs a long time ago, Martin on the other hand has an incredible CD and vinyl collection!
I've thought this was their worst album for years, but when I revisited the whole catalogue when Power Up was released, I came to the conclusion that Ballbreaker is my least favourite. Genuinely love all their albums though!
Ballbreaker is one of my favourite albums. All the songs are good on the album. To me it was their last excellent album released. None of the albums since are as good.
Everybody is entitled to their opinion. Having that said, I just took out my copy of RoB, and gave it a spin after several years of not hearing it. Is it their best? Not by a long shot. But is it their worst? I don’t think so. AC/DC sounds more driven and inspired on RoB than on Stiff Upper Lip (their worst, bleak and uninspired album ever in my opinion), Black Ice and Fly on the Wall. At least half of the songs could be in their live set easily without standing out as weaker tracks. If they would have been on classic albums like For Those About To Rock, Back in Black or even Highway to Hell, they would be called classics today. Sweet Candy, Play Ball, Baptism By Fire, Rock The House, Dogs of War, love it love it!That is my two cents on this topic. Love your channel by the way, keep up the good work!
Blow Up Your Video was the first album I bought. Stiff Upper Lip was the last. I have not heard anything afterwards. These days if I listen to AC/DC it's Bon era.
I´m absolutely not fond of "Ballbreaker" and "Stiff Upper Lip"; I don't say they're bad, but for me were totally forgettable albums. Otherwise great band and great conversation! 🍺🤘
I totally agree, Martin. I've tried to like, Rock or Bust, but I just can't finish the album. It is dull, unimaginative, plodding. It has a music by numbers,kind of vibe to it. The opening song is the best song, then it's downhill from there..
It's amazing how a band that's held in such high esteem has managed to release so many poor albums. I am a Bon Scott era fan. I do not even play Back In Black much. Every album after Back In Black just doesn't cut it. Look at their song choices for their live shows. Most of their setlists are packed with early album songs - Black In Black and earlier. I agree with Martin, Rock or Bust is their worst album. Stiff Upper Lip in second and Black Ice in third. Is it only me who thinks that Bon Scott had a big influence on Back In Back. Because after that the writing just went downhill.
I quite like Rock Or Bust. Not one of their best, but a few good songs on it. Black Ice & Power up are definitely much better though. My least favourite is either Ballbreaker or Stiff Upper Lip. Both feel like they’re just going through the motions so they can go out on tour. Made worse in my mind because we had to wait 5 years for these albums. 5 years & this was the best they could come up with?!
Have to say, I love you Martin and have a tremendous amount of respect for your fantastic writing and have bought several. That being said, I completely disagree with you. This is a 35 minute masterpiece. Black Ice was bloated and way too long with too much filler. Rock or bust is short, sharp direct and fantastic. Songs are of a very high caliber and all the songs are catchy and amazing live. Not to mention Brian sounds fabulous and the mix and production are brilliant.
For me, there is a Before and after mark with AC/DC. They are my all time favorite band but, I draw the line as everything before Fly on the Wall and everything after Flick Of the Switch. I am a fan of everything they've done but much like being in a marriage, There are some things that you really really love about them and then things that you tolerate. You're not going to divorce them, so you just accept it. While I won't put Rock or Bust at the bottom, it is far from the top of the list. Ballbreaker is at the bottom and it's not close.
When lists of Ac dc rankings happen Who made who gets included in list but it is a completion with tracks of that movie but Who made who is a great song also the first Aussie album high voltage has lots of different musicians I think Angus and Malcom plus Bon were on all songs I think I read it in Martin’s book Ac dc album by album .
Currently working on an AC DC album ranking and as of now Rock Or Bust is last. Still have a few of their stinkers to go (stiff upper lip, ball breaker, etc.)
Anything from the 2000s can be named the worst AC/DC album IMO ... so I don't have any issue with Rock or Bust claiming the prize here. Man it's been WAY too long since the band issued a strong record. They've been living on their rep and live shows for too long.
Regarding the 70s period-my choice would have to be Dirty Deeds. Don't think I've listened to it straight through over 4 times. Talk about a "brown" album...
I actually don’t hate this record. It’s a very average record, but still rockin. One of my favorite reviews I saw of the record when it came out had the title of the record and when you opened up the review, the title of the review was just “Bust.” 😂
Great show guys. I totally agree as it is the worst album by them in my opinion. Although I like Dogs Of War and my favourite song on it is Baptism By Fire.
Black Ice is by far the worst AC/DC album, though I do like a lot of the songs. Rock and Roll Train is the worst because the chorus is Runaway Train.which is REALLY stupid.
Worst for AC/DC is difficult. I dig Rock Or Bust, not my favourite, but solid and fun. For me, it’s Ballbreaker. Some great songs (Hail Caesar), however overall it falls flat, especially after the excellent The Razor’s Edge. To be contrary, I’m not a huge fan of Powerage. It’s okay, but missing something.
Totally agree, Rock or Bust is a terrible album. I also think Angus has lost the ability to write compelling solos, I'm guessing maybe he recognizes that himself, which is why on the past couple of albums they've been of a bare-minimum length. It's also been noticeable that, starting with maybe Stiff Upper Lip, the lyrics have largely been tortuously awful.
Razors Edge by far the worst AC/DC imo. just sooo dummed down. Thunderstruck and Money Talks just horrible horrible songs imo. I agree Flick of the Switch = cool album and I have never understood the hate for that one. Maybe 'I'm contrarian but I also like Fly and Blow Up .
AC/DC are pretty consistent imo. They don't really have a bad album. Some are obviously better than others. Rock Or Bust is definitely one of their weaker albums.
This album really is the worst one, Rock or Bust and Power Up are just leftover tracks from Black Ice or even older records. They suck so much I think if you actually take the best songs from both albums it still will be the worst.
Instead of all this 'worst of' stuff, I'd rather hear about your versions of the 'best of'. I'm sure they'd still be contrarian as typical best of or greatest hits albums are just popularity lists and/or record company picks. I can imagine a lot of you guys would have whole albums of deep cuts... maybe one or two hits. Or maybe no hits (fine with me). I've been listening to a lot of instrumental only playlists that people put on RUclips; Rush, Megadeth, Metallica, and others. Very contrarian as most people would say "why would you want to hear songs without vocals?" For me, vocals from metal bands and some newer prog is not appealing (excluding Rush).
I've been down on AC/DC for a better part of 30 years. I was one of those who thought "Black Ice" was a return to glory, yet still a bit long. I think "Power Up" is not too bad either, but still haven't listened to this record enough times to really have an honest opinion on it. "Rock or Bust" was definitely a bust for me. I thought it was tepid and boring and very disappointing, especially after the surprisingly really good "Black Ice." Like Martin, I'm a huge "Flick of the Switch" fan. I'm shocked that most people don't rank this higher. Then again, AC/DC have a ton of fans who just like the hits, which this doesn't have any on it. I know I'm in the minority when it comes to "Fly on the Wall", but I really like this album and don't mind the gritty non-production. I like underproduced albums, whereas many out there like the ridiculously slick productions. It makes me wonder if this album would be enjoyed more by others if not for the production. I disagree that the songs aren't good or memorable. Frankly, AC/DC didn't do a great job playing much off this album on that tour. Early on, they played the title track, "Shake", "Sink", "First Blood" and "Playing With Girls." My list 16. Stiff Upper Lip 15. Rock or Bust 14. Ballbreaker 13. Power Up 12. The Razors Edge 11. Blow Up Your Video 10. Black Ice 09. High Voltage (International Version) 08. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap 07. Fly On the Wall 06. Let There Be Rock 05. Back In Black 04. Highway To Hell 03. For Those About to Rock We Salute You 02. Flick of the Switch 01. Powerage
Let There Be Rock is, for me, their best album by far. Thereafter, and especially after Powerage, they became a pop / rock band. Recycled riffs, singalong choruses and too clean a sound' have blighted all their records starting with Highway To Hell with only the occasional great track thrown in. Just my opinion and i'm sure to be in the minority with that view.
I'm a HUGE lifelong AC/DC fan but really struggle to listen to Black Ice and Rock Or Bust. Power Up doesn't particularly rock me either to be honest! Don't care for Brendan O'Brian's production with AC/DC, the songs are for the most part uninspired, the guitar solos far too short, and the lyrics are pretty embarrassing... sadly!
Man, why so much hate for Fly? I thought it was a great album! The only criticism I have is the production. It sounds like the recording was made in the next room…I thought Ballbreaker & Stiff were unlistenable. Brian’s vocals were like chalkboard scratches. He became close to classic Brian Johnson with the vocal lessons before the massive Black Ice. I thought Rock or Bust wasn’t nowhere near Ballbreaker or Stiff in the worst category.
Blow up your video and rock or bust were my good....maybe two songs each album has ok. Flick is my fave brian album......heavy sounding to me. Don't get why it's never mentioned among great acdc albums?!
Have not really liked any of the albums after Flick of the Switch. The music on many of the later albums truly sounds identical and overly simplistic. Bon Scott era is untouchable, and after Back in Black the Brian Johnson era has slowly lost identity.
Definitely one of their weakest. But 3/10 is way too low. More like a 6 I’d think. There’s still half a dozen good songs especially the three singles and the others are all ok. But the weakest for me is probably High Voltage the Australian version, they just hadn’t found their sound next weakest is either this or Ballbreaker. Not sure why Flick Of The Switch would be low on any list, it’s the second or third best Brian Johnson album behind Back In Black.
For me, their worst is Blow Up Your Video. The production is so horrible it is almost unlistenable. The songs are better on the whole than records like Stiff Upper Lip, and if it had that records production it may have been bigger than the Razor's Edge, but to me it is terrible. Plus, songs like Ruff Stuff, Some Sin For Nuthin are just bad. Listen to the guitar sound on Some Sin For Nuthin... The worst guitar sound ever. I like Rock or Bust. I think I prefer it to Black Ice and Power Up. My top 5 AC/DC though are (1-5): Powerage Let There Be Rock Highway To Hell Back In Black High Voltage (International) Top 3 Brian albums (not BIB): Flick of the Switch For Those About To Rock Ballbreaker* * this one changes from time to time.
he's pretty knowledgeable, AC/DC is actually one of his favorite bands and he's written a bunch of books and interviewed a lot of the artists he's written about.
Wow so many candidates for worst ACDC album! Do you have a worst? Which is the best?
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I also LOVE Flick of the Switch (Rising Power without question my No. 1 AC/DC song of all time). Best production ever on an AC/DC album too, and that's saying a lot coming from a MAJOR Mutt Lange fan
Flick Of The Switch kicks ass. Really good album.
Flick of the Switch is definitely AC/DC's most underrated release.
BADLANDS makes my foot jam on the accelerator, nothing I can do about it. Slammin.
I think a decent remix/remaster would boost opinions of Fly On the Wall
Lots of Fly on the Wall love already!
And Blow Up Your Video as well.
I actually like fly on the wall a lot, for me much better than last few
Rock or Bust is my least favorite as well. When an album is so short, if you dislike most of it, there just isn't much to bring it back. Powerage will always be my favorite though.
I’ll never understand why everyone ranks Stiff Upper Lip last. I feel it is at least middle of the pack. Very groovy and although not nearly as good, it has a similar feel to Back in Black and the Bon era to me.
I agree
I'm with you. Great album.
I pretty love anything AC/DC even their lesser albums have stuff I like. Can’t argue with this one. Rock or Bust is their most forgettable. I do love the title track and Dogs of War though.
Fly On The Wall, i say no more. Second, For Those About To Rock an shit album book ended by two great tracks.
Nice, we're getting some real consensus here. Good to see. I'd really like to see a ranking of the last FIVE to see if it stays this valid.
1-Ballbreaker (love Malcolm's more 'subtle' guitar tone here, it's almost Lou Reedish - so you have your "something new"); 2- Stiff Upper Lip; 3- Black Ice; 4- Power Up; 5-Rock Or Bust. I used to enjoy Black Ice more than Stiff, but I've bought Stiff on vinyl this year and I've been "rocking" it quite a lot. I've got a new appreciation for it. Ballbreaker has a nostalgic feeling on me. I listen to those songs and remember how much I liked it when it came out in 95. I don't like the first 2 singles in the beggining of the album (I never ever care for Cover You in Oil) but the rest of the album is pretty damn good and it sounds a lot better and more natural than Razor's. Like Martin, I can't stand the distorted washed sound on the hi-hat on the Brendan produced albums (Power Up has that hi-hat sound too). Also, Brian doesn't sing memorable melodies or hooks on the verses anymore, just on the chorus (he doesn't write the songs, let's be fair). But it is really hard to remember or to hum along a verse melody from the last 2 albums. Try it.
I'm listening to Rock or Bust now, but thanks to Martin's "line-dancing" comment, I now can't stop picturing Brian Johnson doing a boot-scootin' boogie in spurred boots to every song, but especially Dogs of War. Make it stop!
lol good luck with that image pal!
@@thecontrarians2438 I can't help it, man. I have a vivid imagination. When I listen to Rainbow's "Stone Cold", at the part where he sings "You put me in the deep freeze!", I actually picture Joe Lynn Turner singing it from inside a chest freezer!
@@neilmiller2779 lol right on!
I wouldn’t call it their worst by a long shot. Blow Up Your Video is my let’s favorite. I thought Angus’s solos were particularly good on this album. I think he must have felt a need to up his game with the loss of Malcolm. I also thought Brian’s vocals were the sounding in years.
Long story short: I fully share Martin's opinion on "Rock or Bust", his review was on point and completely appropriate. I see the dilemma with this great band similar to KISS, sadly to be a typical example of how to miss the perfect moment to leave with a real banger, a true brilliant final achievement. To be honest, the last really huge album is "The Razors Edge", after that it went steadily downhill into insignificance. For me, the last three albums in particular are mostly bland, calculated ordinary Blues Rock, which you can of course respect, but nothing more. And yes: "Fly on the Wall" IS definitely underrated in terms of substance and was ruined primarily by it's production lacking the necessary tightness.
Can't disagree too much with you Mike!
Rock Or Bust is definitely at the bottom of my list along with Stiff Upper Lip. I love Fly On The Wall
Good to know I'm not the only one who has Stiff Upper Lip among my least favorite AC/DC albums. Fly On The Wall is underrated. A lot of people pick it as a weak album but I disagree. Fly On The Wall, Shake Your Foundations, Sink The Pink... There's some good stuff on that album.
Flick of the Switch is their last true complete classic, everything after are EP’s worth.
I love flick of the switch I play it a lots great raw heavy ac dc
I saw them twice on the Stiff Upper Lip tour. I was amazed at how clean the guitars were.
I’m still trying to get behind Flick. One day, maybe.
Rock or Bust and Stiff Upper Lip in a photo finish ... Rock or Bust by a nose!
lol
Frankly "Stiff Upper Lip", "Ball Breaker", "Black Ice" & "Rock or Bust" do nothing for me. I don't hate them but there's nothing memorable about any of them. At least "Rock or Bust" is short :-) Cheers!
I am a wierd dude. I was looking at my cd collection some time ago, and it occured to me I LOVE the post Razor's Edge Brian Johnson albums the best. Where I am from that is Blasphemy. Most of the older knuckleheads I grew up around who absolutely worship AC/DC hold the Bon Scott years in utmost reverence. It is a given that the classics from the 70's are sacrosanct. I was looking at Ballbreaker right through to Power Up. Stiff Upper Lip and Rock Or Bust get plenty of spin around my way, I feel like they have it down, a machine rolling at full function and capacity.
R.I.P Malcolm.
Thanks go to the greatest rock band ever from the land down under.
No fucking way, Rock or Bust is WAY better than Black Ice, and their best record since at least The Razors Edge. My sons and I love it. Power Up fell flat by comparison(although it may grow on me).
That's a real hoity-toity, "ooh we're fancy boys, aren't we" cover!
My least favorite AC/DC albums are 'Blow Up Your Video' (1988) and 'Rock or Bust' (2014). Interestingly enough, the band was going through a rough time during the making of both albums. Malcolm Young was dealing with his alcohol addiction during the 'Blow Up Your Video' sessions and couldn't finish the tour even. Phil Rudd was going through legal troubles and Mal was forced to retire from the group when it was time to record 'Rock or Bust.' Then, Brian Johnson had to leave the group during the tour or risk hearing loss and Cliff Williams decided to retire at the end of the tour. Due to what was going on behind-the-scenes, both albums felt disorganized. I really feel like 'Rock or Bust' is cursed though. Also, I think it's nuts there are people out there that rank 'Flick of the Switch' so low!
I love the high-hat and the line dancing tracks are great. Martin is always right?
I love most AC/DC songs, I do think this is not really a Contrarian choice as worst album is either this or Fly on The Wall, but even these two have some good moments but overall can't argue with this choice.
Super AC/DC fan since I was a kid...they nailed the 70's and early 80's LTB Rock, Powerage, HWThell , Back in Black and Flick is totally underrated. To be honest after Flick they are super spotty but as us Hard Rock fans you still buy listen a few times and in the crate they go....record collectors ugh...bad habits!
You should do one on the debate that gets people fired up CD vs Record ( in my day the were just called records not vinyl’s ) I am happy with CD if you have good playback on a good stereo system they sound great plus I am 51 and to turn a record over is a pain in the arse every 20-25 minutes when I am my recliner drinking beer.
Im bad, i like digital i think Spotify is incredible i sold all my CDs a long time ago, Martin on the other hand has an incredible CD and vinyl collection!
I've thought this was their worst album for years, but when I revisited the whole catalogue when Power Up was released, I came to the conclusion that Ballbreaker is my least favourite. Genuinely love all their albums though!
I agree Ballbreaker rubs me the wrong way
Ballbreaker is one of my favourite albums. All the songs are good on the album. To me it was their last excellent album released. None of the albums since are as good.
Not thier worst album..it just needs more listing then your easy listing AC/DC albums 🤘
Everybody is entitled to their opinion. Having that said, I just took out my copy of RoB, and gave it a spin after several years of not hearing it. Is it their best? Not by a long shot. But is it their worst? I don’t think so. AC/DC sounds more driven and inspired on RoB than on Stiff Upper Lip (their worst, bleak and uninspired album ever in my opinion), Black Ice and Fly on the Wall. At least half of the songs could be in their live set easily without standing out as weaker tracks. If they would have been on classic albums like For Those About To Rock, Back in Black or even Highway to Hell, they would be called classics today. Sweet Candy, Play Ball, Baptism By Fire, Rock The House, Dogs of War, love it love it!That is my two cents on this topic. Love your channel by the way, keep up the good work!
haha no worries! thats why i challenged martin a bit for his pick, but thank you for the comment!
Powerage for best album cover!
Stick Around is a real gem!
2 Best songs in my opinion: Highway to Hell and Hells Bells. Bon and Brian at their best❤
How was it talking to Phil? Can you give me some more about it please!
Blow Up Your Video was the first album I bought. Stiff Upper Lip was the last. I have not heard anything afterwards. These days if I listen to AC/DC it's Bon era.
I´m absolutely not fond of "Ballbreaker" and "Stiff Upper Lip"; I don't say they're bad, but for me were totally forgettable albums. Otherwise great band and great conversation! 🍺🤘
Thank you and I agree!!
I totally agree, Martin. I've tried to like, Rock or Bust, but I just can't finish the album. It is dull, unimaginative, plodding. It has a music by numbers,kind of vibe to it. The opening song is the best song, then it's downhill from there..
It's amazing how a band that's held in such high esteem has managed to release so many poor albums. I am a Bon Scott era fan. I do not even play Back In Black much. Every album after Back In Black just doesn't cut it. Look at their song choices for their live shows. Most of their setlists are packed with early album songs - Black In Black and earlier. I agree with Martin, Rock or Bust is their worst album. Stiff Upper Lip in second and Black Ice in third. Is it only me who thinks that Bon Scott had a big influence on Back In Back. Because after that the writing just went downhill.
I quite like Rock Or Bust. Not one of their best, but a few good songs on it. Black Ice & Power up are definitely much better though. My least favourite is either Ballbreaker or Stiff Upper Lip. Both feel like they’re just going through the motions so they can go out on tour. Made worse in my mind because we had to wait 5 years for these albums. 5 years & this was the best they could come up with?!
Have to say, I love you Martin and have a tremendous amount of respect for your fantastic writing and have bought several.
That being said, I completely disagree with you. This is a 35 minute masterpiece.
Black Ice was bloated and way too long with too much filler.
Rock or bust is short, sharp direct and fantastic. Songs are of a very high caliber and all the songs are catchy and amazing live.
Not to mention Brian sounds fabulous and the mix and production are brilliant.
Yeah, I thought it was good, familiar AC/DC. I particularly like Rock the Blues Away. I thought if they put that out as a single, it would do great.
theres some good songs and the production is good, good points, thats why we did this episode a little different
If Big Gun was on Ballbreaker, would it be a better album?
Ya!
Malcolm did a lot of the solos n the early days.
For me, there is a Before and after mark with AC/DC. They are my all time favorite band but, I draw the line as everything before Fly on the Wall and everything after Flick Of the Switch. I am a fan of everything they've done but much like being in a marriage, There are some things that you really really love about them and then things that you tolerate. You're not going to divorce them, so you just accept it. While I won't put Rock or Bust at the bottom, it is far from the top of the list. Ballbreaker is at the bottom and it's not close.
When lists of Ac dc rankings happen Who made who gets included in list but it is a completion with tracks of that movie but Who made who is a great song also the first Aussie album high voltage has lots of different musicians I think Angus and Malcom plus Bon were on all songs I think I read it in Martin’s book Ac dc album by album .
good points!
Rock or Bust I would rank pretty low but my least favourite AC/DC album is Blow Up Your Video.
For me also the worst is Rock or Bust.
Currently working on an AC DC album ranking and as of now Rock Or Bust is last. Still have a few of their stinkers to go (stiff upper lip, ball breaker, etc.)
haha good luck!!
Powerage was when ACCADACCA were at there pinacle IMO . Ballbreaker is a bit of a stinker .
Anything from the 2000s can be named the worst AC/DC album IMO ... so I don't have any issue with Rock or Bust claiming the prize here. Man it's been WAY too long since the band issued a strong record. They've been living on their rep and live shows for too long.
haha ya agreed! but to me there are some contenders from the 90s too
Regarding the 70s period-my choice would have to be Dirty Deeds. Don't think I've listened to it straight through over 4 times. Talk about a "brown" album...
Fly on the wall for me
I actually don’t hate this record. It’s a very average record, but still rockin. One of my favorite reviews I saw of the record when it came out had the title of the record and when you opened up the review, the title of the review was just “Bust.” 😂
HEY,.....I happen to own a copy of "ROCK OR BUST" and I happen to love it THAT IS JUST YOUR GODDAM OPINION....no disrespect!!
none taken!
Great show guys. I totally agree as it is the worst album by them in my opinion. Although I like Dogs Of War and my favourite song on it is Baptism By Fire.
Thank you!!!
I prefer Rock or bust to Black Ice which was a real snore fest!
I like FOTW and I love Flick of the switch! I don't like much For those about the rock though..
Black Ice is by far the worst AC/DC album, though I do like a lot of the songs.
Rock and Roll Train is the worst because the chorus is Runaway Train.which is REALLY stupid.
Worst for AC/DC is difficult. I dig Rock Or Bust, not my favourite, but solid and fun. For me, it’s Ballbreaker. Some great songs (Hail Caesar), however overall it falls flat, especially after the excellent The Razor’s Edge. To be contrary, I’m not a huge fan of Powerage. It’s okay, but missing something.
I like Hard as a Rock and Love Bomb on that album.
Fly on the wall..by a mile
Totally agree, Rock or Bust is a terrible album. I also think Angus has lost the ability to write compelling solos, I'm guessing maybe he recognizes that himself, which is why on the past couple of albums they've been of a bare-minimum length. It's also been noticeable that, starting with maybe Stiff Upper Lip, the lyrics have largely been tortuously awful.
I would even say Ballbreaker, I thought that one had a pretty generic vibe to it overall
Razors Edge by far the worst AC/DC imo. just sooo dummed down. Thunderstruck and Money Talks just horrible horrible songs imo. I agree Flick of the Switch = cool album and I have never understood the hate for that one. Maybe 'I'm contrarian but I also like Fly and Blow Up .
Lots of love for Fly!
i love Flick of the Switch & the cd Fly on the Wall is boring to me
AC/DC are pretty consistent imo. They don't really have a bad album. Some are obviously better than others. Rock Or Bust is definitely one of their weaker albums.
This album really is the worst one, Rock or Bust and Power Up are just leftover tracks from Black Ice or even older records. They suck so much I think if you actually take the best songs from both albums it still will be the worst.
Instead of all this 'worst of' stuff, I'd rather hear about your versions of the 'best of'. I'm sure they'd still be contrarian as typical best of or greatest hits albums are just popularity lists and/or record company picks. I can imagine a lot of you guys would have whole albums of deep cuts... maybe one or two hits. Or maybe no hits (fine with me). I've been listening to a lot of instrumental only playlists that people put on RUclips; Rush, Megadeth, Metallica, and others. Very contrarian as most people would say "why would you want to hear songs without vocals?" For me, vocals from metal bands and some newer prog is not appealing (excluding Rush).
I've been down on AC/DC for a better part of 30 years. I was one of those who thought "Black Ice" was a return to glory, yet still a bit long. I think "Power Up" is not too bad either, but still haven't listened to this record enough times to really have an honest opinion on it. "Rock or Bust" was definitely a bust for me. I thought it was tepid and boring and very disappointing, especially after the surprisingly really good "Black Ice." Like Martin, I'm a huge "Flick of the Switch" fan. I'm shocked that most people don't rank this higher. Then again, AC/DC have a ton of fans who just like the hits, which this doesn't have any on it. I know I'm in the minority when it comes to "Fly on the Wall", but I really like this album and don't mind the gritty non-production. I like underproduced albums, whereas many out there like the ridiculously slick productions. It makes me wonder if this album would be enjoyed more by others if not for the production. I disagree that the songs aren't good or memorable. Frankly, AC/DC didn't do a great job playing much off this album on that tour. Early on, they played the title track, "Shake", "Sink", "First Blood" and "Playing With Girls."
My list
16. Stiff Upper Lip
15. Rock or Bust
14. Ballbreaker
13. Power Up
12. The Razors Edge
11. Blow Up Your Video
10. Black Ice
09. High Voltage (International Version)
08. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
07. Fly On the Wall
06. Let There Be Rock
05. Back In Black
04. Highway To Hell
03. For Those About to Rock We Salute You
02. Flick of the Switch
01. Powerage
Let There Be Rock is, for me, their best album by far. Thereafter, and especially after Powerage, they became a pop / rock band. Recycled riffs, singalong choruses and too clean a sound' have blighted all their records starting with Highway To Hell with only the occasional great track thrown in. Just my opinion and i'm sure to be in the minority with that view.
worst for me is Fly on the Wall
I'm a HUGE lifelong AC/DC fan but really struggle to listen to Black Ice and Rock Or Bust. Power Up doesn't particularly rock me either to be honest! Don't care for Brendan O'Brian's production with AC/DC, the songs are for the most part uninspired, the guitar solos far too short, and the lyrics are pretty embarrassing... sadly!
Man, why so much hate for Fly? I thought it was a great album! The only criticism I have is the production. It sounds like the recording was made in the next room…I thought Ballbreaker & Stiff were unlistenable. Brian’s vocals were like chalkboard scratches. He became close to classic Brian Johnson with the vocal lessons before the massive Black Ice. I thought Rock or Bust wasn’t nowhere near Ballbreaker or Stiff in the worst category.
Agree fly on the wall is excellent album for me, better than last 2 in my opinion, I even like blow up your video
ya im not a big ballbreaker fan either tbh, only one song i like on it
Blow up your video and rock or bust were my good....maybe two songs each album has ok. Flick is my fave brian album......heavy sounding to me. Don't get why it's never mentioned among great acdc albums?!
Have not really liked any of the albums after Flick of the Switch. The music on many of the later albums truly sounds identical and overly simplistic. Bon Scott era is untouchable, and after Back in Black the Brian Johnson era has slowly lost identity.
Definitely one of their weakest. But 3/10 is way too low. More like a 6 I’d think. There’s still half a dozen good songs especially the three singles and the others are all ok. But the weakest for me is probably High Voltage the Australian version, they just hadn’t found their sound next weakest is either this or Ballbreaker. Not sure why Flick Of The Switch would be low on any list, it’s the second or third best Brian Johnson album behind Back In Black.
some people like Fly on the Wall too, I totally agree with you on Ballbreaker, just overall the best thing i can say about it is Generic.
For me, their worst is Blow Up Your Video. The production is so horrible it is almost unlistenable. The songs are better on the whole than records like Stiff Upper Lip, and if it had that records production it may have been bigger than the Razor's Edge, but to me it is terrible. Plus, songs like Ruff Stuff, Some Sin For Nuthin are just bad. Listen to the guitar sound on Some Sin For Nuthin... The worst guitar sound ever.
I like Rock or Bust. I think I prefer it to Black Ice and Power Up.
My top 5 AC/DC though are (1-5):
Powerage
Let There Be Rock
Highway To Hell
Back In Black
High Voltage (International)
Top 3 Brian albums (not BIB):
Flick of the Switch
For Those About To Rock
Ballbreaker*
* this one changes from time to time.
thanks for the comment! Nice list!
Worst album …..rock or bust ..stiff upper lip very terrible as well
The guy on the left is just so wrong and disrespectful. Talks like a professor, but comes off ridiculous. Thumbs down due to him.
he's pretty knowledgeable, AC/DC is actually one of his favorite bands and he's written a bunch of books and interviewed a lot of the artists he's written about.
@@thecontrarians2438 was very unimpressed with this particular hit job.
@@stevezoovie6557 cant win em all i guess! Thanks for watching.
Boring, forgettable.
Don't hate this album but it is my least favorite AC/DC album.